Thousands To Help Restore Fish Habitat

[Ken A]

Around $360,000 has been made available for 22 freshwater and saltwater fish rehabilitation projects throughout the state, with more than double that committed in money and in kind support from the successful applicants.Acting Manager Aquatic Habitat Rehabilitation, Cameron Lay, said community groups, local councils and individuals successfully secured the funding through the Recreational Fishing Trusts for the restoration and rehabilitation of both freshwater and saltwater fish habitats.“The 22 projects include the rehabilitation of 50 hectares of floodplain and freshwater wetlands throughout NSW, improved fish passage along 70 kms of river, the rehabilitation of saltmarsh and mangrove habitat along coastal catchments and the improvement of more than 30kms of river through riparian restoration and weed removal,” Mr Lay said.For a full list of projects please see the tables below.The ongoing Habitat Grant Program is a good example of how anglers’ money is being invested to support the improvement of fish habitats. The eventual outcome of projects like these is more fish in our rivers and estuaries.“Rehabilitation of fish habitat will provide long-term sustainable benefits for native fish stocks which will provide a substantial on going benefit for anglers for many years to come.All of the successful projects involve at least matching contributions, in kind or cash, from community groups, individuals, councils and other agencies. A total of more than $655,000 has been pledged in in-kind contributions from the successful applicants,” Mr Lay said.The Habitat Grant Program funds have been made available through the Recreational Fishing Trusts. Funds raised through the sale of the recreational fishing licence are placed into two trusts, one for saltwater and one for freshwater. Expenditure from both trusts is overseen by expert angler committees who advise how the money should be spent.Please follow this link to view the tables Freshwater Grants