Goulburn-Murray Water has this week begun implementing measures to sustain native fish in Lake Eppalock.
The current drought has reduced water levels in Lake Eppalock below previous record lows, increasing the risk of impact on native fish.
The measures are part of Goulburn-Murray Water's Drought Response Environmental Plan and involve removal of carp that compete for habitat and installation of aerators to combat depleted oxygen levels.
Goulburn-Murray Water has sought the services of a commercial carp operator to reduce the numbers of carp in the lake. Recent fish surveys have indicated that carp outnumber native fish species by four to one in Lake Eppalock and it is believed the removal of carp will have a positive impact on the habitat of native fish species.
The operator is targeting areas where carp are more likely to congregate, namely the shallow expanses in Kimbolton Pool and Twin Rivers Arm.
Goulburn-Murray Water sought a permit for this work from DPI Fisheries, which has been approved and issued. VRFish also supports Goulburn-Murray Water's efforts to reduce the numbers of carp in the lake, as the timing of activities and capture methods used would minimise the impact on native fish population.
All carp captured are removed off-site for processing, while any native fish species are returned to the lake. DPI Fisheries is providing technical support for the exercise, and VRFish is also onsite during the exercise.
Goulburn-Murray Water is also sourcing paddle-wheel aerators for Tower Bay in an effort to maintain oxygen levels in the lake.
Under warmer weather conditions, dissolved oxygen levels in water bodies such as Eppalock often decline and, combined with the low water levels, could further stress native fish populations.
This style of aerator is commonly used in fish-farming ponds to maintain acceptable oxygen levels in the water.
Goulburn-Murray Water will continue to work with regional stakeholders and agencies to maintain water quality conditions within the lake for the benefit of native fish populations, as well as downstream water users.