More native fish will be delivered to the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s (VFA) Arcadia fish hatchery thanks to recent electrofishing efforts in Goulburn-Murray Water’s (GMW) channels.
Electrofishing is commonly used to survey fish populations and involves a boat equipped with electrodes which are lowered into the water.
The electrodes send a small electric current which momentarily stuns fish which causes them to float to the surface so they can be easily collected.
Electrofishing recently took place along GMW channels in Cobram East and the Shepparton side of the Broken Creek.
GMW allows the VFA and a contracted electrofishing boat to enter its irrigation channels in order to collect and relocate native fish like Murray cod and golden perch.
GMW General Manager Water Delivery Services Warren Blyth said the water corporation had been working with the VFA for a number of years to help facilitate electrofishing in its channels.
“It’s fantastic to continue this partnership with the VFA which is helping deliver positive outcomes for local communities and the environment,” he said.
“Our staff are always eager to help out with these fish relocation efforts including providing access to our channels.
“This latest electrofishing effort builds nicely from our channel dewatering campaign in 2025 during the irrigation off-season which allowed over 50 Murray cod and golden perch to be relocated to the Arcadia fish hatchery.”
The recent electrofishing efforts saw the removal of fish to enhance brood stock at the Arcadia hatchery, supporting the return of fish numbers to natural waterways.
“Electrofishing in Goulburn Murray Water’s irrigation channels provides valuable native fish, including Murray cod and golden perch, for breeding programs at our expanded Arcadia hatchery,” VFA CEO Travis Dowling said.
“Some of the fish will also be relocated to public waterways, including the Fish Out Pond at Arcadia, so anglers can have a crack at these iconic fish.”
The VFA and GMW will continue to work together for the relocation of valuable native fish from the channel network.