Victoria’s native fish are under threat from predation by introduced fish, habitat destruction and poor water quality.
This project, with the assistance of the Native Fish Australia will reduce the threat of habitat degradation and respond directly to the decline of the Southern Pygmy Perch and Dwarf Galaxia fish species in the wild through improving aquatic environments at sites along Dandenong Creek.
The project will plant indigenous reeds, rushes and sedges at Dandenong Wetlands to increase bank vegetation and aquatic vegetation. This will enhance the habitat condition and connectivity and improve the quality of food sources for these declining species.
Additionally, this project will develop a teaching resource for primary and secondary schools to learn about the fish and their habitat requirements in a hands-on way.
Two lucky schools will have a fish tank installed in their classroom and will learn about water quality and observe Southern Pygmy Perch growing and breeding.
Southern pygmy perch will be released at the end of the project at Dandenong Wetlands.
This project is funded by the Federal Government through the Communities Environment Program Grants and the City of Greater Dandenong.
