Application for Scientific Permit – Available for Public Comment
Public comment on the following application for a Scientific Research (Fauna) Permit is open until 23 August 2024.
Applicant: Nature Glenelg Trust
Species/Taxon: Australian Grayling (Prototroctes maraena)
Location: Nine North West Rivers - Duck River, Leven/Gawler Rivers, Inglis/Flowerdale Rivers,Cam River,Detention River, Mersey River or Blythe River, Emu River, Pieman River, Arthur River. These locations may be slightly modified by Cradle Coast Authority.
Title of research: Undertake fish surveys of Australian Grayling in North-West Rivers, Tasmania
Aim of project: Undertake field fish surveys over nine North-West Rivers to gather baseline data about the threatened native fish, Australian Grayling (Prototroctes maraena) across nine identified priority rivers across the north-west region using fyke nets and backpack electrofishing of Australian Graylings.
Justification: There is no current baseline data on this species in these areas. This information will be provided to the Cradle Coast Authority and feed into management of fish passage, barriers to fish movement and overall conservation of this species.
Maximum likely numbers of individuals involved: Nine rivers with three sites per river will be sampled. Within each site, 4 fyke nets will be used OR standard backpack electrofishing (8x150 seconds) will be used. Each site will only be sampled once.
Activities undertaken and methods: Undertake field fish surveys over nine North-West Rivers to gather baseline data about the threatened native fish, Australian Grayling (Prototroctes maraena) to help conservation of this species.
Up to four fyke nets are set per site in the late afternoon/evening and left overnight. Traps are checked in the morning, target species are identified, counted and some individuals are measured (lengths and/or weight) at the site location and individuals are released back at the site. Fyke nets are fixed in place through stakes and cod ends are fitted with a float and are elevated to ensure an air gap for air breathing animals. No animals will be marked or branded. Fyke nets are left overnight (generally four fyke nets are used for approximately a 12-hour period). Usually, each sight is only sampled for a single night per survey trip.
Electrofishing follows widely recognized standardized Sustainable Rivers Audit (SRA) methods to temporarily stun fish. Animals are recovered and processed before being returned to the water. Senior Operators of electrofishing equipment are sufficiently trained and experienced in its use and typically use these methods to sample. Backpack electrofishing is conducted in shots (time fishing in secs) of 8 shots of 150secs. Shots are not continuous time fishing but are conducted in pulses of electrical input. If conditions are unfavourable (such as heavy rainfalls), electrofishing is not conducted. Australian code of practices stipulates safe operating procedures for air breathing and terrestrial bystanders which are followed.
Fate of animals: All animals will be measured and returned to the water unharmed at point of capture.
Likely impact on species involved (including any by-catch): All animals will be measured and returned to the water unharmed at point of capture.