Anna Lewis, Dr John Conallin, and Max Smiles-Schmidt.
The region’s first native fish release for 2026 took place on Wednesday, when 5000 endangered eel‑tailed catfish fingerlings were released as part of a long‑term effort to restore native fish populations.
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The release, held at Willoughby’s Beach, drew strong community interest and was made possible through proceeds from the 2026 Edward Fishing Challenge.
Organisers thanked everyone who supported the event, noting that community involvement continues to drive the success of the restocking program.
Kolety Lagoons Landcare member Rosanne Farrant said the release reflects the strength of local commitment to river health.
“This is an amazing effort by the local community to restore our native ecosystem,” she said.
“It wouldn’t be happening without the fishing clubs and local experts.”
Ms Farrant said the program forms part of a coordinated 10‑year plan to rebuild native species and improve waterway resilience.
River ecologist and fellow landcare group member Dr John Conallin said the catfish play an important ecological role.
“Catfish are important as a food source they also compete with carp,” he said, adding that the broader initiative involves re‑vegetation, restocking across multiple rivers, and support from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust.
“It’s also about reconnecting these fish with their native environment.
“We have generations of people that have never seen an Eel-tailed Catfish.”
Wednesday’s release means local projects have seen more than 11,000 catfish released in local waterways, with numbers continuing to grow as the initiative expands.
The projects are completed in collaboration with the NSW Government Fishing Trust, the Edward Wakool Angling Association, Edward Kolety Fishing Challenge, Deniliquin Fishing Club, Edward River Council and Deniliquin High School.
“To make an initiative like this work, you need all groups working together,” Dr Conallin said.
Deniliquin High School’s Yr 10 Landcare Program participants.
Michelle Milthorpe with Roseanne Farrant.
Hayden Sampson, Lincoln Meharry and Jaxson O'Donnell.
