Deni High School student Henry Learmonth with one of the frozen crayfish.
Locals gathered at McLean Beach on Wednesday for the River Bites and Insights event, hosted by the Deniliquin Kolety Lagoons Landcare Group.
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Despite less than ideal weather, they attended to learn more about the native crayfish population in the Edward River and the broader efforts to protect freshwater ecosystems.
The community day brought together representatives from AusFish, Deniliquin Landcare, and the Edward-Wakool Angling Association.
Participants explored crayfish numbers, breeding habitats and the areas they call home.
Attendees were reminded that crayfishing is currently prohibited in the Edward River, and the species is listed as protected in NSW and threatened in Victoria, but that efforts are being made to overturn the bans.
Dr John Conallin, a freshwater ecologist and passionate advocate for fishing and river health, led the session.
“We want to have it lifted so you can go out and catch these guys, like I did when I was your age,” he said, focusing on the students in attendance.
Dr Conallin brought along a live crayfish in a tank, as well as two frozen specimens from a blackwater event a decade ago.
Participants - including Deniliquin High School’s Year 10 Landcare Program students - learned how to identify male and female crays, measure them correctly, and understand when and where they can be legally targeted and kept.
A live crayfish was brought to the information session to show attendees.
The program - which has been running for many years - highlighting the importance of youth engagement in protecting local waterways and species, with students helping to release eel tailed catfish earlier in the year.
AusFish, a not-for-profit organisation that has been operating for more than 10 years, shared its mission to support “anything that benefits native freshwater fish.”
Their work includes re-snagging rivers, building rocky reefs, maintaining riverbanks, installing fish motels, and mapping aquatic habitats, all aimed at improving conditions for species like the Murray crayfish, and really any native aquatic species.
With a sausage sizzle on hand and plenty of opportunities to connect with local experts, the event was a celebration of community-driven conservation.
More information on Murray crayfish and fishing restrictions can be found at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au
Dr John Conallin showing DHS students how to tell the sex of a crayfish.
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