New Research Reveals Urgent Need to Protect Australia’s Freshwater Fishes and Threatened Species in the Mary River Catchment
In a significant contribution to Australia’s conservation efforts, researchers Tom Espinoza and Dr David Sternberg of the Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG) have co-authored a new journal article on the conservation status of Australia’s freshwater fish species. The study, which involved 51 experts from across the nation, shines a light on the escalating threats to these unique species, highlighting the urgent need for conservation actions.
The release of this journal article comes at a critical time for the Burnett Mary Regional Group as they have just published their landmark report detailing the results of the first comprehensive survey of threatened species in the Mary River catchment in over 30 years. This extensive survey is the first of its kind, offering new insights into the status of and challenges faced by vulnerable species in the region. Together, these new findings underscore the imperilled nature of some our most iconic species and emphasises the urgent need for targeted conservation measures, particularly within the Burnett Mary region.
"The future of our freshwater ecosystems depends on urgent, targeted action. Many of these species are on the brink, and if we don't work together now to restore and protect our rivers, we could lose them forever. The Mary River catchment is a prime example of both the challenges and opportunities we face in species conservation," Tom Espinoza, CEO of the Burnett Mary Regional Group, emphasised.
The article, Troubled Waters in the Land Down Under: Pervasive Threats and High Extinction Risks Demand Urgent Conservation Actions to Protect Australia’s Freshwater Fishes, represents the first comprehensive assessment of extinction risks for Australia’s freshwater fish. Using International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria, the study revealed that 37% of the 241 species assessed are now classified as threatened. Alarmingly, one species was declared extinct, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Dr. Sternberg, Senior Research Manager for BMRG, highlighted, “This information empowers us to develop effective strategies to enhance the ecological health of our rivers. We have seen the impact extreme flooding has on our communities and our threatened species in the region. We know these floods are going to get bigger and more frequent – so now is the time for more targeted investment in the restoration and protection of our unique biodiversity."
The recent surveys of threatened species in the Mary River catchment were conducted in partnership with a diverse consortium of stakeholders, including the Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG), the Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee (MRCCC), Griffith University, Jinibara Peoples Aboriginal Corporation, Seqwater, and Noosa Council. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of community involvement in conservation initiatives.
To explore the findings and insights from this critical research, you can download the full report here: Threatened Species Report.
Access the research publication here: Troubled Waters in the Land Down Under: Pervasive Threats and High Extinction Risks Demand Urgent Conservation Actions to Protect Australia’s Freshwater Fishes.
To explore other research publications, check out the Research page on BMRG’s website.: Research — BMRG