A mature Blue Mountains Perch. (Photo: NSW Fisheries)
Story by Julie Nance
The Blue Mountains Perch may not be as adorable as a cuddly koala, but it is also an endangered animal in need of awareness and support. Populations of the freshwater fish have been hit hard by drought, fire and flooding over the past few years. A NSW fisheries study, while sobering reading, is helping experts develop a plan to save the fish.
Key Points:
The Blue Mountains Perch has dwindled in numbers and become extinct in parts of Greater Sydney, but populations are hanging on in the Blue Mountains.
We can all play a part in protecting the fish by reducing erosion on our properties and highlighting to others that it exists and it needs our help.
A couple sits on a large rock enjoying a romantic picnic beside a beautiful Blue Mountains waterhole. Little do they know they are in the presence of an ancient and beautiful animal.
The Blue Mountains Perch lies camouflaged at the bottom of creeks and deep water holes during the day. In the night-time it is active; its big eyes seeking out water bugs and smaller fish to feast on.
While a successful predator, the Blue Mountains Perch has been at the mercy of environmental forces that have treated it very harshly.
According to a NSW Fisheries study, Blue Mountains Perch populations were under immense stress from a prolonged drought from 2017 to 2019. Approximately half of their habitat was severely impacted by the 2019/20 “Black Summer” bushfires that followed.
In February 2020 heavy rains throughout the Hawkesbury-Nepean catchment caused severe runoff and hillslope erosion. Large volumes of sediment were deposited in waterways, threatening aquatic species with ongoing habitat loss. It is thought the Blue Mountains Perch was further impacted by these rainfall events.
The study, ‘Drought, fire, and flood: A population assessment of the Blue Mountains perch (eastern Macquarie perch) ….’ charts the findings of a comprehensive assessment of the distribution of Blue Mountains Perch, mainly between 2021 and 2022. A total of 88 sites were targeted within the Hawkesbury-Nepean and Hunter catchments.
The surveys involved the use of electrofishing: passing an electrical current through water, which temporarily stuns fish so they can be caught, processed and released. Netting was also used as well as environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis. This new technology finds traces of DNA in the water as a way of knowing if a species is present, without catching or disturbing it. In total, 27 Blue Mountains Perch were captured, ranging in length from a 30 mm juvenile to a 235 mm sexually mature fish.
NSW Fisheries experts electrofishing for Blue Mountains Perch. (Photo: NSW Fisheries)
Blue Mountains Perch were absent from seven of the 20 water bodies that the species was known to occur in prior to the 2017 to 2019 drought, 2019/20 bushfires and 2020 flooding. This represents the potential loss of Blue Mountains Perch from approximately 35 per cent of sampled water bodies known to previously contain the fish.
One of the Perch’s biggest advocates is Will Goodwin, a member of Blue Mountains City Council’s Healthy Waterways team.
“They are a really pretty fish; they’ve got this beautiful, mottled brown and silvery grey on the side and they live in such beautiful habitat,” he says.
“We literally have an animal named after the Blue Mountains that pretty much none of us have heard of. Many of us have come far closer than we realise at Blue Mountains swimming holes.
“We have the power to really stand up for it. We could be looking at an extinction here, but if the right things are done, we can see the Perch completely bounce back and it can be a huge success story. The biggest thing the Blue Mountains Perch needs is advocacy.”
A juvenile Blue Mountains Perch. (Photo: NSW Fisheries)
Will says the Perch study is helping Blue Mountains City Council better prioritise its conservation work, including improving waterway health. He says a Council Biodiversity Strategy will soon be on public exhibition.
“Based on the map/site coordinates in the study, I’ve been able to determine which sites fall in our LGA and I’m really happy to see that a number of them returned positive results for Blue Mountains Perch,” Will says. “Populations are hanging on in the Blue Mountains, but they need help.”
Healthy Waterways team member Will Goodwin, who is passionate about freshwater fish (and turtles). (Photo supplied)
The report says there are new threats to the Blue Mountains Perch. This includes alien species invading their habitat e.g. Redfin perch; diseases such as Epizootic Haematopoietic Necrosis Virus (EHNV); and potential habitat loss from possible raising of Warragamba Dam and mining within the Nepean River sub-catchment.
Long-term monitoring (5+ years) of the Blue Mountains Perch has been recommended in the report, as well as key habitat remediation activities including desilting, riparian improvements, bank stabilisation, and the restoration and conservation of in-stream rocky habitat.
Habitat where the Blue Mountains Perch is believed to occur. (Photo supplied)
Will: “This is a fairly healthy creek in a Blue Mountains Perch catchment. I took this underwater photo at night, using a flash.”(Photo: Will Goodwin)
The report recommends: “Urgent management actions are required to protect Blue Mountains Perch from further decline and improve the species’ resilience.”
Will says a lot of conservation activities already carried out in the Blue Mountains has indirectly benefited the species, including protecting and restoring creeks.
“In a happy accident, our existing stormwater works such as the Glenbrook raingardens project are our biggest tool in our tool belt to help the Blue Mountains Perch,” Will says. “Moving forward, we’re looking at prioritising Blue Mountains Perch catchments for future raingarden projects and funding.”
The Blue Mountains Perch was long thought of as a variation of the Macquarie Perch, a freshwater fish native to cooler, mid-altitude areas of south-eastern Australia. However, past studies, both genetic and morphological (looking at the form and structure of an organism or any of its parts), are providing strong support for it to be classified as a separate species.
“That’s part of the problem and part of the mystery of the fish – it used to be considered Macquarie Perch. Because it doesn’t officially scientifically exist as its own species, it is difficult to protect it.” – Will Goodwin
When you listen to Will enthusiastically talk about the Blue Mountains Perch, you can see why he has such a strong desire to help it. He highlights their “clever strategy” to keep their eggs safe, laying them at the top of a fast-flowing stream.
“As the eggs bounce along in the current, they get wedged amongst the rocks and pebbles,” Will says. “The rocks keep predators out, and the constant flow of water keeps them clean and well oxygenated.”
Will says unfortunately there is now far too much sediment in our streams.
“It comes from our backyards and construction sites, but also from the erosion of creeks as they get blasted with urban stormwater,” he says.
“Even the fast-flowing sections of streams get covered with this blanket of sand on the bottom. Without that rocky habitat, there’s no way for this fish to breed”.
Known Blue Mountains Perch habitat that has been blanketed by sediment. It’s a fast-flowing riffle, so it should naturally have a nice rocky bottom. All the little cracks have been filled in. (Photo: Will Goodwin)
So how can we help?
Will says individuals shouldn’t feel powerless to assist the Perch. He cites advocacy for koalas and the Regent Honeyeater as examples of people power making a positive difference.
“It’s about recognising the beauty of this fish and getting people behind it,” Will says.
“No one is going to protect something they haven’t even heard of, and the Blue Mountains Perch has missed out on much needed protection because of that. Just by spreading the word, you can make a huge difference for this fish.”
Take Action:
Try to reduce erosion: look out for any bare earth on your property, and keep it covered with plants or mulch.
Tell someone: the more people that know about this species, the more protection it will get. Sharing this story, or just mentioning it to a friend or family member is one of the best things you can do for it.
Read about a stormwater treatment initiative at Glenbrook featuring the type of raingarden that is ultimately helping the Blue Mountains Perch: It Takes a Village to Care for a Creek.
This story has been produced as part of a Bioregional Collaboration for Planetary Health and is supported by the Disaster Risk Reduction Fund (DRRF). The DRRF is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments.
If you haven`t yet tried the deliciousness of Good Fat Pastry you`ll be in for a treat at the Food Security Fair on Sat 18 October! Join Michael, the creative baker producing these mouthwatering plant based (and mostly gluten free) treats for breakfast, where he will inspire you to rethink everything you know about baking:
"Baking is both borne and constrained by convention—as are our expectations. Since Ancient Egypt and Rome, eggs, dairy, and cereals have been used in baked goods for flavour and functionality. The enormity of cakes, pastries, biscuits, and desserts we know and love—and the countless we have no awareness of—have been discovered and created through spontaneity and experimentation. Almost always resting on the magical transformations of these key ingredients under heat and energy.
Yet as the realm of food is one of creativity and sensory inquisitiveness there are inherent possibilities for alternatives—in replicating the familiar as well as creating novelty. This path can follow the complexities of molecular gastronomy or the simple pragmatism of substituting with what`s on hand. Find whatever works for you."
Spaces are limited so bookings essential here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/food-security-fair-or-planetary-health-initiative
One of the highlights of our Food Security Fair on Sat 18th October is our Weaving with Weeds workshop at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba. In this relaxing and enjoyable workshop Erin Hall will help you identify common invasive weeds that are ideal for basket making, and teach you the basic skills to weave a range of different objects. At the same time you`ll be removing and repurposing weeds that are destroying habitat for our wildlife! Places are limited so bookings essential here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/food-security-fair-or-planetary-health-initiative
We’re thrilled to announce that tickets are now available for Ferment the Season with Holly Davis at the Blue Mountains Food Security Fair on Saturday 18th October at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba. Holly will demonstrate how to ferment the season to create more nutrient rich and digestible food. She is the co-founder of Sydney’s Iku Wholefoods and author of ‘Ferment - A Guide to the Ancient Art of Culturing Food’ and ’Nourish: Sustenance for Body and Soul”. Learn the foundational principles and several techniques for fermenting seasonally abundant produce. Fermentation increases nutrition and eating a little ferment with every meal has unlimited benefits for our overall wellbeing and the planet! Places are limited so book early here (Food Security Fair link in profile for tickets): https://events.humanitix.com/food-security-fair-or-planetary-health-initiative
Thank you to everyone who so generously contributed to our celebration of the centenary of World Animal Day, and our tribute to the life of artist, poet, author, Animal Liberation founder, and animal rights activist, Christine Townend, at the Planetary Health Centre yesterday. At a packed event we feasted on delicious plant-based food, inspiring art and poetry, and memorable conversations, as we shared our love and respect for the extraordinary world of animals of which we are a part. Join us for further celebrations at our Food Security Fair on Saturday 18 October. Register here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/food-security-fair-or-planetary-health-initiative
We`re thrilled to announce that tickets are now on sale for our inaugural Blue Mountains Food Security Fair at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba on Saturday 18 October! Register here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/food-security-fair-or-planetary-health-initiative
The day will include stalls, talks and demos about growing, sourcing, cooking, preserving and enjoying plant based food and protecting habitat for wildlife.
Our fabulous line up of speakers and workshop tutors includes Dr Milena Bojovic on the Future of Food; Holly Davis, co-founder of Iku and author of `Ferment`; Michael from Good Fat Pastry; Nev Sweeney from Under the Choko Tree on how to build a Solar Powered Food Dehydrator; Lloyd Sharp from Mid Blue Mountains Seed Savers; Marnee Fox from Forage to Feast; Teya Brooks Pribac from Plant Inspired; and Erin Hall on Weaving with Weeds. Stalls will include EarthRising Mushroom Farm, edible native plants, the Planetary Health Cafe and more. Each session needs to be booked individually as numbers are strictly limited.
This event is being supported by a sEEd grant from the Australian Association for Environmental Education.
This Saturday 4 Oct, on the centenary of World Animal Day, you can meet other people passionate about protecting our wild neighbours, and contribute to restoring habitat for wildlife with them, by coming along and joining our dedicated team of Planetary Health Bushcarers as we regenerate the bushland at the Planetary Health Precinct. Learn more and register to attend (1.30pm) here: (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/planetary-health-bushcare-spring-summer-2025
Woohoo! We are so thrilled. Katoomba poet David Brooks has just won the Prime Minister`s Literary Award for Poetry with his book "The Other Side of Daylight: New and Selected Poems". Come and celebrate with us this coming Saturday night when he`ll read from his work for a World Animal Day celebration at the Planetary Health Centre. Bookings here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/world-animal-day-raising-the-bar-for-nature
(apologies for dodgy screenshots ... we`ve been watching the awards streaming on YouTube tonight)
Join us next Sat 4th Oct to celebrate the exciting news that Katoomba writer David Brooks has been shortlisted for the Australian Prime Minister`s Literary Awards for his book of poetry: "The Other Side of Daylight: New and Selected Poems". It will be a night of art, poetry and delicious food as we also celebrate the centenary of World Animal Day, with David reading from his work alongside local poet Louise Wakeling, a tribute to artist, poet and founder of Animal Liberation, Christine Townend, and an Open Mic for poetry about the extraordinary species we share our world with. Bookings essential here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/world-animal-day-raising-the-bar-for-nature
With each extreme weather event more hazardous materials enter our environment and impact human and planetary health, which is why, for 2025, we’re bringing together the Australian Bushfire Building Conference and the Asbestos & Hazardous Materials Management Conference in Katoomba on 20-22 Nov, to address how we can all work together, from design to disposal, to both reduce disaster risk and the risk of hazardous materials. We urgently need to design, build and live differently, as well as better manage those hazardous materials that are already impacting our health and the health of our frontline emergency staff and volunteers.
At Full Cycle 2025 we’re bringing together leading experts to address how we can do this.
We`re thrilled to announce that Shane McArdle, Head of International Projects for the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI) in Sydney, will present on local and global actions for eliminating asbestos and dust-related diseases. Shane has spent almost 10 years at the Australian Government Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency (ASEA) overseeing awareness raising and international strategies to prevent exposure to asbestos and to eliminate asbestos-related diseases.
Early bird registrations for the conference close on 7 October. You can learn more and register here (link in profile): www.fullcycleconference.com.au
The last six years have seen catastrophic and unprecedented wildfires in Australia and California. At the Full Cycle Conference on 20-22 Nov, A/Prof Owen Price will share his research which compares the patterns of housing loss in the NSW and Californian wildfires. With every fire, more hazardous materials are dispersed through the environment.
Owen has spent the past 18 years analysing empirical evidence of the effectiveness of bushfire mitigation strategies. This has included examining the effectiveness of prescribed burning, the drivers of fire spread and severity, fire suppression and house loss. He has published ~140 research papers and he is the Director of The Centre for Environmental Risk Management of Bushfires (CERMB) at the University of Wollongong. Owen is one of many leading speakers who will be joining us at Full Cycle 2025 to explore how we can reduce disaster risk and hazardous materials in a changing climate. Early Bird Registrations close on 7 October. Visit the website to learn more and register here (link in profile):
Keynote speaker Julian Cribb AM announced as anticipation builds for the inaugural Full Cycle 2025 Conference which will address some of the most critical issues of our time, and what we can do about them. Julian Cribb will speak on how we can cleanse our polluted planet and tackle the existential megathreats of the 21st century as he sets the context for the two day conference and community expo that`s a collaboration between the Australian Bushfire Building Conference, the Asbestos & Hazardous Materials Management Conference and the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative.
Co-founder of the Council for the Human Future, he has written over 9000 articles and 12 books, including How to Fix a Broken Planet, Earth Detox, Poisoned Planet, Surviving the 21st Century, The Coming Famine and Food or War. He will outline how climate change and the toxic tsunami of hazardous substances engulfing the world are two of ten megathreats that need to be addressed together and at the same time, urgently, and he’ll propose a plan for doing this.
Early Bird registrations close on Tuesday 7 October and there is still time to make a submission to be part of this seminal event. Read more about the conference and register here (link in profile): www.fullcycleconference.com.au
We had a fabulous dinner meeting last night to launch Rotarians 4 Planetary Health. It was exciting to bring together so much expertise and care for our community and the health of our planet! Initially we`ll be meeting fortnightly on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month from 6pm. If you`d like to join us register for the next meeting on Monday 13 October here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/copy-of-rotarians-4-planetary-health
Julie Nance is a community storyteller with the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative. In her coverage of the Lower Mountains area, she brings 30 years’ experience in communications, publishing and journalism.
After specialising in health and social issues as a journalist, Julie led creative teams in the government and not-for-profit sectors including the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, YMCA NSW, Cancer Council NSW and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.
Julie is passionate about empowering people with quality information to help them make informed choices.
Rain gardens are a brilliant way to manage water runoff. Recently Council teams and contractors collaborated with Sydney Water to create three different types of native rain gardens at Glenbrook Visitor Information Centre, showcasing how sustainability and beauty are the natural features of these innovative but simple water management solutions.
