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.
We`re offering a great opportunity for 6-8 yr olds to learn some fun basic textile skills next Thursday 17 July, that will give them the confidence and inspiration to eventually learn how to sew, upcycle and repair! You can book a place here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/weaving-and-embroidery-workshop-for-6-8yr-olds
Did you know that the Peace Symbol, designed by Gerald Holtom in 1958, is based on flag semaphore signals? The vertical line represents the semaphore signal for "D" (for disarmament), and the downward lines represent "N" (for nuclear). Design and make your own Peace Badge at the Blue Mountains Peace Symposium and Peace Picnic on Saturday 2nd August at the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre (bookings here (link in profile: https://events.humanitix.com/blue-mountains-peace-symposium).
On another one of the badges below, the phrase "Hell no, we won`t go" is one which gained prominence in Australia during the Vietnam War, when conscription was introduced. Many young men refused to be conscripted, leading to protests, demonstrations, and the formation of anti-war movements. These movements, including the Moratorium campaigns, played a significant role in shaping public opinion and ultimately contributing to the end of Australia`s involvement in the war.
The Planetary Health Peace Symposium is bringing together veterans of the Peace Movement (including an organiser of the Moratorium campaign), Rotary and Quakers, Robert Tickner AO (ambassador for ICAN: the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons), Mayor Mark Greenhill, a signatory of Mayors for Peace, Susan Templeman MP, Indonesian Ambassador Dr Siswo Pramono on Indonesia’s ratification of the Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty, as well as community members concerned about a world increasingly consumed by war. On the 80th anniversary of the bombing of Nagasaki and Hiroshima, participate in a program of talks, film, stalls, music, art and a Community Peace Picnic as, together, we take urgent action for nuclear disarmament and peace.
It`s been 80 years since the horror of nuclear weapons was first unleashed with the US bombing of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Find out how we can work together to stop this madness and grow a Movement for Peace at the Blue Mountains Peace Symposium on Saturday 2nd August. The day will include presentations by Robert Tickner AO, the Ambassador for the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN); Mayor Mark Greenhill on Mayors for Peace; Susan Templeman MP; Dr Siswo Pramano: Indonesian Ambassador; veterans of the Peace Movement and young activists; Rowe Morrow OAM from Quakers; Jennifer Scott AM from Rotary International; journalist Harumi Hayakawa; and Dharug man Chris Tobin. It will also include a film screening, and a Community Peace Picnic with food, exhibition, stalls, badge and origami crane making and live music with the Bearded Ladies Community Choir. The Symposium has been organised by the Blue Mountains Peace Collective and the Blue Mountains Planetary Health Initiative. Please share to help us grow a movement and book your tickets at the link below (link in profile):
The Bushcare Seed Collectors are meeting today from 10am to 3pm at the Planetary Health Centre. It`s a great way to learn more about propagating native plants. Watch our video below and read more in Katoomba Area Local News: https://www.katoombalocalnews.com/bushcare-seed-collectors/...
The Bushcare Seed Collectors are meeting today from 10am to 3pm at the Planetary Health Centre. It`s a great way to learn more about propagating native plants. Read more in Katoomba Area Local News: https://www.katoombalocalnews.com/bushcare-seed-collectors/ (link in profile)
We are holding School Holiday workshops for young people on Thursday 17 July. In these fun workshops with Sherlie Mcmillan (known for her Fashion Upcycling and Women`s Shed workshops) young people will be introduced to woodwork and textile crafts with a great teacher! Accompanying adults welcome.
Book for the Weaving and Embroidery Workshop for 6-8 yr olds here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/weaving-and-embroidery-workshop-for-6-8yr-olds
Book for the Workshop for 8-12 yr olds to Create a Pom Pom Launcher, Pom Poms and Headband here (link in profile): https://events.humanitix.com/create-a-pom-pom-launcher-pom-poms-and-headband
Our new Planetary Health Newsletter includes the Blue Mountains Peace Symposium, School Holiday Workshops, today`s Planetary Health Bushcare, a story about a Men`s Group in Lawson, a workshop on Designing Your Future Home, and information on how to prepare for Bushfire Season with Council`s chipping service. You can read it here: https://bit.ly/3TkWGRj (link in profile) #planetaryhealth #peace #peacesymposium #bluemountains #schoolholidayworkshops #hope #solutions #mensgroup #katoomba...
The Community Tree Planting Day for the Glossy Black Cockatoo is on this Saturday 5 July near Cowra! Learn more about how you can help grow connected landscapes to save the Glossy Black, including more about the Community Tree Planting Day, by fast forwarding to 48mins in our video "Falling in Love with Glossy Black Cockatoos" here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCERdF21Ud0&t=2075s
Register your interest to join everyone at the Tree Planting Day here:
Join us for this fabulous workshop: Designing Your Future Home on Saturday 19 July (10am-12 noon) Create a Healthy, Comfortable and Energy-Efficient Home
Join local Passive House Designer Karina Rafailov from Earthy Haus for a relaxed, interactive, and inspiring workshop. Whether you’re planning a new build or thinking about a renovation, this session will empower you with the knowledge to create a home that’s healthier for your family and kinder to the planet.
Places are strictly limited in this hands-on workshop so bookings essential here (link in profile): https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/workshop-designing-your-future-home-tickets-1417752157869
As an increasing number of people are being affected by winter viruses, we’re offering a free session of Tai Chi and Qigong on Saturday 5 July in the warmth of our beautiful Frogs of the Blue Mountains exhibition. Places are limited so book in early here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/40fnGW2 Learn more about these Chinese medicine movement practices in the video interview with Virginia Field on our YouTube channel (link in profile) and read about how Chinese medicine helped her overcome illness as a young woman in our story: Healing Body, Mind and Spirit with Tai Chi and Qigong here (link in profile): https://www.katoombalocalnews.com/tai-chi-and-qigong/
If you’re interested in learning how to propagate native plants and are keen to help our bush regenerate, the Bushcare Seed Collectors meet on the second Tuesday of the month. Check out how they cook Banksias to release their seed and learn more about the group, and native seed collecting, in Katoomba Area Local News here (link in profile): https://www.katoombalocalnews.com/bushcare-seed-collectors/
If you’d like to join the group, contact the Bushcare officer Tracy Abbas on 4780 5623 or email tabbas@bmcc.nsw.gov.au
Littlejohni, the Rare and Endangered Northern Heath Frog, photographed in Woodford!
When the Frogs of the Blue Mountains exhibition opened at the Planetary Health Centre in March it featured photos of 20 different local frogs. We were thrilled, however, when Andy Klotz and other members of the Hawkesbury Herpetological Society recently managed to photograph another frog in Woodford: the rarely seen and endangered Litoria littlejohni, also known as the Northern Heath Frog or Orange-bellied Tree Frog. We’ve added a photo of that frog to the exhibition and created a new Frogs of the Blue Mountains video in which you can listen to its call on our YouTube channel. We interviewed Andy to learn more about the Littlejohni and how they managed to find its small local population. You can read this story in Mid Mountains Local News (link in profile). #biodiversity #bluemountainsfrogs #northernheathfrog #litorialittlejohni #bluemountains #woodford #planetaryhealth #hawkesburyherpetologicalsociety...
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.
