It’s all go with Murray crays
The Managing the recovery of Murray crayfish in the southern Murray-Darling Basin project is well underway with a number of important events taking place recently. Firstly, repeat monitoring of sites impacted by the 2010-11 blackwater event has highlighted increased numbers of crayfish in affected areas. Whilst these outcomes of the monitoring highlight signs of recovery, numbers were still comparably low and distribution remained patchy (with crayfish not observed at four of 10 affected sites sampled) indicating full recovery will be a slow process. Continued monitoring will be critical to track recovery trajectories. The monitoring received local newspaper (Southern Weekly) and TV (Prime TV) and radio (ABC Riverina and 3SH) coverage.
Secondly, a stakeholder workshop was held in Albury with over 20 participants hearing background on the species and the present project, and discussing threats and research needs for the species. The outcomes of the workshop will assist with planning of the present project and will assist with the development of a population model for the species. The model will help to predict the status of populations under varying management and environmental scenarios – to help us better manage the species in the long-term.
Stay tuned for more updates.
Cheers
Nick
