Fish future at stake

Recognising a disaster waiting to happen, some locals have jumped to the fore and been relocating fish at record numbers.

Fish relocation. Picture: Contributed

DROUGHT has a habit of impacting all facets of life.

While producers and residents are feeling its severity, wildlife are not being spared either.

As creeks and rivers run dry, fish are being left to flounder and die.

Recognising a disaster waiting to happen, some locals have jumped to the fore and been relocating fish at record numbers.

"We've probably relocated upwards of 6-700 fish just in waterholes and places that are holding water and a few other weirs and stuff like that,” Nick Cosmo said.

"Ballandean has been the main area of our focus.

"We've been driving around Ballandean almost every day. We've got a few other holes in mind that are looking like they're going to dry up pretty soon.

He said they've encountered enough dead fish in their trails to be a cause for concern.

"There will be a heap to do if we don't get any rain soon. There will basically be bugger all fish left in the Severn River,” Mr Cosmo said.

Ernie Jones from the Stanthorpe Bluewater Fishing and Restocking Club said he's concerned by the number of fish being abandoned.

"I have been contacted by a number of residents dismayed at the manner in which the local creeks are being pumped dry or to levels that no longer will support the fish populations in those creeks.

"Our club fully understands the difficult times being experienced by growers, however the fishing of local fresh water streams is a source of tourism revenue to the community so perhaps a little more thought could be given to the sharing of this valuable resource,” he said.