Cania Dam Monitoring. QFS Press Release

[Fitzy]

27 August 2001

Cania Dam Monitoring Program Continues

Queensland Fisheries Service (QFS), Sunwater staff and the Cania Dam Fish Stocking Association continue to monitor a major release of irrigation water from Cania Dam.

QFS extension officer, Rod Cheetham from the Kingaroy Department of Primary Industries, said that it is the second survey of the fish population since the release started. He said figures obtained from the surveys would be used to determine if the stocked fish populations, as well as the naturally occurring fish, would be adversely affected by low water levels as at the end of the release, only about 4 percent of the dams full capacity will be left.

"We have combined this second survey with a collection exercise. With the consent of the Cania Dam Fish Stocking Association, 26 breeding size saratoga have been transferred to nearby Wuruma Dam where they will hopefully establish a breeding population. A small number of snub nosed gar from Cania dam have also been released into Wuruma."

"In addition, a small number of the golden perch, silver perch and eel-tailed catfish have been collected by two licensed Queensland fish hatcheries to be used for future breeding programs. This is purely a precautionary approach and in no way indicates a problem with the Cania dam fish community." Mr Cheetham said.

QFS Principal Biologist Peter Jackson said that a monitoring program combining the use of nets and electrofishing vessels was being used to try and determine if fish populations were put at risk during and after the water release.

"What we have done is select a number of sites of different habitat types. These sites will be either electrofished or netted. It is anticipated that the initial data gathered, plus that gained in the future, will give us an indication of the overall health of the various species."

"For example, Cania Dam has a very healthy population of Australia Bass, and both our netting and electrofishing methods target this species well. If there is a problem, we may detect a lowering of the fish health or condition factor." Mr Jackson said.

Cania Dam has been stocked with golden perch, Australian bass, saratoga and is one of the few dams continuing to stock silver perch. In many respects, this has made the dam a unique destination for recreational fishermen from all over the country.

Mr Jackson said our results from this survey saw us take measurements from over 220 fish, including 87 Australian bass, plus numbers of golden perch, silver perch, eel-tailed catfish and saratoga. The Australian bass ranged in weight from 34 grams to 1.5 kilograms,

"At this stage, all the fish sampled appear to be in good health. Water quality measurements are still positive, particularly for the upper layers, although we have noticed a lowering of the dissolved oxygen levels at water levels of 8 meters or lower. It is anticipated our surveys will continue each month from now on." Mr. Jackson said.


Mr Cheetham said major monitoring programs like this can put a significant burden on Departmental resources. He said community efforts such as what is happening at Cania dam have seen invaluable voluntary assistance. To date the continuous, willing and able assistance on the water by members of the Cania Dam Fish Stocking Association cannot be overstated.

He said members of Wuruma Dam Fish Restocking Association have played a role as well and that Ausyfishes’ Bruce Sambell and Hanwood Fish Hatchery’s Max Cluff had also rendered valuable assistance, particularly related to transport and handling of live fish."

Further information: Peter Jackson, (07) 3224 2185, Rod Cheetham, (07) 4160 0704, 0427600704, Public Affairs Officer: Mark Dawson 07 5430 4951, mob 0407 756 859 Department of Primary Industries Public Affairs PO Box 5165 Sunshine Coast Mail Centre 4560. Ph 07 5430 4911 Fax 07 5430 4994

[NEWSFLASH]

Last QFS Press Release on Cania Dam
17 August 2001

Major Monitoring Program Begins at Cania Dam

A major release of irrigation water from Cania Dam is to be closely monitored by Queensland Fisheries Service (QFS) and Sunwater staff in a bid to determine the health of its fish populations.

QFS extension officer, Rod Cheetham of the Kingaroy Department of Primary Industries, said that fish populations are particularly important to the local community.

"The Cania Dam Fish Stocking Association has put an extraordinary effort into stocking Cania Dam. Coupled with the stocking contributions from the QFS, a major freshwater fishery has been created. With this latest water release it is a good opportunity to monitor the fish population to help determine suitable water levels to sustain the fishery," he said.

Principal Fisheries Scientist for QFS, Dr Peter Jackson said that a monitoring program combining the use of nets and electrofishing vessels would be used to try and determine if fish populations were put at risk during and after the water release.

"What we have done is select six sites covering three different habitat types. Each site was electrofished using a standard effort and fish captured were identified and measured. In addition a further two sites were netted to capture fish in deeper water. This information together with additional information to be collected in the ongoing monitoring program will give us an indication of the overall health of the various species."

"For example, Cania Dam has a very healthy population of Australia Bass, and both our netting and electrofishing methods target this species well. If there is a problem, we may detect a lowering of the fish health or condition factor."

Cania Dam has been stocked with golden perch, Australian bass, saratoga and is one of the few dams continuing to stock silver perch. In many respects, this has made the dam a unique destination for recreational fishermen from all over the country.

"Our initial results from last week saw us take measurements from over 100 Australian bass, plus numerous golden perch and saratoga. The Australian bass ranged in weight from 72 grams to 1.4 kilograms," said Dr. Jackson.

"At this early stage, all the fish sampled appeared to be in very good health. Our surveys will continue later this month, then at least monthly after the water release is completed."

Further information: Peter Jackson, (07) 3224 2185, Rod Cheetham, (07) 4160 0704, 0427600704 Public Affairs Officer: Mark Dawson 07 5430 4951 mob 0407 756 859 Department of Primary Industries Public Affairs PO Box 5165 Sunshine Coast Mail Centre 4560. Ph 07 5430 4911 Fax 07 5430 4994
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