SOUTHERN PYGMY PERCH ARRIVES AT TAHBILKWETLANDS The Tahbilk Wetlands is a beautiful place. Not only is it rich in In our newest project we have partnered with the Goulburn Murray Catchment biodiversity, it is also rich in community connections. Since 1995 whenManagement Authority and the Arthur Rylah Institute to release 500 Southern Pygmy we took our first steps to revegetate the area, we have worked Perch into the ana-branches of the Tahbilk Wetlands. This is an exciting trial aiming to closely with various government departments and environmental re-establish this small (about 6cm), threatened native fish species into the system for groups to complete research and education activities. breeding to assist in restocking depleted rivers and other wetlands areas. The Wetlands has proven to be a safe sanctuary away from the The Southern Pygmy Perch was once widely distributed throughout the degraded habitat in the main river system for many fish species. In Murrumbidgee and Murray River systems, as 2010, we discovered the endangered freshwater catfish (Tandanus well as coastal streams in South tandanus)was residing with us and we commenced assisting with Australia and Victoria, north-eastern monitoring this species. At the time, this fish loved the deep slow Tasmania and King and Flinders flowing pools and abundant aquatic vegetation in the Wetlands. Islands in Bass Strait. Now in 2019 we are embarking on a new partnership with a different endangered fish species, the Southern Pygmy Perch(Nannoperca australis)and hoping the Tahbilk Wetlands can create the same safe home it has provided to the freshwater catfish for almost a decade. 08 Southern Pygmy Perch actual size 6cm www.tahbilk.com.aufollow@TahbilkWineryfollow@TahbilkWineryfollow@TahbilkWineryjohnpurbrick@tahbilk.com.au