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Stocky Needs Our Help: Saving native freshwater fish from extinction

Episode:
35
Stocky Needs Our Help: Saving native freshwater fish from extinction

Guests:
Dr. Mark Lintermans, Ecologist

Fish ecologist Dr. Mark Lintermans discusses the fight to save the Stocky Galaxias, a critically endangered tiny fish native to Kosciuszko National Park. From emergency responses to the Black Summer bushfires to genetic diversity strategies and community collaboration, the episode explores both the Stocky's precarious future and the broader crisis facing Australia's freshwater fish species.

Show Notes

Stocky Galaxias, or ‘Stocky’, is one of Australia’s most critically endangered species — a tiny fish hidden away in the pristine alpine waters of Kosciuszko National Park.

Can the survival of this elusive, critically endangered species illuminate the future of Australia’s rivers? In this conversation we discuss efforts to save Stocky from the devastating 2019/2020 Black Summer bushfires and the subsequent rallying of agencies and community groups to protect, conserve, and re-home this special little fish to ensure its survival for future generations. Dr. Siwan Lovett and long-time freshwater fish conservationist and researcher Dr. Mark Lintemans invite you on a journey through the challenges and breakthroughs in conserving this remarkable species. From the thrill of discovering a previously unknown new population, to the innovative strategies that blend natural and artificial solutions for habitat protection, this episode is packed with insights into the delicate balance of river ecosystems, invasive fish, community collaboration and conservation strategies.

We take a deep dive into the ongoing efforts to safeguard species like the Galaxiids and Macquarie perch while respecting the interests of recreational fishing. You’ll hear how barriers, riparian vegetation, and even shifts in attitudes among trout enthusiasts are contributing to a new paradigm in fisheries management. These changes are essential to maintaining the health of aquatic ecosystems and ensuring that both native and introduced species can coexist.

Finally, we discuss the urgent issue of genetic diversity, a key factor in the resilience of fish populations against climate change. Discover how genetic research is transforming conservation strategies, with new approaches like cross-breeding and relocation aimed at boosting the genetic health of species under threat. Our conversation extends to the broader picture of Australia’s freshwater fish crisis, highlighting the pressing need for comprehensive conservation efforts.

"37% of our native freshwater fish species are now at risk of extinction. At least 20 are more likely than not to become extinct within the next 20 years unless there is major new effort to conserve them."
— Dr Mark Lintermans

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A close-up photograph of a single Stocky Galaxias fish under light. Image credit: Taarmo A. Raadik.
Some of the Australian native fish at risk of extinction as identified by Mark and colleagues in their report.

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