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Friends of the Mongarlowe River Inc. (FMR) were formed in 1986. Their main aim is to protect the Mongarlowe River and its tributaries (near Braidwood, inland from Bateman's Bay). FMR had been aware of Macquarie Perch living in the river for some time. When the Macquarie Perch was classified vulnerable, the group began forming ideas to monitor and protect the now Endangered Macquarie Perch in the Mongarlowe River. Over the past year they have done some amazing work and shown how communities can really come together to help in threatened species recovery.

Last October 2006, FMR received a Threatened Species Community grant. To date, (April 2007) volunteers have been trained in habitat assessment by Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (SRCMA), trained by (DPI) Fisheries on water assessment as well as erecting appropriate signage and have spotlighted for these nocturnal fish. Employing Mark Linterman’s, an expert on Macquarie Perch enabled FMR to use fyke nets at six sites along the river. Only one Macquarie Perch fingerling was caught using this method, suggesting that the latest breeding season resulted in few fingerlings. Low river level due to the drought is the likely cause. There have also been recent sightings of adult Macquarie Perch. Two more netting events will conclude this project in early 2008. FMR believe this type of continued monitoring will prove the most effective in updating the status of the Macquarie Perch and help to decide the best protection method. Mark Lintermans will soon be giving a wrap up of this years results.

Project work    this project also confirms how partnerships within communities work at its best. FMR has had the pleasure to work with many concerned locals enabling the success of this project. Thanks go to members of FMR, the Fisheries Department, Palerang Shire Council, SRCMA, the Braidwood Fishing Club, Mongarlowe Landcare, Mongarlowe Bush Fire Brigade, and riparian landowners. Mark Lintermans, the key to this project, has donated a substantial amount of his own time and expertise. Anyone wanting more information or wishing to be a part of this project please: Phone Di Bott on (02)4842 8164 email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it         PO Box 175  Braidwood, NSW 2622                                                                                                               www.artplan.com.au/fmr

Photo: Mark Lintermans checking a fyke net with Paul Bott taking data and Bruce Stuart at the helm. Taken at 7 am. Netting involves putting 10 nets in the river about 4 pm and staying overnight to pull them out about 7 am next morning.