The three fish finders activities were led by Geoff Barrett from NSW Department of Primary Industries, Water and Fisheries and Ivars Reinfelds, Senior Research Scientist NSW Office of Water. This survey, conducted as part of Bio Blitz 2014, was ably supported by the members of the Southern Bass Club who went on the river in their canoes using lures in a catch and release method.
Fish finders started at Bundanon lake, investigating the tadpoles and other fresh water species present, then moved to the river at Bundanon beach, where samples of fish caught were held temporarily in a fish pond for participants to view. This was also an opportunity to communicate key issues about health and sustainability of waterways and fisheries.
The catches from the Shoalhaven River were: Macquaria novemaculeata, Australian Bass 15; Macquaria colonorum, Estuary Perch 45; Bull Rout 1; Dusky Flathead 3; Yellow Fin Bream 3; Australian Smelt 5. 72 Total. From the Bundanon lake closest to Homestead were: Needle Bug 2; Back Swimmer 2; Diving Beetle Larvae 5; Diving Beetle Adult 5; Water Mite 6; Littori Peroni, Tadpoles (possibly Peron’s Tree Frog), many. An Eel was caught and a Red Bellied Black Snake was sighted at the second lake.
