Ever wonder exactly what that fish is or do we have them in the lakes and waterholes of our region? There are still many gaps in our local knowledge. While the DPI has commenced studies in the local lakes using gill nets and their electro survey boat there are still species of fish that escape their scrutiny.
The Mount Isa Fish Stocking Group is keen to assist the scientists building the knowledge base and have recently acquired a permit to conduct their own research program. The permit will allow members to net and take a sample of each fish species in any of the water holes in the nearby Leichhardt River
The MIFSG are keen to involve our local secondary school students and have approached Warren Gyles and Ian Beanland of Spinafex State College to enlist their help. We envisage starting in the first term of next year organized field trips to nearby waterholes.
The students will need to create lists of the species caught and in what abundance they catch them. Any unusual specimens will be sent to the DPI or the Queensland Museum for further identification. We hope over time the students will be able to create a field guide of all local fish species. Then in due course add pictures with explanatory notes of common local birds and plants.
Aside from the scientific values the field trips will be a very useful hands on exercise to teach environmental awareness and the need to create as little disturbance as possible. If we targeted a particular water hole and resurveyed we can build a picture of the changes that occur over time as it slowly dries up.
In another initiative to assist in the education of local youth local fishing identity Michael Novinetz has accepted his nomination to be trained as an accredited Angler Education Instructor. In April next year Michael will attend the SUNFISH instructors course on Bribie Island. Michael who has already been active in local schools teaching angler techniques will be provided with the training to broaden his scope and the necessary insurance cover to conduct independent workshops.
Mark Van Ryt
MISFG