The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is putting the call out to citizen scientists to help protect their local waterways.   

North Central Waterwatch has partnered with the Native Fish Recovery Plan to create NatureBlitz Week from November 7 to 11.     

The Native Fish Recovery Plan NFRP is a long-term project aimed at increasing native fish populations and ecological health by improving habitat, riparian vegetation and flows, in more than 200 kilometres of streams and wetlands in the Gunbower and lower Loddon area.   

“We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help monitor the response of native fish, waterbugs and water quality in the Box-Pyramid and Gunbower creeks and the lower Loddon and Little Murray rivers in response to the plan,” North Central CMA’s Cass Davis said.   

“We will train you up and give you all the tools you need to make a difference to the quality of local creeks and rivers and what lives in them.   

“Being a citizen scientist isn’t just a great opportunity to contribute to the community and the environment. It’s also a great chance to get out in nature and discover what else lives where you do."  

Ms Davis said as well as waterbug monitoring ad water-quality testing, the North Central CMA is looking for keen locals to create their own angler diaries.   

“Angler diaries are a cost-effective way to collect data and monitor fish activity,” she said.   

“General angler diaries can be used at any time, just download the NatureBlitz app and start recording your catch, or you can participate in the Research Angler Diaries during December.”   

The training will be held during the week at Cohuna and Kerang. To find out more, go to www.nccma.vic.gov.au or call 03 5440 1873 or 03 5440 1863.   

NatureBlitz Week is funded by the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551

t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au