Modern fish-protection screens are automated, self-cleaning technologies that keep fish and debris in natural waterways and out of irrigation infrastructure. Screens are increasingly regarded as an important complementary measure in the suite of activities available to help restore native freshwater fish populations in Australia.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development – Fisheries (DPIRD-F) leads implementation of screening in Australia, rolling out several programs in recent years to reduce the impacts of water extraction on native fish in various parts of the Murray-Darling Basin. The two largest of these programs, the $20m Northern Basin Toolkit Fish-Friendly Water Extraction and $13.5m Macquarie Diversion Screening projects, are now complete, successfully demonstrating the application of screening technology to protect fish across a range of Australian conditions. The sites established under these programs are estimated to collectively protect well over 1 million native fish per annum across several catchments, with screens expected to continue to provide benefits for decades.
This presentation will provide an overview of these projects and the expected outcomes for native fish populations, to date and projected over the long-term. We will also discuss important learnings and experiences regarding the practical implementation of screens at varying locations, including on water user engagement, site assessment, prioritisation and selection, screen design, planning, on-ground installation and post-installation follow-up.