Mid North Coast fishers and community members will have the opportunity to hear directly from leading fish health and water quality experts when the Community Water Quality Audit Project visits Coffs Harbour on 23 June.
The event, to be held at the Southern Cross University National Marine Science Centre, marks the first stop on a statewide tour designed to engage regional communities in discussions about the health of local waterways and fisheries.
The project is being delivered by OzFish, Australia’s fish habitat charity, in partnership with the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust, Southern Cross University, DigsFish Services and the Future Fisheries Veterinary Service.
The forum comes at a time of increasing concern about water quality across NSW, with fish kills, algal blooms and declining fish populations placing renewed focus on the health of rivers, estuaries and coastal waterways.
Attendees will hear from project leader Dr Ben Diggles, Professor Kirsten Benkendorff of Southern Cross University and Dr Matt Landos, director of Future Fisheries Veterinary Service, who will present the latest science on fish health and water quality issues affecting NSW waterways.
The session will also provide an opportunity for local fishers, community groups and residents to share their own experiences and observations, helping identify waterways across the Mid North Coast that may require restoration or further investigation.
As part of the project, people across the region are also invited to complete an online Water Quality Survey between 10 June and 24 July. The survey will help researchers identify areas affected by poor water quality and understand community interest in future restoration and citizen science projects.
“Water quality is vital for the health of our fisheries, but it is an often an overlooked factor when attempting waterway restoration. We look forward to talking with fishers, indigenous groups and other members of regional communities who know their local waterways best.” said Dr Diggles.
“The aim of the Community Water Quality Audit Project events and survey is for us to learn more about which waterways in NSW need our help and who is keen to help us do it.”
Event details
Community Water Quality Audit Project – Coffs Harbour
Date: 23 June
Time: 7pm–9pm
Venue: SCU National Marine Science Centre, 2 Bay Drive, Coffs Harbour
Registration is encouraged via the OzFish website.
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