A Back Valley refuge for southern pygmy perch

In a quiet valley on the Fleurieu Peninsula, a threatened native fish species survives thanks to the dedication of local landholders working tirelessly to protect its fragile habitat.

They include Heidi Martin and Stuart Howes, who have lived on their 150 acre Back Valley property for over 28 years.

The couple signed up for the Saving the Southern Pygmy Perch project after spotting a project flyer and attending an information session, where they met Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu’s freshwater ecologist, Tara Daniell.

“Learning that we could host the endangered species of pygmy perch in our own backyard was a surprise!” said Heidi.

“We were visited by a team of workers over a couple of days to survey the native fish. The netting and classification of native species began in our creek together with locating the hot spots of our inhabitants.”

The Saving the Southern Pygmy Perch project aims to improve water quality and restore critical habitat for the native fish species in Back Valley Creek. This is being actioned through:

• fencing the watercourse to exclude stock
• providing alternative water sources for stock
• revegetating aquatic and riparian plants

Additionally, surveys were undertaken to determine the distribution of southern pygmy perch within the creek. These surveys provide a baseline to track changes over time following the restoration works.

Alongside watercourse fencing and installing stock troughs, Heidi and Stuart have also undertaken significant weed control on their property, including the eradication of gorse, sweet briar, boneseed and wild olive, as well as revegetation efforts.

The result is a creek line that is now lush, green and undisturbed - perfect habitat for the threatened southern pygmy perch.

“Any species that are endangered need to be sheltered from factors that damage their existence,” said Stuart.

“I recommend taking advantage of funding when available to enhance the environment - it’s a win for all involved.

“It is vital to look after the environment and the ecosystems for future generations.”

The Saving the Southern Pygmy Perch Project is a Landscape Levy funded project, delivered by Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu in partnership with Nature Glenelg Trust and Back Valley landholders.

Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu has a strong focus on protecting threatened fish species through programs like the Southern Pygmy Perch Project and the Back from the Brink Project, which focuses on the Yarra pygmy perch species. The Back from the Brink project is funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust, and delivered by the Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.