This project is protecting and improving priority stream habitat for the highly valued and vulnerable Giant Freshwater Crayfish. Working with landholders to establish conservation agreements and undertake riparian protection and rehabilitation works, the project is increasing the area of the species’ range that is protected from further habitat loss and degradation.
As of July 1 2022, Funding Agreements are now in place with 23 landholders. If these projects are all completed, 47.7 km of riverbank will be protected and/or improved. Of these agreements, three are conservation covenants protecting 98 ha of remnant vegetation. With a further six completed Funding Agreements with works implemented along 7.4 km of riverbank. Activities to address the main threats to the species include:
- preventing stock access to reduce bank erosion causing sedimentation.
- improving riparian vegetation coverage to provide bank stabilisation and stream shading, reducing in-stream water temperatures.
- improving land management practices that impact water quality.
- facilitating long-term conservation of private.
- increasing awareness and surveillance to prevent illegal fishing.
- This suite of actions will improve juvenile crayfish survivorship, and conserve key populations across the region.
Project partners are Tasmanian Land Conservancy and Todd Walsh (Kannunah Pty Ltd).
Resources
Caring for our Crayfish Poster: PDF Poster
Caring for our Crayfish Postcard: PDF Postcard
Giant Freshwater Crayfish Newsletter:
Giant Freshwater Crayfish Video:
This project is delivered by Cradle Coast Authority, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania’s Private Land Conservation Program
