
ABC News has reported the Menindee Weir along the Darling River has opened for the first time in a decade.
“Fish and river experts say the recent opening of the main weir at Menindee will benefit native fish populations that instinctively migrate up and downstream,” reports the ABC.
“In anticipation of further flooding in the river, outflows from the weir, south-east of Broken Hill, have been increased by Water NSW over the past few weeks to lower the capacity of the Menindee Lakes system.
Menindee resident and regional engagement officer for the Murray-Darling Basin Authority Richard Unsworth told the ABC that opening the gates fully also creates an environmental side benefit.
“Based on research that was done previously, even if the gates were in the water by 100 millimetres, that creates a real issue for fish being able to travel either north or south past the main weir,” Unsworth said.
With this barrier now removed, fish seeking to migrate north during the warmer months can travel unimpeded to either side of the basin for the first time in a decade.
Many species of fish, including those living in the Darling River, seek to migrate to different habitats during feeding and breeding season.
Full story here https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-12-05/menindee-weir-opens-allowing-unimpeded-migration-for-native-fish/101732232