Fishheart Ltd.'s Innovation Prevents Fish Deaths and Promotes Aquatic Ecosystem Wellbeing in Australia

Fishheart Ltd. is participating in New South Wales state lead restoration of the Lower Darling-Baaka River system in Australia, where the company's innovative fishway solution, the Fishheart Fishway, has been deployed at the Lake Wetherell Outlet Regulator in Menindee, NSW. The Fishheart Fishway was installed between December and January and is currently in its testing phase.

In Australia, the Fishheart Fishway addresses the identified need to improve fish passage in the region’s waterways, as highlighted by a review conducted by the New South Wales Office of Chief Scientist and Engineer. The study followed extensive fish deaths in 2023 in the project area, where oxygen depletion was identified as the primary cause. One significant factor contributing to the oxygen depletion was the blockage caused by the regulator structure, which resulted in fish crowding below the dam.

The Fishheart Fishway provides an effective solution to this issue, especially due to its adaptability. It is designed to meet the requirements of the sensitive area and help prevent further fish deaths. The Fishheart Fishway is expected to serve not only as an immediate solution but also as a sustainable answer for similar challenges in other sites across the region.

As part of the testing phase, a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation program is being conducted under the leadership of Principal Research Scientist Dr. Craig Boys from the New South Wales Fisheries Research Department. Dr. Boys and his team are actively working in the area, designing the monitoring and research program and beginning initial experiments by the end of March 2025.

Fishheart Ltd.'s fishway represents a significant step forward in protecting the local ecosystem and preserving fish populations. The project is part of a broader effort that supports natural fish migration and improves the local aquatic environment. Fishheart Ltd is proud to contribute to this important initiative, which supports Australian Indigenous communities, local waterways, and the region’s ecological balance.

More information:

Matt Nimmo, Project Manager
matt@fishheart.com