Dr Ivor Stuart and Merv Hughes at the Torrumbarry fishway on the River Murray with Goulburn Murray Water staff
New research into golden perch movement in the southern Murray–Darling Basin has found they travel hundreds of kilometres.
From 2023 to 2025, scientists tracked golden perch caught at Euston Weir on the River Murray. The fish travelled more than 800 kilometres through rivers and waterways, often with the benefit of water for the environment.
The study looked at how river flow and environmental water delivery influences fish movement. Golden perch can travel long distances to find food, breed and survive.
The CEWH and NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (NSW DCCEEW) funded the project. Scientists from Charles Sturt University carried out the research. The Arthur Rylah Institute provided valuable support.
The CEWH often engages with Murray–Darling Basin communities about supporting native fish health through environmental flows.
To further promote this work, CEWH staff have worked with the Merv Hughes Fishing Show.
Charles Sturt University Fish Biologist Dr Ivor Stuart took Merv on a learning journey with NSW DCCEEW and CEWH staff.
Merv was interested to gain insights into native fish migration in the Mid Murray catchment of the Basin.
Part of the project saw the production of a video with Merv Hughes and Dr Ivor Stuart. Dr Stuart explains why environmental flows are important for fish movement in the Murray.
The video includes an impressive animation that shows the distances golden perch travel.
