A new best practice: Tom Rayner’s Vision for Fish Screening in New South Wales

Tom Rayner’s talk at the 2024 Australia Fish Biology Society Conference shed crucial light on the strategic approaches necessary for scaling up fish screening initiatives across New South Wales.

Emphasising the importance of looking forward strategically, Tom described the journey from initial research to large-scale implementation and the vital lessons learned along the way.

Identifying the Need

Tom highlighted that, while micro-level research and detailed hydrodynamic studies at fish-screen interfaces are vital, there must also be a broader strategic vision. He illustrated how a forward-looking approach paved the way for significant government funding:

“During the post-COVID lockdown period, we anticipated that communities would need support from government to recover. A two-page proposal prepared in advance, eventually turned into a substantial funding opportunity, thanks to strategic foresight.”

This resulted in the large-scale implementation projects now underway across the State, aiming to drastically reduce fish mortality at water diversion points.

Tackling Big Challenges Head-On

Tom provided examples of large-scale pumping sites where screening is critical.

He described one site pumping up to ~340 Olympic swimming pools’ worth of water per day. The existing, outdated infrastructure frequently suffered blockages from debris, requiring costly and repeated maintenance, which amounted to ~$600,000 annually.

“Essentially, these old pumps are underwater woodchippers. They’re not only harming fish but also costing farmers huge sums in maintenance every year.”

By prioritising such large, problematic sites, fish-screening initiatives could deliver substantial ecological and economic benefits.

Small Sites, Significant Impacts

Tom also stressed the importance of addressing smaller diversions.

These smaller sites might pump less water but can significantly impact local ecosystems and farmers’ economic viability. Tom provided an example where a $10,000 investment in screening allowed a farmer to triple his seasonal hay production, yielding an estimated increase of $100,000 in annual revenue.

“Screening small diversions can provide immediate economic benefits for water users, quickly paying for itself and proving the practical value of fish screening.”

Historical Context and Modernisation

Tom discussed the historical context for screening.

Around Mildura, irrigation systems were initiated in the late 1800s. Despite modernisation, ongoing fish mortality incidents remain significant concerns today. Addressing these challenges requires both acknowledging historical practices and implementing modern, effective screening solutions.

Tom emphasised the need for a comprehensive strategy, highlighting four pillars: action, affordability, acceptance, and advancements. These elements form the foundation of a strategic approach that could systematically prioritise and address screening needs across various catchments.

It could tackle complex issues such as:

• Identification of sites with high benefits relative to cost.
• Engagement with stakeholders across varied regions, including inland and coastal catchments.
• Feasibility studies to ensure economic and practical implementation are possible.

Prioritisation and Pragmatism

One of the critical challenges Tom addressed was the sheer number of water diversions – approximately 10,000 across NSW alone. Effectively prioritising these locations for action requires a careful blend of scientific rigour and pragmatic decision-making.

“It’s not just about assigning arbitrary scores to sites; but genuinely understanding where we’ll achieve the most significant ecological benefit. It involves a delicate balance between science and practicality.”

Implementing Large-Scale Change

The Macquarie River provides a successful case study of large-scale implementation.

There, the screening program has focused on the largest diversions. The screens that have been installed are projected to protect ~350 million native fish over the next 50 years.

This approach demonstrates the massive cumulative benefits achievable through strategic prioritisation and implementation.

“By targeting large diversions first, we’re able to deliver significant ecological outcomes and set a benchmark for screening programs elsewhere.”

Engagement and Collaboration

Tom underscored the importance of engaging local water user associations and stakeholders to ensure success.

Different regions require tailored communication and implementation strategies. In some coastal catchments areas, for example, a single diversion can represent 80% of total water extraction. In those cases, targeted engagement and collaboration are crucial.

“Getting the communications and engagement right is vital. One diversion might impact 80% of fish in an area, so we need those stakeholders on board from day one.”

Looking Ahead

A strategic approach, as envisioned by Tom, can provide a roadmap for sustainable water management and fish conservation in Australia.

By balancing strategic foresight, rigorous science, pragmatic decision-making, and effective stakeholder engagement, NSW is well-positioned to continue leading the implementation of this new best practice for water access.

Tom’s presentation set a clear example of how vision, action, and collaboration can deliver lasting ecological and economic benefits, ensuring thriving native fish populations for generations to come.