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the upside of the dry down at Thegoa Lagoon, Wentworth

Media release: 17 November 2014

A carp-free future – that’s the long term aim behind plans to allow Thegoa Lagoon at Wentworth to dry out over summer.

Already this year, five tonnes of mature carp have been removed from the lagoon and a drying phase will address the remaining carp population.

The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) is managing the drying and flooding process with plans to direct environmental water into the site in late autumn next year.

Senior Environmental Water Manager Paul Childs said drying phases were important for ephemeral wetlands like Thegoa Lagoon.

“They allow sediments to stabilise and the aquatic seedbank to reset,” Mr Childs said.

“Ultimately, they improve water quality and habitat for native fish and a range of other native animals such as birds and frogs.

“We are taking advantage of this natural process to improve the health of the lagoon.

“The OEH funded removal of carp earlier in the year and a carp screen has been installed to prevent movement of further carp from the river into the lagoon.

“The drying phase will take care of any remaining individuals,” he said.

Thegoa Lagoon is important socially and culturally to the people of Wentworth and surrounds.

“This work will enhance the health of Thegoa Lagoon and open up opportunities for other agencies keen to contribute to the future of this valuable community asset,” Mr Childs said.

The Murray Lower Darling Environmental Watering Advisory Group has provided advice to the NSW OEH throughout the process and endorsed the delay of environmental watering until next year.

Contact: Jacki Roberts

Page last updated: 17 November 2014