Native fish found in local creek
A public workshop held at Umina Library recently has found native fish and good quality water in a local creek, according to Gosford Council's bushcare officer Ms Kate Consterdine.
"On a sunny but cold and windy day, Bushcare hosted a workshop at Umina to study local native fish," Ms Consterdine said.
"Hosted by Effie Howe of Scienza Viva, participants began the day with a theory session opening our eyes to the many species of freshwater fish we might expect to find in local creeks, their habitat needs and threats they are facing.
"The widespread, exotic predator gambusia holbrooki was examined before we went out in the field to sample three sites on Ettymalong Creek.
"Water quality testing was carried out and overall the quality was surprisingly good for such a built-up area.
"Nitrates, phosphates and carbonates were well within the acceptable range.
"Even fish don't like the cold so we were surprised when sampling resulted in a variety of native species such as young native mullet, freshwater shrimp, largemouth goby, flat-headed gudgeons and, above the weir, the unwelcome gambusia."
Newsletter, 1 Sep 2009
Kate Consterdine, Gosford Council