The presence of native fish is a good indicator of healthy waterways. There’s a strong interconnection between a site’s water quality and biological integrity with the variety of fish species.
Fish found in Victorian waterways can include the larger Murray and Trout cod, the smaller Southern pygmy perch, and everything in between, including eels.
Over time, humans have changed rivers in many ways. This includes by dredging, installing weirs and large dams, and removal of local vegetation. This can be to provide water for towns, industries, mitigate floods, and for food and fibre production.
These changes have had significant impacts on native fish populations. Fish numbers across the Murray-Darling Basin are estimated to be less than 10% of those existing prior to colonisation. Twenty-nine freshwater species are now listed as threatened in Victoria.
To combat these changes to the natural waterways, teams across the state work to assist fish in their migratory, feeding and breeding travels.
One such project is called a fishway. These are man-made constructions that allow fish to move safely past dams and weirs. There are several types of fishways that allow fish safe passage.
They can be river diversions—constructed out of rocks and boulders, or larger constructions. They are particularly important for protected species that may already face danger from climate change and over-fishing. Three important fishways recently built in Victoria are:
Fish hotels are another project that mitigate impacts on fish populations. They are in-water structures made from wood and trees that improve river health and provide safe breeding grounds.
Fishway projects improve habitat connectivity for fish and can also strengthen recreational fishing opportunities and engage people with the health of the waterways. They can be installed within many different types of waterways.
Melbourne Water completed the Darebin Creek fish ladder in December 2022. Fish can now freely and safely migrate from saltwater to freshwater environments along the Creek. It features a rock ramp fishway.
Shenandoah Bruce is a Program Manager with the North Central Catchment Management Authority (NCMA). Here he discusses how his work and study led him to managing the fishway infrastructure program, which aims to assist fish in their journeys throughout Victorian waterways and beyond.
Below you can find a variety of resources to further research and understand fish revival projects.
Improving the health of Victoria's waterways and catchments – projects we have undertaken.
Fishways and fish movement – the science behind design and monitoring by the Arthur Rylah Institute.
Native Fish Report Card Program – the Arthur Rylah Institute provides a snapshot of the state of native fish in Victoria.
Victoria's Threatened List and Processes List – fish revival projects can help bring these species back from the brink.
Did you know fish climb ladders? – the Murray-Darling Basin Authority explain how fish use ladders to move up and down streams.
Fish on the move at Koondrook Fishway – the story of how North Central Catchment Management Authority built this important fishway.
Fishways of the River Murray (Murray-Darling Basin Authority).
Improving fish passage in Dandenong Creek (Healthy Waterways).
Seasonal fish migration – when fish move through the Murray-Darling Basin.
Discover more stories about fish passage and fish movement and migration at Finterest.
Fish Habitat Network – working together to protect film habitats
Fish hotels, a place to put your fins up – Corangamite Catchment Management Authority use locally sourced eucalyptus to build habitat.
Cracking the Code, the Story of Macquarie Perch – Victorian Fisheries Authority are committed to the recovery of this fish (known as 'maccas').
Fisheries mangroves habitat restoration – Melbourne Water has worked to restore habitats with 10,000 mangrove seeds.
Gippsland Bass, King of the River – West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority are bringing this species back.
Livestream: Platycam – Glenelg Hopkins runs this platypus camera. Will you spot one?
Maribyrnong River Native Fish Revival Project – Melbourne Water have installed 32 fish hotels in this major river.
New fishway passages at McQuades Bend and Frost Crossing – discover how North Central Catchment Management Authority are protecting fish after flooding.
New generations of electrofishing teams – how a team of scientists at Arthur Rylah Institute are saving fish.
Pillars Road Fishway construction – watch this time-lapse of a fishway construction by Melbourne Water.
Saving the critically endangered river blackfish – bringing this species back after bushfire.
Tea Garden Fishway – North East Catchment Management Authority and Goulburn-Murray Water collaborated on this project.
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Page last updated: 17/09/25