Join us in the Search for the Perch

The Shoalhaven and Kangaroo Rivers hold a secret.

A silvery ghost that has not been recorded in the wild since 1998.

The species has no formal name but is commonly known as the Kangaroo River Perch. It has been shown to be genetically separate to the Macquarie Perch from the Murray Darling Basin, but with so few records it has not been formally described. 

We are embarking on a quest to find out if the Kangaroo River Perch is still surviving -  and modern science has paved the way. Tiny fragments of evidence are left in the water - Environmental DNA leaves traces where previous sampling efforts have been too coarse to detect. 

Our mission is to launch a coordinated and highly technical sampling effort to the upper reaches of the Kangaroo and Shoalhaven reaches to 'search for the perch'. If our campaign is succesful, we will mobilise the latest technology to seek out whether this elusive species is still in existence.

If not  - it will be one of Australia’s first freshwater fish extinctions. 

If we find it – what will we do? 

Knowing this species exists is crucial to affording it the best protections on offer. Any new information will help the species to be listed as a threatened species, protecting it under state and national law. Project partners will take the lead on ensuring that the natural habitat is preserved and protected so that this incredibly important part of the heritage of the Kangaroo and Shoalhaven Rivers can continue to grace the fresh waters within our vast sandstone gullies for generations to come.

And if we do find adequate numbers we can look into the possibility of establishing a captive breeding population that can be used to re-establish the species in areas like near Hampden Bridge in Kangaroo Valley where it was once encountered frequently by anglers. We want the angling community to come on board to help us to revive this species in areas where it was once a prized angling opportunity. 

How else can i be involved?

OzFish Unlimited works with recreational fishers all over Australia to improve fish habitat for better fishing.

Joining this campaign is just one way you can help, but if you’d like to be more actively involved in the Search for the Perch or habitat restoration more broadly- become a member of OzFish Unlimited at ozfish.org.au and we will help support you to actively participate and make a difference. Sign on, add a note to your membership and we’ll be in touch with more information.

All funds will go towards surveys and research for the Kangaroo River Perch. 

Expert field technicians trained in field-sampling including the use of eDNA technologies will be contracted to conduct a targeted search in selected tributaries the Shoalhaven and Kangaroo Rivers.

Funding will go towards consumables like eDNA filters, hire of gear and the costs of actually getting the scientists into these remote locations where the Perch may be hiding. 

The project will be overseen by the project partners- OzFish Unlimited, DPI Fisheries and Local Land Services.