Observations on the Fish Fauna below Tallowa Dam (Shoalhaven River, New South Wales) during River Flow Stoppages

Abstract

Some observations on the consequences of construction work at Tallowa Dam (Shoalhaven River, New South Wales) on the fish fauna below the dam are described. In total 17 species of freshwater fish were collected on four occasions between 29 November and 22 December 1976 when water flow was terminated for short periods below the dam wall. Large numbers of individuals belonging to several fish species died on each occasion, including 312 Australian grayling, Prototroctes maraena (an 'endangered' species), on 29 November. It is suggested that water resources authorities should give careful consideration to the ecological effects of constructing and maintaining impound- ments on downstream fish communities.