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RESEARCH ARTICLE (Open Access)
Contents Vol 75(14)

Realising the benefits of modern fish-protection screening in Australia

Thomas S. Rayner https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9616-1068 A B * , Craig A. Boys https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6434-2937 A B , John Conallin https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2508-1930 B , Boyd Blackwell C D , Anthony Moore E , Marita Pearson F and Rodney Price F
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Freshwater Ecosystems Research, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Taylors Beach, NSW, Australia.

B Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Albury, NSW, Australia.

C Freshwater Environment Branch, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Armidale, NSW, Australia.

D Centre for Global Food and Resources, School of Economics and Public Policy, Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.

E Freshwater Environment Branch, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Bega, NSW, Australia.

F Freshwater Environment Branch, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Dubbo, NSW, Australia.

* Correspondence to: tom.rayner@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Handling Editor: Max Finlayson

Marine and Freshwater Research 75, MF24067 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF24067
Submitted: 28 March 2024  Accepted: 16 August 2024  Published: 20 September 2024

© 2024 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY)

Abstract

Context

Modern fish-protection screens are being implemented globally to conserve aquatic ecosystems and protect water infrastructure. Australian governments have invested ~A$40 × 106 towards incentive programs. However, evaluation remains limited.

Aims

This study aimed to review progress, summarise research, and identify future priorities for screening in Australia.

Methods

The study analysed screen installations to date, estimating their benefits for native fish and agricultural water supply.

Key results

In New South Wales, 36 pumped water diversions were screened from 2018 to 2024. These installations protect over 819,000 native fish annually and can deliver up to 2600 ML of cleaner water per day, servicing over 230 km2 of irrigated agriculture. By 2026, these figures are set to rise to 48 sites, 1.72 × 106 native fish year−1 and 5461 ML day−1 of water.

Conclusions

Although incentive programs are generating substantial public benefits, valued at least A$177 ML−1 of water passing through a modern screen, and with benefit–cost ratios averaging 4:1, installation costs remain high and national progress has been limited.

Implications

Addressing these challenges is crucial to realising the full potential benefits of screening. Action is required to identify high-priority water diversions, improve affordability, encourage industry stewardship, and pursue advancements to facilitate wider adoption.

Keywords: agriculture, aquatic ecosystems, complementary measures, conservation, fish screens, irrigation, river infrastructure, water diversion, water extraction.

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