A survey of the freshwater fish fauna of the Tarkine region, north-west Tasmania

Fifteen riverine sites (elevation range = 11-538 m a.s.l.) in the Tarkine region were surveyed using backpack electrofishing between 27 and 31 January 2015. The findings of the survey indicate that rivers and streams which do not connect with the Arthur River, Pieman River or Henty River systems contain only native fish species (i.e. are trout-free). Furthermore, there is distinct longitudinal variation in fish community composition in rivers in the region, with more diverse and abundant communities in lower reaches. No undescribed, threatened or endemic fish species were recorded during the survey.

The absence of introduced brown trout and lack of substantial barriers to fish migration in many rivers in the region has provided suitable conditions for diverse (for Tasmania) native populations to persist in rivers in the Tarkine. The natural status of the composition of fish communities in these areas should be viewed as an environmental value and this status should be preserved.