Listed as Critically Endangered at both state (NSW) and national levels, and featured on the Commonwealth’s list of 110 Priority Threatened Species, the Stocky galaxias (Galaxias tantangara) is among Australia’s most imperilled freshwater fish. The 2019–2020 Black Summer bushfires intensified the species' plight, burning 56% of its known habitat and pushing it perilously close to joining our mounting stack of extinct species.
Through underpinning action with strong collaboration, strategic planning, scientific assessment, technical and financial support, and targeted community engagement, the past 5 years’ recovery efforts are now stacking the odds in Stocky galaxias’ favour.
Recovery initiatives have included: 1) The establishment of a successful captive-breeding program at Charles Sturt University’s custom-built hatchery facility; 2) Creating a new refuge at Eucumbene Borrows, an abandoned Snowy Hydro site, and adapting on-ground works to improve drought and trout-resilience; 3) Population assessments at the two existing sites to guide sustainable harvest and translocation strategies; 4) Conservation stocking and monitoring; 5) Threat assessments of horse and trout impacts at key sites and the construction of a horse-proof fence around Tantangara Creek; 6) Catchment surveys to identify geographically distinct, fish-free streams with suitable habitat above waterfalls to serve as potential refuges; 7) Investigations into thermal tolerance; 8) A multifaceted outreach program covering fisher engagement, field days, workshops, citizen science waterbug surveys, a school pilot program and cultural-ecological knowledge exchange with local First Nations Peoples; and 9) The development of emergency response plans incorporating fire management and rescue strategies.
Despite considerable logistical and ecological challenges, this integrated effort is not only steadily stacking the odds towards trajectory improvements for Stocky galaxias, but also offers a blueprint for supporting the recovery of other small-range, aquatic endemics facing complex environmental threats.