Fish given a helping hand

Concrete road culverts (which number in millions throughout Australia) are round or square pipes, and are used when a road passes over a small stream or creek. These smooth concrete structures are an engineering requirement so the stream flows as quickly as possible from one side of the road to other. However they create a problem for animals that need to pass up and down a stream to reproduce and complete their life cycle. Local designs ensure native fish (Galaxias species), platypus and Tassie's freshwater lobster (the largest invertebrate in the world) can pass through the fast-flowing culverts, to support the survival of their populations. The Hobart City Council, together with the Friends of Sandy Bay Rivulet community group and freshwater scientist Professor Peter Davies have established a 'fish ladder' to ensure the safe passage of our tiny native Galaxias fish through the culverts encountered along Sandy Bay Rivulet. The 'ladder' sits downstream of a culvert and enables fish to enter the culvert in low flow conditions.