Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Cr John Chedid said it was surprising to find this type of species in Parramatta River.
“Five fish were found in the river and it is possible more Barramundi could be present,” Cr Chedid said.
“It’s likely the fish didn’t travel here on their own accord and that someone has released them into the River."
The fish may have come from a number of sources such as being illegally released into the river or dumped as unwanted aquarium fish into the stormwater drainage system.
“We urge people not to eat any fish caught in the river and to refrain from releasing any fish,” Cr Chedid said.
“The presence of non-native fish in Parramatta River has the potential for negative environmental impacts that may disturb native fish species and the native habitat.”
The Department of Primary Industries has advised that releasing barramundi or any other species of fish into Parramatta River is illegal. Anyone wishing to do so will need to apply for a permit.
Silver Perch from the Murray Darling and an abundance of Carp were also found as part of the recent scientific survey.
100kg of Carp was removed and has now been taken to Earthpower in Camellia where they’ll be converted into energy.
In 2010, a monster goldfish, mosquito fish and 160kg of carp were also found in the river as part of a survey into the then recently installed fish ladders.
About the Scientific Survey
• The survey researches types of fish species present, as part of a broader study into the operation of the fish ladders along the Parramatta River.
• The fish ladders are passageways through Parramatta River weirs, allowing migratory fish species to move between the freshwater section of the river (upstream of Ferry Wharf) and estuarine section (downstream of Ferry Wharf).
• The scientific survey uses electrofishing from a boat to temporarily stun any fish nearby.
