The Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board say they’re thrilled to see great results from their Murray Crayfish project, which aims to re-establish them in local waters.
After more than 40 years without Murray Crayfish in the state, the initiative to re-establish them has been thriving, with more than 80 percent surviving in a strong sign of a booming population.
More than 400 crayfish have been released to a secret location over the past 18 months.
Of the 12 Murray crayfish re-captured as part of the research, 3 were mature female crays loaded with eggs.
Wetlands Team Leader Darren Willis says while it’s early in the initiative, the signs are very promising.
“It’s incredibly exciting to know that our released crayfish are going so well,” Willis said.
“This is the first recorded capture of a Murray crayfish in South Australia in half a century, and a very important step closer in reversing their status as extinct in the wild in South Australia.”
“This information further strengthens our ability to plan and evaluate the reintroduction program, which will continue over the next few years and increasing our chances of re-establishing a sustainable population,” he added.
