Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) staff joined the Pilbara Ranger Network’s (PRN) ranger camp at Millstream last week to share information about the introduced redclaw crayfish.
DPIRD’s Aquatic Pest Biosecurity team was invited to attend the camp, hosted on Yindjibarndi Ngurra, in response to ongoing concerns raised by ranger groups about the impact of redclaw on Yinta/Yinda (permanent waterholes) across the Pilbara.
Senior Project Officer Careena Nolan said the team was invited to discuss the distribution of redclaw, their impact, control measures, and legal fishing methods.
“The team presented survey techniques, how to measure and sex crayfish, and an overview of how ranger groups could apply for exemptions under the Fish Resources Management Act 1994 to undertake their own aquatic surveys,” Ms Nolan said.
“We put 12 traps out overnight at Millstream and caught 498 redclaw in one pool, which gives you some indication of how established they have become.”
Ms Nolan said the camp provided an opportunity for DPIRD to share practical information that could support rangers to monitor and manage redclaw on Country.
“Attending the camp allowed us to provide critical information to help rangers look after and maintain their important water places,” Ms Nolan said.
“It also gave us a greater appreciation of how many rangers are out on country across the Pilbara, and the opportunities there are to work together to manage redclaw,” she said.
Redclaw crayfish are native to northern Queensland and have become established in parts of the Pilbara. As an introduced aquatic species, redclaw can affect native aquatic ecosystems and the ecological and cultural values of important water places.
The Pilbara Ranger Network brings together ranger teams from across the region to share knowledge, resources and opportunities to collectively care for Ngurra.
“Our Aquatic Pest Biosecurity team very much appreciated the invitation and being welcomed onto Ngurra. We are looking forward to continuing to support Pilbara rangers with future projects to monitor and manage invasive aquatic species such as redclaw,” Ms Nolan said.
