Towards healthy and sustainable freshwater fish populations – assessing genetic health of priority fish species to inform management
About FishGen
The FishGen Program develops long-term, cost-effective genetic techniques to differentiate between wild and hatchery-bred native fish. This supports projects across the Murray–Darling Basin that evaluate the effectiveness of water management in promoting wild fish recruitment.
Why It Matters
Over 4.6 million freshwater native fish are stocked annually in the Murray–Darling Basin's waterways and impoundments. We need to determine whether fish 'recruits' are the result of water management practices or stocking of hatchery bred fish.
Genetic Identification
Using DNA fingerprinting, we can trace genetic lineages without harming the fish, requiring only a small fin-clip sample.
Population Monitoring
Genetic data helps monitor native fish population structure, genetic diversity, and movement throughout the Basin.
Research Support
Supporting water management and conservation projects across the Murray-Darling Basin.
Target Species
Program Partners
FishGen is a collaborative effort led by NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development in partnership with:
- Murray–Darling Basin Authority (Commonwealth)
- Victorian Fisheries Authority (VIC)
- Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (VIC)
- South Australian Research and Development Institute (SA)
- Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QLD)
- Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy (QLD)
- Department of Environment and Science (QLD)
- Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate (ACT)
- Flinders University (SA)
Funding
FishGen has received funding from:
- The Murray–Darling Basin Joint Venture Monitoring and Evaluation (JVM&E) Program
- Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC; Project Number: 2022-008)
Contact
For questions about the project, please contact:
Meaghan Duncan
Senior Research Scientist
Freshwater Ecosystems | Primary Industries
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development