Invasive Fish Threatens Endangered Turtles in Queensland Floods

Record floods in 2022 have led to the proliferation of Mozambique tilapia, an invasive fish species, throughout the Mary River catchment in south-east Queensland. This situation poses a significant threat to several endangered aquatic species, including the Mary River turtle and the Australian lungfish, which are already struggling due to habitat degradation from human activities and agriculture. The Burnett Mary Regional Group conducted an extensive survey to assess the impact of these floods on local wildlife, revealing that the numbers of endangered species have not improved despite decades of conservation efforts. The tilapia's ability to thrive in disturbed environments and their competition for resources exacerbate the challenges faced by native species. The community, alongside scientists and conservation groups, is now focused on habitat restoration to support the recovery of these threatened species. This includes initiatives like planting aquatic vegetation and adding structures to provide shelter for young turtles, marking the beginning of a long-term resilience strategy for the river ecosystem.