Mitigating the impact of irrigation infrastructure on fish migration

A team of internationally recognised freshwater fish experts from Charles Sturt University has led the development of a new course designed to mitigate the impacts of river development on fish populations. Infrastructure developments within freshwater ecosystems continue to negatively affect migratory fish populations, particularly in parts of South East Asia. These developments can reduce access to food supplies and disrupt sources of household income.

The new course was made possible with funding from support from Australian Aid and the Australian Water Partnership, and is freely accessible online. A digital qualification is provided to participants upon successful completion.

The course covers migratory fish ecology and explains how river developments, such as dams and weirs, impact fish biodiversity and food security. It also looks at practical solutions to modernise irrigation through policy and engineering tools that can mitigate the impacts of river development on fish populations.