Pushing harder to save the bloomfield river cod Australia’s only endemic freshwater fish species, the Bloomfield River cod, is teetering on the edge of extinction. Scientists initially identified the tropical freshwater cod, formally known as Guyu wujalwujalensis, three decades ago. Mark Kennard was the first to describe this species, working with the Kuku Yalanji people’s language. It lives in a tiny 11-kilometre long section of the Bloomfield River catchment, on the far north coast of Queensland, 330 kilometres north of Cairns.
Our Bloomfield t.REEL cod – a very special catch! Not only is it notable for its rarity, but it earns the accolade of being the world’s only tropical freshwater cod. Fortunately, its nearest relative lives thousands of kilometres away in the Murray-Darling Basin. Scientists believe it’s the oldest living species, having been around for at least 25 million years. It started when Australia first broke away from Antarctica.
Research Findings on the Cod’s Population
These recent intensive field studies have dramatically advanced our understanding of the state of the Bloomfield River cod. With the first two field trips, researchers collected 108 specimens, providing hard evidence that the species had made it through some serious environmental shake-ups. The overall population was assessed by sampling at 15 locations upstream of Wujal Wujal Falls, where the cod has its main population.
The result was a surprising find in the research. It was this specific creature that researchers caught, a 13-centimeter-long (5.1 inches) fish, likely about 15 years old. This further emphasizes what a resilient species we’re dealing with in the face of so many environmental shocks. The high counts of nonnative fishes at localities like that are alarming for several reasons. They can outcompete native species and change the surrounding habitat.
“We do know how rare and threatened it is,” – Mark Kennard
Climate change impacts, modified river hydrology and presence of invasive species further increase the vulnerability of the endemic Bloomfield River cod. Now, experts are raising alarm that these all may further threaten this already highly imperiled unusual fish. More seriously, they jeopardize the biodiversity and future of Australian freshwater ecosystems.
Importance of Conservation Efforts
The urgency for conservation is underscored by alarming statistics: approximately 37 per cent of all Australian freshwater fish are currently threatened with extinction. Freshwater fish specialist Nick Whiterod drove home the critical need for conservation of restricted-range species. He stressed that the Bloomfield River cod is key to keeping its ecosystem in harmony.
“Species in Australia, freshwater fish, particularly those that are range restricted, are really important,” – Nick Whiterod
Whiterod noted that these fishes are extremely specialized to the habitats they occupy and play critical roles in their ecosystems. As ecological balance is achieved through the presence of both predators and prey, their contributions to this balance affect populations of smaller fish, as well as other aquatic organisms.
To protect the Bloomfield River cod, scientists are calling for the cod to be listed as vulnerable under federal conservation law. This special designation would not only draw more attention to the species’ struggle for survival, but focus resources to keep them protected where they exist.
Educational Initiatives for Future Generations
In addition to calling for legal protections, researchers aim to educate local communities, especially children, about the importance of preserving the Bloomfield River cod and its habitat. Bobby Kulka, a local advocate for conservation, expressed hope that such educational initiatives would foster a sense of stewardship among younger generations.
“Educating the kids about the Bloomfield cod and how important it is that we protect them,” – Bobby Kulka
This popular educational effort is an incredible foundation for future on-the-ground conservation education assets and measures. It benefits by making sure that future generations understand and appreciate biodiversity’s essential value and are empowered to help protect it.
