Did you know?
In the last 10 years the introduction of transgenic cotton and IPM has resulted in a 80% reduction in pesticide use which has had a positive effect on biodiversity in and around cotton.
Cotton production is one of Australia's most important agricultural industries. It supports several regional economies, including those in the northâ€west region of NSW. A great deal has been said about the potential impact that this intensive industry may have on the surrounding environment and as such, land managers in the region are working to ensure that biodiversity in agricultural areas is maintained as part of a profitable production system. Sustainable land management includes best management practices, which aim to reduce the impact cotton production can have on the environment. Landholders are now looking for further guidance and assistance to better manage their natural systems and the animals that live within them.
The aquatic and riparian environments go 'hand in hand' with cotton production.The plants and animals that these systems support can provide a good indication of the health of that system. This is particularly true for fish populations. Native fish are very sensitive to environmental change, and the distribution and abundance of native fish species can reflect the condition of the surrounding land. The cotton industry is now working closely with natural resource managers to develop and implement 'fish friendly' practices that improve the health of rivers and waterways. It is now more widely accepted that protecting and improving the condition of riparian lands, rivers, creeks and wetlands, is a key component of sustainable land management.
To highlight the importance of maintaining and enhancing riparian and aquatic biodiversity on cotton farms, a field guide entitled Fishes on Cotton Farms has been produced for the northâ€west NSW region. The guide outlines management practices that cotton growers can employ to maintain and improve local native fish populations, as well as provide descriptions of appearance, behaviour, habitat and preferred diet for local fish species.
It is hoped that the Fishes on Cotton Farms guide will be an important resource for land managers in northâ€west NSW, informing, encouraging and motivating them to conserve the habitat that adjoins rivers, creeks, wetlands and swamps on their properties. The production, distribution and promotion of the guide offers a great opportunity to help landholders, anglers and community groups become involved in onâ€ground works that will help the aquatic environment, taking advantage of assistance and funding from government organisations where possible.
