Environmental crisis looms as Murray cod virtually disappear from NSW Lower Darling

NSW Fisheries survey from May reveals attempts at repopulating river after 2018-19 drought appear to have failed

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Murray cod - a native fish classified as a vulnerable species - have virtually disappeared from the New South Wales' Lower Darling, pointing to an environmental crisis following 2019 and 2023 fish kills in that part of the river.

A survey by NSW Fisheries undertaken in May has revealed the scale of the impact on fish populations, showing attempts at repopulating the river after the 2018-19 drought appear to have failed.

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