Namoi: Oral History of Jason Simpson
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/6272' target='_blank'>Floods</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/8796' target='_blank'>Siltation</a>
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh2003004809' target='_blank'>Riparian restoration</a>
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85048655' target='_blank'>Fish stocking</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/10464' target='_blank'>Camping</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/832' target='_blank'>Irrigation</a>
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh96006425' target='_blank'>Introduced fishes</a>
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh93005906' target='_blank'>Lure fishing</a>
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85011046' target='_blank'>Bait fishing</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/665' target='_blank'>Family life</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/2477' target='_blank'>Weeds</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/9962' target='_blank'>Billabongs</a>
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85048621' target='_blank'>Fishes--Breeding</a>
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85136273' target='_blank'>Tournament fishing</a>
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85048775' target='_blank'>Fishes--Identification</a>
Jason Simpson is a recreational fisher living in the northern New South Wales town of Narrabri through which the Namoi River flows. Born in 1976, he has lived in this country town since the age of four and has been fishing since his youth, becoming more dedicated as an adult.
In the interview, Jason covers the changes in the river including silting, the declining frequency of floods, his work in land care and regeneration with the Catchment Management Authority (CMA), the fishing techniques he employs, occurrences of illegal fishing and the continually changing laws, issues with Carp, and the interesting prevalence of Cod over Yellowbelly. He also discusses: the impact of irrigation on water levels, fish migration and breeding; translocating Catfish into dams and the hardiness of the species; a 'red carp' and 'mirror carp' species, the latter with large scales.
Heather Goodall
Jodi Frawley
University of Technology, Sydney
2010-09-07
Murray-Darling Basin Authority
NSW Department of Primary Industries - NSW Fisheries
Copyright University of Technology, Sydney
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English
Katarapko: Oral History of Barry Porter
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85145985' target='_blank'>Weirs</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/4994' target='_blank'>Salinity</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/665' target='_blank'>Family life</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/5067' target='_blank'>Diet</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/6272' target='_blank'>Floods</a>
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85048775' target='_blank'>Fishes--Identification</a>
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh2001008905' target='_blank'>Fishes--Speciation</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/2477' target='_blank'>Weeds</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/3312' target='_blank'>Environmental flows</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/5257' target='_blank'>Wetlands</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/9862' target='_blank'>Native animals</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/6986' target='_blank'>Water levels</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/5150' target='_blank'>Physical characteristics (Animals)</a>
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh93005906' target='_blank'>Lure fishing</a>
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85074038.html' target='_blank'>Water temperature</a>
An interview in four parts with Barry Porter.
Born in 1949, Barry lives in Berri, in the Riverland area. Having worked on a pile driving barge and worked most his life on the river, Barry has extensive knowledge of locks and weirs from the Murray mouth to Euston (Lock 15). He currently monitors and models salinity in the Murray and Riverland area and also grows capers and caperberries.
Barry talks about: fishing in the 1950s as a cheap addition to the family diet; changes in fishing methods and equipment, including the exclusive use of lures; boat designs; professional fishing reaches/areas; yabbying – a ‘historic institution’ post flood event; changes observed in fish species, weeds, river flow, temperature, salinity; salt interception schemes; bathometric data; work with the palaeobotany group at Flinders University tracking floods by tree lines; water retention in wetlands; evaporation and disposal basins; wildlife observed over the years (kangaroo, echidna, bat, owl, possum, snake, birds, water rat), including Emu that swim; records of fish caught between 2002 and 2006. Mention of floods in 1956, 1974, 1975, 1981, 1990s. Other fish species mentioned: garfish (at Coffin Bay).
Heather Goodall
Jodi Frawley
University of Technology, Sydney
2010-10-28
Murray-Darling Basin Authority
NSW Department of Primary Industries - NSW Fisheries
Copyright University of Technology, Sydney
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English
Katarapko: Oral History of Tracy Bye
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85048775' target='_blank'>Fishes--Identification</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/665' target='_blank'>Family life</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/10464' target='_blank'>Camping</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/1480' target='_blank'>Swimming</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/2477' target='_blank'>Weeds</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/2650' target='_blank'>Fishing boats</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/1463' target='_blank'>Water sports</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/3312' target='_blank'>Environmental flows</a>
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh96006425' target='_blank'>Introduced fishes</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/6272' target='_blank'>Floods</a>
An interview in four parts with Tracy Bye.
Born in 1964, Tracy is Manager of the Loxton Information Bureau. She moved to Loxton when she was about 11, and spent a lot of time at Katarapko Creek. Tracy saw her interview as a way to honour her father Colin Shultz, his love of the river, and the way the river became integral to their life once they moved to Loxton. Tracy’s interview is short but rich in terms of showing how recreational fishing, family life and place making environments are intertwined.
Tracy talks about: camping, fishing, swimming, and skiing on the river; recreational fishing methods from boat and river bank; yabbying methods; changes in water quality (visibility and colour); changes in water vegetation (weeds and reeds); worm farming; observations of change sin water flow and current; snags and debris in the river; an occasion when carp became stuck in wetlands after a high water event; the differences between the river at Albury and Katarapko Creek; floods 1970s.
Heather Goodall
Jodi Frawley
University of Technology, Sydney
2010-10-29
Murray-Darling Basin Authority
NSW Department of Primary Industries - NSW Fisheries
Copyright University of Technology, Sydney
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English
Coorong and Lower Lakes: Oral History of Terry Sim and John Yelland
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/4120' target='_blank'>Local history</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/255' target='_blank'>Aboriginal culture</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/255' target='_blank'>Aboriginal peoples</a>
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85045034' target='_blank'>Estuarine ecology</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/4994' target='_blank'>Salinity</a>
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85048775' target='_blank'>Fishes--Identification</a>
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh2003006652' target='_blank'>Traditional ecological knowledge</a>
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85102861' target='_blank'>Plants--Identification</a>
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh2007102025' target='_blank'>Birds--Identification</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/127' target='_blank'>Agricultural land</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/6272' target='_blank'>Floods</a>
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh87001020' target='_blank'>Acid sulfate soils</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/2477' target='_blank'>Weeds</a>
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh96006425' target='_blank'>Introduced fishes</a>
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85090273' target='_blank'>Naturalists</a>
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85048874' target='_blank'>Fish surveys</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/2645' target='_blank'>Boats</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/5718' target='_blank'>Threatened species</a>
An interview in five parts with Terry Sim and John Yelland. Both men were born in 1952 and lifelong friends, recreational fisherman, and landholders in Milang. They discuss in great detail history reaching back to the 19th century. Terry started the fish section of the South Australian Museum in 1974.
Terry and John collectively discuss: pre-barrage days, when a blue line was visible, separating fresh from salt water in Lake Alexandrina (which is now freshwater); changes in fishing methods and equipment; a time when the Mulloway fish species were captured for their gelatine; history of flows and currents in the Coorong from the southern end, as a result of drainage schemes; salinity from agricultural soils and runoff; hypersalinity of the Coorong; traditional knowledge and legends of the Ngarrindjeri peoples; comparisons in flooding and rainfall between 1956 flood and the present day; the dairy and agricultural industry and trade routes in the 1950s; history of prominent naturalists studying the area; the Strathalbyn Nationalist book, an extensive repository of vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants in the area; South Australian Naturalist surveys; observation of fauna in the 1950s-60s and consequent changes; popular family and community activities (e.g. fishing, yabbying, hunting); history of boat types and fishermen huts (‘shacks’); dredging and acid sulphate soil issues; methods of catching and transporting fish (and duck); the impact of salinity on the small snails in the food chain of duck species; vegetation (weeds) popular to ducks; and the effect of European carp in the 1970s on the swan population; 1956 flood, and a family story about a 1870 flood; plant species.
They discuss a fish species 'disostra' in the Coorong and worldwide that died off in the early 20th century. They talk about water birds, and a species called a Banded Stilt which feeds on brine shrimp - a sign of hypersalinity.
Also mentioned: the South Australian Farmers Union, which became Southern Farmers, then National Foods.
Heather Goodall
Jodi Frawley
University of Technology, Sydney
2011-02-08
Murray-Darling Basin Authority
NSW Department of Primary Industries - NSW Fisheries
Copyright University of Technology, Sydney
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English
Culgoa - Balonne: Oral History of Rory Treweeke
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85048775' target='_blank'>Fishes--Identification</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/1353' target='_blank'>Crustaceans</a>
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh2007102025' target='_blank'>Birds--Identification</a>
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85102861' target='_blank'>Plants--Identification</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/867' target='_blank'>Water resources</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/6270' target='_blank'>Floodplains</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/2477' target='_blank'>Weeds</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/832' target='_blank'>Irrigation</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/973' target='_blank'>Water quality</a>
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh96006425' target='_blank'>Introduced fishes</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/4510' target='_blank'>Cotton</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/13350' target='_blank'>No-till farming</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/255' target='_blank'>Aboriginal culture</a>
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85145985' target='_blank'>Weirs</a>
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85048621' target='_blank'>Fishes--Breeding</a>
<a href='http://dharmae.research.uts.edu.au/items/show/399' target='_blank'>Aboriginal scarred tree</a>
Rory Treweeke is the owner of the Angledool Station in far northern New South Wales near Lightning Ridge. Rory has been in Angledool since 1969 and has seen a lot of changes in and around the Narran River. These changes include the installation of weirs, the growing cotton industry, the decimation of the Catfish population, droughts, and Aboriginal culture he has observed in the Angledool area over the years. Rory also expresses his appreciation for the river and the floods that it brings, recognising it as a powerful and fascinating force that replenishes the land.
He also discusses how European Carp came into the water system during the 1974 flood; the importance of floodplains to the breeding cycles of fish; Aboriginal scarred trees, and evidence of large gathering sites (remains of shell middens); the Chinese population in the area and the environmental impacts of the rice industry.
Mention of the the Flood Plain Association and Water Act (Queensland).
Heather Goodall
Jodi Frawley
Hamish Sewell
University of Technology, Sydney
2010-10-10
Murray-Darling Basin Authority
NSW Department of Primary Industries - NSW Fisheries
Copyright University of Technology, Sydney
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English
Culgoa - Balonne: Oral History of Henry and Joan Cross
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85048775' target='_blank'>Fishes--Identification</a>
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85102861' target='_blank'>Plants--Identification</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/8796' target='_blank'>Siltation</a>
<a href='http://dharmae.research.uts.edu.au/items/show/403' target='_blank'>Blackwater</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/973' target='_blank'>Water quality</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/5366' target='_blank'>Droughts</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/2477' target='_blank'>Weeds</a>
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85145985' target='_blank'>Weirs</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/1267' target='_blank'>Livestock</a>
An informal interview with Henry and Joan Cross. No audio was recorded.
Henry and Joan Cross live at Goonaroo Station, an 11,000 acre sheep and cattle property. The property is located north of Hebel on the New South Wales and Queensland borders and was purchased by Henry's father. The Bokhara River cuts through their property.
Henry was born at the property 85 years ago. In the river he has caught Catfish (5-6 lbs), Yellowbelly (3-5 lbs), and many Crayfish. One time, he was stung by a Catfish barb. Henry used to use cloth line for fishing, and would bob for fish as there were no lures back then. He could even tell the different fish species from their bites (bite impressions).
The rivers used to run clean. Big worms (up to 2 feet long) were the best bait to use for fishing, and he still sees these worms around.
'Tea Tree Hole' was the most popular place to fish before the weir was built. In the drought of 1958 the hole went dry, and he remembers pulling dying Murray Cod out, but didn't like to eat Cod as they tasted bad.
Henry spent a considerable amount of time on the river with family. Most picnics were on the Culgoa River where the fish were better, the Narran River even better than the Culgoa.
He first noticed the fishing holes fill with silt about 30 years ago. Now trees fall into the holes, which hold up the silt and built-up material. Siltation began before European Carp arrived. The river ran clear before the 1970s and 1980s. Weeds used to grow on the water, but do not any longer.
Siltation now blocks the weirs. Blackwater (black) floods take the oxygen out of the water, killing fish. Dirranbandi saw many dead fish. Thousands of fish died there, including Cod 3 feet long. Trucks were used to load and bury the fish.
Now Culgoa River gets the most water. The weed is dead and it used to have [Red Carp/Spangled Perch/'puppy dogs']. Vegetation on the river used to be River Red Gums, Coolabahs, and the occasional Tea trees and Lomandra.
Today's fishing is very poor. The river has dried out many times - three times after the weir was built in 1958, however, on the property the water is 'very good'.
Heather Goodall
Jodi Frawley
University of Technology, Sydney
2010-10-12
Murray-Darling Basin Authority
NSW Department of Primary Industries - NSW Fisheries
Copyright University of Technology, Sydney
English
Anabranch: Oral History of Rodney Stone
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85048775' target='_blank'>Fishes--Identification</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/1353' target='_blank'>Crustaceans</a>
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh2007102025' target='_blank'>Birds--Identification</a>
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh2010110819' target='_blank'>Reptiles--Identification</a>
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85102861' target='_blank'>Plants--Identification</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/3313' target='_blank'>Dams</a>
<a href='http://dharmae.research.uts.edu.au/items/show/403' target='_blank'>Blackwater</a>
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85145461' target='_blank'>Water--Law and legislation</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/5366' target='_blank'>Droughts</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/2477' target='_blank'>Weeds</a>
<a href='http://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects/sh85048655.html' target='_blank'>Fish stocking</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/9962' target='_blank'>Billabongs</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/3226' target='_blank'>Introduced species</a>
<a href='http://vocabulary.curriculum.edu.au/scot/973' target='_blank'>Water quality</a>
An interview in three parts with Rodney Stone, President of the Wentworth Fishing Club.
Born in 1955 at Mildura, Rodney grew up on the Darling. He has witnessed the changes in the native fish population, particularly relating to the arrival of the European carp; the decimation of Catfish; restocking; fish kills at Wakool; the removal of Willow trees; the disappearance of bird life following the wave of the calcivirus; blackwater and its impacts on the region; yabbying; fishing techniques; the way fish behave during droughts; the Darling floods of 1956 and 1976, and the various flora and fauna present in the region.
He also shows the research crew Fort Courage and talks about fishing at the junction of the two systems, including a description of a "mini delta" in the Anabranch when it runs.
Mention of 183 Dam and a fish species 'Minnow' (unspecified).
Heather Goodall
Jodi Frawley
University of Technology, Sydney
2010-11-10
Murray-Darling Basin Authority
NSW Department of Primary Industries - NSW Fisheries
Copyright University of Technology, Sydney
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audio/mpeg
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English