Project objectives

• Restore 8.5 km of the upper Biedouw River by removing invasive species to create a sanctuary for a sanctuary for five endemic fish species including the Endangered Clanwilliam Sandfish.
• Create an upskilling and employment opportunity for local community members.
• Prevent future invasions by non-native species.
• Build local land owner and community support for local freshwater restoration efforts.

Project activities

• Employ local community members to clear alien vegetation to restore the riparian ecosystem and open up the channel along 8.5 km of the upper Biedouw River.
• Build an alien fish barrier weir at the downstream end of the 8.5 km restoration zone.
• Remove invasive predatory fish from the 8.5 km restoration zone to create a sanctuary for five endemic fish species including the Endangered Clanwilliam Sandfish.
• Communicate project approach and outcomes to key target audiences.

This project is implemented by Freshwater Research Centre.