Records of the Westelll Allstralllll1 A//uselllll 22 ]47-]6] (2004).

Fish fauna of the Fitzroy River in the Kimberley region of Western - including the , , , Nyikina and Walmajarri Aboriginal names

J J 2 3 David L. Morgan , Mark G. Allen , Patsy Bedford and Mark Horstman

1 Centre for & Fisheries Research, School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Murdoch University, Murdoch, 6]50 KImberley Language Resource Centre, PO Box 86, Fitzroy Crossing, Western Australia 6765 'Kimberley Land Council, PO Box 2145, Broome Western Australia 6725

Abstract - This project surveyed the fish fauna of the Fitzroy River, one of Australia's largest river systems that remains unregulated, 'located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. A total of 37 fish were recorded in the 70 sites sampled. Twenty-three of these species are freshwater (i.e. they complete their life-cycle in freshwater), the remainder being of estuarine or marine origin that may spend part of their life-cycle in freshwater. The number of freshwater species in the Fitzroy River is high by Australian standards. Three of the freshwater fish species recorded ar'e currently undescribed, and two have no formal common or scientific names, but do have Aboriginal names. Where possible, the English (common), scientific and Aboriginal names for the different speCIes of the river are given. This includes the Aboriginal names of the fish for the following five languages (Bunuba, Gooniyandi, Ngarinyin, Nyikina and Walmajarri) of the Fitzroy River Valley. The fish fauna of the river was shown to be significantly different between each of the lower, middle and upper reaches of the main channeL Furthermore, the smaller tributaries and the upper gorge country sites were significantly different to those in the main channel, while the major billabongs of the river had fish assemblages significantly different to all sites with the exception of the middle reaches of the river. The previously known ranges of many species were extended. The implications of damming the Fitzroy River are discussed.

INTRODUCTION unpublished data) and Allen and Leggett (1990) The Kimberley region of Western Australia is sampled numerous sites on the Isdell, Mitchell, home to a unique assemblage of freshwater fishes King Edward, Drysdale and Ord rivers. that is exposed to high summer rainfall and a dry Surprisingly, the largest river of the Kimberley, the winter period. Much of the landscape is rugged, Fitzroy, which drains over one-third of the region, with vehicular access seasonally limited. This, has only been surveyed in a few easily accessed together with the isolation of the region, has locations (see Allen and Leggett, 1990). resulted in only limited distributional fish faunaI TI1e Fitzroy River is large by Western Australian 2 surveys being conducted. Fish surveys have often standards, draining almost 90 000 km , and is largely revealed species that are new to science, or have uncleared, with its water non-saline throughout most greatly extended the ranges of the species captured. of its length (Anon, 1993; Storey, 1998). The Fitzroy The most notable surveys of the Kimberley include River is one of the largest unregulated rivers in those on the to the Drvsdale River Australia, but has recently been identified as having (by Rosen, Nelson and Butler in 1969 for the the potential to supply quality water to not only the American Museum of Natural History), the Ord Kimberley, but also other parts of Australia (Anon, River area (McKay, 1971), the 1993, Storey, 1998). A number of dam sites have been (Allen, 1975), (Hutchins, 1977), recognised including Din10nd Gorge and Margaret Mitchell, King Edward and Lawley rivers Gorge (Anon, 1993). While providing water for (Iiutchins, 1981), Hutchins and Chapman agriculture and domestic uses, the proposed dams (Hutchins, unpublished data) surveyed the Gibb have been seen by some as a means of controlling River Road in 1975 (see Hutchins, 1981), Allen and natural flooding in the Fitzroy River flood plain Alien sampled stream crossings on the Gibb River (Anon, 1993). and Kulumburu roads (Alien and Alien, The Fitzroy River catchment experiences a semi- .... ~

..... ,~ i

i I !! 7,1i?1Ij ; I ~WESTERN I

.. AUSTRALLA. 'I

'\ \ I \ G_~J 64 61 Q ~.6&·6S·S

66­ 51. 52. SO· Ul.NlVI", Creek 49 4.& 46~~'44 .54 ·45 ~1W9 35- 120 H-.1··.t.2 13. o 6- 3" 33 ea· 114- 18 r­ 34"~'41'0.1 2~24'19 s: 15]'r:"~-ia o OQ 21,~ 8· "...':1.>25 40. 41 .42 ... 67.. ?();-,.~26 38:~ .? '... 57.,~6·.'I.,· 27 3r·~ s: sa- (:j .3Q 59· 36 :=:: ~ 31. .? :-0 O::l ~ ....,Cl. o ... o km F- ?': :t o Figure 1 The sites sampled for fish in the Fitzroy River, Western Australia, (j!

...3 ::s Fishes of the Fitzroy River, including Aboriginal names 149 arid to arid monsoon,ll climate receiving most (­ within areas covered by native title applications, 90{X) of its rainfall between November and March and the survey team was guided by traditional (i.e. the wet season) (Coh, 1998; Ruprecht and owners and their knowledge. With the exception of Rodgers, 1998). Upstream of Fitzroy Crossing the one site (Telegraph Pool), all sites sampled in the river catchment covers approximately 45 000 km' river were above the limit of tidal influence. and divides into two main tributaries, the Fitzrov Additionally, species recorded in the estuary and and Margaret rivers, which also encompass the high Doctor's Creek, near the mouth of the Fitzroy River relief reaches of the river (I\uprecht and Rodgers, (see Figure I), during opportunistic sampling, are 1998). The main tributaries of the upper Fitzroy included in the results. include the Hann, Adcock, L.ouisa and Little Fitzroy Sampling equipment included a variety of seine rivers, while those of the Margaret include the nets [1 m (1 mm mesh), 5, 10 and 15 m (all 3 mm Mary, Leopold, O'Donnell, Cidden, Little Cold and mesh), 26 m (6 and 3 mm mesh) and a 60 m (10 and Laura rivers (see Figure I) (Ruprecht and Rodgers, 5 mm mesh)], gill nets (25 to 125 mm stretched 1998). Downstream of Fitzroy Crossing lies the river mesh sizes), cast nets, masks and snorkels and floodplain, which extends some 300 km to the coast, hooks and lines. and includes the tributaries of Christmas, Mt Active participants included the Centre for Fish Hardman, Mt Wynne and Ceegully creeks. The and Fisheries Research at Murdoch University, the mean annual streamflow of 6 150 CL/year (since Land + Sea Management Unit at the Kimberley the 1950s) at Fitzroy Crossing is the highest of any L,and Council (KLC), the Fitzroy Crossing river system recorded in Western Australia Kimberley L,anguage Resource Centre (KLRC), (Ruprecht and Rodgers, 1998). While flows peak station owners and tenants, and community during the wet season, in the dry season f1cnv may members from Broome, Derby and Fitzroy Crossing cease with the river becoming a series of and their surrounds, including the Bunuba, disconnected pools and billabongs. Turbidity is also Cooniyandi, Ngarinyin, Nyikina and Walmajarri seasonally affected, with highest turbidities traditional owners. coinciding with peak flows during the wet season (Ruprecht and Rodgers, 1998). Environmental variables 'rIle present study represents part of an ongoing The conductivity, temperature and plI of water collaboration between Murdoch University, the taken just below the surface were recorded at each Kimberley Land Council, the Kimberley Language sample site. Resource Centre and the local community, including the traditional owners and station Species identification and maps owners, of the Fitzroy River catchment. The Each species captured was photographed with importance of the Fitzroy River to the Aboriginal some specimens preserved for identification and for people of the region is highlighted in this report, the collections of the Western Australian Museum. and where possible, the Bunuba, Cooniyandi, The majority of fish were released alive after Ngarinyin, Nyikina, Walmajarri, English (common) capture. The phylogenetic order of the families (and and scientific names are given for each fish species the subsequent species list) follows Nelson (1994). recorded from the Fitzroy River system. A further Longitude and latitude were recorded at each site aim of this project was to address the notable lack using a Clobal Positioning System (Cl'S). The of distributional data for the fish fauna of the sample sites map was created using the above Cl'S Fitzroy River, while also examining the fish faunal data and Maplnfo (MapInfo Corporation, 1998). associations within the various habitat types of the river. Furthermore, the importance of the river to Classification of sample sites and Analysis of tIll' people of the Kimberley region and the Similarity (ANOSIM) conservation issues affecting fish distributions are In order to test the hypothesis that fish faunal discussed. composition would vary between the lower (sites 1-6,9,32-34,54,68, 70), middle (15-16, 18-20, 28, (7) and upper (36-41, reaches of the main MATERIALS AND METHODS channel/major tributaries of the river and also the smaller tributaries (sites 8, 1114, 17,22-25, 30­ Sampling for fish 31, 35, 43, 46-52, the large lentic IJuring four two-week survevs, between April billabongs (sites 7, 10, 2l, 26, 29) and the upper 200 I and November 2002, and two short field trips gorge country e.g. upper (sites 42, in tvlarch and [kcember 2002, a total of 70 sites 60-(6) (see Figure 1), the sample sites were 11 priori were sampled for fish throughout the main channel allocated to one of these broad habitat categories of the Fitzroy River, its tributaries and associated and their fish comn1unity structures compared wctlands/billabongs (see Appendix I). Many of the using one-way analysis of similarity (ANOSlt\.l) in sites are of Aboriginal significance and located PRIMER (Clarke and Corley, 2(01). 150 D.L. Morgan, M.G. Alien, P. Bedford, M. Horstman

In order to test for differences in community levels, and thus sampling efficiency, varied greatly structure, a presence-absence data set of the between the sampling periods, i.e. late wet and late different species captured in the 70 sites sampled in dry; 2. The level of sampling effort was governed the Fitzroy River catchment was used to construct a by site characteristics, e.g. size and depth; 3. The similarity matrix employing the Bray-Curtis requirement of a number of capture techniques to similarity coefficient in the PRIMER package effectively sample the variety of species in the (Clarke and Gorley, 2001). The presence-absence different sites, e.g. different meshed seine nets data were considered to be more appropriate than (larger net generally equals larger mesh size), mask abundance data for a number of reasons: 1. Water and snorkel only in clear waters, seine nets not as

Table 1 The sites at which the different freshwater fish species were captured in the Fitzroy River (see Figure 1 for site localities and Table 3 for common and Aboriginal names).

Freshwater species Site numbers Total

Anguillidae Anguilla bicolor McClelland, 1844 18 1 C1upeidae Nematalosa erebi (Giinther, 1868) 1-9,11-12,15-20,23,25-27,29-34,36-45, 49 49-50,54,57-59,61-62,65-68 Arius graeffei Kner and Steindachner, 1867 1,3-4,18-19,26,29,32,34,36,38-41,44-45,57,67-70 21 Plotosidae Anodontiglanis dahli Rendahl, 1922 1-2,4,10,12,25,34,68 8 Neosilurus ater (Perugia, 1894) ~ 1 Neosilunls hyrtlii Steindachner, 1867 1-7,9-10,12-19,24,29-34,36,38,42-43,45,47,54,63-64 33 Neosilurus pseudospinosus Alien and Feinberg, 1998 36,38,42,45,53 5 Porochilus rendahli (Whitley, 1928) 10,12,15,21,24,26,29,56 8 Belonidae Strongylura krefftii (Giinther, 1866) 1,3-4,6,9,15-18,20,23,26,29,32-34,37,39-41, 24 44-45,67-68 Melanotaeniidae Melanotaenia australis (Castelnau, 1875) 2,4-9,12-15,17-31,33,35-43,45-54,58-66,68 56 Atherinidae Craterocephalus lentiginosus Ivantsoff, Crowley 7,10,15-18,20-21,29,55,67-68 12 and Alien, 1987 Ambassidae Ambassis sp. 1 16,18-24,26-29,43,45-51,53-56,61,64-66 28 Ambassis sp. 2 2-6,9-13,15-17,20,23,33,35,45,54,58,67-68 22 Apogonidae Glossamia aprion (Richardson, 1842) 1-2,7,10,15-20,26,28-29,33,56,58,67-69 19 Toxotidae Toxotes sp. 1-7,10,12,15-18,26,28-29,32-34,40,42-46,49, 30 54,57,67-68 Teraponidae Amniataba percoides (Giinther, 1864) 9,16-20,26,28-29,36,38-46,48-49,53,55, 28 60-61,65,67-68 Hannia greenwayi Vari, 1978 36-37,40,42,45-46,61,66-67 9 Hephaestus jenkinsi (Whitley, 1945) 3,16,18,25-26,28,31-32,34,38,40,42,44-46, 24 48-49,53,57,61,65-68 Leiopotherapon unicolor (Giinther, 1859) 1-26,28-43,45-54,56-68 65 Eleotridae Hypseleotris kimberleyensis Hoese and Alien, 1983 53,65 2 Mogurnda oligolepis Alien and ]enkins, 1999 53,61,66 3 Oxyeleotris selheimi (Macleay, 1884) 10,17,22,29,33,36,40,43,48-49,55 11 Gobiidae Glossogobius giuris (Hamilton, 1822) 2-5,7-8,16,18-20,23,26-29,32-33,36-46,48, 38 54-55,57-59,66-68 Fishes of the Fitzroy River, including Aboriginal names 151 effective as gill nets or hook and line for capturing (site 64), which was sampled in June, was in the larger species (e.g. , lesser salmon Hann River. With the exception of the estuarine site and freshwater sawfish). Thus, estimates of (Telegraph Pool, site 69), which was 6 ppt (- 9 1 relative abundance could not be standardised for mScm ), and Manguel Creek (site 11), which had a all sites. salinity if 19.4 pp!, all sites sampled were freshwater. The mean conductivity of all other sites Aboriginal names for the fish was 0.89 mScm 1 (± 0.383 s.e.). During and after field trips, linguists from the KLRC and KLC consulted Bunuba, Gooniyandi, Fish species captured Ngarinyin, Nyikina and Walmajarri language The 70 sample sites (Appendix 1, Figure 1) in the speakers from communities of the Fitzroy River Fitzroy River yielded a total of 37 species in 31 valley. Where possible, traditional owners were genera from 23 families (Plates 1 and 2, Tables 1 consulted in the field using live fishes, however it and 2). Of these, 23 species are primarily freshwater was also necessary to show photographs of species fishes, while 14 species are considered of estuarine that were not captured on specific field trips. Fish or marine origin but may spend part of their life­ names were recorded, wherever possible, for each cycle in the freshwaters. For the purposes of this of the species captured. paper, a freshwater species is defined as one that IS either restricted to freshwater, breeds in freshwater or spends the majority of their life-cycle in RESULTS freshwater. Marine and estuarine species are defined as those that sometimes penetrate Environmental variables freshwaters, but predominantly occur and/or breed TILe mean pH of the sites sampled (Appendix 1, in marine or estuarine environs. An exception Figure 1) was 8.17 (± 0.085 s.e.) and ranged from 6.8 should be noted, that being the short-finned eel to 10.6. With the exception of one site, all sites (Anguilla bicolor), which breeds in the sea, but was sampled were alkaline. The water temperatures of included in the freshwater category as it spends the the sites sampled ranged from 15.1 to 33.0 QC and majority of its life in freshwaters. The lesser salmon had a mean of 26.8 QC (± 0.68 s.e.). The coldest site catfish (Ariu5 graeffei), which is found in both fresh

Table 2 The sites at which the different marine/estuarine fish species were captured in the freshwaters of the Fitzroy River (see Figure 1 for site localities and Table 4 for common and Aboriginal names).

Marine/estuarine species Site numbers captured at Total

Carcharhinidae CarcharhillllS lellcas (Valenciennes, 1839) 57,69,70 3 Pristidae Pristis microdoll Latham, 1794 3-4,20,34,40-41,57,68-70 9 Pristis clavata Carman, 1906 69 1 Dasyatidae Himalltllra clzaophraya Monkolpraist and Roberts, 1990 57,69,70 3 Elopidae Megalops cyprilloides (Broussonet, 1782) 2,18-19,40,68 5 Mugilidae Liza sllbviridis (Valenciennes, 1836) 1-4,9,32,34,40,69 9 Liza alata (Steindachner, 1892) 33,68 2 Centropomidae Lates calcanfer (Bloch, 1790) 2-4,9,18,26,28-29,32,34,36,40-41,43,45,57,67-70 20 Cerreidae Gerres filamelltoslls Cuvier, 1829 32 Gerres sllbfasciatlls Cuvier, 1830 9 Sciaenidae Nibea sqllamosa Sasaki, 1992 34 Scatophagidae Scatophaglls arglls (Linnaeus, 1766) 7 1 Se/ellotoca mllltifasciata (Richardson, 1846) 3-4,32 3 Tetraodontidae MarilYlla merallkellsis (de Beaufort, 1955) 32,34,69 3 152 D.L. Morgan, M.G. AlIen, P. Bedford, M. Horstman Fishes of the Fitzroy River, including Aboriginal names 153 and salt waters, has also been included in the and Merauke toadfish (Marilyna mITaukenszs)). freshwater category because it breeds in freshwater. However, barramundi (Llltes calcanfer) were Of the 23 species of principally freshwater fishes collected in moderate numbers throughout the main (Table 1, Plate 1) recorded during the survey, the river channel and major tributaries up to - 400 km families Plotosidae (eel-tailed ), inland. Other species that were captured well Terapontidae (grunters) and Eleotridae (gudgeons) upstream of the estuary, albeit in small numbers, were best represented with five, four and three were the bull shark (Cllreliarllinus leuCils), freshwater species recorded, respectively. A number of sawfish (Pristis microdon), freshwater whipray 'ecological generalis\' species were found to be (llimllnturll cllaop1zralla), tarpon (Megalops Widespread throughout the various broad habitat cyprinoides) and greenback mullet (Liza subeliridis). types. These included the spangled perch Other species that were captured in the greater (Leiopotilempon wlicolor) (recorded at 65 of 70 sites), estuary of the Fitzroy River (i.e. King Sound), western rainbowfish (Melanotaenia austmlis) (56 of including Doctors Creek (Figure 1) arc: the northern 70 sites) and bony bream (Nematalosa erebi) (49 of 70 river shark (Glypilis sp. C), the milk shark sites). Other species, including the black catfish (Rilizopriollodoll aeutus (Rlippell, 1837)), the (Neosilurus ater) (recorded at one site), winghead shark (EuSp1lllri1 bloc/lii (Cuvier, 1816)), gudgeon (J-lypseleotris kimberlellensis) (two sites), the dwarf sawfish (Pristis elt1l'ata), the lesser salmon false-spotted gudgeon (Mogunzda oligolepis) (three catfish (Arius gm/ifei), shark mullet (Rliinomllgil sites), Greenway's grunter (Hannia greemuayi) (nine naslltlls (De Vis, 1883)), king threadfin (Polydactylus sites) and false-spined catfish (Neosilurus nll1croclzir (Gunther, 18(7)), scaly croaker (Nibea pselldospinosus) (five sites) were rare with restricted squamosa) and milk-spotted toadfish (Chelollodoll distributions in the upper reaches and headwaters patoCil (Hamilton, 1822)). The northern river shark of the Fitzroy River catchment. A number of species (Glypilis sp. C), which was captured in Doctors were found in moderate numbers but only in the Creek, is extremely rare, and has not previously lower and middle reaches of the main river channel, been recorded from Western Australia. It was including toothless catfish (Anodontiglanis dailli), previously known only from a few specimens Rendahl's catfish (Poroclzilus rendailli) and Prince collected in the Adelaide, East Alligator and South Regent hardyhead (Crateroeeplialus lentiginoslls). The Alligator rivers in the Northern Territory and from short-finned eel (Angllilla bieolor) was only recorded the Fly River in Papua New Guinea (Taniuchi et al., at one site, but this species is secretive and difficult 1991; Compagno and Niem, 1998; Thorburn et al., to capture, therefore it may be more common and 2003; Museum and Art Galleries of the Northern Widespread than indicated by the results of this Territory records). survey. Two glassfishes (Ambassidae) (Ambassis sp. 1 and Ambassis sp. 2) do not conform to any keys Spatial distribution of fish species in the Fitzroy and show sufficient morphological differences to River the described species to warrant species recognition. Localised fish communities in the Fitzroy River These species are currently being described by the were shown to vary significantly (p

Plate 1 The freshwater fish of the Fitzroy River, Western Australia. A AlIglllila Incolor. B. Ncmalalosa erc/n. C Anlls D. AllodiJIILig!i,'lIis dahll. E. Ncosilllrlls aler. F NCOSllllrtls II1/rllll. C. NCOSllllrIIs H Poroclllllls rClldahl1. I. Slrollgylllra J. MclallolaclI/a allslralrs. K. Cralcroccplzallls ICIIIlglllOSIIS. L. Ambassis sp.1 M. Ambassls N. Glossalllla apnoll. O. To.

Plate 2 The marine/estuarine fish species found in the freshwaters of the Fitzroy River, Western Australia. A. Carcharinus Leucas. B. Pristis microdoll. C. Pristis cLavata. D. Hill7alltum chaophraya. E. MegaLops cyprinoides. F. Liza subviridis. G. Liza a/ata. H. Lates caLcarifer. 1. Genes fiLal1leJltosus. J. Nibea squamosa. K. Scatophagus argus. L. SeLellotoca multifasciata. M. Mari/yna merallkellsis. ot shown i Gerres subfasciatlls. Photographs: D. Morgan (A­ B, E, G, J), M. Alien (F, H-I, K-M), D. Thorburn (C) and J. Ruse (D). Fishes of the Fitzroy River, including Aboriginal names 155

Table 3 R-stat values for pairwise ANOSIM comparisons of the fish assemblages captured in the different regions/ habitats of the Fitzroy River. N.B. Significant faunal differences are represented by *P

Region LOWER MIDDLE UPPER TRIBUTARY BILLABONG

MIDDLE 0.326" UPPER 0.516" 0.323" TRIBUTARY 0.393" 0.408" 0.355"" BILLABONG 0.435"" 0.016 0.503" 0.284" GORGE 0.781"" 0.531"" 0.551"" 0.011 0.572"

tributary sites are generally dominated by smaller their only confirmed habitat in the Fitzroy freshwater species, e.g. western rainbowfish (M. River is at Dimond Gorge. australis), spangled perch (L. unicolor), glassfish (3) False-spine catfish (N. pseudospinosus) in the (Ambassis spp.), barred grunter (Amniataba Fitzroy River was previously only known from percoides), bony bream (N. erebi) (and also the rarer Manning Creek (Barnett River) (AlIen and species in the gorges such as the Barnett River Feinberg, 1998) - now extended to include the gudgeon (H. kimberleyensis) and false-spotted Mary, Margaret and O'Donnell rivers. gudgeon (Mogurnda oligolepis)), but lack the marine (4) Greenway's grunter (H. greenwayi) was species and the lesser salmon catfish (A. graeffei). known only from the Hann and Isdell rivers, The larger billabongs were significantly different to and has only been collected on two previous all other major habitat sites with the exception of occasions (AlIen and AlIen, unpublished data; those in the middle river. Rosen, Nelson and Butler in 1969 for the American Museum of Natural History) - now Aboriginal names for the fish extended to include the Fitzroy, Margaret, The Aboriginal names (for five languages) for the Mary, Forest and Adcock rivers. majority of fishes of the Fitzroy River are presented (5) False-spotted gudgeons (M. oligolepis) in the in Tables 4 and 5. The absence of a few names Fitzroy River were not previously known attests to either the rarity of some of the freshwater from the Adcock River (see Figure 1). species (e.g. Barnett River gudgeon and Greenway's (6) Glyphis sp. C, which we captured in Doctor's grunter) and the restriction of some of the marine/ Creek and is an undescribed speartooth shark estuarine species to the lower catchment (Nyikina that is listed as Endangered by Environment land) (e.g. whipfin silver-biddy, roach, scaly Australia, had not previously been recorded croaker, spotted scat, striped butterfish and in Western Australia and is only known from Merauke toadfish). a few specimens captured in the Adelaide, East Alligator and South Alligator rivers in the Northern Territory and the Fly River in DISCUSSION New Guinea (Taniuchi et al., 1991; Compagno and Niem, 1998; Thorburn et al., 2003; Fish fauna of the Fitzroy River Museum and Art Galleries of the Northern The importance of fish faunal surveys, Territory records). particularly in northern Western Australia, is (7) Dwarf sawfish (P. clavata) was not known highlighted when considering the results of this from the west Kimberley. study. For example, not only is the reporting of two (8) Scaly croaker (N. squamosa) had not undescribed species (i.e. Ambassis sp. 1 and Ambassis previously been recorded in the west sp. 2) a major finding of this study, but the new Kimberley, although the Western Australian records and range extensions of nine species in the Museum records include a photograph from west Kimberley attests to the necessity for such the northern Kimberley (Hutchins, pers. studies. The following range extensions were made comm.) and Hutchins (2001) lists the species during this project: in the collections of the Western Australian (1) Short-finned eels (A. bicolor) were not Museum. AlIen et al. (2002) describes the previously known from the Fitzroy River but distribution of this species as being from the have previously been found in the northern Victoria River (NT) east to the Norman River and western Kimberley (Morgan et al., (QLD). 2003, Western Australian Museum records). (9) Merauke toadfish (M. meraukensis) was not (2) Black catfish (N. ater) were not previously previously known to occur west of the Prince known from the Fitzroy River catchment, Regent River (AlIen et al., 2002). Table 4 The Aboriginal names for the different freshwater fish species in the Fitzroy River. I-' (JJ Freshwater species Common name Bunuba Gooniyandi Ngarinyin Nyikina Walmajarri C'\

Anguilla bieolor Indian short-finned eel Lanyi Nematalosa erebi bony bream Laarri Laarri Gunangurri Bardijarr oobanyba Lakarr Arius graeffei lesser salmon catfish Mulurra Gooloomangarri Moolirr Barooloo Kulamajarti Anodontiglanis dahli toothless catfish Waluna Wirlingirri Ganangad Neosilurus ater black catfish Manambu - - Wardoo Jungkali Neosilurus hyrtlii Hyrtl's tandan Junggali Joonggali Walaman Wirlinyboo Jungkali Neosilurus pseudospinosus false-spine catfish Manambu - - Wardoo Jungkali Poroehilus rendahli Rendahl's catfish Junggali Joonggali Walaman Wirlinyboo Jungkali Strongylura krefftii freshwater longtom Langgarany Langgaranyi Biyira Baloon Langariny Melanotaenia australis western rainbowfish Walmarri Walmadi Gooljirimby Dookoolkoodany Crateroeephaluslentiginosus Prince Regent hardyhead Jinbirri Thinbidi - Karlanyjarr Jinpirr Ambassis sp. 1 glassfish Walmarri Walmadi Wolaman Jilbirr Jinpirr Ambassis sp. 2 glassfish Walmarri Walmadi Wolaman' Jilbirr Jinpirr Glossamiaaprion mouth almighty Thamali Thamarli Damari Jarbarr Parlkamarnu Toxotes sp. Kimberley archerfish Girrwali Girrwali Nalawarr Marrbawool Marrparl marrpal Amniataba pereoides barred grunter Walarrabu Jarlandi Birlirndirr Mookmook Kalirrikalirri Hannia greenwayi Greenway's grunter - - Emana Hephaestus jenkinsi black bream Walngga Jambinbaroo Emana Walnga Jampinyparu Leiopotheraponunieolor spangled perch Bunda Boornda Wunggari Jarrmoongka Punta mangu Hypseleotris kimberleyensis Barnett River gudgeon Mogurnda oligolepis false-spotted gudgeon Luthu Loothoo Nyagurlman Oxyeleotris selheimi giant gudgeon Nyaguna Nyagoorna Nyagurlman Loojoo Glossogobiusgiuris flathead goby Nyaguna - Ngagulnun Joolany Luthu I::' r- ~ 0 ... C1Cl Table 5 The Aboriginal names for the different marine/ estuarine fish species in the Fitzroy River. Il> P Freshwater species Common name Bunuba Gooniyandi Ngarinyin Nyikina Walmajarri ~

Careharhinus leueas bull shark Ngan.gu - - Ngawoonkoo Ngangu 0 - i:: Pristis mierodon freshwater sawfish Galwanyi Galwanyi Wirridanyniny Wirrdani (1) Pristis clavata dwarf sawfish Galwanyi Galwanyi - Wirridanyniny Wirrdani p- Himantura ehaophraya freshwater whipray Baya gawiy - - Biya Biya ~ 0:1 Megalops cyprinoides Ox-eye herring, tarpon - Wayoo - Karlanyjarri - (1) p.. Liza subviridis greenback mullet - Goolgara Bulurrngari Lawoorrinyji - ..... 0 diamond mullet Goolgara Bulurrngari Lawoorrinyji - ... Liza alata - p.. Lates ealearifer barramundi Balga Barlga Deyo Birloonkoordany Murrulpal Gerresfilamentosus whipfin silver-biddy - - - - - ~ - - - :I: Gerressubfasciatus roach - - 0 Nibea squamosa scaly croaker - - - - - ...... '" Scatophagus argus spotted scat - - - - - El Selenotoeamultifasciata striped butterfish - - - - - =Il> Marilyna meraukensis Merauke toadfish Fishes of the Fitzroy River, including Aboriginal names 157

The 37 species of fish captured from the Fitzroy approximate 50 species of which 18 are endemic River during this study includes 23 freshwater (AlIen and Leggett, 1990; AlIen et al., 2002). The species and 14 marine species that utilise the high endemicity of the Kimberley is probably a freshwaters. In addition to this, AlIen and Leggett consequence of the rugged topography and diverse (1990) reported the strawman (Craterocephalus habitats that have acted as isolating mechanisms stramineus (Whitley, 1950) = Quirichthys stramineus) and have thus enhanced speciation (Allen and in the upper reaches of the Mary River (18°42'5, Leggett, 1990; Pusey et al., 1995). The high diversity 125°45'E). Allen et al. (2002) list the seven-spot of the Fitzroy River may be both a factor of the archerfish (Toxotes chatareus (Hamilton, 1922)) and large catchment size (e.g. Pusey and Kernard (1996) AlIen et al. (2002) and Doupe and Lenanton (1998) demonstrated a positive relationship between list the silver cobbler (Arius midgleyi Kailola and species richness and catchment area in North Pierce, 1988) from the Fitzroy River, however there Queensland) and the high degree of variable are no specimens of these species in the WA habitats, particularly when comparing the main Museum and it is unlikely that they are found in channel, billabongs and creek systems of the the Fitzroy River. The WA Museum however, has floodplain to the high relief gorge country of the records of two other marine species from the lower headwaters. The topography of the upper Hann non-tidal freshwaters of the river, i.e. giant herring River appears to have had a major influence in (Elops hawaiensis Regan, 1909) and the anchovy governing the evolution of at least a few species, (Thryssa aesturia (Ogilby, 1910)). Thus, the known e.g. Barnett River gudgeon (H. kimberleyensis) and species that are found in the non-tidal freshwaters Greenway's grunter (H. greenwayi). Freshwater of the Fitzroy River can be put at 40 species (24 fishes endemic to the Fitzroy River include: H. freshwater and 16 marine/estuarine). This diversity kimberleyensis, H. greenwayi (also found in the Isdell is high by Western Australian standards, with the River (AlIen and Allen, unpublished data)) and total number of freshwater species being marginally possibly the two undescribed glassfishes (Ambassis higher than that recorded for all rivers of the Pilbara sp. 1 and sp. 2) and archerfish (Toxotes sp.). The (Indian Ocean Drainage Division, 12 species) and absence of a number of species that are endemic to south-west (South-west Coast Drainage Division, 10 nearby, more northern Kimberley rivers, e.g. five species) combined (Morgan et al., 1998, 2003; AlIen species of Terapontidae (Hephaestus epirrhinos Vari et al., 2002). The Kimberley as a whole is diverse in and Hutchins, 1978, Leiopotherapon macrolepis Vari, terms of freshwater fish species, and this survey 1978, Syncomistes kimberleyensis Vari, 1978, confirms the Fitzroy River as one of the most Syncomistes rastellus Vari and Hutchins, 1978 and species-rich in the region. For example, surveys Syncomistes trigonicus Vari, 1978), four eleotrids within the Kimberley by McKay (1971) listed 17 (Hypseleotris ejuncida Hoese and Allen, 1983, freshwater species from the , while AlIen Hypseleotris regalis Hoese and Alien, 1983, (1975) identified 18 freshwater species from the Kimberleyeleotris hutchinsi Hoese and Allen, 1987 Prince Regent River and seven from the Roe River, and Kimberleyeleotris notata Hoese and AlIen, 1987), Hutchins (1977) collected 19 freshwater species one Atherinidae (Craterocephalus helenae Ivantsoff, from each of Drysdale and Carson rivers (total = 24 Crowley and AlIen, 1987) and two species of the sp.) and Hutchins (1981) collected nine freshwater Melanotaeniidae (Melanotaenia gracilis AlIen, 1978 species from the Mitchell River. There is however, and Melanotaenia pygmaea AlIen, 1974), suggests that likely to be a similar number of freshwater species these species have evolved in these remote, more in the Ord River, with recent surveys by Doupe et northern rivers of the Kimberley and that there has al. (2003) capturing 19 species in Lake Kununurra been no recent connection between these rivers and and G. Allen and M. Allen (unpublished data) the Fitzroy River. recording one other species in the lake in their total The notable change is fish faunal assemblages of 12 species. AlIen et al. (2002) lists a further four throughout the Fitzroy River is highlighted by the freshwater species for the Ord River, taking the fact that there are significant differences in the fish known total to 24 species. Within the Northern fauna found in the lower, middle and upper main Territory Pollard (1974) collected 28 freshwater channel and major tributary sites of the Fitzroy fishes from the East Alligator River and also River as well as between these sites and the smaller identified a further 15 predominantly marine less permanent tributaries on the floodplain and in species, the majority of which were also captured in the upper Hann River. Within the Fitzroy River the Fitzroy River. Pollard (1974) also included the there is a notable increase in species richness in the Aboriginal (Oenpelli) names for many of the lower reaches of the river compared to the species. Bishop et al. (2001) listed 37 freshwater headwater streams. For example, 27 species were fishes from the Alligator Rivers (East and South). captured in the lower reaches, 22 in the middle and Approximately two-thirds of Australia's 200 17 in the upper reaches of the main channel and freshwater fish species occur within northern major tributaries, while the smaller tributary and Australia and within the Kimberley there are upper Hann River sites contained 18 and 13 species, 158 D.L. Morgan, M.G. Allen, P. Bedford, M. Horstman respectively, and 19 species were captured from the impact the distribution of fish below the dam. Thus major billabongs of the river. migratory species such as barramundi, the endangered freshwater sawfish, ox-eye herring and Aboriginal values of the Fitzroy River mullets will no longer have access to habitat above The Bunuba, Gooniyandi, Ngarinyin, Nyikina and dam sites, but the altered flow regimes and flood Walmajarri people have strong economic, cultural levels will also impact the recruitment of other and religious affiliations with the fish, the river and species. The Fitzroy River acts as a nursery for fishing. Fishing is an integral part of life for both many of these species and in the case of the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people of the freshwater sawfish, the river is currently the most Fitzroy River catchment, which is not surprising important known refuge for the species (see considering that throughout most of its length large Thorbum et al. 2003). Migratory species such as numbers of important food species, e.g. black bream those listed above p.ave been excluded from the Ord (H. jenkinsi), barramundi (L. calcarifer) and lesser River above Lake Kununurra as a result of the salmon catfish (A. graeffei) are readily captured. The diversion dam (Doupe et al., 2003). During the wet utilisation of live and fresh bait has also led to a season the floodplain environment of the lower good understanding of the smaller species in the Fitzroy is important not only as spawning grounds river. for many of the river's fishes, but is also likely to act Not only are the river, its tributaries, billabongs as a nursery ground for many of these species. Any and large and small pools important for food, but reduction in flooding may therefore inhibit larval they are extremely valuable from a cultural recruitment into the adult populations of some perspective. For example, many of the sites sampled species. Furthermore, dams generally favour during this survey, particufarly permanent deep species that prefer lentic waters over those more pools in gorges and billabongs, are known as conducive to lotic habitats and ultimately alter fish 'Living Waters'. They are home to Creator 'snakes' community structure (e.g. Morgan et al., 2002). that must be treated with ritual and respect to One of the proposed dam sites, Dimond Gorge, maintain water flows, renew aquatic life and ensure had the second highest number of species recorded human welfare. The floodplain environment and (17) and was the only location where the black riparian zone of the Fitzroy River valley is also catfish (N. ater) was collected. Barramundi and the important for hunting. Stock on pastoral leases endangered freshwater sawfish are known to readily accesses the river along most of its length. migrate at least as far upstream as these sites. The Kimberley Land Council and the Kimberley Language Resource Centre have a wealth of Grazing information regarding many aspects of the cultural Williams and Pen (1998) noted that much of the beliefs and languages of the people of the Fitzroy upper Fitzroy River catchment shows considerable River. A great deal of language was recorded signs of degradation through heavy grazing, with. during these field trips by the KLRC. many large denuded and eroding areas. Much of the riparian zone shows signs of degradation from Impacts of a dam on the Fitzroy River livestock, while many of the wetlands and While providing water for agriculture and billabongs become nutrient enriched and trampled domestic uses, the proposed dam sites in the by congregations of cattle during the dry. The Fitzroy River have also been seen as a means of trampling of small pools by cattle may impact on controlling natural flooding in the Fitzroy River, benthic species such as the gobies, gudgeons and thereby allowing intensive agriculture to be plotosid catfishes, although further work is required developed as in the case of the lower Ord River to ascertain any impacts. As a precautionary (Anon, 1993). A dam would create altered flow measure, areas of important fish habitat should be regimes and changes in seasonal distributions of identified and fenced from cattle, e.g. Lake Skeleton flow downstream of the dam and there are (site 10). uncertainties in relation to the river's hydrology relating to sediment loads, impacts of reduced Conclusions flows and changes in downstream water quality The species richness and uniqueness of the fish (Ruprecht and Rodgers, 1998). The reduction in fauna of the Fitzroy River, its importance to the peak flow volumes if either Dimond Gorge or people of the west Kimberley for food and Margaret Gorge were dammed would be about recreation, and the diverse significance of the river one-third (Anon, 1993). However, while flow would as a 'living cultural landscape' to Aboriginal people be reduced during the wet, during the dry it would of the region (including the Bunuba, Gooniyandi, be increased to provide for downstream irrigation Ngarinyin, Nyikina and Walmajarri) makes it one (Anon, 1993). The altered flow regimes of the river of Australia's great river systems. The Fitzroy River will inevitably cause a change in the prevailing fish and its estuary, which provides refuge for a number fauna immediately above the dam, but will also of rare and little known species (e.g. the endangered Fishes of the Fitzroy River, including Aboriginal names 159

freshwater sawfish, Greenway's grunter, Barnett Western Australia. Records of the Western Australian River gudgeon, false-spotted gudgeon and three Museum 14: 527-545. undescribed species), warrants careful AlIen, G.R, Midgley, S.H. and AlIen, M. (2002). Field consideration before any proposed land use guide to the freshwater fishes of Australia. Western changes are implemented. Australia Museum, . Anon. (1993). Fitzroy ValleJj irrigation a conceptual study. For the Kimberley Resources Development Office. Prepared by ACIL Economics and Policy Pty Ltd, ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Kinhill Engineers Pty Ltd, Bryn Roberts and This project would not have been possible Associates and Water Authority of Western Australia. without either the financial support of the Natural Bishop, K.A., Allen, S.A., Pollard, D.A. and Cook, M.G. Heritage Trust, the Kimberley Land Council (KLC), (2001). Ecological studies on the freshwater fishes of the the Kimberley Language Resource Centre (KLRC) Alligator Rivers region, Northern Territory: AutecologJj. and Murdoch University or the large amount of Supervising Scientist Report 145, Supervising community involvement that was generated by the Scientist, Darwin. KLC and the KLRC. Thanks particularly to Ismahl Clarke, K.R and Gorley, RN. (2001). PRIMER v5: User Croft for his great organisational skills during the manual/tutorial. Plymouth: PRIMER-E. project. Thanks to Tasmin Wagner, Gracie Compagno, L.J.V. and Niem, V.H. (1998). Carcharhinidae Mulligan, Emily Knight and the many others for requiem sharks. pp. 1312-1360. In, Carpenter, K.E. and Niem, V.H. (eds), The living marine resources ofthe their involvement in the Aboriginal names for the western central Pacific, Volume 2 Cephalopods, fish. The community involvement was tremendous crustaceans, holothurians and sharks. Food and and while it is not possible to thank everyone Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, individually, we would like to thank the people of Rome. the West Kimberley for their great support. Thanks Doupe, Rand Lenanton, R J. (1998). Fishes of the Fitzroy also to Mary Aiken, Gerry Allen, Australian Nature River: diversity, life history and the effects of river Conservancy, Leslie Baxter, Tom Baxter, Ferdy regulation. In, Storey, A. and Beesley, L. (eds), Bergmann, Big Barra's One Stop Shop (Derby), Limnology of the Fitzroy River, Western Australia: a CALM (Fitzroy Crossing), Neil Buckle, Doreen technical workshop. Proceedings of a workshop held on Button, Dean Campbell-Smith, Martin Chestnut, 18th February 1998, at Edith Cowan University, Bevan Corbert, June Davis, Karen Dayman, Joe Claremont Campus, Claremont, Western Australia. Duncan, Fisheries WA (Broome), Josephine Forrest, Doupe, R., Morgan, D., Gill, H., Rowland, A and Ethel Forrest, Wendy Forrest, Christine Forrest, Annandale, D. (2003). Ecological and social issues concerning the establishment of a recreational barramundi Nelson Forrest, Howard Gill, Ari Gorring, Steven fishery in Lake Kununurra. Report to the Lake & .Head, Malachy Hobbs, Neil Gwen Hogstrom, Kununurra Fish Stock Enhancement Committee & Barry Hutchins, Ronnie Jimbidee, George Jubadah, Ord Land and Water Inc. Jim & Geraldine Kelly, Mable King, Emily Knight, Goh, J. (1998). The Fitzroy River catchment: hydrology Helen Larson, Kim McKay, Scotty Martin, Julie and flood characteristics. In, Storey, A. and Beesley, Melbourne, Mangkaja Arts (Fitzroy Crossing), Rosie L. (eds), Limnology of the Fitzroy River, Western Mulligan, Gracie Mulligan, Bessie Nargoodah, Australia: a technical workshop. Proceedings of a Pansy Nulgit, Mona Oscar, Marilyn Oscar, David workshop held on 18th February 1998, at Edith Cowan Pate, Edgar Price, Wibiy Nancy Rogers, Andrew University, Claremont Campus, Claremont, Western Rowland, John Savage, Mervyn Street, Dicky Australia. Tataya, Nugget Tataya, Claire Thirkell, Michael Hutchins, J.B. (1977). The freshwater fish fauna of the Thirkell, Anna Thirkell, Meegan Thirkell, Dean Drysdale River National Park North Kimberley, Thorburn, Kevin Tromp, Tom Vigilante, Simon Western Australia. In, Kabay, E.D. and Burbidge, A.A. (eds), A biological survey of the Drysdale River Visser, Tamsin Wagner, Lucy Walgarrie, Lynette National Park North Kimberley, Western Australia in Wangandin, Jeanie Warbie, Yvonne White, Trevor August, 1975. Wildlife Research Bulletin of Western Williams and Patricia Yadda. Australia 6: 1-133. Hutchins, J.B. (1981). Freshwater fish fauna of the Mitchell Plateau Area, Kimberley, Western Australia. REFERENCES In, Biological survey of Mitchell Plateau and Admiralty Alien, G.R. (1975). A preliminary checklist of the Gulf, Kimberley, Western Australia. Western Australian freshwater fishes of the Prince Regent River Reserve Museum, Perth. north-west Kimberley, Western Australia. In, Miles, Hutchins, J.B. (2001). Checklist of the fishes of Western J.M. and Burbidge, A.A. (eds), A biological survey of Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum the Prince Regent River Reserve North-west Supplement No. 63: 9-50. Kimberley, Western Australia in August, 1974. Mapinfo Corporation (1998). Mapinfo professional- user's Wildlife Research Bulletin ofWestern Australia 3: 1-116. guide. Mapinfo Corporation, New York. Alien, G.R. and Leggett, R. (1990). A collection of McKay, R.J. (1971). Fish. In, Kitchener, D.J. (ed.), freshwater fishes from the Kimberley region of Preliminary report of a biological survey of the Ord River 160 D.L. Morgan, M.G. Allen, P. Bedford, M. Horstman

basin, pp. 1-8. Unpublished mimeograph report. Ruprecht, J. and Rogers, S. (1998). Hydrology of the Western Australian Museum, Perth. Fitzroy River. In, Storey, A. and Beesley, L. (eds), Morgan, D.L., Gill, H.5. and Potter, Le. (1998). Limnology of the Fitzroy River, Western Australia: a Distribution, identification and biology of freshwater technical workshop. Proceedings of a workshop held on fishes in south-western Australia. Records of the 18th February 1998, at Edith Cowan University, Western Australian Museum Supplement 56: 1-97. Claremont Campus, Claremont, Western Australia. Morgan, D., Gill, H., AlIen, M. and Maddern, M. (2003). Thorburn, D.C, Peverell, S., Stevens, J.D., Last, P.R. and Distribution and biology of fish in inland waters of the Rowland, AJ. (2003). Status offreshwater and estuarine Pilbara (Indian Ocean) Drainage Division. Report to the elasmobranches in northern Australia. Report to the Natural Heritage Trust. March 2003. Project Number Natural Heritage Trust. 003026. Storey, A (1998). Irrigated agriculture on the Fitzroy Morgan, D.L., Hambleton, S.J., Gill, H.S. and Beatty, S.J. River: background and aims of the workshop. In, (2002). Distribution, biology and likely impacts of the Storey, A. and "Beesley, L. (eds), Limnology of the introduced redfin perch (Perca fluviatilis) (Percidae) in Fitzroy River, Western Australia: a technical workshop. Western Australia. Marine and Freshwater Research 53: Proceedings of a workshop held on 18th February 1211-1221. 1998, at Edith Cowan University, Claremont Campus, Nelson, J.S. (1994). Fishes of the world. John Wiley and Claremont, Western Australia. Sons, New York. Taniuchi, T., Shimizu, M., Sano, M., Baba, O. and Last, Pollard, D.A. (1974). The freshwater fishes of the Alligator P.R. (1991). Description of freshwater elasmobranches Rivers 'Uranium Province' area (top end, Northern collected from three rivers in northern Australia. Territory), with particular reference to the Magela Creek University Museum, University of Tokyo, Nature and catchment (East Alligator River system). Australian Culture 3: 11-26. Atomic Energy Commission Report AAEC/E305. Williams, P. and Pen, L. (1998). Wild rivers of the Pusey, B.J., Arthington, AB. and Read, M.G. (1995). Kimberley region. In, Storey, A. and Beesley, L. (eds), Species and spatial variation in fish assemblage Limnology of the Fitzroy River, Western Australia: a structure in two rivers of the Wet Tropics of northern technical workshop. Proceedings of a workshop held on th Queensland, Australia. Environmental Biology ofFishes 18 February 1998, at Edith Cowan University, 42: 181-199. Claremont Campus, Claremont, Western Australia. Pusey, B.J. and Kernard, M.J. (1996). Species richness and geographical variation in assemblage structure of the freshwater fish fauna of the Wet Tropics region of Manuscript received 14 October 2003; accepted 12 November northern Queensland. Marine and Freshwater Research 2003 47: 563-573. Fishes of the Fitzroy River, including Aboriginal names 161 Appendix 1 The sites sampled in the Fitzroy River catchment.

Site Site Site Site Number Locality Number Locality

1 Fitzroy River - Myroodah Crossing 34 Udialla Station - Fitzroy River 2 Minnie River 35 Leopold Station - Little Spring 3 Fitzroy River - 5 km downstream of Udialla 36 Mary River - Yiyili Community Station 37 , Me No Savy 4 Tributary Fitzroy River - 10km upstream 38 Margaret River, Jaarda Daagnhingi Udialla Station 39 Margaret River, Nyalingi 5 Fitzroy River - upstream Udialla Station 40 Margaret River, Lambardi 6 Manguel Creek 41 O'Donnell River / Margaret River junction, 7 Lake Alma Balmaanggaa 8 Geegully Creek 42 Gorge near Margaret River, Girramaa 9 Fitzroy River - opposite Minnie River mouth 43 Margaret River 10 Lake Skeleton 44 Fitzroy River - Cadjeput - Old Mornington 11 Lake on Old Great Northern Hwy Station 12 Lake on Great Northern Hwy - 131km wets 45 Fitzroy River - Dimond Gorge Fitzroy Crossing 46 Tributary of Dimond Gorge 13 Mt Wynne Creek - Great Northern Hwy 47 Small billabong - tributary of Dimond Gorge 14 Mt Hardman Creek - Great Northern Hwy 48 Anna Creek - Old 15 Brooking Channel, Baralwani - Great Northern 49 Anna Creek - Old Mornington Station Hwy 50 Adcock River - Old Mornington Station 16 Old Crossing - Fitzroy River 51 Tributary of Adcock River 17 Brooking Creek - Geikie Gorge Rd 52 Grave Creek - Adcock River 18 Fitzroy River, Sheep Camp, Wuruiya - Geikie 53 Manning Creek Gorge Gorge 54 Lower Fitzroy River - Small tributary of 19 Crocodile Creek - Geikie Gorge Willuns Pool 20 Wirangarra - 20 km south Fitzroy Crossing 55 Duck Hole Creek - Garay 21 Billabong near Wirangarra - small lake near 56 Duck Hole Billabong Ngurtawarta community 57 Fitzroy River - Cherabin Camp 22 Dawuwarriya - near Ngurtawarta Community 58 Cherabin Creek - Crocodile Dam (stock dam) 23 Creek crossing - Geikie Gorge Rd 59 Booline Creek 24 Gurangajar Creek - Geikie Gorge Rd 60 Hann River, Barlmundurra - Gibb River Rd 25 Two Mile Creek, Barangarri 61 Hann River Gorge 26 Gaarrii - 10km E Fitzroy Crossing off Great 62 Hann River - Bella Yards Northern Hwy 63 Snake Creek - Hann River 27 Bluebush Creek - 15km E Fitzroy Crossing 64 Snake Creek, Bijili - Hann River 28 Margaret River (Mayalnga) - crossing near 65 Barnett River - downstream of Barnett River Muludja Community Gorge 29 Jiliyardi (billabong near Bayulu community) 66 Adcock River Gorge 30 Mimbi Cave (Mt Pierre Station) 67 Forest River - Jubilee Downs 31 Christmas Creek - Bohemia Downs Sation, 68 Snake Creek - Camballin Kupartiya Community) , 69 Telegraph Pool- Fitzroy River 32 Fitzroy River - Willare Bridge 70 Camballin - Fitzroy River 33 Udialla Station - spring near Oyster Patch