Conservation Volunteers Australia have begun revegetating at Tonbridge Creek in the Georges River catchment with over 7,500 seedlings to feed fish in the Georges River catchment.
With the help of Georges Riverkeeper and Bayside Council the volunteers have been planting Sporobolus virginicus seedlings, commonly known as Sand Couch, Salt Couch and Saltwater Couch.
It has been identified as an important plant species found in intertidal areas.
Regional coordinator for Conservation Volunteers Australia Greater Sydney, David Jones said Sporobolus virginicus is key source of habitat and food, supporting a wide range of different species, like algae, snails and crabs.
In turn, this can have a positive flow on effect for populations of fish species.
"Think of Sporobolus as a gracious host, putting on an all-you-can-eat buffet for all the crabs, prawns and fish living in the Georges River," he said.
Georges Riverkeeper Manager, Beth Salt said, "Once abundant in the Georges River ecosystem, plant numbers have declined significantly due to the impacts of urbanisation.
"This program will replant the habitat, at six key sites in the Georges River catchment, ensuring higher fish stock numbers, and a stronger, more sustainable food web," she said.
Bayside Council Mayor Joe Awada said that planting Sporobolus along the Georges River at locations such as Tonbridge Creek, gives nature a helping hand by returning vital food and habitat to the river.
Tonbridge Creek at Ramsgate is, after Towra Point Aquatic Reserve, is the second most important fish nursery in the river. Planting will also take place at Poulton Creek Estuary at Connells Point, in early December.
The Project has been assisted by the NSW DPI Fisheries' Recreational Fishing Trust's Habitat Action Grant Program.
Volunteers can register to participate in this project by visiting www.conservationvolunteers.com.au or contacting the Greater Sydney Conservation Volunteers office on (02) 4721 4625 or sydney@cva.org.au
