Aquatic fauna of Schwenke’s Dam: a rehabilitated mine lake in Greenbushes

The freshwater fishes of south‐western Australia are highly endemic (>82%) to the region. Most species have been severely impacted by habitat and water quality decline and introduced species. Freshwater fish and crayfish play important roles in aquatic ecosystems and are useful indicators of the ecological health. In designing and implementing robust ecological management and monitoring programs of aquatic ecosystems, it is important to have a sound understanding of the prevailing aquatic fauna; particularly the resident fish communities. Schwenke’s Dam is a historical mining pit located in Greenbushes, ~75km south of Bunbury, Western Australia. The Bittern and Waterbird Biodiversity Enhancement Project aims to create a wetland haven to attract critically endangered waterbirds to inhabit the site. Fishes are an important food source for Bitterns and other waterbirds and would play an important role in attracting them to and sustaining them at a waterbody