AUTHORITIES are helping to re-establish the native Eel-tailed Catfish into the Ovens River.
Around 600 fingerlings were released into the river in late March under a collaboration between VIctorian CMA's, Victorian Fisheries Authority, Ecology Australia and traditional owner groups.
A North East CMA spokesperson said the fish were moved from a private farm dam which had boomed but was drying up.
"Fortunately, these fish were of suitable genetic stock," the spokesperson said.
"Nearly 300 catfish were also released in Lake Sambell in Beechworth, to complement previous releases.
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"The aim is they breed up and in turn can stock waterways and water bodies in North East Victoria.
Catfish were once plentiful in the North East but are now classified as endangered in Victoria.
Habitat degradation, barriers to movement, as well as competition with introduced species like European carp have all contributed to their demise.
