Conservationists are warning that a Western Australian government proposal to double groundwater extraction from the Martuwarra Fitzroy River catchment could threaten endangered sawfish populations. The river, which flows 700km through the Kimberley to King Sound, is considered the last global stronghold for sawfish and hosts four of the world's five species.
Dr Leonardo Guida from the Australian Marine Conservation Society described the sawfish, a type of ray with a distinctive chainsaw-like snout, as 'probably one of the most unique looking animals on the planet'. The river and its surrounding ecosystems are home to the largetooth, dwarf, green and narrow sawfish, all protected under national environment laws.
The state government's draft water plan proposes increasing groundwater allocation from 32 gigalitres to 75.7 gigalitres. Groundwater aquifers feed large pools and wetlands that serve as crucial refuges for sawfish and other species during dry periods. Martin Pritchard from Environs Kimberley said these underground stores are 'absolutely critical' and warned that sawfish will not survive without them.
The plan currently includes no additional surface water allocations or dams, which Environs Kimberley supports, but the group has called for a more cautious approach to groundwater extraction. Dr Anne Poelina, executive chair of the Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council, said Aboriginal people's lived experience shows the river is already stressed and that there are too many unknowns to allocate water for profit-making activities.
The river holds national and Aboriginal heritage status for its cultural and natural values. The public consultation period is ongoing, and critics have urged the government to gather more data before finalising the plan or issuing new licences.
