Rolling out fish screens to protect the Murray-Darling. It may sound strange that fish play a role in making our wine. 

But since we call the Murray-Darling home – and a key irrigation source – the river’s health is our responsibility. And for a healthy river, you need healthy fish populations.

Over 50 species of fish are found here, many endangered, but all of them in decline. And one of the contributing factors is the way water has been pumped from the river by irrigators – intercepting the natural migration of fish and their eggs, and collecting many up through the pump system.

It’s unsustainable in every way. That’s why we’ve jumped on board with a NSW Government initiative and installed two self-propelled fish screens at our Avoca Vineyard site. The mechanism works so that fish can swim by without being disrupted, continuing along to spawn and grow. 

But there are other benefits too. We’ve hit important sustainability milestones - saving 14 million litres of water, and 2,140kg of greenhouse gas emissions. 

We’re looking into how we can implement new irrigation systems at other sites. It’s a step towards preserving our natural waterways, and all the fish that keep them flowing.