Aquatic Research Facility

Our work and impact

The Inland Fisheries Research Group (IFRG) develops and tests innovative fish passage technologies to help conserve fisheries and protect aquatic ecosystems. Bringing together expertise in fisheries science, engineering, aquatic ecology and river management, the group undertakes applied research that supports the migration of critical fish species and the long-term sustainability of river infrastructure projects.

Based at Charles Sturt University's Albury-Wodonga campus, the IFRG is supported by world-class aquatic research and teaching facilities and works with partners across Australia and internationally. Their research focuses on the life-cycle requirements of inland fish, fish passage technologies, aquatic animal husbandry, and the development of practical solutions that balance environmental outcomes with human needs.

Through ongoing monitoring, field-based research and community engagement, the IFRG helps improve connectivity in rivers and waterways, enabling fish to move freely between important habitats. This work supports healthy fish populations, sustainable fisheries, biodiversity conservation and food security for communities that rely on inland waterways.

Who it supports

The IFRG works with governments, industry, researchers and local communities throughout Australia and internationally to improve fish passage and fisheries outcomes. Through projects across Australia and South East Asia, the group contributes to the protection of aquatic ecosystems while supporting livelihoods, food security and sustainable river development.

It's work delivers impact by:

• Restoring connectivity in river systems, allowing fish to access essential habitats throughout their life cycle.
• Supporting healthy fish populations, sustainable fisheries and biodiversity conservation.
• Improving food security and livelihoods for communities that depend on inland fisheries.
• Helping ensure the long-term sustainability of river and hydropower infrastructure projects.

Key focus areas include:

• Community engagement: Working with governments, industry stakeholders and local communities to develop practical fish passage solutions that support both environmental and community outcomes.
• Research and field studies: The IFRG undertakes field-based and laboratory research across Australia and internationally. Its team has extensive experience working in diverse environments and conducting research into fish ecology, migration, behaviour, breeding and fisheries management.
• Education and training: The group delivers graduate-level education and specialist training programs, including fish conservation and management, fish passage design, and river barrier mapping and prioritisation. Training can also be tailored to the needs of partners and clients.
• Engineering and innovation: The IFRG combines fisheries science with specialist expertise in engineering, modelling and statistical analysis to design, test and evaluate fish passage technologies and river management solutions.

Partners

• Department of Foreign Affairs and Trading DFAT
• UNSW
• Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research ACIAR
• National University of Laos (NUoL)
• Living Aquatic Resources Research Centre (LARReC (Lao PDR))
• Department of Livestock and Fisheries (DLF, Lao PDR)
• Hendricks Consulting
• Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (Indonesia)
• Inland Fisheries Research and Development Institute (Cambodia)
• Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Myanmar)
• Fishway Consulting Services
• Xayaburi Power Company Limited (XPCL)
• KarlTek Pty Ltd
• Fish Matters IP

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