Dredge ponds along the Swan coastal plane in Western Australia could become spawning grounds for the black-striped minnow.

The black-striped minnow, Galaxiella nigrostriata, is found in just three locations in Western Australia. The minnow is unique – it hibernates in the summer by burrowing into the sediment of seasonal wetlands. As the wetlands dry up, the minnows go underground to follow the groundwater.

While the fish is quite resilient, it is under threat due to the small number of locations where it is found. Using dredge ponds that were formerly used in mining operations could create new wetlands for the fish to call home, and aid in their survival.