Wetlands Helping Revive Locally Extinct Native Fish

Glenelg Golf Club’s constructed wetlands are helping bring back the olive perchlet, a native fish that has been locally extinct in South Australia since 1983. Backed by Green Adelaide and delivered by Nature Glenelg Trust, the rewilding project is using the club’s permanent, clean and predator-free ponds as a safe breeding site.

Researchers say golf course wetlands are proving resilient during drought and offer reliable habitat when traditional water bodies dry out. Early results are promising, with the current population of 500 fish expected to grow to around 10,000 by early next year, supporting future reintroduction into other wetlands and potentially the wild.

The project highlights the important environmental role golf courses can play, with Glenelg Golf Club already home to a wide range of native birds, turtles and freshwater species.