Advanced ECO Certified operator Murray River Trails is turning ecotourism into a force for river regeneration with an innovative project designed to restore habitat for the Murray Cod.
The Problem
The Murray Cod is a defining species of Australia’s longest river – an extraordinary fish that can grow over 100 kilograms, live for more than a century and holds deep significance in Aboriginal Dreamtime stories. Despite its cultural and ecological importance, the species is now listed as Vulnerable in South Australia, with populations declining significantly over the past century.
While the decline of the Murray Cod stems from several pressures – including migration barriers created by dams and weirs, historic over-fishing, and predation from invasive species – the most damaging impact has been the widespread loss of habitat caused by large-scale de-snagging during the paddle steamer era. Between the 1850s and 1920s, millions of logs were dredged from the riverbed to keep navigation channels open, removing the submerged forests that once provided crucial shelter, feeding grounds and breeding sites. This extensive habitat loss remains one of the most significant challenges to recovery, with the absence of these natural structures still affecting the river system and the survival of this iconic species today.
The Solution: Fish Hotels
To address this issue, Murray River Trails has introduced the concept of Fish Hotels: purpose-built, pyramid-shaped underwater structures made from plantation red gum. Launched in May 2025 through the Murray River Trails Fund, the project will see the first ten Fish Hotels installed between Lock 5 and Lock 6 on the Murray River, with the potential for additional installations as funding allows. Each hotel will:
- Measure 2.6 metres at the base and nearly 2 metres high, weighing up to 2.4 tonnes.
- Include a central pipe to provide safe breeding grounds for Murray Cod.
- Offer crevices for shelter and feeding, benefiting native species like Golden Perch.
These structures not only recreate critical habitat for Murray Cod but also contribute to overall river ecosystem health by providing shelter for smaller native fish and increasing predation on invasive carp. In addition, it enhances the ecological impact of natural flood events and promotes sustainable recreational fishing opportunities, demonstrating a holistic approach to river regeneration. The initiative is delivered in partnership with OzFish, a national charity renowned for restoring fish habitats, and is supported by BCF and local suppliers.
To engage guests and supporters, Murray River Trails is bringing the project to life through its tours, offering visitors on Murray River Walks and Murray River Safaris the unique opportunity to view Fish Hotels from above and track fish occupancy using side-scan sonar – essentially “checking in” on the river’s underwater hotels. This interactive experience allows visitors to witness firsthand how habitat restoration supports Murray Cod and other native species, connecting them directly to the river’s ecology. By seeing the immediate impact of conservation work, guests gain a deeper appreciation for the challenges facing the Murray River, the importance of sustainable management, and the role tourism can play in actively regenerating ecosystems. The initiative transforms a traditional wildlife tour into an educational, participatory adventure that encourages advocacy and long-term support for the river and its native fish populations.
This project is a powerful example of how Advanced ECO Certified operators can turn sustainability principles into meaningful, on-ground regeneration. Murray River Trails has used its certification as a springboard to go beyond minimising impact, investing instead in long-term ecological renewal that supports vulnerable species and strengthens river health. By combining scientific best practice, cultural collaboration with RMMAC, and the expertise of partners like OzFish, the Fish Hotels project demonstrates how eco-tourism can directly restore habitat, rebuild biodiversity and address historic environmental damage. The initiative showcases the leadership, innovation and community partnership at the heart of Ecotourism Australia’s certification standards, offering a replicable model of regenerative tourism that gives back more than it takes.
To support the Fish Hotels project and help secure the future of the Murray Cod, visit the Murray River Trails Fund.