‘The river has been destroyed’: expert says agriculture has overshadowed science in the Murray-Darling Basin

Dead fish in the Darling-Baaka River in 2023. Current and former NSW Fisheries staff say they are frustrated at the degradation of major river systems. Photograph: Otis Filley/The Guardian

One of Australia’s most respected native fish experts says scientists working within the New South Wales government are discouraged from speaking to the media, resulting in “a loss of honesty and accuracy” in reporting by departments.

Dr Stuart Rowland, a retired principal research scientist who worked for NSW Fisheries for 36 years and remains a mentor to scientists in the agency, says there is a conflict within the Department of Primary Industries between fisheries and agricultural interests which makes it difficult for the former to speak openly about the health of the Murray-Darling River system and causes of ecological disasters including the 2023 Menindee fish kills.