The project is expected to mirror a similar project in Deniliquin, where the fish is thriving thanks to the Deniliquin Lagoons Restoration Project.
Finley Lake Trust and Finley High School students will be engaged in the project.
They will today meet with Edward-Wakool Angling Association scientific officer John Conallin and Deniliquin High School students involved in the Deniliquin project to formulate a plan that would work for the lake.
Finley Lake Trust member Brad Carlon said the eel-tailed catfish was common throughout the Murray-Darling Basin, but the species was notably absent from monitoring between 2010 and 2018.
Since 2018, EWAA has successfully restocked the Deniliquin lagoons and the Moulamein Lakes with the species.
Deniliquin High School students have been involved in the process, helping with monitoring and learning about their local environment at the same time.
Finley High project leader and head teacher of wellbeing Tom McCarney said the intention is to replicate the success of that project in Finley.
He said there would be continued guidance from Deni High, the Finley Lake Trust and EWAA.
‘‘We will have an information briefing (today) before attendees will start the initial process of identifying what species already populate the lake,’’ Mr McCarney said.
‘‘Depending on that outcome, we will catch fish from the Deniliquin Waring Gardens lagoon and relocate them to Finley.
‘‘The Finley Lake could be the ideal breeding ground to help save the endangered species, so the school is pretty keen to get the ball rolling.
‘‘Who knows, if all goes to plan we could be known as the catfish town in a few years.’’
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