The arc of stones at the centre of this scene is a fish trap that was used in wet seasons when the valley was a floodway through which fish and eels migrated.
Aboriginal constructed fish traps in order to catch fish. Often the traps were woven from plant fibers. However stone traps were also built in some places where fish were seasonally abundant and particular at sites through which they passed during seasonal migrations.
Check whether the mound has the typical characteristics of an Aboriginal fish trap site. If it does, record its location and write a brief description of its condition. Note whether it is under threat of disturbance.
Aboriginal Affairs Victoria records> the location, dimensions, and condition of such sites so that we will have a permanent record of this important part of the heritage of all Australians. Management works, such as the eradication of rabbits and erosion control, are carried out so that Aboriginal mounds can be preserved for future generations.
Please help to preserve Aboriginal stone dwelling sites by reporting their presence to Aboriginal Affairs Victoria.Stone fish trap sites provide provide a rare glimpse into the fabric of past Aboriginal society. They provide valuable information about past Aboriginal settlement, lifestyles, culture and economy.
Stone fish trap sites provide Aboriginal people today with an important link to their culture and their past.
The stones are long lasting, but their arrangement can be damaged or destroyed. In particular earthworks, rock quarrying and rock crushing in and along the edges of waterways and wetlands can significantly impact on or destroy fish traps.
All Aboriginal cultural places and artifacts in Victoria are protected by law. It is illegal to disturb or destroy an Aboriginal place. Artifacts should not be removed from sites.
In general, the presence of an Aboriginal stone fish trap on private land will not affect ownership or stop pre-existing land uses from continuing.
The presence of an Aboriginal stone fish traps may indicate that other artifacts are present, or that other sites of Aboriginal Cultural heritage significance are present. Please preserve Aboriginal cultural heritage sites by conducting environmental, agricultural and other activities in a manner that does not impact on them. Such areas are likely to cover a very small area relative to the size of most properties and avoiding disturbance should therefore have little effect on productivity. The presence of such a place will greatly enhance the value of an appropriately implemented environmental project and is likely to be assist applicants seeking funds for environmental projects.
Stone fish traps were constructed where stone was available and where fish and eels were seasonally abundant. In particular they were built at sites through which fish and eels passed during seasonal migrations.