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

An ecologist who spent 36 years with NSW Fisheries says scientists working for the government are 'aghast' at the state of the Darling River but can't speak publiclySign up for the Rural Network email newsletterJoin the Rural Network group on Facebook to be part of the communityOne 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.Sign up to receive Guardian Australia's fortnightly Rural Network email newsletter Continue reading...