In southwestern Victoria, there were many small rivers and marshes that would flood in winter. These marshes were an important feeding ground for eels. In spring, eels would swim up the rivers from the sea to reach the marshes. The indigenous people had developed a well-planned system of traps and canals to farm eels as they migrated between the sea and inland waters. They would trap eels in nets and pots placed in the canals. Some of these canal systems covered over 100 square kilometers. The indigenous people would breed trapped eels, smoke them, and trade this important food source. Eel farming had been practiced in the region for around 8,000 years by these settled indigenous groups.

1. Ben

2. In the beginning…
 In south western victoria there were lots
of small rivers. In winter the water levels
rose and they became covered in
marshes.
 The marshes were a favourite place
where the eel fed. In spring the eels
swam along the rivers and lake from the
seas to get to their feeding ground.

3. What does farming eels with
rocks mean ?
 In autumn the eels went back to the ocean to breed
some baby eels. The aboriginals knew this and
made a well planed system of traps and canals.
Small holes were built into walls for eel pots or eel
nets. As the eels came into the area they were
trapped in the nets and pots. These aboriginals were
known as not nomadic. Some of these canals
systems were over 100 square kilometres and were
a massive aquaculture project.
 The aboriginals would breed the eels that were then
smoked and traded. This was a way of life for these
not nomadic aboriginals who began this practice
around 8000 years ago.

4. Image of farming eels

5. Question Time 3/4E