Don't forget to report captures of tagged fish

Fishers enjoying a spot of fishing during the holidays and perhaps trying out a new fishing rod are being urged by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) to report any catches of tagged fish.

NSW DPI scientists are tagging freshwater fish throughout NSW waterways to gain a better understanding of long distance migrations and habitat use.  

NSW DPI Research Scientist at the Narrandera Fisheries Centre, Lee Baumgartner, said the cooperation of fishers had been vital to the success of the tagging program.

  “Initial results show that many inland fish migrate hundreds of kilometers in as little as a month. These fish migrate between different rivers in search of food and to spawn. Some fish have moved more than 1500 km across a number of years,” he said.

  Dr Baumgartner said this data provided important information to help manage native fish populations. Of particular interest is data that helps identify barriers to migration such as dams and weirs, and fish movements in response to rehabilitation works.

“To date, more than 20,000 fish have been tagged in inland waters with species including Murray cod, golden perch, redfin perch, carp, bony herring and silver perch,” he said. “While on coastal streams, NSW DPI scientists have also tagged Australian bass, mullet, catfish, and eels.”

Tagging work is underway in the Murray, Darling, Lachlan, Shoalhaven, Clarence and Nepean Rivers with additional rivers to be included in the program later this year.

  Fish usually receive two tags. A yellow dart tag is inserted in the shoulder, which contains a contact number and information for the angler to record. Fish are also micro-chipped in the pectoral (chest) region, using the same technology applied to cats and dogs.

Remote tracking stations have been placed on several rivers so that the movements of micro-chipped fish can be continually monitored. Automated tracking stations have been installed at weirs near Yarrawonga, Torrumbarry, Euston, Wentworth and Blanchetown on the Murray River.

  Tracking stations are also planned for the lower and upper Darling River, the Shoalhaven and Nepean Rivers.

Tagged fish can be reported to the NSW DPI hotline 1800 185 027 or via the internet.Fishers who report tagged fish are contacted and given the original tagging location details plus a reward.

If anglers do catch a tagged fish, they should try to record the date of capture, length of the fish, species, river name, capture location, tag number and whether the fish was returned to the waterway.

  Photo available from sarahc@sf.nsw.gov.au