6.4 million more fish in NSW waters
NSW has had another bumper fish stocking season with around 6.4 million fish released into the State’s waterways in 2007/08, including 3.4 million native fish, Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald said today.
Minister Macdonald said this was welcome news for many rural and regional economies suffering from the drought.
"The spin-off benefits of the recreational fishing industry can’t be underestimated," Minister Macdonald said.
"Despite severe drought conditions on the land, fish stocking will generate some welcome income for regions including the Central West, South West, Hunter and north-west of the State."
The State Government, through the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) closely monitor the situation and only stock where water levels can sustain fish stocking.
"During the past year, more than 2.9 million trout and salmon fry and fingerlings were put into NSW waters. Native stocked species include Golden perch, Murray cod, Silver perch and Australian bass," Minister Macdonald said.
The fish were produced at NSW DPI hatcheries at the Narrandera Fisheries Centre, Dutton Trout Hatchery at Ebor, near Armidale, the Gaden Trout Hatchery at Jindabyne and the Port Stephens Fisheries Centre.
Native fish were also supplied from private fish hatcheries across NSW through the Dollar-for-Dollar native fish stocking program, funded by the Recreational Fishing Trust. The Dollar-for-Dollar Native Fish Stocking Program is a community stocking program, with fish bought from private hatcheries for release into waterways across the State.
"Support for the Dollar-for-Dollar program has been tremendous with over 85 groups, clubs and councils involved last year. The 2008/09 season is shaping up to be the biggest yet with 115 groups, clubs and councils involved," Minister Macdonald said.
"Fish stocking is great news for anglers as it helps to not only improve their sport but it also provides other great social and economic benefits.
"It supports some of our most important inland fisheries such as the Australian bass fishery at Glenbawn Dam and the trout fisheries across NSW.
"More than $1 million was committed to the Statewide stocking program this financial year."
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Media contact: Jason Bartlett, 0438 209 281