Effectiveness of stocking
Freshwater Trust Allocation
2008/09 - $184,000
A) Effectiveness of stocking study
Aim
To assess the effectiveness of stocking freshwater native and trout fry and fingerlings
Background
Millions of native and trout fish fry and fingerlings are stocked into NSW impoundments and river systems each year. This program is monitoring the fate of fish stocked into some of these waterways which allows an assessment of the growth and survival of the stocked fish. Such information is necessary to make informed decisions relating to stocking strategies for both native species and trout. To assess the effectiveness of stocking, the program will specifically estimate the survival rates of stocked fish and determine the most suitable stocking rates.
B) Finclipping of rainbow trout stocked into Lakes Eucumbene and Jindabyne
Aim
To assess survival and growth of finclipped rainbow trout in Lakes Eucumbene and Jindabyne
Background
Over the past years, a proportion of the rainbow trout stocked into Lakes Eucumbene and Jindabyne have been finclipped. For Lake Eucumbene 150,000 rainbow trout are stocked each year. Lake Jindabyne receives 50,000 rainbow trout each year. Volunteers assist with the finclipping, which enables identification of these fish in the future. This will allow for the determination of survival and the contribution of stocked fish to the fishery and to the spawning population.
The Annual trapping of the main tributaries of both lake has enabled recapture of these fish. The results show that the hatchery fish do contribute to the spawning population. Angler catch is also monitored in both Lakes at major fishing competitions, enabling estimates of the stocking in maintaining angler catch rates.