Does size matter, and other issues relating to fish stocking

If you want to learn about fish stocking, come along to a NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) public seminar on Friday 29 April at 7 pm at DPI’s Narrandera Fisheries Centre, John Lake Centre, Buckingbong Road, Narrandera.

The seminar ‘Does size matter? And other issues associated with fish stocking’ will give an overview of fish spawning methods and provide information on NSW DPI native fish-stocking program.

The presenter, Stephen Thurstan, a Fisheries Technician in the Native Fish Breeding Program at the Fisheries Centre, has managed the native fish hatchery at Narrandera for more than 20 years

The hatchery has released in excess of 20 million fish for stocking during that time.

A keen angler, Stephen can relate to anglers concerns about declines in native fish stocks and looks forward to answering questions on the night.

Large numbers of fish are bred in hatcheries then stocked into various water bodies every year, primarily to improve recreational fishing for anglers.

The effort made by government hatcheries and angling clubs to stock these fish is considerable, and the people involved have a keen interest in the primary outcome, rehabilitating our native fish populations.

Mr Thurstan said the success of fish stocking was often difficult to assess and could be influenced by a large number of factors.

These factors and other issues relating to fish stocking will be discussed at the seminar using examples from overseas and Australia.

“Fish stocking is a management tool that can be effective in many circumstances but it also has the potential to have many negative impacts if not done properly.

“People attending the talk will gain a good understanding of the processes required to produce fish at a hatchery and will be much better informed about factors that influence decisions regarding fish stocking,” Mr Thurston said.

The John Lake Centre includes an aquarium and poster display, which will be open for inspection before and after the seminar for anyone wishing to undertake a casual tour of the facilities.

Light refreshments and a BBQ meal will be available after the seminar at a cost of $3 per person.

NSW DPI staff will also be available if you wish to discuss any topics in greater detail.

Due to limited seating arrangements, the maximum attendance at these seminars is 55 people, so if you are interested in attending, it is essential that you book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Bookings can be made by calling the Narrandera Fisheries Centre on (02) 6959 9021 between 9 am and 4:30 pm Monday to Friday.

If you intend to stay for the BBQ please inform the staff member at the time of booking.

The evening will conclude at approximately 9 pm. If you have booked but cannot make the evening, for catering purposes it would be appreciated if you could please phone the centre in advance to cancel your booking.

MEDIA CONTACT: SARAH CHESTER ON (02) 6036 2110 OR 0417 207 669.