Enhanced fish production
Aim
Produce native and salmonid fish for stocking in freshwater rivers and impoundments throughout the State, for the benefit of anglers.
Background
The fish are produced at the DPI Hatcheries at the Narrandera Fisheries Centre, the Dutton Trout Hatchery at Ebor (near Armidale), the Gaden Trout Hatchery at Jindabyne and the Port Stephens Fisheries Centre.
The Narrandera Fisheries Centre produces Golden Perch, Murray Cod, Silver Perch and Trout Cod, the Port Stephens Fisheries Centre produces Australian Bass, the L.P. Dutton Trout Hatchery produces Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout and the Gaden Trout Hatchery produces Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Tiger Trout and Atlantic Salmon.
Sites are stocked by staff from DPI and acclimatisation societies (for trout) based on extensive consultation with acclimatisation societies, fishing clubs and community groups. The condition of the streams and impoundments, as well as genetic factors and the presence of threatened species, are taken into account prior to any stocking activities. An environmental impact statement (EIS) for freshwater fish stocking has been prepared and a management strategy developed to ensure that stocking in NSW is carried out under world’s best practice.
The Recreational Fishing Trust supports the stocking of native sportfish and salmonids in NSW. For example, the trust supports operating costs including salaries for hatchery staff as well as equipment, fish feed and stocking costs. The trust fund contribution has enabled DPI hatcheries to increase production over the past several years, leading to record numbers of fish stocked.
