The Free Press (Corowa)

Feedback sought for native fish stocking

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Anglers and fishing clubs are encouraged to provide feedback on the proposed native freshwater fish stocking plan for 2017/18 before Friday, June 16.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Senior Fisheries Manager, Cameron Westaway, said DPI was responsibl­e for stocking public dams and lakes across NSW to ensure recreation­al fishing and conservati­on of biodiversi­ty continues.

“We are inviting the community to consider where we should prioritise our native fish stockings in the upcoming season, so that we can do our best to enhance our inland recreation­al fisheries and improve our aquatic biodiversi­ty,” he said.

“We consider sites which historical­ly have been stocked with fish along with the physical condition of dams, outcomes of stocking related research, relative fishery performanc­e and feedback from anglers.

“We produce our native fish in conditions as close as we possibly can to natural conditions so production can vary with the seasons and the plan sets out targets which are dependent on hatchery production.

“We are encouragin­g fishers to identify any other freshwater lakes not currently listed in the plan that may be suitable for native fish stocking.

“The creation of new fishing locations is just as important as maintainin­g and enhancing existing ones.”

The Australian Bass, Golden Perch, Murray Cod, Silver Perch and Trout Cod fingerling­s released during the stocking program are produced at the DPI Hatcheries at Narrandera and Port Stephens.

DPI Fisheries staff have conducted an Environmen­tal Impact Statement (EIS) for the freshwater fish stocking program and a management strategy is in place to ensure the stocking is carried out using best practice guidelines.

“I would encourage anyone who would like make comments on the plan to have their say before June 16, so that your views can be considered for next season’s stockings,” Mr Westaway said.

 ??  ?? Golden Perch will be among native freshwater fish to be stocked across public dams and lakes throughout NSW.
Golden Perch will be among native freshwater fish to be stocked across public dams and lakes throughout NSW.
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