Fish plan takes shape
Cressbrook ‘homes’ hit the water
FISHING: Stage one of an initiative aimed at boosting Cressbrook Dam as an angling and tourist destination has hit the water.
Around 30 volunteers last Saturday joined a working bee to construct and place manmade structures, designed to act as artificial fish habitats, throughout the dam.
The project is the first of its kind in Australia and has the joint backing of Toowoomba and District Fish Stocking Association, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and Toowoomba Regional Council.
The fish attractors substitute for natural habitat in the clearfelled dam and are particularly attractive to golden perch and bass.
Toowoomba and District Fish Stocking Association president Peter Taylor said more of the “fish houses” are planned to be put in place early next year.
“We had about 30 volunteers come along on Saturday to lend a hand getting the project started,” Taylor said.
“It’s a first for Australia and a great addition to our region.
“The structures are designed to attract smaller fish to use as habitat with bigger fish attracted to them.
“Last Saturday was the start and more additions will follow.
“Our next lot of work will take place in the new year, probably around early February.”
GPS trackers will be used to guide anglers to where the habitats are located.
The fish-stocking association’s work also includes tagging fish to help provide valuable feedback.
“The fish are radio tagged to help keep track of their movement and provide us with other information,” Taylor said.
“We just ask anglers to be aware of tagged fish and if they do catch one can they please return it the water so that information is not lost.”