Help find missing receivers
Vital research equipment gone
THE State Government is appealing for help to locate equipment vital to a Department of Agriculture and Fisheries research project at Cressbrook Dam.
DAF Principal Fisheries Biologist Dr Michael Hutchison said several acoustic listening receivers being used in a research program had either been tampered with or moved since they were installed in September 2018.
“Acoustic listening receivers track the movements of 30 bass and 30 golden perch in Cressbrook Dam with high accuracy and evaluate fish use of installed fish attractor habitats and other parts of the dam,” he said.
“The receivers have been placed so as to achieve the best triangulation of fish positions in the dam and around installed habitat.
“Finding the missing receivers is, therefore, in every anglers’ best interest as data from the stations ultimately helps improve fishing in the dam.
Dr Hutchison said DAF was keen to locate the missing receivers and would appreciate any public help.
“Acoustic listening receivers are cylindrical in shape, approximately 40 centimetres tall and are secured to rope with a cement block at its base,” he said. “Because the only visible part of the receivers are a white float, we understand how the stations can accidentally become snagged in fishing gear or initially mistaken for something such as a redclaw trap.”
“No questions will be asked so anyone with information about the location of the missing receivers should contact the DAF call centre 13 25 23.
“Anglers who accidentally pull up an acoustic receiver should drop it back exactly where they found it.”