THE NSW Government has released more than 5.6 million fingerlings, including a record 413,000 bass, into lakes, dams and rivers across the State this past year.
Minister for Primary Industries, Katrina Hodgkinson, said 2.7 million native fish and 2.9 million trout and salmon have been released under the NSW Government’s freshwater stocking programs in 2013 and 2014.
“These fish releases provide huge benefits for regional areas by boosting tourism and providing economic opportunities for regional economies. The NSW Government’s Port Stephens Fisheries Institute has produced and stocked a record number of 413,000 bass into 22 dams across the State, including Toonumbar Dam, Glenbawn Dam, Lake Lyell and Tallowa Dam.
“Successful production of native fish was also achieved at the Narrandera Fisheries Centre, with the highlight being 526,500 Murray Cod stocked into dams from Pindari Dam in the north to Blowering Dam in the south.
“The Gaden Trout Hatchery in Jindabyne produced brown trout, rainbow trout, Atlantic salmon and brook trout and Dutton Trout Hatchery in Ebor produced brown trout and rainbow trout for fishers to enjoy throughout the New England, Central Tablelands, Southern Highlands, Monaro and Snowy Mountains regions.”
Ms Hodgkinson said production of fish at the four NSW Government hatcheries and at commercial hatcheries, through the dollar-for-dollar program, is supported by funds from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts.
“In addition to the freshwater stocking program, this summer the DPI will also stock more than four million eastern king prawns in estuaries up and down the NSW coast for the first time,” Ms Hodgkinson said.
