FIVE hundred larger-than-usual rainbow trout have been released in Oberon Dam, New South Wales, in the hope the large fish will slow the population growth of redfin.
Ray Tang from the Central Acclimatisation Society helped carry out the experimental release in July. “Basically, it’s a pilot release. An experiment to try and combat the prolific redfin. Redfin breed so prolifically, they are known to destroy trout fisheries and any other fishes,” Ray said.
Redfin, also known as English perch, were named a Class 1 noxious pest by the Department of Primary Industries in 2010. They are also impacting other species of fish in Lake Wallace and Lake Lyell.
“Wallerawang anglers hope to follow in the same footsteps as those at Oberon. We believe people have introduced them to the lakes when they didn’t know how much danger they actually cause.”
Mr Tang said he hopes the eight-month old trout released will grow to maturity and, due to their large size, place pressure on the dam’s redfin population.
For more on this story see the Lithgow Mercury.
