FISHERIES Victoria is inviting everyone to come and celebrate 70 years of successful fish production at the Snobs Creek fish hatchery near Lake Eildon on July 2 from 10am – 2pm.
The day will be an opportunity to visit the hatchery and speak to the expert staff involved in the breeding of trout and native fish for the state-wide stocking program.
Fisheries Victoria Executive Director Travis Dowling is encouraging everyone to come and take a look at the historic facility.
“A blend of old and new technology will be on display for people to see along with an historical archive showcasing how fish production has changed throughout the decades,” Mr Dowling said.
“There will also be face painting, balloonists, a jumping castle and a range of other games and prizes up for grabs, for the kids to enjoy.”
Mr Dowling said the Snobs Creek hatchery is Victoria’s key fish production facility.
“Over the past 70 years, the hatchery has produced fish to provide enhanced recreational fishing opportunities for anglers across the state.”
“After 1950 when the production at the Snobs Creek Hatchery became significant, the total number of fish produced for management purposes was more than 20 Million by the end of 1967.”
“Although operations and species produced have changed, the hatchery continues to grow in production capacity to this day.”
“Approximately 1.4 million (1,400,000) fish are bred each year consisting of Brown trout, rainbow trout, Chinook salmon, Macquarie perch, trout cod, golden perch, catfish and the iconic Murray cod have all been bred at this facility.”
“The fish are carefully transported in custom made trucks that travel almost 150,000 kilometres a year to deliver fish.”
“Most trout and salmon produced are grown are released as yearlings weighing between 30 and 100 grams (20-25 cm in length), for put-grow-and-take fisheries.”
“However, a number of trout are purposely grown larger and stocked in small lakes and ponds close to urban and regional centres during holiday periods so more people can enjoy catching them.”
Learn more about fish stocking, which is funded by recreational fishing licence fees and Target One Million, at www.vic.gov.au/fishstocking
