Sweetwater Fishing Forums
General Category => News Views & Press Releases => Topic started by: Editor on April 15, 2012, 01:25:40 PM
-
40,000 golden perch released into Blowering Dam
13 Apr 2012 - NSW Fisheries
The release of approximately 40,000 golden perch into Blowering Dam near Tumut on Monday 16 April is very good news for the region's keen recreational anglers.
The golden perch fingerlings were bred at NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) Narrandera Fisheries Centre.
NSW DPI Narrandera Hatchery Manager, Matthew McLellan, said the release was part of the NSW Government‟s ongoing program to stock NSW waterways with native fish.
“The program is assisted with funds from by the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust, which is supported by the recreational fishing licence fees,” he said.
“Almost a million native fish including golden and silver perch, trout cod, Murray cod and Macquarie Perch have been harvested this fish stocking season at Narrandera Fisheries Centre to boost native fish populations across NSW.”
Mr McLellan said Blowering Dam was a well-known fishing destination and each year it was stocked with golden perch and Murray cod from the Narrandera hatchery.
“Recent big rains have provided ideal conditions for the release of the fish, which will provide a timely boost to the dam‟s native fish numbers,” he said.
“Golden perch, or 'yellow belly' as they are more commonly known, are popular with anglers as good eating fish who are vigorous takers of bait and lures.
“The stocking of waterways with native fish also provides a boost for regional communities, where freshwater angling creates jobs and supports businesses and tourism.
“The fingerlings destined for Blowering Dam have been „harvested‟ from the rearing ponds at the Narrandera Fisheries Centre.
“The fingerlings were drained into a concrete raceway where they were netted, counted and quarantined before being put into a tank for transport to Blowering Dam.”
Harvesting of native fish will continue to take place at Narrandera Fisheries Centre for another week or so, when the last of the rearing ponds is due to be harvested.