News

Anglers in New South Wales, Australia are looking forward to a major boost in their future sport after more than 60,000 Murray cod and golden perch were stocked into a major river catchment.

The fish were stocked in the upper Macquarie River catchment by volunteer recreational anglers from the Central Acclimatisation Society (CAS) and the Bundi Fishing Club to complement native fish stockings from previous years and also ensure native fish survival.

Thanks to ongoing support from businesses and individuals who sponsor the annual Sofala Carp Blitz – and the growing backing of recreational anglers who attend the event – CAS’ Sofala branch contributes all profits to annual restocking of native fish into local waterways.

The increased native fish stocks compete against invasive species such as redfin and European carp while enhancing fishing opportunities for recreational anglers.

Money raised by local angling organisations for the Native Fish Restocking Program is matched $2 for $1 by the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust funded from the sale of recreational fishing licences.

Bundi Fishing club members released about 20,000 Murray cod into the Macquarie River while Bathurst & Oberon CAS members stocked around 19,500 Murray cod and golden perch into the Macquarie and Fish Rivers plus over 21,000 Murray cod and golden perch by Sofala CAS members into the Turon River catchment. All were released at NSW DPI Fisheries approved sites with public access.

The fish from the Tara Native Fish Hatchery were delivered to meeting points by hatchery manager Leigh Logan and transferred from the tanker into oxygenated bags which volunteers to transport to the approved release sites.

The bagged fish were placed into the water to acclimatise temperatures for up to 20 minutes then water from the river is added to the bags before fish are gently released into the river to begin their life in new surroundings.