Millions of fish have been restocked into NSW inland waters by the Department of Primary Industries’ (DPI) Fisheries team.
Minister for Agriculture, Adam Marshall (pictured) helped the NSW DPI team return 130 metre-long Murray Cod to their native waterways near Tamworth last week.
“From November last year up until today, NSW DPI, alongside volunteer groups, have successfully released and stocked an enormous six million fish into the State’s waterways,” Mr Marshall said.
“From Menindee to Tamworth and down to Eden, these programs ensure our native fish can flourish after some of the most challenging conditions in recent history, and that our inland fisheries are also primed to rebound strongly,” he said.
“The $10 million ‘Noah’s Ark’ program provided through the Native Fish Drought Response is the largest operation of its kind ever undertaken by NSW Government, providing native fish species a lifeline from the effects of diminishing flows along rivers as a result of the crippling drought.”
Mr Marshall said NSW DPI’s recreational fishing program was strategically designed to reinvigorate habitats, complement existing populations and boost fish stocks to make sure they thrived for years to come.
“The NSW DPI Fisheries team does an outstanding job, ensuring the right conditions are in place giving the fish the best chance to thrive,” the Minister said.
“Over the six-month stocking season, we have returned a kaleidoscope of species back to inland waterways, including Murray Cod, Tiger Perch and Rainbow Trout,” he said.
