Have your say on bold new fish production and stocking plan
by Marc B Ainsworth 20 Aug 2018 09:38 UTC
New fish production and stocking plan © Victorian Fisheries
Recreational anglers and the community are being encouraged to have their say on a bold 10-year draft plan to boost Victoria's freshwater fisheries.
Labor Upper House Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, said the draft plan titled 'Revolutionising Fish Production and Stocking in Victoria' will build on our thriving inland fisheries and rebuild threatened native fish populations.
"The draft plan aims to make fishing in Victoria even better tomorrow than it is today," Ms Symes said.
"Whether you're after a cod or golden perch in Eildon, a bass in Blue Rock or trophy browns in Toolondo, we want to make freshwater fishing in Victoria the envy of Australia."
Prepared by the Snobs Creek Advisory Board, the draft plan provides a high level strategic vision and key goals for fish production and stocking at the VFA's Snobs Creek hatchery over the next decade. It has five key priorities:
1. Safeguard the supply of stocked fish;
2. Recover threatened fish species;
3. Grow more fish and create more fishing opportunities;
4. Smarter stocking; and
5. Recreational fisher engagement.
Chair of the Advisory Board, David Kramer, said the Snobs Creek hatchery has grown fish for recreational fisheries and conservation stockings for more than 70 years. It produces rainbow and brown trout, Chinook salmon, Murray cod, Macquarie perch and trout cod, and is responsible for their release into Victorian lakes and rivers.
"The plan includes a major new effort to bring back Macquarie perch and trout cod fisheries and capitalises on the State Government's record $46 million investment in Target One Million, which is getting more people fishing, more often," Mr Kramer said.
People are encouraged to view the plan at www.vfa.vic.gov.au/fishstockingplan and have their say by 16 September 2018.