The Andrews Labor Government has set a new fish stocking record over the last 12 months, releasing almost four million fish to improve angling opportunities.
The record fish stocked comprised 845,000 trout and salmon, and more than three million native fish including Murray cod, golden perch and Australian bass.
These fish were released into more than 250 lakes and rivers across the state, including 50,000 rainbow trout into 80 Family Fishing Lakes just in time for the July and September school holidays.
These trout are catchable size and provide people of all ages and abilities who are new to fishing, with the perfect opportunity to cast in a line and involve the whole family in a healthy, outdoor pastime.
This year’s stocking record is set to tumble in 2018 when five million fish will be stocked, delivering on the Labor Government’s Target One Million election commitment to boost stocking from less than three million under the previous Coalition Government.
In 2018, one million trout and salmon will be stocked, alongside four million native fish fingerlings.
The $46 million Target One Million plan for recreational fishing aims to get more people fishing, more often, and grow participation to one million anglers by 2020.
Fish stocking is a key contributor to achieving that goal, which is why a marine stocking program has also been established, releasing estuary perch and mulloway into several Gippsland estuaries.
Target One Million is improving recreational fishing in other ways too by bringing an end to commercial net fishing in Port Phillip Bay, improving access and facilities, hosting events to help beginners learn from experts and helping angling clubs grow membership.
Quote attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford
“Stocking improves fishing opportunities in lakes and rivers, increases catch rates for anglers and helps attract visitors to regional centres that depend on tourism – put simply it’s a win-win.”
“Recreational fishing is a wonderful pastime that brings families and friends together in beautiful places, often away from the stresses of daily life and work routines, which is good for relationships and good for mental health.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020