NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) acting executive director of fisheries Peter Turnell said $500,000 in funds from the Recreational Fishing Trust has been allocated to the community-based program for the 2024-25 season.
“Funds are available on a two-dollar for one-dollar basis, where applicants will receive $2 for every $1 they spend on stocking high priority native sportfish, including Australian Bass, Golden Perch and Murray Cod,” Mr Turnell said.
“Fish are supplied to local groups by the New South Wales commercial fish hatchery sector, which complies with strict measures to ensure the highest quality production, fish health and genetic standards.
“Approximately 75 groups, including fishing clubs, local councils and other community organisations, participate in the program each year.
“Collectively, these groups have released more than 15 million native fish into waterways across New South Wales since the program commenced in the late 1990s.”
Mr Turnell said the community stocking program is a great example of how fishing licences fees are invested back into recreational fishing in NSW through the Recreational Fishing Trust.
“During the 2023-24 season, more than 825,000 native fish were stocked through the program.
“This includes the release of 18,000 Australian Bass into Clarrie Hall Dam near Uki, nearly 30,000 Golden Perch into Edward River near Deniliquin and 16,000 Murray Cod into the Macquarie River near Narromine.
“In addition to boosting our recreational fisheries, native fish stocking also provides environmental, social, cultural and economic benefits across the state.”
Fish stocking involves producing fish fry or fingerlings and releasing them into dams or river systems. All fish stocking in NSW is carefully managed for sustainability.
For information on the most recent grant recipients, visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/resources/stocking/two-dollars-for-one-dollar.
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