Big Barra Transfer from Fresh to Salt Water.

[Lovey80]

Hi to all you Barra fanatics out there. I hope the recent eagles nest thread doesn't stop some from posting as I would like as many and varied opinions on this as possible.

I should mention from the get go that I have never fished impoundment Barra but plan on putting that to bed once my boat mods are finished.

The main point of the thread is to get opinions from those that love to tackle the big Barra on our great lakes and dams on the possibility/viability/effectiveness of setting up a program where Large Barra are taken from our big lakes and put into the Salt where they have the chance to breed lots and lots of more Barra that could eventually end up on the table.

A few points I would like to see covered in detail and if there is any definitive study/data please throw it in but opinions are just as wanted:

Is it likely/possible that freshwater Barra that have grown up in the Fresh an hence do not breed in the fresh would become breeders once use to the salt.

Also the issue of predation. There are opinions for and against on this but let it fly anyway. Do you think that taking a few of the larger girls out of the system and relocating them to the salt would help the many fingerlings that are restocked every year reach maturity/great sport fish?

Also the issue of DNA/strains of fish. I read somewhere (i think on another thread) that the people that do the breeding etc have a problem with allowing a bred fish that has it's roots in another system getting into a wild fishery of a different system. So do you hold any weight to this, know a reason why this would be bad/ see any reason why this should be restricted?

Out it's out there lets get discussing! I'll post my virgin thoughts on the first reply and see where my opinion is after all the discussion.

Cheers

Chris

[Lovey80]

Ok so my original thoughts are that it would be great to see these magnificent fighting fish that so many love to chase become breeders in the Salt. Currently it seems that the stocking programs that are working so well are being centrally beneficial which is fine but it would be great to see our wild fisheries benefit from this also. While I am a complete novice when it comes to Barra it would be great to get educated through the forum so here goes with my initial thoughts.

The first of my additional points from above is wether these great fish would become productive once introduced to the salt. It's seems that naturally (correct me if I am wrong) that up north it is common for fish to be trapped in Fresh Water systems and spend considerable amounts of time growing in the fresh before the right amount of rains come to flood the area and get them to the salt. Under this reasoning I think the se fish would become breeders.

Secondly predation, I have no insight into this but have read comments from others that larger Barra will eat smaller Barra. Hence making the effectiveness and survivability of the smaller Barra much more limited. If this is in fact the case I think taking the larger ones out for a greater purpose would give the fingerlings more chance to grow and make the restocking more worthwhile.

Thirdly the issue of the scientists not wanting different strains of fish in different waters. I have no real clue on this so I would love to know more but considering that Barra have been known to move systems to some extent there is already a crossing of strains to some areas. What harm can come of crossing the strains anyway?

Just my uneducated thoughts at the start lets see where they end up?

Cheers

Chris

[aussiebasser]

A very few people go to a lot of effort to stock the fisheries to make this the best state in Australia as far as maintaining impoundment stocks. Now you want to get those fish and let them go somewhere else. Remember that the SIP Scheme we have in Queensland is not intended to be a regeneration of fish in the wild. It is promoting a sustainable freshwater impoundment fishery. Short cutting the system, by taking fish paid for by impoundment fishermen to restock an area constantly raped by professional fishing just wouldn't be right IMO.

[PaulMark]

My thoughts entirely,the cost of stocking is quite high and lots of work is done by the stocking groups.To use this system for regenerating wild fisheries,or ultimately provide income for commercial fishers is very wrong.If however the commercial interests could add some support financially and on the ground maybe there could be a way forward.But its still robbing whichever way you look at it.Not a commercial fisho are you???Maybe the pro's should pay a levy,which could be used to restock the systems they are taking the fish from.Now theres a thought.
Paulo

[NAGG]

Probably would be better to put fingerlings in grow out ponds and release them at 30cm ....... At least they would stand a good chance of reaching maturity & spawn..... plus be fast / big enough to be able to survive preditors

I dont know how big barra go after being released - or going over a spillway....... This idea is part of the Scheme that MASA tried to introduce - a small number of fish were to be released into the Kolan R
As has been mentioned - you wouldn't want to do it in any system that allows commercial fishing.

Chris

[warrior]

in an event of a flood in the dams i think the barra would relocate quite well as they are travelling down in the fresh water that has moved over the dam and progressively addapt to the salt enviroment as it gets closer to the sea,but saying this we wouldnt want the great work all the fishstocking groups do go out the window . introducing different strains to these river systems i think would do great harm to the local breeds of barra ,we had the dam overflow twice this year in hervey bay and lost a lot of barra over the wall they eventually went down 3 weirs and into the salt where a few were caught later in the season so they do adapt well natural introduction is the go for me or as nagg said grow them out and introduce them smaller as long as they are compatible with what is already there and see how they go .

[matt fraser]

Is it likely/possible that freshwater Barra that have grown up in the Fresh an hence do not breed in the fresh would become breeders once use to the salt.

Also the issue of predation. There are opinions for and against on this but let it fly anyway. Do you think that taking a few of the larger girls out of the system and relocating them to the salt would help the many fingerlings that are restocked every year reach maturity/great sport fish?

Also the issue of DNA/strains of fish. I read somewhere (i think on another thread) that the people that do the breeding etc have a problem with allowing a bred fish that has it's roots in another system getting into a wild fishery of a different system. So do you hold any weight to this, know a reason why this would be bad/ see any reason why this should be restricted?



G'day Chris, I agree with aussiebasser, Nagg and Warrior. My extra two cents worth:

Impoundment barra would breed once they are in a saltwater environment with the right conditions.

Predation does occur with barra in any environment - not a good reason to take big fish from the lakes. Also a good reason to grow fish out before stocking. But this adds greatly to the costs.

Barra that are stocked in lakes may come from different locations, depending on which hatchery they are purchased from. I believe Mondy has fish from various hatcheries. I don't know what the biologiest/scientist would think about various strains being released in different areas?

In the NT, they do a lot of restocking into the wild. The NT government knows how much fishing tourism means to the economy, so the fishery is well managed and supported.

A big issue I see with your plan is the transportation. Big impoundment barra aren't that good in livewells. I don't know how they'd go with travel.

Matt

[Obi _ Wan]

G'day Chris, I agree with aussiebasser, Nagg and Warrior. My extra two cents worth:



In the NT, they do a lot of restocking into the wild. The NT government knows how much fishing tourism means to the economy, so the fishery is well managed and supported.


Matt


Hey Matt was good to finally meet you a couple of weeks ago.

Now you mentioned one thing that really interests me, that is the NT Governments actions with their fisheries, absolutely spot on and what a difference it has made to the fishery, Full marks to them.

The NSW Government has also been stocking a certain degree as well and look at the results in the Sydney estuaries, also other places through the state.

How can we get it across to the Qld Government that results that the NT government have archieved attracts fishermen from Qld (and all over Australia) to go and spend their money in the NT because that Government has had the nouse to realise that the whole local ecomonies benefit to the tune of millions of dollars.

Cheers,
John.

[NAGG]

I had the pleasure and honor to be shown a little creek system which is stocked by a local stocking group
even though tide & summer conditions were against us ...... I managed a fair few of these little 20-30cm barra in a short session - clearly the practice works and when you look at the NT model ...... why wouldn't you do it in select (closed to pro) locations in Qld

Chris

[warrior]

is there any polly we can vote for soon who loves his barra fishin;D

[Lovey80]

A very few people go to a lot of effort to stock the fisheries to make this the best state in Australia as far as maintaining impoundment stocks. Now you want to get those fish and let them go somewhere else. Remember that the SIP Scheme we have in Queensland is not intended to be a regeneration of fish in the wild. It is promoting a sustainable freshwater impoundment fishery. Short cutting the system, by taking fish paid for by impoundment fishermen to restock an area constantly raped by professional fishing just wouldn't be right IMO.

Very good point there aussiebasser on I hadn't taken into consideration when starting the thread. You wouldn't want to do this in an area where commercials would benefit.

I understand that the SIP isn't to do with regeneration with a wild fishery, just thought it may be used for a duel purpose and get a double benefit if it has enough pro's for the freshwater stockists as well. Is it really short cutting the system if those said Freshwater fisherman were to be in agreement???

Maybe it could happen in a system that is declared a Recreational Fishing haven?

some good points so far lets keep the discussion going

Cheers

Chris

[Lovey80]

in an event of a flood in the dams i think the barra would relocate quite well as they are travelling down in the fresh water that has moved over the dam and progressively addapt to the salt enviroment as it gets closer to the sea,but saying this we wouldnt want the great work all the fishstocking groups do go out the window . introducing different strains to these river systems i think would do great harm to the local breeds of barra ,we had the dam overflow twice this year in hervey bay and lost a lot of barra over the wall they eventually went down 3 weirs and into the salt where a few were caught later in the season so they do adapt well natural introduction is the go for me or as nagg said grow them out and introduce them smaller as long as they are compatible with what is already there and see how they go .

Warrior, as others have said the fish in these dams are from different areas and the risk of the overflow like you have said has already introduced different strains into the system. So If the stockists are happy to put these fish upstream (dam) with the risk that they could get into the lower system in the event of a spill then I guess the mixing issue isn't that important?

[Lovey80]

G'day Chris, I agree with aussiebasser, Nagg and Warrior. My extra two cents worth:

Impoundment barra would breed once they are in a saltwater environment with the right conditions.

Predation does occur with barra in any environment - not a good reason to take big fish from the lakes. Also a good reason to grow fish out before stocking. But this adds greatly to the costs.

Barra that are stocked in lakes may come from different locations, depending on which hatchery they are purchased from. I believe Mondy has fish from various hatcheries. I don't know what the biologiest/scientist would think about various strains being released in different areas?

In the NT, they do a lot of restocking into the wild. The NT government knows how much fishing tourism means to the economy, so the fishery is well managed and supported.

A big issue I see with your plan is the transportation. Big impoundment barra aren't that good in livewells. I don't know how they'd go with travel.

Matt

Good point to consider about the transportation. I had assumed it would be a matter of taking them from the dam and putting them in the system directly below the wall, letting them make their way down stream as they saw fit. The issue of weirs is also something I didn't take into account.

With other states going down the path of Saltwater licences. If they end up in QLD do you think this would be a worthy project to spend money on if the fish were being put into Rec Fishing Haven systems (if created) and the SIPS was compensated/assisted with cash for restocking the fresh?

A lot to consider I know but great getting all your thoughts from those already passionate about the freshwater impoundments.

Cheers

Chris

P.S. For who ever asked no I am not a Commercial. I am also against netting inshore systems in any form.

[NAGG]

Good point to consider about the transportation. I had assumed it would be a matter of taking them from the dam and putting them in the system directly below the wall, letting them make their way down stream as they saw fit. The issue of weirs is also something I didn't take into account.

With other states going down the path of Saltwater licences. If they end up in QLD do you think this would be a worthy project to spend money on if the fish were being put into Rec Fishing Haven systems (if created) and the SIPS was compensated/assisted with cash for restocking the fresh?

A lot to consider I know but great getting all your thoughts from those already passionate about the freshwater impoundments.

Cheers

Chris


P.S. For who ever asked no I am not a Commercial. I am also against netting inshore systems in any form.


Chris ..... like the SIP , I'm a big fan of a licence ....... if it is well run and the funds used for the benefit of fishoes

NSW bought out the pro fishers on many of the estuary / river systems ...... some are stocked with mulloway ...... these places are now great fishing destinations for the rec angler
You could do the same with Qld waterways ...... barra , jacks & jew are stand outs.

Chris

[Mike Delisser]

Below is a small part of a BushnBeach story I wrote in 2007, at the time the stocking group (MASA) were still working on its implementation so I don't how it went or even if it's still in place now. One of the main MASA members driving the project was a fisheries scientist of many years experience. I remember being very impressed at how proactive the whole stocking group were in everything they did and how hard they were working to be relevant in the local community. Personally I don't really have a strong opinion either way about their plans to release a few big fish into the Kolan River (some dams lose thousands over the wall in floods), as long as they have DPI approval (8 per year I think on the DPI permit) but I do have a strong opinion that as the stocking group that does all the work, runs the big comp to raise funds, and purchases the fish at Mondy, MASA have the right to decide for themselves how they develope that fishery, re taking out a small amount of the big girls. They wanted a fishery where the average angler with average gear and a S.I.P could stand a good chance of catching a barra, not just the very experienced guys with the best gear. I'm not speaking for MASA, it's what I was told at the time and it could have changed by now. I know there were plenty on this site that lined up to give it to MASA about their plans but then that's the Ausfish way sometimes isn't it. It wasn't Dale's point some had a prob with but the issue of removing big fish.
Also looking at it from a gene pool point of veiw some freshwater sections of the Burnett have been stocked with barra for years before Paradise dam was built, and water flows over all the weirs to the salt every year. I'm sure there'd be a few more rivers flowing to the salt that are stocked with barra.
Cheers

Stage two of the project, (due for completion in 2008) is aimed at the long-term sustainability of the Lake Monduran fishery. MASA releases an average of 100,000 barra and 120,000 bass fingerlings into the lake each year so to reduce cannibalisation and allow a higher percentage of the fingerlings a chance to reach maturity, they encourage anglers to consider taking home a percentage of any large barramundi landed (observing size and bag limits). Alternativly anglers will have the opportunity to donate large barra back to MASA by placing them in a holding cage that will be permanently moored across from the ramp. Once installed the cage will be regularly cleared and the barra tranquillised before being transported to the purging tanks also located in the club's new building. The seven day purging process is designed to improve the fishes eating qualities prior to being processed and cooked by the Bundaberg Meals on Wheels for some of their 300 elderly and disabled clients.
MASA also has a DPI permit to release a limited number of large barra each year into freshwater parts of the lower Kolan River. These fish should then be able to migrate downstream and boost the local population of breeding barramundi.

[brisbane_boy]

Thanks to qld fisheries allowing aggressive netting for barra the wild stocks arent flash, cant see this helping the recreational fishery untill changes are made.

dam fishing doesnt have much on the wild fishing, go to darwin for real action but it does have extra large size, i think itd be wrong to bandaid fix another fishery and take away the only thing going for another.

[nickstock]

is there any polly we can vote for soon who loves his barra fishin;D

None that are in power in QLD. North Queensland's local members are all spineless bastards that refuse to take notice on any form of illegal fishing in Cape York.

The amount of illegal fishing practices that take part in remote areas of Cape York every day is terrible, and the QLD Fisheries monitoring (or lack of it) this fishery makes me embarrassed to be a Queenslander.

Nick Stock

[Pridey]

None that are in power in QLD. North Queensland's local members are all spineless bastards that refuse to take notice on any form of illegal fishing in Cape York. Nick Stock


Totally agree mate, its disgusting and embarassing! If it weren't politics it would be criminal negligence !

[Steve B]

Below is a small part of a BushnBeach story I wrote in 2007, at the time the stocking group (MASA) were still working on its implementation so I don't how it went or even if it's still in place now. One of the main MASA members driving the project was a fisheries scientist of many years experience. I remember being very impressed at how proactive the whole stocking group were in everything they did and how hard they were working to be relevant in the local community. Personally I don't really have a strong opinion either way about their plans to release a few big fish into the Kolan River (some dams lose thousands over the wall in floods), as long as they have DPI approval (8 per year I think on the DPI permit) but I do have a strong opinion that as the stocking group that does all the work, runs the big comp to raise funds, and purchases the fish at Mondy, MASA have the right to decide for themselves how they develope that fishery, re taking out a small amount of the big girls. They wanted a fishery where the average angler with average gear and a S.I.P could stand a good chance of catching a barra, not just the very experienced guys with the best gear. I'm not speaking for MASA, it's what I was told at the time and it could have changed by now. I know there were plenty on this site that lined up to give it to MASA about their plans but then that's the Ausfish way sometimes isn't it. It wasn't Dale's point some had a prob with but the issue of removing big fish.
Also looking at it from a gene pool point of veiw some freshwater sections of the Burnett have been stocked with barra for years before Paradise dam was built, and water flows over all the weirs to the salt every year. I'm sure there'd be a few more rivers flowing to the salt that are stocked with barra.
Cheers

Stage two of the project, (due for completion in 2008) is aimed at the long-term sustainability of the Lake Monduran fishery. MASA releases an average of 100,000 barra and 120,000 bass fingerlings into the lake each year so to reduce cannibalisation and allow a higher percentage of the fingerlings a chance to reach maturity, they encourage anglers to consider taking home a percentage of any large barramundi landed (observing size and bag limits). Alternativly anglers will have the opportunity to donate large barra back to MASA by placing them in a holding cage that will be permanently moored across from the ramp. Once installed the cage will be regularly cleared and the barra tranquillised before being transported to the purging tanks also located in the club's new building. The seven day purging process is designed to improve the fishes eating qualities prior to being processed and cooked by the Bundaberg Meals on Wheels for some of their 300 elderly and disabled clients.
MASA also has a DPI permit to release a limited number of large barra each year into freshwater parts of the lower Kolan River. These fish should then be able to migrate downstream and boost the local population of breeding barramundi.

Mike,

As part of MASA, and pretty much have a good idea of what goes on. I can tell you, no fish have been released in the Kolan (since 2007) and no fish have gone to the pensioners plates. I think 3 fish have been placed in the trap (or ski jump as its affectionally known) and all died prior to purging.

Stocking numbers are pretty much as quoted, although I think bass are a bit less....about 100,000 barra a year 80,000 odd bass.

For letting big barra go in the salt?? I like the idea, but the logistics are impossible...or damn hard at best to get big fish safely (and alive) to a river...need a big livewell;D;)

Cheers Steve

[gladbream]

steve
i wacked 12,000 in south kolan this year at 100mm, is this the same river system? (dunno about this, as i am not familiar with the system).. bass have been released each year by the bundy sportfishing group. nice guys them people (as like most restocking group). hope you can clear this system up steve cause im keen to check it out one day, what is the salt like for other species down stream?

cheers
kh

[Mike Delisser]

Mike,

As part of MASA, and pretty much have a good idea of what goes on. I can tell you, no fish have been released in the Kolan (since 2007) and no fish have gone to the pensioners plates. I think 3 fish have been placed in the trap (or ski jump as its affectionally known) and all died prior to purging.

Stocking numbers are pretty much as quoted, although I think bass are a bit less....about 100,000 barra a year 80,000 odd bass.

For letting big barra go in the salt?? I like the idea, but the logistics are impossible...or damn hard at best to get big fish safely (and alive) to a river...need a big livewell;D;)

Cheers Steve

Thanks Steve, I can only go by what MASA told me, and like I said those were their plans back in Aug 2007 and I wasn't aware if the later part was still running or even ever came to fruition. It's old news now, but here's the whole article if anyone is interested. Maybe parts of their project were a bit ambitious but again, the thing that impressed me most about MASA was how proactive they were and the effort they were making to conect with not only other anglers but their whole community.
Cheers
Mike Delisser

Back in the July issue of BushnBeach I reported on the great time I had bass fishing at Lake Monduran just north of Gin Gin. I also briefly mentioned the innovative project that's being developed by the Monduran Anglers and Stocking Association (MASA). Well I returned a few weeks later for another crack at the bass and managed to drag myself away from the water just long enough to chat with MASA members Ian Jensen and Chris Lupton.
These guys along with the other members are truly passionate about fish stocking and the benefits it can bring to their local community. They took the time to explain some of the concepts behind the project and show me around the club's impressive new building located just behind the camping ground kiosk.
The first stage of this ambitious project involves several displays of live Australian native and introduced noxious fish. It's almost complete and should be open for free public viewing seven days a week from early November. Each tank has been set up with multiple viewing windows positioned at various heights to accommodate adults, children, even persons in wheelchairs. Two large 16,000ltr fibreglass tanks will contain a selection of large barramundi, bass, silver perch, Barcoo grunter, sleepy and Mary River cod while a 8,000ltr tank will house a collection of smaller local natives such as rainbows, fly speckled hardyheads and gudgeons. A fourth tank will house a display of introduced noxious fish, this should assist the public with the identification of undesirables such as European carp and tilapia.
In addition to the live fish displays the interior walls of the building are already decked out with a range of informative posters. These detail the identification, biology and habitat requirements of the local fish species as well as information and handouts on how and where to target some of Monduran's famous metre plus barramundi, a must for visiting anglers.

One of MASA's main aims is to enhance the public's knowledge of the fishery and I have no doubts this facility will play a huge part in achieving this. Already regional schools have indicated considerable interest in using the viewing tanks as a learning tool.

Stage two of the project, (due for completion in 2008) is aimed at the long-term sustainability of the Lake Monduran fishery. MASA releases an average of 100,000 barra and 120,000 bass fingerlings into the lake each year so to reduce cannibalisation and allow a higher percentage of the fingerlings a chance to reach maturity, they encourage anglers to consider taking home a percentage of any large barramundi landed (observing size and bag limits). Alternativly anglers will have the opportunity to donate large barra back to MASA by placing them in a holding cage that will be permanently moored across from the ramp. Once installed the cage will be regularly cleared and the barra tranquillised before being transported to the purging tanks also located in the club's new building. The seven day purging process is designed to improve the fishes eating qualities prior to being processed and cooked by the Bundaberg Meals on Wheels for some of their 300 elderly and disabled clients.
MASA also has a DPI permit to release a limited number of large barra each year into freshwater parts of the lower Kolan River. These fish should then be able to migrate downstream and boost the local population of breeding barramundi.

This ambitious plan is now turning into reality thanks to a Federal Recreational Fishing Grant and assistance from Qld DPI & Fisheries, Nylex, Clipsal Australia, Pierlite, J & R McCracken, Kolan & District Electric, the Kolan Shire Council and the countless hours of hard work by members. When completed the project should enhance the wider community's relationship with the stocking group and the fishery, and that's got to be a good thing.
You can also help support MASA and enjoy a great weekend at the same time by entering the Win TV Monduran Family Fishing Classic. It's one of the most popular and best run freshwater comps in Qld and this year's event will be on the 13-14th of October. There are heaps of prizes up for grabs including some great gear from Bundaberg Tackle World and an $8000 Stacer boat, motor, trailer package put together by Adrian's Marine. For more information phone John Finlay on #### ####.

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/2615/1001861d.th.jpg (http://img34.imageshack.us/i/1001861d.jpg/)http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/3932/masaviewingtanks013.th.jpg (http://img692.imageshack.us/i/masaviewingtanks013.jpg/)http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/3038/1001825b.th.jpg (http://img34.imageshack.us/i/1001825b.jpg/)
http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/8292/1001856t.th.jpg (http://img146.imageshack.us/i/1001856t.jpg/)http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/9233/1001832x.th.jpg (http://img85.imageshack.us/i/1001832x.jpg/)

[Kev_McC]

There are 5 different stocking groups (maybe 4 now?) putting barra in to the Fitzroy River system, at Clermont, Emerald, Blackwater, Moura, and Rocky. Earlier this year there were reasonable numbers of tag recaptures of fish from Theresa Creek Dam near Clermont, from both pro and rec fishers in the estuarine reaches of the Fitzroy below Rocky. These fish made their way about 600km by river over about a month during the flood events in Jan and Feb.
In previous years there have been significant numbers of recaptures downstream from Rocky resulting from stockings in the Dawson R above the weir at Moura as well.

There's no doubt that freshwater stocking group activities can and do contribute to wild fisheries. It's a shame though that so many of them make the massive journey and then run into nets as soon as they get to the salt.

[Lovey80]

Wow some great feedback there lads thanks. It seems the biggest hurdle would be getting Commercial Free systems to release fish into. I just had a second thought about my salt licence comment. I suppose it was a redundant comment anyway as the costs involved in spending Salt Angler funds on relocating big barra from Salt to fresh (at fairly low numbers I guess) would not be justifiable when you consider the costs of actually stocking of fingerlings into the systems that you have made Rec Fishing Havens. So I guess that sounded pretty stupid when I read it a second time.. I thought to myself " Why would you spend considerable amounts of time and money moving tens to possibly 100 fish a year from the fresh to the salt so they "may" breed (after making it a RFH) when you could spend the same amount and simply purchase a heap more fingerlings and introduced them"?

Thanks for the input lads it was a good discussion.

It would be cool though (RFH) spotted up the QLD coast? I'd like to see the first one start in the Noosa River and the beaches up to and including Fraser island to help bring back the tailor numbers in that area.

I bet Slider would love that too ;)

Cheers

Chris

[Steve B]

steve
i wacked 12,000 in south kolan this year at 100mm, is this the same river system? (dunno about this, as i am not familiar with the system).. bass have been released each year by the bundy sportfishing group. nice guys them people (as like most restocking group). hope you can clear this system up steve cause im keen to check it out one day, what is the salt like for other species down stream?

cheers
kh

Kurt,

I think you put the 12,000 in the Burnett river at Ceders Crossing?? for the Bundy sports fishing assoc. They have been stocking it for a while I am told.. They also stock Isis with bass, and its now one of the best bass fisheries in QLD, IMHO. They are a good bunch too, and work hard putting fish in here and there.

Mike, It was a plan and still is I suppose to relocate, they are permitted to do so, and I would like to see it happen too.. Hardest thing is getting fish alive and healthy back to the purging tanks. The facility the MASA guys set up (viewing tanks etc) is absoultey spectacular and should be visited if anyone goes to Monduran. Chris Lupton especially plays a massive role in the science side of the project. The MASA viewing tanks and shed facility has all been named after Chris for the hard work and effort he, and the rest of the MASA mob then put into setting it all up. The stocking keeps rolling on, I think we have another 50,000 barra or so to stock in November...not sure about bass numbers.

Anyway, look forward to catching up with you at sommerset this weekend if your still going.

Cheers Steve

[warrior]

None that are in power in QLD. North Queensland's local members are all spineless bastards that refuse to take notice on any form of illegal fishing in Cape York.

The amount of illegal fishing practices that take part in remote areas of Cape York every day is terrible, and the QLD Fisheries monitoring (or lack of it) this fishery makes me embarrassed to be a Queenslander.

Nick Stock
nick a similar thing happens here in the bay illegal fish taking is rife in a lot of areas seems there is blind eyes everywhere we lose lots of barra here to netting too