Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
20/03/2008

Funding boost for tagging stocked fish Recreational fishing is set to receive a boost with Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin announcing a $100,000 investment in tagging and monitoring of stocked fish in Queensland through the State's restocking program.

"As part of the State Government's commitment to enhancing the Queensland lifestyle, this funding has been provided to improve the ability of local fish stocking groups to monitor their fish stocks and assist in future stocking decisions," Mr Mulherin said.

"The importance of recreational fishing, particularly to regional and small communities, cannot be understated and we want to ensure that we are continually improving the Queensland fishing experience."

Infofish Services has been contracted by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries to manage this initiative and will be working closely with local stocking groups, and the Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association of Queensland to complete the project.

The Australian National Sportfishing Association, Infofish Services and DPI&F have cooperated since the inception of the fish stocking program to assist community fish stocking associations establish local fish tagging programs. The current initiative will strengthen this partnership and draw together tagging results from across the State.

DPI&F fisheries scientist Peter Kind said the program was an important initiative that will allow stocking groups to better understand the results of their stocking.

"The funds will be used to supply $40,000 worth of tags and tagging equipment to stocking groups to be used to tag current stocked fish populations or larger fingerlings prior to release,'' Dr Kind said.

"Many groups are now stocking larger fingerlings, such as 200mm long barramundi, and these fish can be tagged prior to release so that they can be effectively monitored in the future.

"The remaining funds will be used to manage the data collected and to produce a number of reports that will collate and interpret the results of existing tagging projects to stocking groups.

"Final reports will include a review of fish kills involving stocked fish in many parts of the State during winter 2007, details of all tagging programs for stocked fish throughout the State and a detailed analysis of the results of existing tagging programs."

Infofish Services Manager Bill Sawynok said the result of this program would be new information that stocking groups can use when making future decisions about their stocking.

"This is likely to result in more cost effective stocking and improved fisheries for local communities and travelling fishers," he said.

Media:
Minister's office 32396530
DPI&F 32247757