Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
Monday, December 14, 2009
Fishers can find monsters in Queensland dams
14 December 2009
Devout anglers looking to land a monster barramundi should be dropping a line in one of Queensland dams.
A recent study found barramundi released into freshwater dams reached the ‘magic metre’ twice as quickly as wild barramundi.
Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said landing a metre-long barramundi was an iconic fishing experience.
“The easiest way to catch one of these monster barramundi is by fishing in one of the State’s dams,” the Minister said.
“Stocked barramundi in Queensland reach the golden length of one metre in five years compared with 10 years for wild fish.
“To reach the legal minimum size of 58cm* stocked fish take just two years as opposed to four years for wild caught barra.
“With these fish ready to take in half the time anglers can look forward to a bigger and better catch.”
Mr Mulherin said the study was done in three parts and used data from more than 120,000 tagged fish.
“The study was developed with the help of anglers through fish tag collection and monitoring research conducted since 1987,” Mr Mulherin said.
“These reports are useful for stocking groups throughout the State who manage these fish stocking operations in local areas.
“Stocking groups can use this information to help decide which species are most suitable for their local fishery and gauge the numbers of fish that should be stocked each year.
“With freshwater angling participation rates increasing in Queensland, it is important that we invest in research to develop our stocked impoundment program.
“Over 70 stocking groups operate in Queensland, stocking dams to enhance the fishing experience.
“This work is a great example of how stakeholders and government can develop responsible stocking methods together for the benefit of the community.”
Fisheries Queensland principal scientist Dr Peter Kind said part of the study was prompted by the large numbers of stocked fish killed in winter during 2007.
“The study determined that extreme cold weather conditions, a one in 50-year event like the 2007 winter was the main contributory factor to fish deaths in stocked impoundments,” he said.
“We now know summer is the best time to introduce fingerlings into impoundments because water temperatures are higher, fish are more active and there’s more food available.
“Therefore fish are in better shape to deal with winter, where temperatures drop and food becomes scarcer.”
“If we understand how external conditions like water temperature can affect fish survival we can use this information to improve our fish stocking practices.
“The study also aimed to build on the fish stocking program and provide a bigger and better catch for recreational anglers.
“With plenty of food available, growth rates for fish in impoundments are higher so there’s a strong possibility anglers will land a bigger catch if they fish in stocked impoundments.”
Mr Mulherin said the three reports were developed by Bill Sawynok from Infofish Services in partnership with Fisheries Queensland and the Australian National Sportfishing Association as part of Queensland’s Living the Queensland Lifestyle Policy launched in 2006.
“The policy committed $1.65 million of funding over three years to enhance recreational fishing and the freshwater restocking programs,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Freshwater fishing is extremely important with economic surveys showing that each impoundment fishery contributes from $1 million to $4.5 million annually to local economies,” he said.
* East Coat barramundi have a minimum size limit of 58 cm and a maximum of 120cm with a bag limit of 5.
In the Gulf, there is a minimum size limit of 60cm and a maximum of 120cm and a bag limit of 5.
Media: Matt Watson 3239 3120
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