Victoria’s anglers may have benefit in the future from a new recreational Macquarie perch fishery. The Minister Responsible for Fisheries, Joe Helper, said the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) would start a Macquarie Perch breeding program at the Snobs Creek fish production facility.
Macquarie Perch were once an abundant and highly regardedrecreational fish in the midland and upland streams of theMurray-Darling Basin. However, their numbers have declined through changes to habitat, barriers to fish movement and the impact of introduced fish.
“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to enhance recreational fishing opportunities for all Victorians,” Helper said.
“The first phase involves collecting, conditioning and conducting spawning trials.
“This is a long-term project as Macquarie perch have not been bred in Victoria since the 1990s and the fish are not a fast-growing species.”
As part of the program, potential Macquarie perch stocking sites will be identified in consultation with anglers and other relevant stakeholder groups. Helper says the plan is in line with the Brumby Labor Government’s 2006 Recreational Fishing Policy to establish new fisheries and fishing opportunities for trout cod and Macquarie perch.
Native Fish Australia’s (NFA) Nick Thorne, said his members had long advocated for the breeding and stocking of Macquarie Perch for both recreational and conservation purposes.
“NFA is particularly supportive of the plan and will provide assistance along the way,” Thorne said.
Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman MP, welcomed the news of further investment into the Snobs Creek fish production facility.
“Last month we announced the Brumby Labor Government would assess the suitability of Snobs Creek as the home new native fish production facility for Northern Victoria,” Hardman said.
“A breeding program for Macquarie Perch will add to the work being done at Snobs Creek which is great for the local community.”
The project will be overseen by a steering group comprising representatives from DPI, the Department of Sustainability and Environment, VRFish and NFA.
