More than 1000 fish are being stocked into western Victoria waterways this month by Fisheries Victoria, Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney said today.
Ms Tierney said the Bracks Government had set records for fish stocking with more than 1.3 million fish released into the state’s waterways for the last two years.
“This year the government has also committed $1.3 million to establish a new fish production facility in northern Victoria and $1.2 million to increase the number of fish stocked into the state’s waterways by 30 per cent over the next four years,” Ms Tierney said
“An increase of 30 per cent means an extra 430,000 fish will be available on top of the 1.3 million fish stocked in our waters each year.
“In addition to fish stocking we’re also investing an extra $3.2 million to support family friendly fishing opportunities.”
About 800 rainbow trout are being stocked into Seagull Lake, Geelong, with Coleraine Lagoon receiving 250, St. Augustines Water Hole, 250, Hamilton Lake, 250, Jubilee Lake at Daylesford, 200, Calembeen Lake at Creswick, 200, Haddon Reserve, 200 and Bannockburn Lagoon, 100.
“These fish will be stocked in time for the July school holidays, giving children and their families and opportunity to learn about fishing,” Ms Tierney said.
“The Bracks Government’s fish stocking program demonstrates the importance we place in providing recreational fishing opportunities for all Victorians – especially in regional Victoria.
“Recreational fishing is a popular pastime for families and friends and contributes close to $400 million a year to Victoria’s economy through spending on travel, accommodation, food, equipment and licences.”
Ms Tierney encouraged families to take-up the opportunity to go fishing this school holidays.
Anyone who suspects illegal fishing activity is asked to call DPI’s reporting hotline 13FISH (133474).