Stuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith has welcomed the start of the 2015/16 fish stocking season which will see thousands of Bass released into waterways in the Penrith region, helping to boost inland recreational fishing opportunities in the region.
“I’m delighted to announce that in the coming weeks, 10,000 Bass will be stocked into waterways in the Penrith region, including Penrith Lakes and Werrington Lake” Stuart Ayres said.
“Department of Primary Industries fish hatchery staff have kick started the highly anticipated freshwater fish stocking season, which will be ready to catch in about 3-4 years.”
Stuart Ayres said last season approximately five million fish including Bass, trout and salmon were stocked in NSW waterways, with up to 300,000 juvenile Bass stocked across the state this year.
“This State’s world-class fish stocking program is funded in part from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts, and is not only a great benefit to recreational fishers, but also provides a boost to regional communities by creating jobs and generating tourism,” Stuart Ayres said.
“Fish stockings are great news for anglers and will help ensure future stocks of this popular fish are maintained for future generations.
“Without the breeding program, Australian bass would disappear from the stocked impoundments as bass are not able to breed in those dams because they cannot migrate downstream into saltwater for spawning.”
Recreational fishers are reminded that they are required to have a NSW current recreational fishing fee receipt on them at all times while fishing.
For more information on the NSW Government fish stocking program visit www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au
Recreational fishers are encouraged to use the NSW Recreational Fishing Guide, available from DPI Fisheries Offices, most tackle shops or online at www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au
Anyone with information about illegal fishing or suspected illegal fishing should contact the Fishers Watch phoneline or free call on 1800 043 536 or online at www.dpi.gov.au/fisheries/compliance.
