Lake Kununurra is set to become one of the best sport fishing spots in Australia thanks to the State Government’s barramundi restocking program which aims to create a unique inland fishery for locals and visitors.
More than 650,000 barramundi fingerlings have been released into Lake Kununurra through the restocking program since 2012. The McGowan Government provided an additional $80,000 through the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund for the release of another 100,000 fish last month.
The North Regional TAFE in Broome has managed the breeding and restocking program on behalf of the State Government in collaboration with Recfishwest, the Lake Kununurra Barramundi Restocking Group, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions plus the Miriuwung Gajerrong Rangers.
All barramundi fingerlings are health checked by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development prior to release and are marked using an organic dye, which illuminates under infrared light allowing the released fish to be identified in the future.
As stated by Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly:
“It’s fantastic to be in Kununurra today with the local community helping stock Western Australia’s iconic barramundi into Lake Kununurra.
“We have reached a significant milestone in the restocking process with more than 650,000 barramundi now released.
“This restocking program is establishing Lake Kununurra as a bucket list destination for those wanting to catch the fish of a lifetime in safe sheltered waters close to town.
“Barramundi are Australia’s most recognisable estuarine sports fish, with many recreational fishers travelling to northern WA to try and catch one.
“Creating a better fishing experience in Kununurra is not only great for fishers, the regional economy and regional jobs benefit too thanks to the increase in tourism.
“Stocking fish to create amazing fishing experiences is just another way the McGowan Government is working to make fishing better.”
