With at least 850,000 barramundi already released into Lake Kununurra since 2012, the next stocking event for the East Kimberley’s fishing mecca is expected to take the number of barramundi stocked in the unique fishery past the million mark.
A spawning project currently underway at North Regional TAFE in Broome will produce up to 200,000 juvenile barramundi for stocking into Lake Kununurra in December.
Fisheries Minister Peter Tinley confirmed the latest barramundi boost today when he met the Lake Kununurra Barramundi Stocking Group. Recfishwest has previously recognised the group for its excellent work in shaping the lake’s fishing future.
The stocking group has confirmed regular catches of metre-plus barramundi are now common in the lake – helping to develop Kununurra as a destination of choice for recreational fishers.
As stated by Fisheries Minister Peter Tinley:
“The McGowan Government’s $6 million funding package for recreational fishing unveiled by the Premier in August includes ongoing stocking of barramundi in Lake Kununurra.
“North Regional TAFE is now preparing a spawning run, with a view to releasing as many as 200,000 fingerlings before Christmas and will be working with the Lake Kununurra Barramundi Stocking Group to rear and release more barramundi in the next three years.
“I’d like to thank the Lake Kununurra Barramundi Stocking Group for their dedication and hard work to maintain and bolster Western Australia’s premier recreational fishing opportunities.
“We are also supporting other stock enhancement projects that boost recreational fishing opportunities and our plans for three new artificial reefs around WA will help enhance fish habitat that in turn will attract more fish to safe coastal locations for anglers.
“Those three new artificial reefs are in addition to the McGowan Government’s support for a new north metro reef at Ocean Reef and another off the Carnarvon coast. All of these reef projects will help create more jobs and opportunities.
“In addition, we are investing in a recreational fishing trails campaign that will showcase and promote WA’s world-class wilderness fishing experiences available to those who wander out yonder or visit our State in the future.
“Recreational fishing is a great way to boost regional economies through tourism and is worth an estimated $2.4 billion annually to our State’s economy.”
