More than 90,000 native Golden Perch and Murray Cod juvenile fish, or fingerlings, were released into several urban waterways in the ACT today to boost native fish numbers in the territory.
Minister for the Environment, Parks and Land Management Rebecca Vassarotti said today’s release will provide anglers and recreational users at these waterways an opportunity to continue to fish sustainably and enjoy Canberra’s much-loved urban lakes and ponds.
“The ACT Government’s annual fish stocking program is crucial to support healthy populations of native fish in our lakes and ponds, and maintain a thriving natural ecosystem in these waterways,” Minister Vassarotti said.
“Conserving our native fish populations also helps relieve the pressures of fishing on the more fragile rivers and streams within the ACT.
“Today’s release was part of the 2022-2027 Fish Stocking Plan, which includes guidelines for conservation stocking of threatened fish species, including stocking for scientific research.
“The ACT Government’s fish stocking program has been helping to boost native fish numbers in the territory since 1964, when Lake Burley Griffin was established, and are regularly conducted with the participation of the National Capital Authority and Canberra Fisherman’s Club.”
The 90,000 native fish released today went into the following waterways:
Yerrabi Pond
Lake Ginninderra
Gungahlin Pond
Isabella and Upper Stranger Ponds
Lake Tuggeranong
Lake Burley Griffin
