Thousands of native sportfish will be released into waterways across NSW over coming months through the popular Two-Dollar-for-One-Dollar Native Fish Stocking program.
NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Acting Executive Director Fisheries Peter Turnell said $500,000 in funds from the Recreational Fishing Trust has been allocated to the community-based program for the 2024-25 season.
“Funds are available on a two-dollar for one-dollar basis, where applicants will receive two dollars for every one dollar they spend on stocking high priority native sportfish, including Australian Bass, Golden Perch and Murray Cod”, Mr Turnell said.
“Fish are supplied to local groups by the NSW commercial fish hatchery sector, which complies with strict measures to ensure the highest quality prod
uction, fish health and genetic standards.
“Approximately 75 groups, including fishing clubs, local councils and other community organisations, participate in the program each year. Collectively, these groups have released more than 15 million native fish into waterways across NSW since the program commenced in the late 1990s.”
Mr Turnell said the community stocking program has been operating for 26 years and is a great example of how fishing licences fees are invested back into recreational fishing in NSW through the Recreational Fishing Trust.
“The Two-Dollar-for-One-Dollar Native Fish Stocking program plays an important role in boosting recreational fishing opportunities in NSW, as well as increasing community involvement in, and awareness of, responsible stocking,” Mr Turnell said.
“In addition to boosting our recreational fisheries, native fish stocking also provides environmental, social, cultural and economic benefits across the State.”
Fish stocking involves producing fish fry or fingerlings and releasing them into dams or river systems. All fish stocking in NSW is carefully managed for sustainability.
For information on the most recent grant recipients, visit https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/resources/stocking/two-dollars-for-one-dollar
