7 Dec 2018
The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) will stock 32,000 Trout Cod fingerlings this summer, as part of its annual breeding and stocking program.
DPI Senior Fisheries Manager – Threatened Species, Dr Trevor Daly, said the native fish species, which is listed as endangered under the NSW Fisheries Management Act 1994, is stocked to assist with conservation.
"Trout Cod were once widespread throughout the southern tributaries of the Murray-Darling system, including tributaries of the Murray River in Victoria and the upper half of the Macquarie River," Dr Daly said.
"DPI has conducted an annual Trout Cod breeding and stocking program since 1986 to assist their recovery.
"As part of the program, the fish are bred with broodstock sourced from their naturally occurring population in the Murray River between Yarrawonga Weir and Tocumwal in the Southern Riverina.
"Approximately 26,000 Trout Cod fingerlings will be released at a number of sites in the upper Macquarie River, upstream of Lake Burrendong, to continue our conservation stocking program.
"More than 6,000 Trout Cod fingerlings will also be released into Talbingo Dam, to add to the 9,000 fingerlings released into the dam since 2014."
DPI Senior Fisheries Manager, Cameron Westaway, said stocking Talbingo Dam was of benefit to both the species and anglers.
"In addition to providing more opportunities for recreational fishers, the stocking of Talbingo Dam will assist with the future recovery of the species by creating community awareness and understanding of Trout Cod," Mr Westaway said.
"Anglers are reminded that fishing for Trout Cod is not permitted anywhere other than Talbingo Dam.
"Any Trout Cod caught while fishing for other recreational fish species in all NSW rivers and streams must be returned to the water immediately with least possible harm."
