The NSW Government has provided a boost for recreational fishers, the marine environment and the local community with the release of 30,000 Mulloway fingerlings into Sydney's Georges River today.
In the past five years, over 180,000 Mulloway have been released into the Georges River under the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development's (DPIRD) marine stocking program.
Under the program, saltwater sportfish including Mulloway and Dusky Flathead are stocked at popular fishing estuaries along the coast, including the Hastings River near Port Macquarie, Lake Macquarie north of Sydney, the Georges River in Sydney's south and St Georges Basin, Lake Conjola and Burrill Lake on the south coast.
Bred by DPIRD staff at the NSW Government's Port Stephens Fisheries Institute marine hatchery, these juvenile mulloway measure up to 60mm on release and are expected to grow very quickly, reaching legal size of 70cm in just a few years.
An important commercial, cultural and recreational fishing species, Mulloway are widely recognised as being an iconic sport and table species. The NSW Government's marine stocking program is supported by the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust.
For more information - https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/resources/stocking
Minister for Agriculture, Regional and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
"The Minns Government is committed to building a thriving recreational fishing sector, and one of the ways we achieve this is through our world-leading fish stocking program.
"Now in its fifth year, the Government's marine stocking program is a great example of fishing licence fees directly benefiting recreational fishers by boosting numbers of sought-after sportfish in popular fishing spots along the coast.
"On top of this, the NSW recreational fishing industry contributes billions to our economy each year, provides more than 14,000 jobs and supports hundreds of tackle, charter and tourism businesses across the State."
Kylie Wilkinson, State MP for East Hills said:
"It's no secret that the Georges River has some of the best estuary fishing in the Sydney basin - and now local fishers and visitors will have an even better chance of catching a prized Mulloway at one of their favourite fishing spots.
"As well as providing a massive boost to future fishing opportunities, fish stocking events like this support the sustainability of our waterways and provide economic benefits to our community.
"I encourage everyone - whatever your gender, age or ability - to come and visit the many beautiful fishing spots we have to offer along the Georges River."
