The McGowan Government has capitalised on a highly successful barramundi breeding program to support the release of an extra 100,000 juvenile fish into Lake Kununurra today.
It follows the breeding and release last week of 100,000 barramundi fingerlings, funded through an $84,521 State Government Regional Economic Development grant earlier this year.
The exciting breeding and re-stocking project, managed by the North Regional TAFE – Broome Aquaculture Centre, produced twice the number of barramundi as expected for the initial release, and presented an exceptional opportunity to boost the restocking effort.
Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly approved an urgent request for an additional $30,000 through the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund to transport and release the surplus breeding stock.
A community event is being held late this afternoon at Celebrity Tree Park to view the fish as they are acclimatised for release overnight. The fish will be released from their tanks on various sections of Lake Kununurra.
This brings the total to more than 850,000 barramundi released into the lake through the restocking program, making Lake Kununurra a premier sport fishing destination.
The restocking and release program is a partnership effort between Broome North Regional TAFE, Recfishwest, Lake Kununurra Barramundi Restocking Group, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and attractions and Miriuwung Gajerrong rangers.
As stated by Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly:
“The spawning run for this year’s stocking events was extremely successful and I am thrilled that we can make the most of this opportunity to create even bigger and better fishing experiences.
“Lake Kununurra is fast becoming a world-class barramundi fishing location, and with the support of a well-planned fish stocking program, the east Kimberley will reap the benefits of increased tourism and employment opportunities.”
