AS locals head off for the traditional fishing and camping getaway over Easter, it is great to hear about a new policy for fish stocking in Queensland which will pave the way for three more species to be introduced to freshwater catchments.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said mangrove jack, sea mullet and jungle perch could soon be stocked under strict conditions.
“This is a framework to effectively manage fish stocking in Queensland to support recreational fishing pursuits and the conservation of our freshwater fish ecosystems,” he said.
“The policy also outlines clear criteria that need to be met to minimise the ecological impact of fish stocking and ensure it is done responsibly.”
Mr Furner said the policy, developed in consultation with stakeholders, provides certainty for fish stocking groups and hatcheries.
“Queensland’s Stocked Impoundment Scheme, which actively stocks recreational fisheries and other stocking projects around the State, provides important regional fishing tourism opportunities,” he said.
There are 63 impoundments (dams and weirs) in Queensland that require a Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS) permit to fish with a line.
The impoundments are stocked with native fish specifically for recreational fishing. The scheme provides a sustainable fishing option that reduces the fishing pressure on wild fish stocks.
Before you go fishing check DAF’s interactive search tool for impoundments that require a permit. You can search by location, facilities or fish species. There is also detailed information about the number of fish stocked at each location.
“These guidelines for stocking fish will assist Local Government to better position recreational fishing as part of their economic development plans.”
“The policy clarifies the type of stocking that is supported and restates the Fisheries Queensland position to not allow stocking of tidal waters.”
Other key components include:
- Risk-based assessments for new stocking proposals and renewals;
- Additional assessment criteria for higher risk activities; and
- A requirement for monitoring and evaluation of stocked species in fish stocking management plans.
In Our Region
Tinaroo Dam
Tinaroo Dam is stocked by The Tableland Fish Stocking Society Inc. The dam is stocked with barramundi and sooty grunter. In 2017/18, 54,550 barramundi were stocked from SIPS permit sales. A total of 380,272 barramundi have been stocked in Tinaroo Dam from SIPS. Tinaroo Dam is well known for its big barramundi. There are also some big mangrove jack in the dam that were stocked as part of a research stocking trial.
Koombooloomba Dam
Koombooloomba Dam is located about 30km south of Ravenshoe. Vessels are restricted to 4hp or less when the dam is greater than 90% or less than 25% capacity. Between 25% and 90% capacity there are no restrcitions on vessels. Accommodation is available at the Koombooloomba National Park and Conservation Park. The park is suitable for tent and camper trailers. Generators are permitted between 8am and 7pm. The facilities at the dam include a wheelchair-accessible toilet. There are trails around the dam and through the national park suitable for walking and mountain bike riding. The trail up to Tully Gorge Lookout offers some great views.
Koombooloomba Dam is stocked by the Ravenshoe and Koombooloomba Fish Restocking Committee Inc. The dam is stocked with barramundi. In 2017/18 5,855 barramundi were stocked from SIPS permit sales. The dam joined the SIPS scheme in 2016 but was previously stocked from other funding sources.
To view the Policy for Fish Stocking in Queensland, visit http://www.daf.qld.gov.au.
