A record number of more than 410,000 estuary perch have been stocked into Victorian waterways, including 113,700 in the Barwon River.
Estuary perch are a popular target for fishers and one of a dozen species stocked annually to further improve fishing opportunities in the state’s lakes, rivers and estuaries.
The stocking forms part of the state government’s $35 million Go Fishing Victoria plan to get more people fishing and boost fish stocking to 10 million by April this year.
“Estuary perch are a brilliant native fish popular with recreational fishers, and it’s great to see several waterways across Victoria sharing in more than 400,000 fingerlings,” fishing and boating minister Melissa Horne said.
“We’re on track to stock a record 10 million fish by April this year, which provides more opportunities for Victorian families to get outdoors and spend time together by the water, and also contributes to our local economies.”
Along with the Barwon River, perch were also stocked in the Maribyrnong River (120,000), Gippsland Lakes (140,000), Lake Tyers (25,000), Aura Vale Lake near Emerald (5000), the Bemm River (5000) and the Snowy River (5000).
