Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall last week helped release 350 three-year-old Rainbow and Brown Trout into Malpas Dam.
Monday, 12 September 2022
MALPAS Dam has just ‘landed’ a number of new tenants with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall last week helping release 350 mature Rainbow Trout in the water supply as part of the State Government’s annual fish restocking program.
Mr Marshall said the release, and another one shortly in nearby Dumaresq Dam, would provide greater recreational fishing opportunities for the region’s anglers.
“Now is the perfect time to introduce these fish, which were broodstock from the Dutton Trout Hatchery at Ebor, into their new home,” Mr Marshall said.
“The State’s fisheries experts have chosen to stock Malpas Dam because it offers the best environment for these fish to grow; they are already too big for predators like Redfin to prey on, so this is an ideal location, right in our own backyard.
“For keen anglers this release offers a golden opportunity to make a trophy catch, with a number of the fish around 70 centimetres in length.
“Throughout the year fishing groups like the Guyra Angler’s Club hold competitions on the banks of Malpas Dam, drawing visitors to the area and providing a financial boost to the Black Mountain and Guyra economies.
“This release will hopefully encourage more of those events and is a huge boost to the region’s anglers.
“This program is all about ensuring local fish populations not only regenerate but flourish.”
Mr Marshall said the Dutton Trout Hatchery produced more than 1.6 million trout each year – around 1.3 million Rainbow Trout and 300,000 Brown Trout fry and fingerlings.
“While it brings me much joy to be able to provide anglers with a great catch, more importantly rebuilding fish populations is integral to bringing aquatic areas back to health,” he said.
“Our waterways did it tough during the dry and this restocking program is huge opportunity to give back to the environment, with fish working to keep waterways clean and clear for future generations to enjoy.”