1
NEWS
Barra sightings prompt illegal-stocking warning
Barra weighing 10kg+ caught in Wallis Lake, NSW!The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is reminding the general public that a permit is required before any fish is released into NSW waterways following reports of exotic species such as barramundi being hooked in NSW.
DPI Senior Fisheries Manager, Cameron Westaway said a fish-stocking permit is required by law before you can release any fish into NSW public waters including public impoundments, natural waterways, rivers, billabongs, lakes, wetlands, streams and public dams.
“The Department has received a number of reports of fishers catching barramundi and silver perch throughout the Sydney region and a large barramundi weighing over 10kg was reportedly caught by a commercial net fisher at Wallis Lake,” Mr Westaway said. “NSW is not the native range for these species and it is believed that they have been released into our waterways illegally."
While fish stocking provides economic, social and cultural benefits for the community it is important that stockings are approved to ensure the species are appropriate.
Fish introduced into waters outside their natural range as a result of unauthorised releases can spread disease, prey upon and compete with existing fish for habitat and food and in many cases may die if not suited to those environmental conditions.
As part of the assessment process DPI will check to see that the fish to be stocked are suitable for the waterway and that fish will be supplied by an accredited fish hatchery. Permits for approved stockings are issued by the Department free of charge. Penalties of up $11,000 for a corporation and $5,500 for individuals apply for stocking fish in public waters without a permit.
Anyone interested in releasing fish in NSW public waterways should contact the Department on (02) 4916 3835 or visit www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au.
Read the latest Boatsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the Boatsales Network's mobile site. Or download the all-new App.
Tags
Share this article
Written byBoatsales Staff
See all articlesStay up to dateBecome a boatsales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Subscribe todayDisclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Contact
Advertise with us
International marketplaces
Consent
Download the boatsales app
