The Lawler Labor Government continues to support recreational fishers through the Barramundi Stocking Program with Top End lakes and lagoons set to be teeming with thousands of Barra this Dry season.
Today, 100 juvenile Barra were released in the Palmerston Recreational Fishing Lakes ahead of the Hooked on Palmerston fishing competition that kicks off tomorrow, Saturday 1 June 2024.
The team at Darwin Aquaculture Centre breed Barra fingerlings as part of the Territory Government’s $50 million RecFishing Futures Program to restock Manton Dam and some of the lakes around Palmerston.
The Barra are released into waterways where they would not usually occur such as isolated lakes, lagoons and dams, providing easy-to-access and safe land based fishing opportunities where fishers of all ages and abilities can participate in this iconic Territory past time.
The released Barra are tagged and monitored by NT Fisheries to understand recapture rates and the success of the stocking program. Fishers who catch a tagged fish are encouraged to report their catch by visiting afant.com.au or calling the hotline on 1800 456 410.
In 2024 a total of 115,500 Barramundi will be released in Palmerston Recreational Fishing Lakes and Manton Dam to support strong, sustainable and diverse recreational fishing opportunities.
To find out more about recreational fishing visit nt.gov.au/marine/recreational-fishing
“The Territory Labor Government understands the importance and value of recreational fishing, it’s a way of life for many Territorians and a huge draw card to visitors, contributing $270 million directly and indirectly to the Territory economy each year.
“By stocking some of our freshwater reservoirs with Barra every year, we are keeping the Territory a must-visit destination for fishers as well as ensuring fishing continues to be part of the Territory lifestyle providing social, cultural and wellbeing benefits to our community.”
“Hooked On Palmerston is back for its fourth season, running from June to September, and we’re thrilled to offer over $4,000 in local business vouchers as prizes.
“It’s fantastic to collaborate with the Northern Territory Government to encourage our community to enjoy our beautiful lakes. This competition not only promotes recreational fishing but also strengthens our local economy and brings our community together.”
“It is great to see Barramundi stocking continuing in the Palmerston lakes, with these areas now becoming popular with the local community.
“Stocking suburban lakes provides kids and families with safe and accessible fishing opportunities close to home”