Canberra anglers and recreational users will be able to fish sustainably after more than 90,000 native golden perch and Murray cod juvenile fish, or fingerlings, were released into the ACT’s urban waterways today to boost native fish numbers. 

“The ACT Government’s annual fish stocking program is crucial to support healthy populations of native fish in our lakes and ponds, and maintain a thriving natural ecosystem in these waterways,” Rebecca Vassarotti, ACT Minister for the Environment, Parks, and Land Management, said. 

“Conserving our native fish populations also helps relieve the pressures of fishing on the more fragile rivers and streams within the ACT.”

The fish were released into Yerrabi Pond; Lake Ginninderra; Gungahlin Pond; Isabella and Upper Stranger Ponds; Lake Tuggeranong; and Lake Burley Griffin.

The release was part of the 2022-2027 Fish Stocking Plan, which includes guidelines for conservation stocking of threatened fish species, including stocking for scientific research, Ms Vassarotti said. 

The program has helped to boost native fish numbers in the territory since 1964, when Lake Burley Griffin was established, and works with the National Capital Authority and the Canberra Fisherman’s Club.

“Murray cod and golden perch populations in our urban lakes and ponds are quite healthy,” Ms Vassarotti said.

“The ACT Government regularly monitors lakes to ensure that healthy stocks of fish are maintained into the future. Stocking and managing these urban lake fisheries helps take pressure off our natural waterways where these fish have come under pressure from a range of issues over the years.

“Native fish populations are under pressure from a range of impacts including poor water quality, water extraction, pest species and habitat loss and disconnection.

“There are size and bag limits on both golden perch and Murray cod in the ACT to ensure a healthy fish population in our waterways.

“The ACT Government has introduced additional resources at our waterways to ensure that anglers are obeying the rules and regulations to reduce the potential for over fishing.”