31 Mar 2016
Lia Finocchiaro, Member for Drysdale
9000 baby Barras have been given a new home at Palmerston.
Following on from a release of fingerlings into the Palmerston Lakes in 2012, the 9000 have been introduced into the area as part of the government’s stocking program – and in support of the Neighbourhood Fishing Program, a project close to the heart of the Member for Drysdale Lia Finocchiaro.
“Today is the first release of Barramundi fingerlings as part of the Neighbourhood Fishing Program, a program I have been championing for nearly two years," Ms Finocchiaro said.
"It is wonderful to see Durack Lakes as a new area for recreational fishing and I know many families and children will love casting a line once the fish have grown to size.
"This is a community initiative and benefits the community - the bounds of this program are limitless and I am looking forward to getting ideas from locals on how we can expand and enhance the program. Educational sign/ story boards around catch and release fishing, flora and fauna, and ecosystems will be the next step from today.
"I am looking forward to engaging Durack Primary in innovative ways to support the program.
“It’s also been terrific to have the support and participation of the Amateur Fishermen’s Association NT (AFANT) in getting the program off the ground and its ongoing operation.”
AFANT Executive Officer Tristan Sloan said the addition of 9000 Barramundi fingerlings would significantly enhance recreational fishing opportunities for the Palmerston community.
“The more fish that are introduced into these lakes, the more chance there is of keen anglers catching one – but, of course, it’s not a forgone conclusion, it never is with fishing,” Mr Sloan said.
“AFANT is only too happy to support the enhancement of any fishery, especially one which will continue to grow for future generations.”
The fingerlings are around 190mm to 220mm in length. Their average weight is about 100g each. They were bred at the government’s Darwin Aquaculture Centre specifically for the stocking program with some of their siblings used recently to stock Manton Dam.
Media Contact:
Lorelei Fong Lim – 0400 165 743