2021-01-20
More than 25,000 native Murray Cod have been released into Lake Ginninderra as part of the ACT Government’s annual fish stocking program.
Minister for the Environment Rebecca Vassarotti said the introduction of the Murray Cod will provide lasting environmental benefits by improving the ecology of Lake Ginninderra.
“Our annual fish stocking program is crucial in helping our lakes and ponds continue to have healthy populations of native fish,” Minister Vassarotti said.
“Introducing a large native predator like Murray Cod into our lakes helps balance the lake’s ecosystems that would otherwise consist of pest species, like European Carp.
“Murray Cod do not naturally breed in our urban lakes due to the still water environment, so regular stocking of the species is required.
“The fish stocking program has added over 1.5 million native fish in the ACT since 1964, when Lake Burley Griffin was established. We often work in partnership with the National Capital Authority and Canberra Fisherman’s Club to have fingerlings delivered to our iconic lakes.”
Minister Vassarotti said that the release of fingerlings will also provide anglers and casual fishers an opportunity to continue to fish sustainably and reduce the impact on populations in other waterways in the ACT.
“Fish stocked into our urban lakes and ponds also help take pressure off our fragile natural river populations which are not stocked in this program,” Minister Vassarotti said.
“We are giving Canberra’s anglers a sustainable place to cast a line and unwind, while helping to maintain a more natural ecosystem.”
The ACT Government will also be releasing 3,600 Golden Perch into southern urban ponds in the next month.
For more information, make sure you check the ACT Government’s recreational fishing website.