Rocklands reservoir our newest native fishery
by Nick Foster 6 Dec 2017 07:02 UTC
6 December 2017
Murray cod caught at Rocklands Reservoir in early 2016 © Chris Spence
Today, Rocklands Reservoir in South West Victoria received 70,000 Murray cod fingerlings to kick start its progress to become our newest and most exciting native recreational fishery yet.
Rocklands will be stocked with more than 200,000 Murray cod and golden perch fingerlings this summer, aligning with the Andrew's Government's record $46 million Target One Million commitment to get more people fishing, more often.
Travis Dowling, CEO of the Victorian Fisheries Authority, said local angling clubs have been calling for the stocking of native fish for more than 20 years to improve the quality of fishing in Rocklands Reservoir.
"Our commitment to develop Rocklands as an iconic native fishery was a once in a generation opportunity to improve inland fisheries," said Mr Dowling.
Rocklands Reservoir has fantastic fish habitat for native fish that was created when the forest was flooded during its construction in the 1950's.
As a result of this stocking, visitation to Rocklands is expected to double over the next 5 years, particularly as stocked fish approach legal size.
This is expected to generate an additional $6 million in fishing related expenditure in the region, as travelling fishers stay overnight, buy fuel, tackle and food as they go fishing.
"Based on our experience in developing other native fisheries, we believe Rocklands could be every bit as good as Lake Eildon," said Mr Dowling.
Rocklands Reservoir currently holds a large population of introduced fish including, redfin, carp, tench and stocked trout.
The stocking plan was informed by a detailed (120 page) independent fish stocking risk assessment which found the stocking posed no significant risk to endemic native fish populations.
The stocking of Murray cod into Rocklands will also assist in the recovery of the much loved native, which is listed as a threatened species under Victorian, federal and international policy.
Mr Dowling said there's a lot more to come this summer.
"The native fish stocking season has just begun. Anglers can expect to hear lots more over coming months about other efforts to develop recreational fisheries as we approach our Target One Million commitment to stock 5 million fish".
You can find out more at www.vfa.vic.gov.au/rocklands.