Community
26 April, 2024
VFA marks 10 million fish released
THE Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) has reached a massive milestone by stocking a record 10 million fish into Victoria’s lakes and rivers for the second time in three years.
This was not just a state record, but a national fish stocking record, with more than 26 million fish released into Victorian waters in the three years to April 2024.
Through a further $96m State Government investment into improving fishing, boating, piers and aquaculture, the lofty goal was achieved again in April 2024.
Of the latest 10 million milestone, Lake Bullen Merri was stocked with 135,500 fish, Deep Lake received 2000, the lake at Lismore Golf Club received 200 fish, Lake Purrumbete was stocked with 92,700 fish, Mount Emu Creek received 105,000 fish, and Lake Tooliorook was stocked with 10,000 fish.
More fish are stocked in Victoria than every other state and territory in Australia combined – with Murray cod, golden perch, brown and rainbow trout, threatened Macquarie perch, dusky flathead, Australian bass and more bolstering world-class fishing experiences that are easy and accessible for every Victorian to enjoy.
The Labor Government’s $96 million Go Fishing and Boating Plan has backed the Victorian Fisheries Authority to stock more than 26 million fish since 2021.
This year, more than 1.4 million brown and rainbow trout have been stocked in waterways across the state while 7.4 million native Murray cod and golden perch fingerlings are also now in waters for recreational fishers to enjoy. VFA has also stocked 460,000 Australian bass and 300,000 silver perch in every corner of Victoria.
Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos said he was thrilled to make the announcement recently.
“Our fish stocking program continues to deliver record-breaking results for Victorian anglers and another year of 10 million fish being stocked means great fishing for future generations and attracting more families and friends to every corner of Victoria to enjoy this great activity,” he said.
The stockings were funded by recreational fishing licence fees and the Victorian Government's continued investment to get more people fishing, more often.