Left: Helping with the release of the fingerlings on Monday were (L-R) Councillors Daniel Webber, Marg Applebee, Alistair Pearce from Uarah Fisheries, Mayor Ken Keith and Parkes Shire Council’s Environment and Sustainability Coor-dinator, Michael Chambers. Right: It will take two years before the fingerlings are a catchable size.
Thousands of fingerlings were released into Lake Endeavour on Monday to benefit not only the health of the dam but also enhance fishing opportunities.
The Native Fish Stocking initiative by the Department Primary Industries Fisheries enabled Parkes Shire Council to release Murray Cod and Golden Perch in an effort to increase the health and biodiversity of the dam, as well as enhance recreational freshwater fishing opportunities for locals and visitors.
The program also assists in the development of regional aquaculture industries, as well as increases awareness and understanding of responsible stocking.
“While Murray Cod were once wide-spread throughout the Murray Darling system, they unfortunately are now listed as a threatened species – so these restocking efforts are extremely important for restoring and increasing the local populations,” said Parkes Shire Council’s Environmental and Sustainability Coordinator Michael Chambers.
“With the last fish release at Lake Endeavour in 2020, Council have been working with DPI for the past two years to secure fish for this recent release. It will take a further two years before these fish are a catchable size.”
Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith said: “As an integral part of our Shire’s water-ways, it’s important that we foster a sustainable and productive environment at Lake Endeavour, as well as ensure the precinct is there for residents and visitors to participate in passive recreation for years to come.”
Access permits for Lake Endeavour are available from Council for passive recreational activities such as bushwalking, bird watching, fishing, and picnicking. Anglers wishing to fish at Lake Endeavour must apply for a recreational fishing licence through the Service NSW website and pay the associated fee.