The first ever release of mulloway fingerlings into a Victorian waterway has delivered on another component of the Andrews Labor Government’s Target One Million plan for recreational fishing.

Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing, today visited Lake Tyers to release 5,000 mulloway fingerlings into the water, as part of the Labor Government’s plan to get more people fishing, more often.

Under the plan, fish stocking will increase from three to five million fish per year, attracting more visitors to our regions for new fishing opportunities, boosting local economies and helping businesses grow and create jobs.

It will also grow participation to one million anglers by 2020, strengthen angling club membership and provide the Better Fishing Fund to develop new recreational fishing reefs, improve boat launching facilities and support better access to waterways.

A popular pastime, recreational fishing currently contributes $2.3 billion to our social and economic well-being.

This summer, Lake Tyers will also receive 25,000 estuary perch fingerlings as part of a two year trial in which all the stocked fish, including mulloway, will be marked to distinguish them from any naturally bred fish in the system.

The marking of fish will enable scientific monitoring in year two of the project and fisheries managers are keen for local angler involvement to track progress of the stocked fish and their contribution to anglers’ creels.

Recreational anglers have already helped on the project in recent times by collecting 58 mature estuary perch from Gippsland waters for the breeding program.

Locally caught broodfish ensure the genetic integrity of wild populations is not compromised by stocking.

Further east, Tamboon Inlet is set to receive its first stocking of mulloway too with 2,500 fingerlings.

All three of the stockings were strongly supported by angler representatives at a workshop earlier this year held at the Lake Tyers Beach Angling Club.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford

“Through our Target One Million plan we’re boosting fish stocking from three to five million so our anglers have more opportunities to wet a line.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“This stocking of Mulloway fingerlings at Lake Tyers is a Victorian first, and will ensure that this location remains a premier Gippsland fishing destination.”

“Better fishing opportunities as part of Target One Million is already attracting more visitors to Gippsland, boosting local economies and supporting local businesses.”