The VFA is wrapping up an exciting trial of an innovative stocking technique for golden and silver perch!
Funded by the Commonwealth’s Murray Darling Water and Environment Research
Program, this 15-month project simulated the natural “nursery areas” that natural floodplain wetlands once provided for these two iconic species.
Unfortunately, due to river regulation these fish effectively no longer have access to these incredibly productive “food bowls” for juvenile fish.
Working closely with Traditional Owners, Mallee and North Central CMA’s and the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, water for the environment was pumped into three selected wetlands that had first been dried out to eradicate carp and prime the natural bank of “seed” plankton.
Fish were then stocked as tiny larvae (~1mm!), monitored closely and then harvested to be translocated into permanent homes. Growth rates were unbelievable, with some goldens exceeding 25cm in 5 months!
There’s still a lot to learn to perfect this technique, but thanks to this project we’re well on the way to developing another potential stocking strategy to work in with our existing stocking programs!
To learn more, visit: https://vfa.vic.gov.au/science-in-fisheries/wetlands-stocking-enhancement-trial.