300,000 marron released into Harvey Dam
Pemberton’s marron hatchery is part of the State Government’s plan to improve the State’s recreational fishing industry.
The State Government announced it would invest almost $3 million in recreational fishing licence fees to create a better recreational fishing experience throughout the State and supporting regional tourism and West Australian jobs.
The plan includes $500,000 for stocking 300,000 marron into Harvey Dam.
The announcement from Premier Mark McGowan and Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly happened at Harvey Dam on Sunday when they stocked the dam with juvenile marron grown at the Pemberton hatchery.
“With freshwater fish stocking, new artificial reefs in development for the metropolitan area and Carnarvon, as well as habitat enhancement projects across the State, rec fishing in WA is looking better than ever,” Mr Kelly said.
The new stocking program is one way the State Government is managing climate change impacts on the long-term viability of marron stocks.
More than 10,800 licensed marron fishers take part in the month-long marron season, which will start at 12pm on January 8 until 12pm on February 5.
Mr McGowan said not only was fishing a great way to enjoy the outdoors, it was also an important contributor to the State economy.
Recreational fishing is a treasured pastime in our State and my Government is working hard to ensure fishing only gets better for Western Australians into the future.
Marron is endemic to the South West and fishing is a popular pastime.
“Each year it is estimated 700,000 recreational fishers in Western Australia spend an estimated $2.4 billion a year,” Mr McGowan said.
“With our latest investment of almost $3 million in stocking programs, habitat projects and an artificial reef for Carnarvon, we hope to see rec fishing tourism grow.
“This will support jobs and the economy, particularly in regional areas.”
Murry-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke said the South West was incredibly lucky.
“Each year during the one-month marron season, you’ll find WA’s South West teeming with marron fishers who are injecting money into our local economy and supporting local jobs,” she said.
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