Hon Rick Mazza asks about the possibility of stocking non-native freshwater species in South West dams to improve recreational fishing. The Minister responds that no such proposals are currently under consideration due to environmental risks.

AnsweredQoN 932Legislative Council
Asked
3 September 2019
Portfolio
Fisheries

QuestionView source ↗

FISHERIES —
NON-NATIVE SPECIES
932. Hon
RICK MAZZA to the minister representing the Minister for Fisheries:
I
refer to the 23 August 2019 media statement, ''Freshwater fishing
licence-free weekend a special treat for Father's Day'',
which explained TroutFest, an event that allowed the community to hand-release
a few thousand trout into Drakesbrook Weir.
Can the minister advise whether
consideration is being given to stock freshwater species such as Murray cod,
bass and bream in freshwater dams in the south west to enhance the recreational
fishing experience?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the member for the question.
The Minister for Fisheries has provided the following information.
Currently, no proposals are under
consideration to stock new non-native species into WA water bodies. The
consideration of any new fish stocking proposal requires a risk-based
translocation assessment that considers impacts of the proposed introduction on
the local environment, including endemic finfish species and the highly valued
recreational marron fishery. The translocation of any non-endemic aquatic
species can be considered only when adequate physical and environmental
controls are in place, with ecological risks mitigated.

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