Barra Boost: over 100,000 barramundi released to protect iconic NT lifestyle
More than 100,000 Barramundi are being released into Top End waterways this dry season as part of the Territory Government’s commitment to supporting the Territory lifestyle – a major boost for recreational fishers.
The fish include 109,000 fingerlings and 500 larger fish, all bred and raised at the Darwin Aquaculture Centre, which is operated by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
The fingerlings measure up to 20 centimetres, while the larger fish range between 30 and 50 centimetres.
They are gradually acclimated from saltwater to freshwater conditions ahead of release into popular fishing spots like Manton Dam, Rum Jungle, McMinns Lagoon, Durack Lakes, Sanctuary Lakes and Marlow Lagoon.
As Barramundi can only breed in saltwater, stocking plays a vital role in boosting recreational fishing opportunities in these freshwater systems.
The latest release into lakes around Palmerston comes just in time for the annual Hooked on Palmerston fishing competition, which runs from 1 July to the end of October.
Open to all ages, the family-friendly event celebrates Palmerston’s lakeside lifestyle with a catch-and-release Barramundi competition. Registered participants who land a tagged fish go into a monthly draw for prizes.
To register for the competition, visit palmerston.nt.gov.au
For more information about recreational fishing rules in the NT, go to Recreational fishing web page.
NT Fisheries, in partnership with the Amateur Fishermen’s Association of the Northern Territory (AFANT), will continue tagging and monitoring released fish throughout the year to support research, track growth and movement, and inform future stocking activities.
