Top End waterways to endure influx of more than 100,000 barra by end of Dry Season

Top End fishos can rejoice, with more than 100,000 barramundi set to be released into waterways across the region in the coming months. Find out where.

Member for Drysdale Clinton Howe, Northern Territory Deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley and Member for Blain Matthew Kerle met at the Durack Lakes on June 27, 2025, to release 100 barramundi. Picture: Thomas McLean

More than 100,000 barramundi will be released into Top End waterways this dry season in a bid to improve recreational fishing opportunities for Territorians, with the first 100 already released at the Durack Lakes.

Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Gerard Maley said the government wanted to release “as many fish as possible” into the waterways, and the main motive was to give recreational fishers who don’t have a boat access to fishing.

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.

Mr Maley took a few attempts to get the photo right. Picture: Thomas McLean

The fingerlings measure up to 20cm, and the larger fish range between 30cm and 50cm.

They are gradually acclimated from saltwater to freshwater conditions ahead of release into spots such as Manton Dam, Rum Jungle, McMinns Lagoon, Durack Lakes, Sanctuary Lakes and Marlow Lagoon.

Because barramundi could only breed in saltwater, stocking played a vital role in boosting recreational opportunities in fresh water systems, the Deputy Chief Minister said.

A fisherman himself, Mr Maley said releasing fish into recreational waterways would improve angling experiences across the region.

Deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley and members of the Fisheries Compliance Unit on April 17, 2025. Picture: Aden Hill

“I do a lot of land-based fishing as well, and I just know what it’s like to see your children running around in the park catching a fish, the excitement when it’s on the line, and then its daddy’s job to get it off and get it ready for the plate,” he said.

The latest release into lakes around Palmerston comes just in time for the annual Hooked on Palmerston fishing competition, which runs from July 1 to the end of October.

Open to all ages, the family-friendly event celebrates Palmerston’s lifestyle with a catch-and-release Barramundi competition.

Registered participants who land a tagged fish go into a monthly draw for prizes, with two prizes of a $200 voucher given away every month.

Originally published as Top End waterways to endure influx of more than 100,000 barra by end of Dry Season