Clarence River Fishermen’s Co-op leads pioneering restocking project after NSW DPI White Spot Recovery cash splash

Commercial and recreational fishers have been thrown a line by a mass release of mulloway into the Clarence. “Without it the industry won’t stay alive.” Here’s how fishos are future-proofing.

Yaegl Wadyarr Gargle Land and Sea contractor Joshua Hippi and professional fishermen Dean Chapman from the Clarence Valley Fishermen's Co-operative releases mulloway on July 26, 2024 on the Clarence River.

The Clarence River isn’t going to run out of mulloway any time soon thanks to an innovative Clarence River Fishermen’s Co-operative fish restocking project.

Searle’s Aquaculture manager Glen Searle was tasked with raising 10,000 mulloway in a controlled hatchery on the banks of the Clarence River, adjacent to Palmers Island.

He said it marked the first time a fishermen’s co-op has led a fish restock in Australia.

The program was funded to the tune of $10,000 via the NSW Department of Primary Industries’ White Spot Recovery Program.

Mulloway fingerlings ready for release, in a program driven by the Clarence Valley Fishermen's Co-operative and funded by the NSW Department of Primary Industry’s white spot recovery program.

Yaegl Wadyarr Gargle Land and Sea Contractors manager Grant Brown said the initiative was a good sign fishers understood restocking for future generations was paramount for supply.

Mr Brown participated in the fisheries restoration program that released 10,000 mulloway into the Clarence River on July 26.

Bringing along a member of the next generation, Joshua Hippi was important to Mr Brown.

“That’s part of teaching our next generation ‘sowing what we reap’ is the key to a future,” he said.

Yaegl Wadyarr Gargle Land and Sea Contractors Joshua Hippi and Grant Brown, and professional fisherman Dean Chapman transporting some of the 10,000 mulloway to release locations along the Clarence River, Grafton.

“We helped in a nice, soft, cautious release of those of the mullaway to give them the best opportunity to get to some deep water.

“Mullaway have been a big food source for our people for thousands of years and through our fishing systems.

“It’s good that you know our professional fishermen are understanding that by taking too much, or taking and taking and taking without putting back in, the product won’t be there, or the industry won’t stay alive for too much longer.”

Professional fishermen and Clarence River Fishermen’s Co-operative member Dean Chapman releases mulloway into the river.

Mr Brown worked alongside Mr Searle in the mass release at 25-30 river locations.

“Hopefully this might be the start of other groups, whether they be angling groups or councils who may want to help to stock the rivers where populations of fish are depleted,” Mr Searle added.