CLP to trial release of barramundi into Darwin Harbour in hopes of hooking fishos vote

If they win government the Country Liberal’s will trial a plan to release barra into Darwin Harbour.

The opposition says its plan to release more fish into the sea will help land-based fishos reel in a catch.

In a truly Territory attempt at fishing for voters’ favour, the CLP if elected will trial a fish stocking program for barramundi to be released in Darwin Harbour.

“People come to the Territory to catch a barra but in the harbour and coastal surrounds that

is proving harder and harder,” Shadow Minister for Recreational Fishing Gerard Maley said.

“Increasing our barra stocks will relieve pressure on our remote areas, such as Shady

Camp, Corroboree Billabong and Dundee Beach, which are becoming overcrowded.

“It will mean tourists staying in the city won’t have to travel far to catch a barramundi, great

fishing will be right on their doorstep.

“The CLP plan will assist tour operators in increasing their chances to catch a barra in the harbour.

“This is part of our plan to restore our lifestyle and get the Darwin City economy firing again. It’ll be good news for fishos and good news for local businesses.”

Deputy Opposition Leader Gerard Maley and CLP Port Darwin candidate Robyn Cahill were a line as the party announces it will trial a fish stocking program for barramundi to be released in Darwin Harbour if elected. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Mr Maley said the news would particularly help land-based fishos.

“You won’t need a boat to catch a barra under a CLP government,” he said.

“Stocking the harbour with more barramundi will make it less expensive to wet a line down

the esplanade or at Elizabeth River and (mean) even more chance of catching a barra.

“We want more families to have every opportunity to enjoy our unique lifestyle and spend

time together outdoors.”

Currently barramundi is bred by NT fisheries at the Darwin Aquaculture Centre and released

into places like Manton Dam and suburban lakes where natural breeding of barramundi does

not occur.

The CLP said its plan would be funded from within current budgets “as a priority” to ensure this program could be expanded to include fish stocking of barramundi in Darwin Harbour.