Thousands of barra fingerlings released into Top End dam
Manton Dam has been restocked of barramundi with 40,000 fingerlings released.
Northern Territory
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MANTON Dam has been restocked of barramundi with 40,000 fingerlings released today.
The dam, just under an hour’s drive from Darwin, is a popular fishing and water skiing spot.
One lucky fisho even caught a $10,000 barra there this year as part of the Million Dollar Fish competition.
The dam’s freshwater system does not allow barramundi to reproduce, as they need saltwater to do this.
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Recreational Fishing Minister Paul Kirby said annual restocking was vital for sustaining the species in the dam.
The barramundi fingerlings were bred and grown in saltwater at the Darwin Aquaculture Centre using locally sourced broodstock.
The process has to be carefully managed to avoid stressing and killing the tiny barramundi fingerlings.
The juvenile fish are then gradually introduced to increasing amounts of freshwater in the week leading up to their release into Manton Dam to help them adjust to the change in water.
When introduced into the dam the baby barramundi were just 100mm long and weighing about 10g.
They have been released at several sheltered areas across the dam to give them the best chance of survival.
Mr Kirby said fishing was a huge part of the Territory lifestyle.
“Recreational fishing is a big part of the Territory lifestyle and because you can fish here all year round, it attracts thousands of visitors and creates hundreds of jobs for Territorians,” he said.
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“That’s why the Territory Labor Government are investing $50m to boost recreational fishing opportunities in the Northern Territory.
“The addition of these fingerlings to Manton Dam will help restock this iconic Territory fishing spot and keep it as a great place to bring the family and throw in a line.”
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