: News Article

Report Recommends Stocking Weirs

08/03/2002

A report commissioned by NQ Water has recommended that fish restocking efforts should be targeted downstream of Ross River Dam.

The twelve-month study was carried out by Sinclair Knight Merz and looked at fishing stocking and assessment techniques, the carrying capacity of the dam and the weirs, previous ecological studies and management regimes.

The report showed the weirs were the stronger option to promote recreational fishing for a number reasons, said NQ Water Chairman Ian Hamilton.

"Firstly, the weirs are the best fishing grounds and already support Barramundi where electro-fishing surveys found no Barramundi in the dam despite the release of thousands of finglings a few years ago," Mr Hamilton said.

"The report pointed out that $500,000 would be needed to stock Ross River Dam and restocking would have to be done continually as Barramundi don’t breed in fresh water. At the same time it only costs about $12,000 to stock the weirs."

"Also, the weirs are better set up to support recreational activities with established parking, parklands and amenities and we are prepared to look at further promoting their role as recreational fishing facilities."

There were also convincing environmental arguments against recreational fishing on Ross River Dam, said Mr Hamilton.

"The residents of Townsville and Thuringowa are fortunate that the dam, as our principal water source, is in good environmental condition," he said. "Sunfish has voiced its support for the decision on this basis."

"We have to be vigilant and an infestation of (the introduced noxious fish species) Tilapia would be devastating. The fact that Tilapia is prevalent in the weirs and is used as live bait increases the risk of infestation if fishing were allowed in the dam.

"Also, the dam is listed in the Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia and the best fishing spots are in sensitive areas. We want to preserve the unique character of the dam for future generations."

NQ Water will develop a management plan to restock the river in negotiation with interested parties such as James Cook University, Townsville Fish Restocking Club, and Sunfish said Mr Hamilton.

© 2004 NQ Water