Heather and Clare McKenna release fingerlings together at the Shanty.
The Corowa Anglers Club hosted its annual fingerling release last month, boosting the local fish population by nearly 30,000.
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More than 70 people attended the evening and following BBQ, which was held at the Shanty, Collendina, 15km downstream from Corowa.
The event has become an important part of the local calendar as participants try to keep native fish stocks up, and this year 4,400 Murray cod, along with 25,000 yellow belly and golden perch, were released.
Rod Dunston, President of the Corowa Anglers Club, says the club and its supporters have so far added about 200,000 native fingerlings back into the Murray River.
“Fishing is one of the most popular recreational activities in Australia and has a significant impact on waterways around the country,” he said.
“Releasing fingerlings back into the river supports native fish breeding, recreational angling, the riverine environment and the local tourism industry.”
The club attributes the success of this program to the local volunteers, businesses and sponsors who have supported them over the last 10 years and would like to thank everyone who attended last month’s fingerling release.
Corowa Anglers Club will host its next annual Restock the Murray bowls day on March 8.
The club raises funds with their annual Restock the Murray bowls day, which offers a great day of bowling and banter, with raffles and prizes to be won throughout the day.
NSW Department of Primary Industries donates $2 for every $1 dollar raised by the club through the NSW Community Native Fish Stocking Grants Program.
“Funds are used to purchase native fingerlings for release at various sites along the Murray River,” Rod said.
“It’s a licensed process; you can’t just buy fish and throw them in the river.
“We have a license to repopulate the river and we rotate the releases around sites such as the Shanty, Jacobs Reserve and the Lion’s Park boat ramp.”
Families from Corowa and surrounds combine with the Corowa Anglers Club to help increase native fish populations in the Murray River.
Fingerlings have previously been bought from the Narrandera Fisheries Centre but can now be purchased from the Tara Native Fish Hatchery in Hopefield.
Rod says it’s been great to be able to buy from a local hatchery, and the club intends to keep things close to home.
The next annual Restock the Murray Bowls Day is scheduled for Sunday, March 8.
Anyone interested in registering a team can contact Rod Dunston through the Corowa Anglers Club on 0423 908 811.
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