A record 1.28 million Murray Cod have been produced and stocked in the Narrandera Fisheries Centre during the past year.

Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty, said a record number of fingerlings had now been released at more than 50 sites across the State, including Blowering, Burrendong and Copeton dams, as part of the NSW Government’s Native Fish Stocking Program.

“The Program supports the recovery of Murray Cod populations after years of environmental changes have impacted the species,” Ms Moriarty said.

“This impressive number surpasses all previous records – including the 1.27 million produced in 2021/22 – and will help bolster the $3.4 billion recreational fishing industry.

“The Murray Cod is Australia’s largest freshwater fish, an icon of our inland waterways and a prized catch for recreational anglers.

“The NSW Government is committed to not only maintaining but enhancing freshwater recreational fishing opportunities, which in turn will support tourism and our regional economy.”

Narrandera Fisheries Centre, operated by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI), is a world-class fisheries research and aquaculture facility located adjacent to the Murrumbidgee River in southern inland NSW.

The Centre can produce millions of native fish fingerlings per year; species produced include Murray Cod, Trout Cod, Golden Perch and Silver Perch.

Production of native fish for stocking at the Narrandera facility is supported with funding from DPI and the Recreational Fishing Trusts. 

This article appeared in the Narrandera Argus, 1 June 2023.