The hatchery supports the annual stocking of about 200,000 rainbow and brown trout into selected WA streams, rivers, and dams for recreational fishing.
Last month, DPIRD’s researchers were busy collecting trout eggs and sperm to produce and incubate embryos for the stocking program. By September, the viable embryos will have developed to become the fry to grow out for next year’s release as yearlings.
In another part of the hatchery, yearlings up to 350 grams and large ex-brood stock trout, some weighing over three kilograms, are being readied for release.
DPIRD’s stocking strategy is aimed at getting the right fish in the right place at the right time, with fry and yearlings retained in the nursery to grow out, so a mix of suitable sizes is available for release.
The fast-growing fry are usually released when they are about five centimetres long and under 10 grams, ready to beat the challenges of nature, like fish-eating birds, redfin perch, water rats and other predators. The aim is to reach the minimum fishing size limit of 30cm (300mm).
In nutrition-rich dams, trout can reach two kilograms in two years and three kilos in three years.
Senior DPIRD Research Scientist Andrew Beer said improving the recreational freshwater fishing experience was the overall goal for the research at the Pemberton hatchery.
“Stocking guidelines have been developed through the consideration of historical practices, access to the fishery, recreational fishery values and environmental protection,” Mr Beer said.
“More than 60% of our trout are released into man made irrigation dams. We also stock some riverine sites, but we do not stock rivers that are recognised for high conservation values.
“Over 9,750 fishers have Freshwater Angling licences in WA, and because family groups often enjoy it many children under 16, who are not required to be licenced, join in as well. We urge fishers to ensure their licence is up to date before they head out to wet a line.
“We use the best scientific knowledge to maximise the quality of the trout available for stocking and the move toward increasing the number of large yearling trout that we grow to near or over legal size is intended to decrease reliance on wild food sources for fish growth and maximise the catch and thrill for anglers chasing a great freshwater fishing experience.”
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