Discussion paper on silver perch aquacultutre released

21/8/96

Fisheries Minister Monty House today released a discussion paper on silver perch aquaculture in Western Australia.

The discussion paper was prepared by the Fisheries Department in liaison with the Department of Environmental Protection.

Silver perch is a species native to the Murray Darling river system of Eastern Australia.

"For many years silver perch have been allowed into Western Australia under special circumstances to stock farm dams for domestic consumption purposes," Mr House said.

"There is now considerable interest in the commercial aquaculture of silver perch."

The development of commercial aquaculture for non-endemic species such as silver perch raises important issues in relation to translocation.

"The discussion paper has been prepared to assist determine an appropriate management framework for the development of silver perch aquaculture in Western Australia," Mr House said.

"This will take into account the need to protect the natural environment and native fish species."

The discussion paper is open to public comment until September 27.

Submissions should be sent to the Program Manager, Fish and Habitat Protection, Fisheries Department, St Georges Terrace, Perth.

Media contact: Nicole Trigwell (09) 481 2044