The NT Governments $50million RecFishing program hit Litchfield this morning with 550 Barramundi being released into McMinns Lagoon reserve.
The NT Governments $50million RecFishing program hit Litchfield this morning with 550 Barramundi being released into McMinns Lagoon reserve. Litchfield residents are being encouraged to dust off their fishing rods and handlines in the wake of the first release of barramundi at McMinns Lagoon. The program is improving recreational fishing experiences in the NT. Under this initiative, barramundi are produced at the Darwin Aquaculture Centre and released into waterways where they would not usually occur. The lagoon provides safe, land-based fishing opportunities, particularly for young anglers.
The Barramundi was trucked to the reserve at around 10am, where they spent around 15 minutes acclimatising to the lagoon temperature with the help of Senior Aquaculture Technician Dr Alex Basford and his team at Darwin Aquaculture Centre Fisheries, Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade. The water was pumped into the travelling tank whilst locals and McMinns Lagoon Reserve Association awaited the transfer with anticipation.
President of the association, Brian McWilliams welcomed the Barramundi to the Reserve, saying it would bring kids and families to the area as well as benefit the local visitors to the reserve.
The Barramundi being loaded into the reserve are approximately 20cm, and the lagoon was identified and confirmed as great aquaculture by the RecFishing program to raise the Barramundi for future recreation fishing opportunities. Being selected as a habitable environment for the fish is a testament to all the hard work that has gone into making the reserve what it is today.
Whilst the Mayor said the temperature of the lagoon was Territory Fresh, he said he wasn’t afraid of the risk of crocodiles.
Image: Mayor Doug Barden releasing the Barramundi at McMinns Lagoon Reserve