Manton Dam stocked

[Matt Flynn]

PRESS RELEASE

Brimful of Barra: 100,000 Fingerlings Released in Manton Dam, March 6, 2018

The future of fishing in Manton Dam has received a boost with the release of 100,000 fingerlings at the popular family fishing spot.

Member for Brennan – and keen fisherman – Tony Sievers said the release would help provide exciting recreational fishing opportunities at the dam for the next decade.

“Recreational fishing is worth millions of dollars to our economy and supports hundreds of jobs, which is why the Territory Labor Government is investing $50 million in the sector over five years,” Mr Sievers said.

“We also keep barramundi stocks healthy in Manton Dam by releasing fingerlings there regularly. Barra can’t breed in freshwater, but these releases means people will have the chance to catch a metrey here in years to come.”

The fingerlings released today are approximately 40-50mm long. They are bred and grown at the Darwin Aquaculture Centre. Around 110,000 fingerlings were also released in Manton Dam in February last year. Those fingerlings are now estimated to be between 30cm and 40cm long.

“Regular releases ensure there is a constant supply of barra, which is what every fisho wants,” Mr Sievers said. “This, along with the many improvements we have made to recreational fishing infrastructure such as the $2.3 million Shady Camp boat ramp, CCTV at Dinah Beach and sealing Middle Arm boat ramp car park, will help secure the Territory’s reputation as a world-class fishing destination.”

Amateur Fishermen’s Association of the NT (AFANT) CEO David Ciaravolo said the releases are a great investment in family-friendly fishing.

“We are pleased to see such ongoing support for this unique fishery, which is popular with families,” he said. “Investing in the fishery now will mean we can enjoy great fishing well into the future.”

The fingerlings release follows the instalment of a new containment net at Manton Dam earlier this year. The former net was around 20 years old.

“A new net was recommended by the Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee and supported by AFANT,” Mr Sievers said. “It will help stop most of the barra escaping over the dam wall when it rains heavily and the dam overflows.

“Fishing is part of the Territory lifestyle and investments like this mean we can enjoy it for years to come.”

[NinjaFish]

Might need a chain mesh fence on top of the wall!