DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES Creating an Enhanced Macquarie Perch Fishery Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series - No. 70 Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series Creating an Enhanced Macquarie Perch Fishery
Outcomes of cross-jurisdiction workshop
Fisheries Management Paper
No. 70 April 2009
Creating an Enhanced Macquarie Perch Fishery
Outcomes of cross-jurisdiction workshop
April 2009
Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series No. 70
Summary Macquarie Perch Workshop 2008
The Creating an Enhanced Macquarie Perch Fishery workshop was held in Room 16.1, Level 16, 1 Spring Street, Melbourne on Monday 15 December 2008 Attendees: Brett Ingram (Vic DPI) John Koehn (Vic DSE) Jarod Lyon (Vic DSE) Rob Loates (VRFish) Nick Thorne (NFA) Ron Lewis (NFA) Will Trueman (NFA) Mark Lintermans (Uni Can) Joy Sloan (Vic DPI) Gary Backhouse (Vic DSE) Glen Johnson (Vic DSE) Anthony Forster (Vic DPI) John Douglas (Vic DPI) Fern Hames (Vic DSE) Mathew McLellan (NSW DPI) Karen Weaver (Vic DSE) Neil Hyatt (Vic DPI) Travis Dowling (Vic DPI) Ross Winstanley (Facilitator) Julia Smith (Vic DPI) Peter Gallagher (NSW DPI)
Published by Department of Primary Industries Rob Loates, Will Trueman, John Koehn, Nick Fisheries Victoria Thorne, Mark Lintermans, Jarod Lyon, Ron Lewis, GPO Box 4440 Peter Gallagher and Mathew McLellan. A special Melbourne Victoria 3001. thanks to Will Trueman, who travelled a long way and continues to commit much of his own time © The State of Victoria, 2009. and resources as a tireless advocate for native fish. This publication is copyright. No part may be Thanks also to Ross Winstanley as the workshop produced by any process except in accordance facilitator. with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. Front cover, main photo: This exceptionally large Reproduction and the making available of this Macquarie perch was caught on a lure and was material for personal, in-house, or non-commercial carefully released. Image courtesy Wikipedia purposes is authorised on the condition that: (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macquarie_Perch) • The copyright is acknowledged as the owner Disclaimer • No official connection is claimed This publication may be of assistance to you, but • The material is made available without charge the State of Victoria and its employees do not or cost guarantee that the publication is without flaw or is • The material is not subject to inaccurate, wholly appropriate for your particular purposes misleading or derogatory comment. and therefore disclaims all liability for an error, Requests to reproduce or communicate this loss or other consequence which may arise from material in any way not permitted by this licence you relying on any information in this publication. (or by the fair dealing provisions of the Copyright This report cannot be used in a court of law. Act 1968) should be directed to the Nominated Fishing laws change from time to time. It is your Officer Copyright, 1 Spring Street, Melbourne, responsibility to ensure that you are acting within 3001. the law. If you are in doubt seek independent legal Authorised by Victorian Government, advice. 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne. For more information about DPI visit the website ISSN: 1448-1693 at
Summary Macquarie Perch Workshop 2008 ii
Table of contents
Executive summary ...... 1
Introduction ...... 2
Session One – Macquarie perch distribution and recreational interest ...... 3 Workshop introduction and context ...... 3 Macquarie perch, a history of its distribution & decline ...... 3 Angler interest in native fish including Macquarie perch ...... 4 Why Macquarie perch? ...... 4 Questions for Session 1 ...... 4
Session Two – Macquarie perch conservation imperatives and policy setting ...... 5 Update on the National Macquarie perch Recovery Plan ...... 5 Draft Victorian Action Statement on Macquarie perch ...... 5 ACT experience in Macquarie perch management...... 5 Questions for Session 2 ...... 6
Session Three – Macquarie perch captive breeding and stock enhancement7 Review of artificial propagation of Macquarie perch ...... 7 Fish production – issues & learning’s ...... 7 NSW experience in Mp breeding - past & current directions ...... 8 Questions for Session 3 ...... 8
Session 4 – Angler, research and policy alignment workshops ...... 9 Recreational angler workshop ...... 9 Research priorities workshop ...... 9 Policy Workshop ...... 10
Appendix 1 – Background paper ...... 12
Appendix 2 – Workshop agenda...... 14
Summary Macquarie Perch Workshop 2008 iii
Summary Macquarie Perch Workshop 2008 iv
Executive summary
On 15 December 2008, Fisheries Victoria (DPI) The workshop participants also agreed to promote convened a cross-jurisdictional workshop to stewardship by the angling community toward discuss the key issues, opportunities and viability conservation and utilisation of Macquarie perch in of establishing a new Macquarie perch recreational the Victorian Draft Action Statement on Macquarie fishery in Victoria. perch and the Draft National Macquarie perch Recovery Plan. The purpose of the workshop was to: • Better understand the historic and current The workshop recognised the existing efforts of the recreational fishing interest in Macquarie perch, National Macquarie Perch Recovery Team (NMPRT) as a preferred pathway to assist DPI to • Review the status of Macquarie perch captive breeding and stock enhancement programs, implement the outcomes of this workshop. and, To progress the establishment of a new Victorian • Identify and promote opportunities for policy stock-enhanced recreational fishery for Macquarie alignment, research & development perch, the following key actions are proposed: collaboration and agreed stocking strategies. • Native Fish Australia and VRFish be invited to This workshop is supported under Victoria’s join the Victorian Macquarie perch Recovery Enhance Recreational Fishing Program policy Team commitment. • A sub-committee of the National Macquarie perch Recovery Team assist DPI to develop and The desired outcomes from this workshop were to: source co-funding of a research proposal to • Improve cross-state and territory policy and improve the reliability of breeding Macquarie research & development collaboration on perch at an appropriate fish production facility Macquarie perch captive breeding and stocking in collaboration with NSW DPI. initiatives, • DPI to work with DSE and angling • Enhance Victorian Macquarie perch representative organisations to identify recreational fishing opportunities supported by potential waters capable of supporting a new key stakeholders and jurisdictions built on stock-enhanced Macquarie perch recreational quality science. fishery. • Workshop participants demonstrated a strong DSE to recognise angling interest, angling mutual interest in the protection, conservation and community stewardship and the recreational utilisation (recreational angling) of Macquarie and conservation benefits of creating a perch through the establishment of a new Victorian Macquarie perch fishery in the Action Victorian recreational fishery. Statement on Macquarie perch. • DPI to promote angling community Workshop participants recognised conservation stewardship and the recreational and concerns for Macquarie perch and the legislative conservation values of creating a Macquarie requirements for Macquarie perch as a listed perch fishery in the National Macquarie perch threatened species. They recognised the ongoing Recovery Plan. conservation efforts for Macquarie perch and the • DPI will consider contributing to the need for any recreational fishery to be developed conservation efforts for Macquarie perch as part as part of the National Recovery Plan and of their stocking plan on a 1:1 basis (i.e. for Victorian Action Statement. every fish produced for angling, another is Research directions were identified with particular produced for a conservation stocking). interest in formalising research collaboration between NSW and Victoria DPI agencies in respect of captive breeding. Research directions will now need to be refined, prioritised and developed in the form of a research funding proposal.
Summary Macquarie Perch Workshop 2008 1
Introduction
On 15 December 2008, Fisheries Victoria (DPI) convened a cross-jurisdictional workshop to discuss the key issues, opportunities and viability of establishing a new stock-enhanced Macquarie perch recreational fishery in Victoria. A background paper explaining the context and rationale for the workshop is provided in Appendix 1. The workshop involved 21 participants with extensive experience in the conservation, research, production and resource management of Macquarie perch from government and non- government organisations. The workshop was facilitated by independent fisheries consultant Ross Winstanley. A copy of the workshop agenda Macquarie perch are a hard fighting fish occasionally is provided in Appendix 2. caught on lures (courtesy DSE). The first section of this report includes key points raised by each presenter under the following The next section (session 4) includes the highlights sessions (1-3): of three concurrent workshops: • • Macquarie perch distribution and recreational Recreational angling workshop fishing interests • Research workshop • Macquarie perch conservation and policy • Policy workshop setting and, The following is a summary of key workshop • Macquarie perch captive breeding and stock outcomes. enhancement status
Summary Macquarie Perch Workshop 2008 2
Session One – Macquarie perch distribution and recreational interest
Workshop introduction and Macquarie perch, a history of its context distribution & decline Anthony Forster, Manager Aquaculture and Inland Will Trueman, native fish researcher Fisheries, Fisheries Victoria, DPI • 1824 was the first confirmed sighting of Mp in • This workshop was designed to assist DPI to the Macquarie River. Picture of historic Mp implement the 2006 Government Election distribution and decline in the Murray Darling commitment to “enhance recreational fisheries by Basin catchment: developing new fishing opportunities for Victorians • Macquarie system – common from headwaters where restocking programs have re-established to Wellington area. Population became Macquarie perch to a level that limited fishing can functionally extinct in the Macquarie system by be sustained”. 1960. Habitat destruction, overfishing and • The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) introduction of trout implicated in decline. objective is to maintain a high quality natural • Lachlan system – common in upland and fisheries resource for the long term by sloped habitats, with Forbes the downstream providing the opportunity for recreational limit. Early decline in some areas, then the anglers to enjoy Macquarie perch (Mp) fishing. population generally declined in the 1950s due • The development of a Mp fishery is intended to to siltation and introduced species. Reduced realise significant recreational and flows below Carcoar Dam eliminated Belabula conservational benefits. River fish. • The aim of the workshop is to: Murrumbidgee system – common from above Tantagara to the lowlands at Bringagee. • identify key issues and opportunities regarding Suspected Mp disappeared downstream from the development of a new recreational fishery the Wagga Wagga area in 1920s due to water • identify and promote policy and research diversion. Further upstream due to habitat alignments change, reduced flows, introduced species and • measure the level of recreational interest and possibly EHN. assess the viability of investing in a breeding • Riverina – common in the upper Billabong Ck program until the 1920s • identify knowledge gaps and research priorities • Upper Murray – abundant into upland areas, DPI recognises: dramatic decline in all native species in 1920s due to redfin, trout implicated in upper reaches • the endangered status of Mp • Murray – still caught near Swan Hill and • that captive breeding and stocking is only one common at Barmah in 1950s, then decline of a number of management tools to sustain Mp • populations Mitta Mitta – were common along entire length, originally to at least 800 m ASL • that stocking translocation risks will need to be • actively managed including; genetics, disease Ovens – were common into the uplands. and aquatic pests Survived the goldrush, trout had an impact on populations in smaller, cooler waters c1900, • that stocking should avoid any impact on redfin in mid and lower reaches 1930s onwards remnant populations of Macquarie perch • within their natural range Goulburn – very common from Murchison upstream, populations impacted by siltation, This workshop will assist in mobilising angling trout, redfin, overfishing, changes to flows and support and stewardship for Mp conservation and thermal pollution utilisation. It provides a unique opportunity to • Campaspe – once prolific, last captures build networks and develop partnerships between recorded in the 60s, declined due to drought government and non-government agencies and and siltation, reduced flows and overfishing recreational anglers in the broader interests of securing the future of Macquarie perch.
Summary Macquarie Perch Workshop 2008 3
• Currently overlooked is a former strong • Mp are highly valued, along with catfish, silver presence of Mp in billabongs of most perch, trout cod and blackfish. VRFish would catchments. Good evidence of reproduction in like to see positive benefits and outcomes, also some lowland areas the stocking of native fish in a couple of small • The main causes of decline include: dam water to provide increased educational construction, cold water releases, changes to opportunities. flow regimes, siltation, illegal and legal fishing, introduced fish species (trout in upper reaches, redfin in middle reaches and goldfish a possibility). In most cases a combination of factors • Mp are an incredibly flexible fish with regards to habitat preferences, found from mountain streams to billabongs. Due to their originally wide historical distribution, there will be less of an issue with TEP applications for stocking.
Macquarie perch are occasionally taken as a by catch when fishing for other species (courtesy Mark Lintermans). Why Macquarie perch? Nick Thorne, Ron Lewis, Native Fish Australia • The creation of a new Mp fishery will restore a once important and now lost, opportunities for recreational angling. • There is a strong synergy between anglers wanting to protect endangered species and Macquarie perch and other valued native recreational wanting to catch them. fish species have been widely translocated over the • last 100 years (courtesy Will Trueman). Mp are a versatile species which display good fighting and eating characteristics. This angling interest can be mobilised to secure funds for the Angler interest in native fish protection of Mp including relevant including Macquarie perch conservation projects. Robert Loates, VRFish delegate • NFA have serious reservations concerning proposed translocation of large numbers of • Recreational angler interest in native fish has Yarra River Mp as this population is globally increased lately, mainly due to the angler significant and under threat. identified recovery of Murray cod and reported • increased catches. A recent posting on a www.fishnet.com.au forum by NFA posed the question ‘do you • Catch and release of Murray cod is growing in support the restoration of the Mp fishery’. 94% popularity. of participants were in favour. Written • Murray cod and Golden perch are considered comments overwhelmingly pushed for access by anglers as the bread and butter native fish and only allow for consumptive take once the angling species. fishery can support angling pressure. • Recreational anglers are also very supportive of stocking programs of native fish species in Questions for Session 1 impoundments due to the positive outcomes What are the angler views to catch and release only being experienced. waters for Macquarie perch? • Mp are considered as a niche fishery similar to the freshwater catfish in the Wimmera Basin. • The VRFish delegate stated their policy was • The VRFish Board and State Council Members voluntary catch and release only in conjunction agreed at a recent meeting that they would like with educational programs, VRFish was not to see recovery of Mp along with several other supportive of specific designated catch and native fish species for recreational angling release fisheries. purposes.
Summary Macquarie Perch Workshop 2008 4
Session Two – Macquarie perch conservation imperatives and policy setting
• Actions within the Victorian Mp Action Update on the National Macquarie Statement will feed into the National Recovery perch Recovery Plan Plan and plans for a recreational fishery need to Peter Gallagher, NSW DPI fit into the context of the Action Statement and Recovery Plan. • NSW fisheries were contracted by the • The main thrust of the Action Statement is to Australian Government to develop a National protect the Yarra River and Dartmouth Macquarie perch Recovery Plan. populations and establish new populations • An initial Draft National Recovery Plan has through translocating Yarra River fish to Lake been prepared with NSW input and submitted Buffalo. The risk needs to be spread – Victoria to the National Macquarie perch Recovery cannot rely on small populations such as Team for comment. Hughes and Sevens Creeks to maintain the • Feedback from the Recovery Team was survivability of the species. required by mid February 2009. • There is scope to develop a population model • A revised Draft will then be circulated to the for Mp, like the Murray cod model. This should Recovery team and relevant state authorities. confirm that stocking with large numbers has • Once a draft plan has been prepared it will be greater success. forwarded to the Australian Government for • It is very important that strong support and consideration seeking approval to release it for statements for environmental flows are heard public exhibition. from recreational anglers. • NSW Fisheries propose to exhibit the draft plan • ARI research on Mp has formed a good on behalf Australian Government under a background data set over the past five years. A public advertisement process specified under current Yarra River spawning study is looking the EPBC Act and relevant state legislation. at the movement of adults. • Public submissions to be considered, revisions • EHN Virus will be an important factor made and approval to publish final document impacting upon stocking and translocation of will be sought from the Australian Government fish, as it is easily spread. ARI are currently by NSW Fisheries. investigating where the virus is through genetics work. Draft Victorian Action Statement on Macquarie perch ACT experience in Macquarie John Koehn / Jarod Lyon, Vic DSE perch management Mark Lintermans, University of Canberra • Mp are in decline in Victoria, especially in Dartmouth. • Mp translocation projects have occurred into • DSE have a responsibility for the recovery of Googong Dam (1980), Bendora Reservoir and Mp populations and require assistance from upstream of Corin Reservoir. Googong Dam DPI to generate community support (including exhibited good recruitment in the 1990s and nil funding) and provide regulation. since 2001 due to the drought. 41 adults went • The concept of a recreational fishery will gather into Bendora Reservoir with no population momentum within DSE and other agencies if establishing; it is thought this is due to there is an apparent contribution to coldwater releases. conservation.
Summary Macquarie Perch Workshop 2008 5
• Cotter Reservoir has a healthy population of Mp. An ongoing research program has Questions for Session 2 demonstrated: What are the threats to the Yarra River Mp population? - Adults: found at inflow end of the reservoir; • NFA believe Melbourne Water are considering utilise emergent macrophytes as shelter and increasing Yarra River flows using recycled are exhibiting nocturnal activity water. If this goes ahead, it may increase - Juveniles: found at wall shelter amongst nutrients load and lower the DO. cobble and boulder • NFA have been advised that the temperature of • Fish are now being translocated out of Cotter the recycled water is 4 degrees higher. Reservoir due to an enlargement project, • NFA is not aware of any proposal to increase numbers are around 100-150 fish/year with size natural environmental flows for the Yarra of translocated fish deliberately varying River. between translocation site. • NFA believe the Yarra River Mp population • Risks to establishing a recreational fishery may not cope with large-scale translocation of include: potential confusion between Mp to the Buffalo River. conservation and recreational goals; need for • While population has expanded in past three cover from predators, redfin, transferring decades angling pressure has also increased. EHNV, use of bait-fishing (redfin and EHNV) Evidence of siltation of some important habitat & upstream influences. (eg. Sandbanks near Yarra Glen now covered in mud).
Comment - NFA • With respect to the Yarra Mp population, the National Recovery Plan and Action Statement need to respond to the real risk of near extinction.
Changed water flow (construction of dams) and temperature regimes are likely causes of Macquarie perch decline.
Summary Macquarie Perch Workshop 2008 6
Session Three – Macquarie perch captive breeding and stock enhancement
Review of artificial propagation of Macquarie perch Will Trueman, Native Fish Researcher • Victorian translocation of Mp mainly took place in the 20th century. Most were sourced from the Goulburn Weir and later the Broken River. • The Yarra River fish originated mostly from Goulburn Weir and Broken River. Small numbers also from central Murray, King Parrot Creek and upper Goulburn. • Over a period of 40 years 21,000 Mp were translocated into the Yarra. • Mp eggs first artificially fertilised by John Tub at Burmah in 1937. Artificial propagation techniques (hormone induction) • The earliest attempts to induce native fish used on Macquarie perch broodfish spawning using hormones in Australia, was in (courtesy Brett Ingram). 1963. • The most successful effort to date is reported in ARI technical report No. 90 ‘Preliminary study Fish production – issues & on the hormone-induced spawning of Mp from learning’s Lake Dartmouth, Victoria.’ In that report, 124 Females were injected with HCG that were Brett Ingram, Vic DPI collected on a spawning run out of Darmouth • The DPI fish production facility at Snobs Ck, into the Mitta Mitta River. 63% ovulated and near Eildon commenced a Mp breeding 15% produced viable ova. Greater success later program in 1986 as part of a recovery program but reliability still below other native fish to relocate Dartmouth Dam Mp to Lake Eildon. species. • Running-ripe fish were spawned at Snobs Ck • Incomplete gonadal development of captive before they were translocated to Eildon. broodstock the key problem. May be related to • 420,000 Mp fish were produced fish over 11 lack of suitable environment, inadequate seasons (104,000 fry, 308,000 fingerlings & nutrition or a combination of factors. 10,000 yearlings). • Some of the key opportunities / strategies to • For the purposes of conditioning Mp, the tank progress artificial propagation include: held fish seemed to have more success than the - Use of germinal vesicle position in assessing fish held in earthen ponds. maturity in future research • A change in conditions at Dartmouth - In-vitro trials with oocytes exposed to a influenced the success of the program. range of hormone/intermediaries may • To build on this knowledge and experience, provide rapid, cost effective answers. further funding is required for trials at an appropriate fish production facility.
Summary Macquarie Perch Workshop 2008 7
Juvenile Macquarie perch fingerlings produced at Snobs Trial modification to Macquarie perch broodfish ponds Creek Freshwater Research Facility, Victorian DPI by NSW DPI (courtesy Mathew McLellan). (courtesy Brett Ingram). NSW experience in Mp breeding - Questions for Session 3 past & current directions Do we have much of an understanding of Matt McLellan, NSW DPI threat/opportunities for the Mp fishery with regards to climate change? • There are concerns that redfin will impact on • the only self-sustaining Mp population in NSW Fisheries Victoria in collaboration with other which is in the Lachlan system. key agencies across south-east Australia is undertaking a study to identify the risks to • NSW have modified a broodstock pond at inland recreational fisheries associated with Narrandera to include an artificial stream with climate change. regulated flow regime. It is hoped this may aid • in conditioning 100 Mp broodstock by enabling Other work of relevance is also being trial simulation of natural spawning conditions. conducted by many other agencies to better understand the environmental, social and • The fish will be monitored for 12 months. economic impacts of climate change. Hatchery techniques will be investigated for the 2010/11 season. • The big challenge (issue) is being able to reliably maturing captive held Mp broodstock. NSW are interested in collaborating with Fisheries Victoria on this challenge. • The project is funded for 3 years using funds generated from recreational fishing licence sales.
Summary Macquarie Perch Workshop 2008 8
Session 4 – Angler, research and policy alignment workshops
Recreational angler workshop How can recreational anglers promote / contribute toward Macquarie perch What do recreational anglers wants from a conservation? Macquarie perch fishery? • Anglers do understand the benefits of In respect of managing recreational fisheries, the conservation outcomes major concerns of the angling community are: • Promote / contribution from rec anglers • The maintenance of healthy rivers and streams, • Give angling clubs the opportunity to get • Sustainable fisheries, involved • Effective (meaningful) consultation (esp. with • Undertake a trial program to get anglers government agencies). involved • There is also an opportunity / need for an education program (face-to-face contact) with angling community to mobilise support for native fish. • There is also a need to recognise that within the angling fraternity, there is a range of target angling species including strong support for and recognition for the angling of introduced species. More specifically, anglers want: • to catch fish, • contribute to planning, monitoring and policy making, • recovery of the species, • monitoring of the recovery – see progressive Macquarie perch taken (and returned) as a part of a achievement DSE monitoring program (courtesy DSE). • stocking of fish for fishing • breeding technology for production of fish Research priorities workshop What are the priority areas of investigation How can recreational anglers or their in order to improve the reliability of Mp representatives groups contribute toward the captive breeding for stock enhancement? establishment of and management of a Mp • Identification of best source of Mp broodstock fishery? • - Note 1. Consider size and viability of Mp Recreational angling representatives / population and condition of fish e.g. Yarra, communities are in a position to provide advice Dartmouth. and direction to assist in the establishment and • management of a new Mp fishery. Investigate / confirm target MP broodstock are of appropriate genetic origin (diversity / • Angler diarist program could also be used to structure) to produce fingerlings for stock monitor the performance of the Mp fishery. enhancement purposes. • Recreational angling representatives can - Note 1: genetic diversity requirements may promote access to funds from the Victorian vary dependant on location and or recreational fishing trust in support of Mp biosecurity of target stocking water. fishery (research or on ground projects that make a difference) - Note 2: If warranted, apply broodstock genetic management selection principles to preserve genetic integrity e.g. NSW HQAG
Summary Macquarie Perch Workshop 2008 9
• Ensure appropriate health status of fish for • Upper M (c) stocking • Eildon (r) - Note 1: EHNV antibody test being • Ovens R (r) developed. • Goulburn – Murchison and Trawool (r) - Note 2: If practical, avoid catchments with • Yea R (r) history of EHNV Note: r = recreational fishing priority • Identify options for broodstock procurement c = conservation imperative e.g. - Option 1: wild broodstock via translocation Other research priorities (lower priority) • (running ripe wild-fish). Wild broodstock Understand hooking mortality spawned then released as part of • Undertake population / genetics modelling translocation program (e.g. as per earlier • Understand anglers take Victorian program) • Monitoring wild stocks. Both wild and - Option 2: capture, hold and condition wild previously stocked populations caught fish (i.e. captive breeding). E.g. similar to existing trout cod captive Who are the potential collaborators and what breeding programs in NSW and Vic might their role be in collaboration? Potential research collaborators: - Option 3: source domesticated broodstock. Currently none available • Captive breeding (NFA, MDBC, NSW DPI, FV, • Optimise captive breeding techniques Universities) • Pre/post stocking activities (DSE, FV, NFA/ - Consider use of tanks v ponds for holding research anglers) and conditioning broodstock - Use dietary supplementation How is the proposed research best resourced - Undertake lab-based endocrine study (ARC / funded? linkage application) Research Resources – Native Fish Committee of Native Fish Strategy (MDBA), Snobs Ck (DPI). - Apply new hormone manipulation techniques Linked projects Funders – NSW RFL, VIC RFL, - Profile hormone levels in captive broodstock CMA, MDBA, DSE, FV, ARC linkage grant. What are the priority areas of investigation Policy Workshop in order to better understand and optimise How do we recognise angling interests and enhancement of Macquarie perch? • Investigate most effective release techniques the creation of a Mp fishery in the draft (supplement current research) National Recovery Plan? • Key actions relating to Mp recovery should be • Mark fish before release – for the purposes of recognised in the National Recovery Plan i.e. identification and monitoring (chemical and/or actions must demonstrate steps to achieve genetic) recovery of the species – conservation. • Develop criteria for stocking site selection e.g. - Avoid remnant wild Mp populations. In the Draft National Recovery Plan it is proposed to recognise and promote: - Efficacy of stocking i.e. what are the levels of • fish survival / recovery. The important role the angling community can play in environmental stewardship - EHNV presence • The importance of establishing new Mp - Presence of predatory/competitive species populations i.e. using a range of management - Size of site tools including translocation and stocking. - Angler access • The need to better understand natural and - Security/quality/classification captive breeding requirements of Mp • The need for contingencies and clear Note 1: Consider potential candidate sites e.g. management controls in the context of climate • William Hovel (r) change risks to Mp populations • Buffalo L (r/c) • Buffalo R (c)
Summary Macquarie Perch Workshop 2008 10
• Synergies between conservation and angling • Effective compliance monitoring interest including conservation spin-offs e.g. • Develop site specific selection criteria stock enhancement, reproductive knowledge, • Promote angler / community advocacy e.g. broodstock supply, fingerling supply, stock NFA & VRFish monitoring in the wild etc. • • Expand the Victorian Mp working group to The opportunity to secure resources and funds include: from the recreational fishing sector (e.g. - Recreational anglers recreational fishing trust) to support Mp conservation, fish stocks, community education - Conservation interests engagement and habitat restoration e.g. DPIs How can we assist anglers and their ‘adopt a stream’ program. representative groups to advocate for Mp How do we recognise angling interests and conservation and habitat rehabilitation? the creation of a Mp fishery in the Victorian • The Adopt-a-Stream Grants Program is a 2006 Draft Action Statement on Macquarie perch? election commitment made by the Government. • The Victorian Action Statement on Mp (and It is a program that allows local community and National Recovery Plans) will be a recognised interest groups to apply for dollar-for-dollar as important criteria in DPIs inland waters funding grants to conduct habitat improvement classification model. works on their local stream to benefit • Identify the potential source population of Mp recreational fishing. It has been set up as a for translocation and or broodstock e.g. Yarra separate program to the Recreational Fishing River Grants Program to focus work on habitat improvements. It will run until June 2011. • Recognise stewardship / angler interest The adopt a stream program provides an • Need to establish new Mp populations opportunity for community groups such as • Opportunities associated with establishing a angling clubs, civic groups, churches, schools new recreational Mp fishery and youth groups to get involved in protecting • Identify the need for researching the population Victorian waterways, learning more about the status in Yarra and Dartmouth natural environment and Victoria’s precious • Investigate the development of a population waterways, and enhancing recreational fish model for Mp habitat. Tangible projects funded under this • Acknowledge climate change i.e. monitor / risk program may include; clean up day, or a stream assessment and develop contingency plan for at celebration, or a larger project like pest plant risk populations removal, native revegetation or re-snagging. • Implementation of the outcomes of this What are the development criteria that will workshop should involve participation by inform the establishment of a Mp fishery? angling representative groups at a state Suggested criteria: representative and local level, where practical. • ‘Put and take’ fishery • In addition, implementing this project provides • Separation from remnant wild populations an opportunity to work closely and assist (within natural range) Native Fish Australia (NFA) as a volunteer • Mark fish e.g. chemical batch marking organisation to promote the well-being of Australia's native freshwater fish and the rivers, • Separate recreational and conservational streams and other water ways that they inhabit. fisheries
• Monitor stocked fish
- Measure efficiency of stocking - Better understand angling take / mortality - Measure angler satisfaction
Summary Macquarie Perch Workshop 2008 11
Appendix 1 – Background paper
Creating an Enhanced Victorian Macquarie Perch Fishery
Background • Native Fish Australia (NFA) is conducting Macquarie perch were once an abundant and small-scale research using Macquarie perch popular recreational fish in Victoria’s midland and broodstock from the Yarra River in order to upland streams of the Murray-Darling Basin. refine techniques for breeding. NFA has Habitat changes including alteration to stream advised that with limited resources, the scope flows, barriers to fish movement, changes to of this work is unlikely to produce significant temperature regime and impact of introduced fish numbers of Macquarie perch. As a volunteer are likely causes of the decline in abundance, organisation, NFA has identified the need to including a reduced ability to successfully breed in promote its work in order to engender affected waterways. community support for Macquarie perch and promote institution research and investment in In 2006, the Victorian Government’s Enhance the recovery of Macquarie perch. NFA recently Recreational Fishing Program stated that ‘new published a review of attempts at the artificial fisheries for trout cod and Macquarie perch will be propagation of the Macquarie perch. considered where stocking programs have re- • The origins and level of genetic diversity of established these species to a level that limited Macquarie perch broodstock from the Yarra fishing can be sustained.’ River is being investigated by DSE in Over the last two-decades Macquarie perch have collaboration with NSW Fisheries. The been successfully bred at a number of government outcomes of this work will assist in (including Snobs Creek) and private hatcheries determining the genetic source and viability for (e.g. Native Fish Australia) however breeding is the purposes of both conservation and typically dependant on the acquisition and recreational stockings. immediate use of ripe broodstock and hormone • DSE has developed a draft Flora and Fauna induction techniques. Historically breeding Guarantee Action Statement on Macquarie programs have relied heavily on well conditioned perch for public comment. The draft statement and ripe broodstock from Lake Dartmouth. is being finalised in light of recent feedback A wide variety of policy development and following a public consultation process. The research has being conducted by various Action Statement will be important in setting a organisation and agencies that addresses the policy and investment framework across breeding and stocking of Macquarie perch, Victoria. DSE has indicated an interest in including but not limited to the following: translocating broodstock and or hatchery reared juveniles subject to validation of • In the 1980’s and 90’s techniques for the appropriate genetic origin. breeding of Macquarie perch were developed at • Victoria’s Snobs Creek freshwater research NSW Fisheries has been funded through the facility. Over this period, more than 450,000 NSW Recreational Fishing Revenue trust account to breed Macquarie perch for stock were produced at Snobs creek using broodstock predominately sourced from Dartmouth enhancement of wild populations for the Reservoir. Declining condition of Dartmouth benefit of recreational fishers. The focus of this work will be on the domestication and broodstock reduced the viability of breeding and the program was halted in 1997. Public conditioning of broodstock to improve waters stocking outcomes from the production reliability and cost-effectiveness of breeding. NSW envisage the creation of impoundment of Macquarie perch were variable however in some impoundments strong survival and type Macquarie perch fisheries with growth rates were encouraging – but never appropriate monitoring and angling management controls. NSW Fisheries is also fully assessed.
Summary Macquarie Perch Workshop 2008 12
drafting the National Macquarie perch Workshop Recovery Plan. Preliminary discussions To deliver on the Victoria’s Enhance Recreational between NSW and Victoria indicate a Fishing Program policy commitment Fisheries willingness to investigate the scope for Victoria proposes to convene a workshop inviting collaborative research. key stakeholders and agencies with an interest in • Fisheries Victoria’s North East Fishery enhancing Macquarie perch fisheries. The Management Plan recognises Macquarie perch workshop would involve representatives from FV, populations have been greatly impacted by NSW Fisheries, Native Fish Australia, VRFish, DSE habitat alteration and commits to seek funding and MDBC. to investigate population status of Macquarie The purpose of the workshop is to: perch in Lake Dartmouth. 1. Better understand the historic and current Notwithstanding variable results from previous recreational fishing interest in Macquarie perch, attempts to re-establish Macquarie perch through stocking, enhancing impoundment-based 2. Review the status of Macquarie perch captive Macquarie perch fisheries has the potential to breeding and stock enhancement programs, create an exciting new fishery aimed at rebuilding and, angler awareness and interest in the species 3. Identify and promote opportunities for policy conservation and sporting qualities. alignment, research & development Renewed angler interest in Macquarie perch will collaboration and agreed stocking strategies. establish an important advocacy group capable of The desired outcomes from this workshop are: driving Government and stakeholder investment • Improved cross-state and territory policy and aimed more broadly toward improvements in research & development collaboration on Macquarie perch habitat and rebuilding wild Macquarie perch captive breeding and stocking stocks. initiatives, • Enhancement of Victorian Macquarie perch recreational fishing opportunities supported by key stakeholders and jurisdictions built on quality science. In addition, the workshop will also strengthen networks aimed at coordinating investment in Macquarie perch research and policy development in the broader interest of conservation and recovery of this unique and important native fish.
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Appendix 2 – Workshop agenda
Creating an Enhanced Macquarie Perch Fishery Cross-jurisdiction workshop Room 16.1, Level 16, 1 Spring Street, Melbourne Monday 15 December 2008
Agenda 9.00 – 9.30am. Registration (Tea & Coffee) 9.30 – 9.45am. Introduction and context Anthony Forster, Manager Aquaculture Program, Fisheries Victoria, DPI 9.45 – 10.00am Overview of agenda Ross Winstanley
Session 1 - Historic and current recreational interest in Macquarie perch 10.00 – 10.45am Macquarie perch, a history of its distribution, decline and its artificial propagation William Trueman, Native Fish Researcher / Historian. 10.45 – 11.00am Angler interest in native fish including Macquarie perch Robert Loates, VRFish delegate. 11.00 –11.15am Why Macquarie Perch Nick Thorne, Ron Lewis, Native Fish Australia.
Session 2 - Macquarie perch conservation imperatives and policy setting 11.15 -11:40am Update on the National Macquarie perch Recovery Plan Bill Talbot 11.40 – 12.05pm Draft Victorian Action Statement on Macquarie perch John Koehn / Jarod Lyon 12.05 – 12.35pm ACT experience in Macquarie perch management Mark Lintermans, Australian National University 12.35 – 1.15pm Lunch
Session 3 - Status of Macquarie perch captive breeding and stock enhancement programs 1.15 - 1.55pm Macquarie Perch production – issues and key learning’s Brett Ingram, Fisheries Research Branch, DPI. 1.55 - 2.30pm NSW experience in Macquarie perch breeding – Past and current directions Dean Gilligan, Researcher, NSW DPI
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Session 4 – Research and policy alignment workshop 2.30 - 2.40pm Introduction to policy & research working groups session (gaps and opportunities) Ross Winstanley 2.40 - 4.00pm Policy workshop Anthony Forster Research workshop Brett Ingram 4.00 - 4.15pm Afternoon tea 4.15 – 4.40pm Report back from Workshop Chairs 4.40 – 5.00pm Where to from here Open conversation 5.00 – 5.10pm Concluding remarks & next steps Ross Winstanley
Summary Macquarie Perch Workshop 2008 15