By Deanne Jeffers
STUDENTS from Guthrie Street Primary School joined the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) last week to help stock 750 catchable-size rainbow trout into Victoria Park Lake. This event is part of VFA’s annual school holiday trout stocking program, which releases more than 35,000 rainbow trout across 80 Victorian lakes each June and September school holidays.
Victoria leads the nation in fish stocking, with more fish released here than in any other state or territory combined. This boost allows young anglers to discover a new hobby during the school holidays. This year, VFA set a record by stocking 11.5M fish, surpassing the previous record of 10M.
Supported by the State Government’s $96M Go Fishing and Boating Plan, the VFA has stocked over 29.5M fish since 2021. Highlighting the benefits, Outdoor Recreation Minister Steve Dimopoulos said, “Our record-breaking fish stocking program means great recreational fishing for all Victorians and attracts more families and friends to every corner of Victoria to enjoy this great activity.”
Adding to the excitement for anglers, Minister Dimopoulos recently toured the Arcadia native fish hatchery and announced its upcoming expansion. The upgraded facility will feature a new administration precinct and over 100 plankton and broodfish ponds, aiming to produce around 6M Murray cod and golden perch each year.
Upon the completion of the $10M project, the VFA will shift all local Murray cod production from the Snobs Creek conservation fish hatchery in Eildon to the expanded Arcadia hatchery, allowing Snobs Creek to focus on protecting Victoria’s threatened native fish.
The conservation hatchery is part of the government’s 20-year Biodiversity Plan, supported by a record investment of $582M since 2014, to combat the decline of Victoria’s native plants and animals. Minister Dimopoulos said, “This significant expansion at Arcadia will mean more home-grown native fish stocked into Victorian waters and more jobs in the Shepparton area both during construction and the hatchery’s ongoing operation.”
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes added, “The Arcadia Hatchery and Visitor Centre is already a great asset for our region and I’m looking forward to seeing it continue to grow to be at the heart of Victoria’s native fish production.”
Once completed, the expanded hatchery is expected to produce over 8M fish annually, with construction slated to begin in mid-2025. The Arcadia Hatchery and Visitor Centre offers free BBQ facilities, a fish-themed playground, and free fishing. It is located at 200 Ross Rd, Arcadia. And don’t miss the chance to cast your line at Victoria Lake Park, where Guthrie Street students recently stocked the waters with lively rainbow trout!
