Illegal fish traps drown our native animals

A seminar to outline the goals and give a progress report on the Native Fish Strategy is being held by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and Murray-Darling Basin Commission (MDBC) on Tuesday 30 November.

It will be held at DPI's Narrandera Fisheries Centre, John Lake Centre, Buckingbong Road, from 7 pm to 9 pm.

Guest speaker Dean Ansell, a Canberra-based Project Officer for the MDBC's Native Fish Strategy, said the MDBC is in the process of going back to the community to discuss progress with the Native Fish Strategy, which has now been released after a six-month public consultation period.

"Released in May, the Native Fish Strategy is a 50-year program to rehabilitate fish across the Murray-Darling Basin, and is now in the process of implementation," Mr Ansell said.

He said the seminar would cover the Native Fish Strategy and flagship projects such as the 'Daughterless Carp Program', which aims to help control carp through genetic manipulation.

Mr Ansell said another item to be highlighted was the 'Sea to Hume Dam' fishway program, which would be accompanied by a video.

"The project covers approximately 2250 kilometres of the River Murray, from the Hume Dam to the sea. Fishways will eventually be put in at all the major locks and weirs to allow fish to travel the whole distance of the river," he said.

"These two projects attract a lot of public interest and we very much enjoy getting out into the public arena to discuss them."

A public forum, where attendees can express opinions on the Native Fish Strategy, and ask MDBC staff any relevant questions, will follow the seminar.

The Manager of the Native Fish Strategy Jim Barrett, who is based in Canberra, will also be present to help answer questions. Plus DPI staff will be on hand to answer local issues in relation to fishing.

Copies and summaries of the Native Fish Strategy are available from the Narrandera Fisheries Centre.

DPI Fishways Project Officer Lee Baumgartner said the seminars were being held at two-monthly intervals and were being presented by DPI staff or guest speakers.

The John Lake Centre includes an aquarium and poster display, which will be open for inspection before and after the seminar, for anyone wishing to undertake a casual tour of the facilities. Light refreshments and a BBQ meal will be available after the seminar.

"Due to limited seating arrangements, the maximum number of attendees is 55, so if you are interested book ahead to avoid disappointment," Mr Baumgartner said.

The seminar is free and bookings can be made by calling the Narrandera Fisheries Centre on (02) 6959 9021 between 9am and 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.

If you intend to stay for a free barbecue please indicate at the time of booking.

Media contacts: Lee Baumgartner (02) 6959 9021 or 0428 688 081 or Dean Ansell on (02) 6279 0155.