The CLP Finocchiaro Government continue to enhance recreational fishing opportunities with more than 110,000 Barramundi released into Top End waterways this year.
Stocking program supports recreational fishing, tourism and local jobs.
'Hooked on Palmerston' competition opens today with monthly prizes on offer.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is continuing to restore the Territory lifestyle and back recreational fishers, with more than 110,000 Barramundi released into Top End impoundments in 2026.
The annual stocking program will see lakes, lagoons and dams across the Greater Darwin region replenished with Barramundi to enhance recreational fishing opportunities for Territorians and visitors.
Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Gerard Maley said recreational fishing remained a key part of the Territory way of life and a strong contributor to the economy.
"Recreational fishing is part of life in the Territory, offering social, cultural and wellbeing benefits while also making a valuable contribution to the local economy," Mr Maley said.
"Barramundi fishing supports jobs and plays an important role in the Territory's vibrant fishing and tourism industries.
"Annual stocking of our freshwater reservoirs helps keep the Territory a top destination for anglers and enhances fishing opportunities for local communities."
This year's release includes:
• 110,000 fingerlings up to 20 centimetres in size
• 500 larger Barramundi ranging from 30 to 50 centimetres
The fish were bred and raised at the Darwin Aquaculture Centre before being gradually acclimatised from saltwater to freshwater ahead of release.
Because Barramundi breed naturally in saltwater, annual stocking is essential to maintaining strong fish populations in freshwater systems such as Manton Dam and Palmerston lakes.
Around 30,000 Territorians and visitors take part in recreational fishing across the Northern Territory each year.
The stocking program also supports important fisheries research, with Fisheries NT continuing to work alongside AFANT to tag and monitor released Barramundi throughout 2026.
The latest release into Marlow Lagoon coincides with the launch of the 2026 Hooked on Palmerston competition, which opens today and runs until 31 January 2027.
Member for Blain, Matthew Kerle said this initiative gives people of all ages the chance to spend time together in the community while enjoying one of the Territory's favourite pastimes.
"I'm proud to be part of a government that is committed to restoring our Territory lifestyle and backing more opportunities for families to enjoy recreational fishing right here in Palmerston. Our kids love to be able to go and hook a barra in their backyard."
Open to all ages, the catch-and-release competition encourages Territorians and visitors to embrace the Top End fishing lifestyle by exploring Palmerston's lakes and trying their luck catching a tagged Barramundi.
This season, two lucky winners will each receive a $200 BCF gift card every month throughout the competition.
Fishing locations include Marlow Lagoon, Durack Lakes and Sanctuary Lakes.
City of Palmerston Mayor Athina Pascoe-Bell said:
"Palmerston's lakes are a unique community asset and programs like Hooked On Palmerston encourage people to get outside, spend time with family and friends and enjoy the Territory lifestyle we value so highly."
"We're proud to work alongside Northern Territory Government to support accessible recreational fishing opportunities in Palmerston and can't wait to see the community casting a line during our fishing competition this year."
Registration is free and now open.
To register, visit palmerston.nt.gov.au.
