Recreational fishing is set to make a welcome return to Lake Wyangan, thanks to an exciting restocking project.
When Director of Armstrong Plant Hire and keen fisherman, Tom Armstrong addressed Griffith City Council's most recent Lake Wyangan and Catchment Management Committee meeting, he presented a proposal to replenish the Lake with decent sized Murray Cod.
Mr Armstrong approached local businesses and raised $12,000 to go towards the restocking project. Murray Cod Australia and OzFish Unlimited have also joined the partnership proposal to restock Lake Wyangan.
Mr Armstrong said, as someone who enjoys fishing, he wanted to do something positive to increase visitation and angling activities.
"I know that many locals really miss being able to fish at the Lake and I just wanted to do something to help," he said.
"Everyone I approached to contribute were more than happy to help. We all just want our kids to enjoy fishing and families to be able to come back. I'm hoping once we release the fish we can encourage people to just do catch and release."
Over the last six to eight months Council has engaged a commercial carp contractor to remove around 3.8 tonnes of European carp from the Lake.
Griffith Mayor, Councillor John Dal Broi said, he was excited to support such a worthwhile project.
"Council will match dollar for dollar the amount raised to help restock the Lake with native fish," Councillor Dal Broi said.
"The hope is that this restocking project will increase recreational fishing and tourism to Lake Wyangan and also bring economic benefits to the City.
"It will also create future opportunities for young families and community members to enjoy the Lake, which is what residents have told us they want."
Council has also made a commitment to assist with proposed community events being held to remove pest species such as 'Catch a Carp Days'.
"Removal of carp from the waterway is a way the community can contribute to improving its health and boost conditions for local native fish populations," Cr Dal Broi said.
"The commercial work to remove carp has reduced numbers, but some still remain.
"Council is heavily reliant on the expertise of OzFish Unlimited, NSW Fisheries, Tom and Murray Cod Australia to advise what the best size fish are required to survive in the Lake environment."
