VFA building a bright future for native Macquarie perch

CONSTRUCTION is underway on a multi-million-dollar Macquarie Perch Recovery Centre to bring ‘Maccas’ back to their former glory in Victorian rivers and creeks.

Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) CEO Travis Dowling said the project was backed by a $15 million Victorian Government investment in upgrading and expanding the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s Snobs Creek and Arcadia fish production facilities to produce more native and threatened species.

The centre, at the renowned Snobs Creek Hatchery near Eildon, will produce up to 500,000 Macquarie perch fingerlings a year to help restore wild populations of the threatened native species which was once prevalent through northern and north-eastern Victoria.

“Macquarie perch are one of our treasured native fish and this dedicated hatchery facility and ongoing research work to ‘crack the code’ on producing Maccas will give us the best chance to restore wild populations,” Mr Dowling said.

“While ‘Maccas’ are currently protected in Victorian waters, we hope re-establishing their numbers means opportunities for the next generation of recreational anglers to enjoy catching these wonderful native fish.”
In addition, up to 500,000 trout cod will also be grown in the recovery centre, making use of the cool water naturally available which is well suited to growing these species.

The build includes world-class water recirculation technology that can re-use up to 400,000 litres per day while the facility will give hatchery staff the ability to manipulate air and water temperatures and light levels to maximise production and mimic the natural environment.

The centre will house more than 100 tanks, troughs and incubators used to hold fish of all sizes, from large broodfish in 1000-litre poly tanks through to small fibreglass troughs where…

Image: The building works for the new hatchery are well underway.