TWO thousand baby Murray Cod were released in Chinaman’s Dam last week, as part of a conservation and breeding program within the Department of Primary Industries (DPI).
Every year fish are distributed to different dams, and two years ago several thousand baby Golden Perch were released at Chinaman’s Dam.

With the dam 90 per cent full and the water at 26 degrees Celsius, the dam creates a wonderful environment for the cod.

Each fish released was 35 millimetres long, weighing half a gram and in three to four years these fish will be table sized.

Assistant Hatchery Manager of the NSW DPI Narrandera Fisheries Mark Stimson said contributing factors to a fish’s survival include food supply and the water quality. If the water temperature is too different from the breeding site they may suffer from thermal shock.

On average between two and two and a half million baby fish are released around the state each year.

Mr Stimson said it has been a record season with 600,000 Murray Cod distributed to dams across NSW.

“It has been a great year for fish breeding,” Mr Stimson said.

“We release the fish in the warmer months, when the pond activity is more productive, producing zooplankton and algae for the fish to eat.”

The DPI also released Murray Cod in Temora and Wyangala dams on Friday.

It is currently fresh water fishing season at Chinaman’s Dam. A fishing licence is necessary and can be applied for through council.

Source: The Young Witness