400 barra released in restocking program

Anglers' chances of catching a Broome barramundi were boosted last week as 400 juveniles of the Kimberley fish were released into Willie Creek.

The release took place last Friday, in an initiative run by Kimberley Training Institute and funded through Recfishwest's Community Grants Program.

The program aims at promoting sustainable fishing locally and gathering more information about the species.

Each of the released fish was marked with an external yellow tag that displays a unique number and the contact details of Broome Aquaculture Centre.

KTI has been running its restocking program since 2010 and this ia the second release into Willie Creek.

On a similar occasion in 2013, 500 barramundi were released at the venue.

As well as bolstering the numbers of the fish in Dampier Creek, KTI has made a major effort to increase the number of barramundi in Lake Kununurra.

Recfishwest chief executive officer Dr Andrew Rowland said the project would enhance the already unique sports fishery and provide great opportunities to catch the iconic Australian fish.

"The breeding and monitoring associated with the project will provide data to help us and other agencies with conservation and sustainable fish programs throughout the State," he said.

The juvenile fish should grow to legal size before the end of 2015, with anyone who catches one urged to contact BAC.

Information on the length, weight and location of the fish will give the team a better picture on the barramundi population in the Kimberley and their habits.

KTI aquaculture lecturer Monique Ellis said it was critical that anglers who caught one of the tagged barramundi contacted the BAC.

"The stocking and tagging studies provide an amazing opportunity for training program integration, particularly our school-based programs," she said.

"All of our school-based students will be involved in the process from start to finish.

"They get a real kick out of letting the fish go after seeing the entire process."

Broome Fishing Club president Derek Albert said the restocking programs have made a "significant contribution" to the development of local recreational fisheries.

"Recreational fishing forms a significant piece of the social fabric that makes the Kimberley experience - it attracts tourists and brings economic benefit to the community," he said.

"Activities like this allow us to showcase our passion for the sustainability of the fishing experience and commitment to continued research and education in our iconic fish species like the barramundi."

KTI portfolio manager Jeff Cooper revealed plans to release roughly 120,000 juveniles into Lake Kununurra before the end of the year.