The Member for Seymour and Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Ben Hardman, said the 2009 spawning season had been a success for the Government's fish production facility at Snobs Creek, producing large numbers of rainbow trout fry and fingerlings for stocking in Victoria.
"As a result, we were able to make a donation of 20,000 rainbow trout fingerlings to local aquaculture operations," Mr Hardman said.
"Fisheries Victoria will continue to fulfil its commitments for fish stocking for recreational fishing in 2009 and beyond.
"Last month, Fisheries Victoria donated approximately 500,000 trout eggs to bushfire-affected aquaculture operations in and around the Murrindindi Shire and the added trout fingerlings will provide another boost for the industry.
"These eggs will be highly beneficial in helping these farms recover from the bushfires."
Mr Hardman said Victoria is the largest producer of aquaculture freshwater trout in Australia, with the aquaculture industry contributing significantly to regional economies, particularly the Murrindindi Shire.
"The bushfires that raged through Victoria in early February destroyed more than 200 tonnes of farmed trout in the Murrindindi Shire," he said.
"The donation of fingerling rainbow trout will contribute significantly to the recovery of these operations by addressing gaps in production caused by loss of stock in the bushfires.
"As well as donating eggs and fingerlings, Fisheries Victoria has also contributed towards bushfire affected aquaculture operations in the area by providing fish transport vehicles to enable farm re-stocking and technical advice regarding water quality.
"Fisheries Victoria will also be providing funds to prepare an industry-wide bushfire recovery plan."
The market value of the available 20,000 rainbow trout fingerlings is approximately AUD 20,000.
"The Brumby Government is a keen supporter of Victoria's fisheries industry and will continue to help ensure its success now and into the future," he said.
Farmers Hit by Bushfires Receive Young Trout
VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA - The Brumby Government has donated 20,000 rainbow trout fingerlings to aquaculture farmers affected by this year's bushfires in the state.
