Dam’s fish population thrive as water levels rise

Queensland native fish numbers in Callide Dam are on the way back up after they were almost wiped out by cold weather four years ago.

Fisheries Queensland principal scientist Dr Peter Kind said the lake's fish population was decimated after low water temperatures killed approximately 12,000 stocked barramundi.

"This dam, located about 12km from Biloela, is a very popular recreational fishing spot - a kill of this size could have impacted on the local economy," Dr Kind said.

"Callide Dam is a popular destination for tourists and campers looking to do a spot of fishing.

"It attracts up to 10,000 fishers a year, and fewer fish or lower water levels could lead to a big drop in tourist numbers.

"As late as January 2010, dam water levels were around just 6 per cent which was also affecting stocks, but after recent heavy rainfall in the area, the level has risen to 25 per cent capacity."

Dr Kind said Fisheries Queensland had been working closely with the local fish stocking group to release over 100,000 fingerlings since 2008 to rebuild fish stocks.

"Thanks to the work of the Callide Valley Native Fish Stocking Group, Callide Dam is now home to an additional 36,000 barramundi, 64,000 golden perch, 2,200 sleepy cod and more than 200 saratoga," he said.

Mr Daryl Cupitt from the Callide Valley Native Fish Stocking Group said as part of the cooperative approach by Fisheries Queensland and the fish stocking group, a post-stocking survey was conducted in April 2010.

"The survey was carried out to ensure optimal survival rates of the introduced fingerlings and to be vigilant about potential pest fish species," Mr Cupitt said.

"Data collected from the survey indicated excellent survival and growth rates of the stocked fish and no evidence of any pest fish species.

"The average size of barramundi lost in the fish kill was around one metre but the barra stocked since then are measuring in at 600mm already."

Dr Kind said Callide Dam was one of 33 dams in the Stocked Impoundment Permit (SIP) scheme, which allows fishing with a permit.

"Money from the SIP scheme helps local groups to run effective fish stocking programs which benefit native fish populations as well as the wider community," he said.

"The SIP scheme funding can also inject extra dollars to help local fishing communities re-stock rapidly after a fish kill event such as we saw in Callide Dam."

Mr Cupitt said the SIP scheme had been very beneficial for Callide Dam.

"It's great as it means fish stocking members don't have to spend time fund raising. They can concentrate on re-building and maintaining great fish stocks.

"The SIP money has also enabled us to start a five year program to stock saratoga.

"These fish are a big attraction for sport fishers and are not adversely affected by prolonged cold weather."

For more information on the Stocked Impoundment Permit (SIP) scheme visit www.deedi.qld.gov.au and click on Fisheries.