Monaro Acclimatisation Society (MAS) is holding an event at Gaden Trout Hatchery in August, expecting about 50 people to attend the workshop is mainly for recreational fishers focusing on the topic ‘Towards an integrated freshwater sports fishery that recognises the importance of trout, the potential of native fish, and protects fish that are endangered’.

Saturday 2, August there will be presentations from Snowy Hydro, the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Threatened Species Unit, and others.

You will hear about the threatened species responsibilities of Snowy Hydro regarding Macquarie Perch, Stocky Galaxias and Murray Crayfish.

The day begins at 10am and speakers will start at 10.30 am with an opportunity for discussion and questions at the end of each presentation.

There will be a break at 12.30pm for lunch, sausages and salad provided.

At 1.15pm the MAS will hold its quarterly meeting and workshop attendees are welcome to attend and listen if interested.

MAS is keen to revitalise the old Jindabyne Fishing Club as a branch or affiliate of MAS, as the current new investment in Gaden Trout Hatchery will mean enhanced fishing opportunities in the future.

“There are concerns about threats to endangered native fish in the Murrumbidgee River, including Macquarie Perch, Stocky Galaxia and Murray Crayfish if Redfin Perch are pumped up from Talbingo to Tantangara Dam via the Snowy 2.0 tunnels” MAS president, Mr Kerry Pfeiffer, said.

“There has been considerable investment by the NSW Government to upgrade Gaden Trout Hatchery to meet the challenges of managing Redfin Perch if they survive the pumping process. And Snowy Hydro has committed to invest a further $5 million at Gaden to ensure the trout fishery into the future. This workshop is primarily focused on finding solutions for the survival of the Macquarie Perch in the Murrumbidgee River.

“Another outcome we are trying to achieve is the revitalisation of the Jindabyne Trout Society. This fishing club is a long-standing affiliate member of the Monaro Acclimatisation Society and is situated on the banks of Lake Jindabyne. The Jindabyne and Eucumbene trout fisheries are major tourist attractions to the region, supporting local economies, especially during summer. The Monaro Acclimatisation Society would like to see strong support from the Jindabyne community regarding the future of these fisheries.”

Anyone interested in recreational fishery is invited, there is limited seating so you must RSVP by email to info@monarofishsociety.org before Wednesday 30, July.

For more information on MAS visit www.monarofishsociety.org