Habitat enhancement to boost fishing opportunities at Mount Morgan Dam

News release | 22-May-2024

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) and Rockhampton Regional Council have reached the final stages of a habitat enhancement program designed to boost fishing opportunities at Mount Morgan Dam.

DAF staff recently planted native water snowflake lilies to create a protective habitat and attract prey for saratoga, which will be released into the dam later this year.

The fish are expected to breed, creating a top-class fishery that will attract anglers to Mount Morgan.

This will boost tourism and support local businesses affected by the mining downturn.

Other enhancements completed as part of the $300,000 Mount Morgan Fish Habitat Rehabilitation program include: 
•    installation of a variety of fish-attracting structures, to make it easier for anglers to target golden perch.
•    deployment of sleepy cod breeding structures.
•    construction of rocky reefs to improve survival of stocked golden perch fingerlings.

Quotes attributable to DAF principal fisheries biologist Michael Hutchison:

"The snowflake lilies will provide much-needed cover for saratoga, which are vulnerable to attack from sea eagles, ospreys and whistling kites," Dr Hutchison said.

"When the water snowflake beds are established, mature saratoga will be released into the dam.

"It is hoped they will breed successfully and develop a fishery that attracts tourists to the town of
Mount Morgan."

Quotes from Rockhampton Regional Council Mayor Tony Williams:

"The Mount Morgan Fish Habitat Rehabilitation program was a key initiative of the Advancing Mount Morgan Strategy,” Mayor Williams said.

"This is a great initiative and one that Council strongly supports.

"Developing a range of fish habitat areas will assist the rehabilitation of fish stocks at the dam for locals and fishing tourism."

Mt Morgan Dam is currently under consideration to join the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS) to further boost fish numbers in the impoundment.

Photos and footage are available for use here.

ENDS

Media contact: DAF Media, media@daf.qld.gov.au