FIRST SILVER PERCH BREEDING WORKSHOP

November 21, 2001

The NSW Government's commitment to developing aquaculture continues in Grafton today with the State's first silver perch breeding workshop, the Minister for Fisheries, Eddie Obeid, said.

Mr Obeid said the workshop which is part of the Government's three-year, $3 million Aquaculture Initiative, has attracted 18 growers and investors from across the State.

"Silver perch is one of NSW's most valuable freshwater aquaculture species, with annual production worth around $2.5 million," Mr Obeid said.

"This represents an increase of nearly 80 tonnes on the previous year's production and there's still room for expansion."

"That's why this workshop which includes demonstrations of hatchery techniques and briefings from NSW Fisheries scientists is so useful to silver perch growers and potential investors."

"The workshop was booked out weeks in advance which shows just how much interest there is in this dynamic growth industry which is increasing at around 10 per cent a year," Mr Obeid said.

The silver perch breeding workshop is being held at the Grafton Aquaculture Centre, Trenayre Road, Junction Hill.

Those taking part in the workshop will participate in practical sessions involving broodfish handling, larval rearing and egg incubation.

Other topics to be covered include preparing and maintaining tanks, counting, harvesting and stocking eggs and preparing ponds.

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