Native fish stock received a boost with the release of 15,000 Murray Cod and 11,500 Golden Perch yesterday.

The release included two sites, one upstream of Dubbo’s weirs at Butler’s Falls and one downstream at Terramungamine Reserve.

The funding for the fingerlings, about $8500, was delivered equally from Dubbo City Council, the State Government’s Department of Primary Industries and Federal Government’s Recreational Fishing Community Grants Program.

“The restocking is one of a number of initiatives council implements to ensure biodiversity of the river,” Council’s Parks and Landcare business support, Craig Giffin said.

“Not only will this have a positive effect on fish numbers but it will also help reduce numbers of introduced European carp because the cod and perch are carnivorous and feed on small carp.”

Local fisherman George Loudon said the latest restocking was fantastic.

“It’s outstanding that the three levels of government are working together on this project,” Mr Loudon said.

“Since restocking began people are catching a lot more fish than they used to.

“They’re a lot smaller which suggests the higher catches are due to these recent breeding programs.”

Mr Loudon owns a local fishing store and said several fishing stores and clubs throughout the region contributed to restocking.

“The Yeoval Fishing Club is releasing fish into the Little River, which flows into the Macquarie, this weekend,” he said.

“There is a fishing tournament in Burrendong Dam next month raising money towards replenishment.

“There are also carp competitions these days to help rid the waters of them.”