More than 70 years after the species was last recorded in the catchment, 7500 juvenile Macquarie Perch have been released back into the Macquarie River catchment at Winburndale Dam.
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Macquarie Perch were originally found in the larger upland rivers and streams in the south-eastern corner of the Murray-Darling system, which they usually co-inhabited with trout cod, but due largely to degradation of inland rivers they have all but vanished. Just three to four small known populations exist currently in NSW waters.
"We have seen some of the most challenging conditions for native fish over the last few years, with drought and then bushfire runoff causing considerable harm to local populations, so restocking initiatives like this are vital in supporting their recovery."
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole hailed the release a significant moment.
"While it is always fantastic to see fish returned to our local waterways, this is an extra special release of more than 7500 Macquarie Perch," Mr Toole said.
"They were last recorded in this catchment more than 70 years ago, and I know our region's passionate fishos will welcome their return.
"Conditions are now ideal for these fish to flourish in and it's expected their populations will be able to thrive over the coming years."
Minister for Fisheries Adam Marshall said the Macquarie Perch species had been named after the very river near Bathurst it had been released back into.
"After a 70-year hiatus from the local waterway, it is very special to see more than 7500 of these Macquarie Perch return home," Mr Marshall said.
"We are very excited to be reintroducing this species here after they were bred at the NSW Government's flagship fish hatchery at Narrandera.
"It is our hope these fingerlings will grow up to establish a new population here and once again become abundant in the Macquarie River catchment from which they derive their name.
Mr Marshall said the project was funded under the Government's $10 million 2019/20 NSW Native Fish Rescue Program.
"Our native fish species and our aquatic environment are precious resources that we must protect for future generations," Mr Marshall said.
"That's why the Government launched this large-scale effort to create a 'Noah's Ark' program to conserve native fish after the devastating drought.
"This stocking is one of many across the state this season that has seen us deliver on our promise to do everything we can to keep these species healthy and sustainable well into the future."
