King prawns stocked into Lake Tyers
06 March 2020
Original media release available here.
The State Government is giving recreational fishers a chance to catch large, ready-to-eat Eastern King prawns at Lake Tyers in East Gippsland, just in time for the long weekend holiday.
Minister for Fishing and Boating Jaala Pulford said 15,000 wild-caught prawns have been harvested off Lakes Entrance and released directly into the lake over the last week.
Stocking prawns into Lake Tyers is part of the State Government’s Go Fishing Victoria plan to get more Victorians fishing, more often.
The timing of the stocking before Easter is great news for towns near East Gippsland that have been affected by recent bushfires and will help bring more fishers to the region.
Recreational fishing is worth an estimated $381 million per year and has generated 2,422 jobs for the local Gippsland economy.
The stocked prawns are large and ready to eat now, so they’re a great option for those wanting to enjoy a local seafood feast with family and friends in the upcoming holidays.
The announcement comes on top of the State Government’s Golden Tag fishing competition which is giving fishers in East Gippsland and North East Victoria their chance to catch specially tagged fish worth up to $10,000, encouraging people back into bushfire affected areas.
To find out more about the Eastern King prawn stocking into Lake Tyers, as well as tips on prawning for those who have never tried it, visit www.vfa.vic.gov.au/prawnstocking.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Fishing and Boating Jaala Pulford
“These delicious, locally sourced prawns will provide visitors to Lake Tyers with the perfect family-friendly activity, while also helping small tourism businesses in the area get back on their feet after the bushfires.”
“It’s great to knock off another fishing election commitment that’s all about getting more people fishing, more often and supporting regional jobs and tourism.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Jane Garrett
“This is a great initiative and it will attract more visitors to East Gippsland at a time when tourism needs a boost in bushfire affected areas.”
Quote attributable to Futurefish Foundation Director David Kramer
“With Lake Tyers being closed to the sea for more than 4 years, the lake has not had proper natural recruitment of prawns from offshore, so we are giving mother nature a bit of a helping hand.”