Our annual report was tabled in parliament on the 27th October. Highlights of the year include:

• The establishment of a Fisheries Officer in the northwest of the state at Devonport and the filling of a long-term Fisheries Officer vacancy at Liawenee.
• A review of potential dam options with a report prepared on how to increase freshwater angling opportunities in the south of the state. Three options have been prioritised.
• Surveys were undertaken to assess the number and structure of the trout population at Penstock Lagoon and Four Springs Lake.
• We continued our focus of wild adult brown trout transfers in preference to hatchery produced fish. A new trap was constructed on Sandbanks Creek and it provided 9,000 adult transfers.
• We implemented a new farm dam stocking policy. 23 dams between were assessed and approved for stocking with brown trout for public fishing. Signs and stiles were installed.
• The completion of the Anglers Access project for the River Derwent, with over 60 access points for anglers and a colour brochure to support this was produced.
• The IFS in conjunction with Tasmanian Irrigation worked to explore options to ensure access for fishing at the newly constructed South Riana Dam.
• IFS worked with Forico Pty Ltd regarding access issues at Talbots Lagoon.
• Increased fishing effort was applied to the carp population in Lake Sorell. This effort points to only 5% of the 2009 cohort remaining.
• The University of Tasmania has secured a grant to develop a genetic eradication method for the invasive pest fish Gambusia holbrooki. The Inland Fisheries Service will be involved.
• The 2014-15 trout fishing season and the 150 years of trout celebrations culminated with the draw of the Ford Ranger competition at the Liawenee open weekend in May 2015.

Read the full report