The Tasmanian majority Liberal Government is committed to effectively managing Tasmania’s inland fisheries, promoting participation in trout fishing, increasing access for anglers, and supporting regional businesses and communities.
Thanks to more than 25 years of carp eradication work from Tasmania’s Inland Fisheries Service (IFS), the Director of IFS is temporarily re-opening Lake Sorell to the public from Saturday 8 February 2020.
This will allow trout fishing for the reminder of the 2019-20 brown trout season, which closes 3 May 2020.
This has been no easy feat with staff removing 41,496 carp from Lake Sorell since work began and maintaining 1mm screens across the lake that prevent carp and eggs from escaping the lake.
During this time, the IFS has been building the skills, knowledge and techniques to remove and eradicate carp while protecting the natural values of the lakes.
The trout population has been reduced by the intense carp fishing effort, however stock levels are expected to rebuild naturally over the coming years, similar to Lake Crescent where anglers are now catching trophy trout.
This re-opening of Lake Sorell is part of the successful progression of the Carp Management Program. The program will continue with some further periods of closure until full eradication is achieved.
This is a fantastic milestone for the Carp Management program and a testament to the dedication, determination and resolve off the staff, I look forward with anticipation to the confirmed eradication of carp from Tasmania over the next few years.
I also thank the Tasmanian community for their understanding and support of the Carp Management Program, including lake closures, during this time.
This government is delivering on our long-term plan to manage our inland fishery and encourage more people to discover the joy of fishing in Tasmania’s world class inland fisheries. Our plan is working to the benefit of regions across our beautiful state.
More Media Releases from Guy Barnett
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