Broodstock collection policy and hatchery standards

Have your say

Fisheries Queensland is seeking your feedback on updates to a broodstock collection policy and new hatchery standards to enhance freshwater fish stocking management in Queensland.

Submissions close 5pm, Friday 2 May 2025.

Under Queensland’s freshwater fish stocking program, fingerlings are released into dams, weirs and rivers to:

• create opportunities for Queenslanders to fish for sport, relaxation and food
• support the recovery of species that have come close to extinction in their natural range (including the iconic Mary River cod).

To help protect wild populations and enhance recreational fishing experiences, Fisheries Queensland has been working with the freshwater fisheries industry to maximise the genetic diversity of fingerlings used in the stocking program.

We have drafted updates to the existing broodstock and culture stock collection policy to ensure genetic diversity in stocked fisheries and improve clarity and consistency for industry.

New hatchery standards have also been developed to improve traceability, genetic diversity of stocked fish, and management of pests and diseases. These new standards are based on the successful quality assurance scheme operating in New South Wales since 2007.

These management processes have been developed in close consultation with the freshwater fisheries working group, freshwater stocking groups, the Aquaculture Association of Queensland and a number of Queensland hatcheries.

We are now seeking your feedback on the draft policy and standards (see ‘Document library’ top right) to ensure high-quality fingerlings are stocked in our freshwater fisheries.