Determining suitable potential locations for a marine fish stocking program

New South Wales Marine Fish Stocking Environmental Impact Survey (EIS)

The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries Fisheries (NSW DPI Fisheries) wanted to develop a geographic information system (GIS) based, multi-criteria analysis (MCA) to identify and rank a short list of estuaries potentially suitable for marine stocking. They reached out to our team to help.

We implemented a risk analysis framework to assess potential issues with marine stocking including disease translocation and genetic, ecological, and socio-economic impacts. Additionally, we provided an extensive review of the biology, ecology and habitat requirements of the species proposed along with background information on Indigenous and cultural issues related to marine stocking. Other key components of the project included stakeholder consultation, an economic feasibility study, an assessment of impacts, and outline of mitigation and management strategies.

These efforts contributed to the marine fish stocking environmental impact survey (EIS) and NSW DPI Fisheries development of a fisheries management strategy (FMS) for the activity of marine fish stocking. Species found in selected estuaries along the NSW coast include mulloway, eastern king prawns, dusky flathead, sand whiting, blue swimmer crabs, giant mud crabs, and yellowfin bream.