NSW Trout Monitoring

Protecting fisheries for the future

Overview

NSW trout fisheries face increasing threats from habitat degradation, pest species and climate change.

NSW DPIRD Fisheries has developed a statewide Trout Strategy to guide the management and long-term sustainability of these fisheries

Knowledge for action

Priority monitoring sites have been identified with input from anglers.

A key component is improved monitoring of trout fisheries.

Monitoring sites

There are 15 sites in each fishery:
     > North
     > Central
     > Southern

45 sites are surveyed annually, to track trends in population size, structure and health

Monitoring methods

Backpack electrofishing

International best practice is used to monitor trout populations.

This includes electrofishing, hydroacoustic surveys, fish tagging and automated counters.

Integrating understanding

Citizen science and angler surveys are added to create a complete picture of the status of NSW trout fisheries - to inform management.

Report cards

Annual report cards have been produced since 2019.

Over 1000 Brown and Rainbow Trout have been recorded, ranging in size from 5 to 60+cm.

VIEW ALL

Looking forward

Ongoing monitoring will help guide management interventions, including where and when to stock trout and strategies to improve fishery performance.