TONNES of thumping bream, flathead, whiting and blackfish trapped in the Eraring power station canal system are being corralled into shipping containers and relocated back into the waters of Lake Macquarie.
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But before you head out onto the lake near the fish release point with a landing net, fishing there is off limits during the operation.
The bold relocation plan was devised to facilitate a canal maintenance program by Origin and the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI).
Eraring’s water canal network draws water from Lake Macquarie at Bonnells Bay to cool steam at the power station before being discharged back into the lake.
In the process of drawing water into the canals, small fish pass through the metal grates designed to stop larger individuals.
Eraring station manager Tony Phillips said Origin had worked with specialists from the DPI Port Stephens Fisheries Institute to develop an effective method to free the fish.
“At the height of these works we expect to have an additional 150 workers on site and the station will be fully shut down during the canal works,” Mr Phillips said.
Dr Alistair Becker from DPI’s Port Stephens Fisheries Institute said the canal system contained popular recreational species including bream, whiting, and luderick.
Relocated fish had exceptional survival rates, and a number of them were recaptured by anglers, he said.
“The fish are in good condition and in some cases larger than individuals from these species in Lake Macquarie – likely due to absence of fishing and the abundance of food.
“Although an operation of this nature has not been attempted before, with thorough planning and proper execution we’re confident we can successfully relocate the majority of fish.”
The fish are in good condition and in some cases larger than individuals in Lake Macquarie.
- - Dr Alistair Becker
Commercial fishermen from Nelson Bay will help guide the fish into specially designed and aerated shipping containers which will be lifted onto trucks and transferred to the release point in the lake.
Origin and specialist contractors will then inspect and repair the canal network.
Access to popular recreational fishing spots beside the canals at both the inlet and outlet points to the lake will be restricted during works from October 4 to 28.