Trout stocking in the Snowy Monaro region has long been central to its economy and culture, but recent stocking bans have sparked controversy.

In the heart of the Snowy Monaro region, trout fishing has long been more than just a pastime. It’s a way of life, a significant economic contributor, and a drawcard for tourists seeking to experience the region’s pristine rivers. However, the recent decision by NSW Fisheries to disallow trout stocking in several key waterways has sparked controversy, leaving local fishers and the Monaro Acclimatisation Society (MAS) feeling both “green around the gills” and blindsided.

A Sudden Blow to a Long-standing Tradition

In August 2023, the MAS received a surprise notification from NSW Fisheries that several traditional trout-stocking sites would no longer be allowed to receive trout. The rivers impacted include sections of the Maclaughlin River, Cambalong Creek, the Snowy River near Dalgety, and much of the Delegate River. The decision was aimed at protecting native fish species, particularly the critically endangered Yalmy Galaxias (Galaxias terenasus) and the Macquarie perch, which have been struggling to survive amidst competition from introduced trout.

The MAS expressed deep concern over the lack of transparency surrounding this decision. According to the society, they were unaware of the galaxias’ threatened status, which had been listed under Commonwealth protections. Even more surprising was the extension of stocking bans to rainbow trout in areas traditionally stocked with brown trout, like Adjungbilly Creek and the upper Murrumbidgee River.

A President’s Resignation

The NSW Fisheries decision has not only stirred the waters among local anglers but has also led to a significant change in leadership within the MAS. Long-standing President Steve Samuels, a passionate advocate for recreational fishing and an instrumental figure in trout stocking efforts, has stepped down from his position in response to the ongoing frustrations surrounding the stocking bans. In an unusual move, Samuels published his President’s Report for 2024 ahead of the MAS Annual General Meeting in February 2024, highlighting the challenges the society has faced during his tenure.

In his report Samuels raised deep concerns about what he sees as a growing disconnect between the Recreational Fishing Unit and the Threatened Species Unit within NSW Fisheries.

This divide, he argued, has led to decisions that prioritise native species preservation without fully considering the economic and social impact on the region’s long-standing fishing traditions.

Samuels’ early resignation underscores the gravity of the situation, as local communities fear that the end of trout stocking could lead to a collapse of the region’s angling tourism, which brings vital income during the warmer months when snow-related tourism winds down.

The Native Fish Dilemma: Galaxias vs. Trout

While trout stocking has been a staple of recreational fishing in the Monaro region, the ecological impact of this practice has been the subject of increasing scrutiny. Trout, both brown and rainbow varieties, are non-native species introduced to Australian waters during the late 19th and early 20th centuries in another attempt to “Anglify” Australia. Since then, they’ve thrived in the region’s cool, fast-flowing rivers—often at the expense of native species.

One of the main concerns revolves around the galaxias, a small, delicate fish endemic to Australia, which has seen its habitat dwindle due to competition and predation by trout. The Yalmy Galaxias, for instance, a recently discovered species, is facing extinction in part because trout occupy the same ecological niche. As predatory fish, trout disrupt the natural balance, often decimating the populations of small native fish species that are crucial to the health of local ecosystems.

The Yalmy Galaxias’ habitat, in the lower Snowy River and its tributaries in east Gippsland, was devastated by the Black Summer bushfires and a survey in March 2023 found just 20 examples of the fish.

The NSW Fisheries decision seeks to address these ecological imbalances, but it has left anglers and local businesses reeling from the potential economic repercussions.

Economic Consequences: A Blow to Tourism

Trout fishing is not just an ecological or recreational matter—it’s a significant economic driver for the Snowy Monaro region. The MAS, along with local businesses and anglers, has appealed to the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) to reconsider the decision, emphasising that trout fishing brings tourism dollars to the region, especially during the warmer months. Tourists who come for the fishing often stay in local accommodations, dine at local restaurants, and visit nearby attractions, injecting much-needed revenue into a region that otherwise relies heavily on snow season tourism.

With fewer trout to stock and fewer prime fishing spots available, local businesses fear that tourist numbers will drop, especially in the off-peak season. According to the MAS, the decision to ban stocking in key rivers could result in fewer anglers making the trip, further straining an economy already heavily reliant on seasonal fluctuations.

Dutton Trout Hatchery: A Cornerstone Under Pressure

As Club Co-Captain Ken Holley mentioned in January’s monthly meeting, another challenge to the region’s trout fishing landscape comes from the Dutton Trout Hatchery, located in Ebor, New South Wales. The hatchery, which has been a cornerstone of trout production for over 68 years, breeds more than two million Rainbow and Brown Trout annually for release into public waterways across New England, the Central Tablelands, and the Southern Highlands.

However, in recent years, the hatchery has faced operational challenges. During the 2024 Christmas holidays, the hatchery’s visitor centre was temporarily closed to redirect staff towards essential fish husbandry work. While necessary, this closure during a peak tourist season likely contributed to a loss of revenue, especially as the hatchery plays a critical role in community education and tourism.

Additionally, cutbacks in fingerling production are now being implemented, raising concerns about the long-term impact on local trout populations. Although the specifics of these reductions have not been made public, such measures often indicate resource limitations and may signal further constraints on trout availability in the region’s waterways.

The loss of revenue from both the reduction in fingerling production and the closure of the visitor centre poses a challenge to the hatchery’s operational sustainability and its contribution to regional tourism.

Balancing Conservation and Recreation

The challenge facing NSW Fisheries, the MAS, and local communities is one of balance. On one side, there’s the need to preserve and restore the populations of endangered native fish like the galaxias and Macquarie perch. On the other side, there’s the desire to maintain the tradition of trout fishing that supports livelihoods and local economies.

Efforts to strike a balance between recreational fishing and native species conservation have indeed been seen in other parts of the world. The approach of establishing “no-stock zones” alongside areas designated for recreational stocking has proven successful in several regions. These zones can serve as protected habitats for native fish species, allowing for the growth and preservation of their populations without interference from invasive species like trout.

In the Monaro region, adopting a similar approach could benefit both native species and the angling community. By creating designated “no-stock zones” while continuing to allow recreational trout stocking in other areas, the ecosystem can be preserved while also satisfying the demands of anglers.

Kerry Pfeiffer, the current MAS president, proposes implementing breeding and stocking programs for galaxiids in refuge areas as an innovative step toward achieving this balance. By focusing on areas that are inaccessible to trout, he says —such as streams above waterfalls—native species can thrive in environments free from competition, ensuring that their populations remain strong.

This dual approach, combining the protection of critical habitats with continued recreational opportunities, could ultimately lead to a more sustainable coexistence between anglers and the conservation of native species in the Monaro region.

While the future of trout stocking in the Monaro region remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the conversation is far from over. The MAS, alongside local communities, continues to push for a more transparent and collaborative decision-making process that takes both environmental and economic factors into account. As discussions with NSW Fisheries and government officials move forward, the hope is that a compromise can be found—one that ensures the survival of native fish while keeping trout anglers coming back for years to come.

In the meantime, the rivers of the Snowy Monaro will continue to flow but, for the many who depend on trout fishing for both pleasure and profit, the waters may feel somewhat muddy.

Sources and further reading:

• A Tale of Trout and the Yalmy Galaxias
• Trout and Trout Stocking: Acknowledging the Harm, Finding the Balance
• Prime Monaro Trout Fishing Spots Dealt a Blow by DPI Restocking Decision
• Trout Stocking Threatened in NSW
• Dutton Trout Hatchery – NSW DPI
• Monaro Acclimatisation Society
• Trout fishing on the hook for threatened species’ survival, The Sydney Morning Herald
• The problems with stocked fish, Scientific Angler