Funding for fishing clubs and native fish stocking groups is now available for restocking regional rivers and dams with iconic native fish such as Australian bass, golden perch and Murray cod.
These fish are also appreciated as highly sought after angling fish that support recreational fishing and local tourism.
Two dollars in funding is provided from for every dollar raised by the community to purchase the specified fingerlings from accredited commercial fish hatcheries.
This program is part of the government’s commitment to recreational fishers and helps boost native fish stocks to deliver enhanced fishing opportunities into regional waterways where factors such as carp and drought may have hindered native fish stock levels.
The program also supports the regional aquaculture ventures which produce the high-quality fish stock that are released release into public waters to benefit recreational fishers. These ventures provide local jobs in the regions at hatcheries and breeding sites.
Online applications for cod and golden perch close on May 9, for release between November 2025 and April 2026.
Groups may only submit one application, with a minimum of $2000 and a maximum of $6000 per application.
To apply, go to https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/resources/stocking/CNFS.
