Despite the large number of impoundments currently stocked in Queensland for recreational fishing, and the economic benefits resulting from this activity, almost no research has been conducted on developing strategies to maximise survival of stocked fry. Post-stocking surveys and creel surveys have given an indication of whether a given fishery is successful or not, but these surveys have not been designed to test any hypotheses on effective release strategies. To achieve maximum productivity at minimum cost freshwater fish stocking groups require reliable information that will assist them improve stocking procedures. This information will help stocking groups to be more cost effective in their operations by increasing the chances of stocked fish reaching a catchable size. To date impoundment stocking groups have been releasing fry without knowledge of whether different size classes of fry have different probabilities of survival. Similarly it is not known if point of release of stocked fry has any influence on survival rates. Properly conducted experiments which examine the relative survival of different size classes of fry and the influence of different release strategies on survival would be of immense benefit to recreational fishing groups in Queensland and other states. If for example small fry of one species (eg barramundi) were found to survive equally well as larger size classes, then it would make sense for the stocking groups to stock the cheaper smaller size classes. If larger size classes survive well, but smaller size classes have poor survival, then fish stocking groups will have better returns by stocking the more expensive larger size classes of fry. Similarly knowledge of whether point of release has any influence on survival for different stocked species will assist stocking groups to use their time and money efficiently.

It is clear from post-stocking and creel surveys that fry survive and grow better in some impoundments than others. A number of new dams are planned in various parts of Queensland. Knowledge of the environmental characteristics which influence the productivity and carrying capacity of impoundments will also benefit stocking groups by directing their efforts to productive locations or providing advice on actions which may enhance productivity or carrying capacity of impoundments. The current proposed project is a necessary first step to develop efficient stocking protocols and will lead to a follow up experiment/project examining in greater detail the success of stocked fisheries in a up to twenty impoundments. The subsequent project is expected to lead to predictions of the suitability of new impoundments for stocked fisheries and to strategies to improve the fisheries value of impoundments.

The current program of simulation exercises conducted under the auspices of the Federal Budget Initiative is designed to provide individual jurisdictions with training in the management of aquatic animal disease emergencies. However, within Australia, both marine and freshwater environments cross State/Territory boundaries. The need for inter-jurisdictional co-operation in successful disease control and eradication has not previously been addressed. A current FRDC project, 2002/660 is providing training focussed on the operation of the Consultative Committee on Emergency Animal Diseases, however, the aims and objectives of the current proposal are to develop cooperation at a technical and operational level rather than the strategic level addressed by project 2002/660.
The current proposal follows on from a previous project (2002/655) that involved:
1. Recruitment of stakeholders to the proposed exercise,
2. The development of the exercise documentation and plans,
3. Obtaining financial support from stakeholders

All of these objectives have been met. The project outlined in the current proposal will allow for the conduct of the exercise as planned. This project submission has been requested by the FRDC Aquatic Animal Health Subprogram.