Informing the great fish stocking debate: an Australian case study

Fish stocking is commonly used in developed countries and aims to improve recreational fish stocks and rebuild threatened species populations. Fish stocking is often contentious due to its high investment, limited scientific evaluation, and typically divided opinion from key stakeholders. Debates over the efficacy and effects of fish stocking continue to occur in the absence of key information about current and past practices, and their degree of alignment with the accepted responsible approach previously published in platform papers. Consequently, using Australia as a case study, this paper presents a framework for assessing fish stocking practices. First, recent fish stocking practices were benchmarked by compiling freshwater fish stocking statistics from every state and territory in Australia. Over 84 million fish were found to have been stocked in Australia between 2009 and 2015, with recreational species, both native and salmonid, comprising the majority of numbers and weight of fish stocked, respectively. Second, historical trends in fish stocking were assessed over a 106 year period across one major jurisdiction, finding significant changes in practices including a strong move toward native species, and a reduction in the number of salmonids stocked, but an increase in size. Third, a literature review was conducted to evaluate Australia's fish stocking practices and found they could be generally considered responsible, however improvements could be made in areas highlighted. This study provides a valuable framework to assess fish stocking practices, aiding our understanding, informing future discussion, and fostering better outcomes from this popular fisheries management tool.