Baby pink snapper to make a big splash

Thousands of baby pink snapper will be released into Cockburn Sound this Saturday as part of a Recfishwest trial breeding program, which has been a hit with families.

The Snapper Guardians initiative was launched after the Cockburn Sound fish kill in late 2015, with thousands of snapper killed off during the algal bloom event.

The fishing community has helped boost stocks in recent years by supporting a crowd-funding initiative. In November, researchers collected fertilised eggs during a pink snapper spawning event in the sound, thanks to funding from WA’s Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund.

The eggs were taken to a Fremantle hatchery facility, where more than 5000 survived the “most vulnerable” time of their lifespan.

The released fish will be stained with a non-toxic dye, so they can be identified years later and determine the project’s success rate. Now in its third year, the community release event has grown in popularity with hundreds of keen fishers, young and old, flocking to Woodman Point.

People attending are encouraged to bring their family, camera, hat, sunscreen and a snorkel.

The Snapper Guardians release starts this Saturday at 9am at Jervoise Bay.

Visit www.recfishwest.org.au.