–MEDIA RELEASE–
NRM South, in partnership with Tasmania’s Inland Fisheries Service (IFS), is releasing a new series of social media reels aimed at helping anglers better understand their role in protecting the state’s precious freshwater ecosystems.
Developed as part of NRM South’s Enhancing Outcomes for Swan Galaxias project, the short videos highlight simple but vital actions that trout fishers can take to reduce the spread of pests and diseases, prevent the illegal movement of fish between waterways, and support the long-term health of Tasmania’s rivers and lakes.
‘Trout fishers spend a lot of time out in Tasmania’s freshwater environments,’ said NRM South’s Water and Marine Program Manager, Jennifer Hemer. ‘These reels are designed to provide quick, clear information that empowers trout fishers to help protect the habitats they enjoy.’
The videos also highlight Tasmania’s incredible native freshwater fish species, particularly the nationally endangered Swan Galaxias. While Tasmania is renowned for its quality trout fisheries, many native fish occupy small, fragile habitats and are highly vulnerable to disturbance, predation, and competition. Balancing recreational fishing with the ecological needs of native species is essential to maintaining healthy, resilient catchments.
IFS Fisheries Manager, Rob Freeman, welcomed the collaboration. ‘Trout fishing is an important part of Tasmania’s recreation and tourism sector, and with that comes a shared responsibility to protect the freshwater ecosystems that support it. These reels will help anglers understand why actions like cleaning gear, not moving fish, and looking after our freshwater environments really matter’
The angler awareness reels will be shared by NRM South and the Inland Fisheries Service across their social media channels this summer, coinciding with peak fishing season.
This initiative is part of the Enhancing Outcomes for Swan Galaxias project, supported by NRM South through grant funding from the Australian Government’s Saving Native Species Program.
-ENDS-