Millions of barramundi fingerlings are in the tanks at Karumba Hatchery, following two successful spawns this season.
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In the last month the eggs and larvae were fertalised to help restock barramundi to the Gulf of Carpentaria and surrounding regions.
Carpentaria Shire Council mayor Jack Bawden said the fish were currently the size of mosquitoes.
"They are buzzing around in the tank and at the moment there would be millions of them, but until they start to grow we won't know how many we have," Cr Bawden said.
"We had a successful spawn last month and another one over the weekend. That is it for the year and they have finished with time up their sleeve.
"We have been trying for years to get a reliable breeding program underway and since Council has taken on the Hatchery and employed staff, it looks like we have finally got it right."
Karumba Hatchery was founded by local commercial fishermen and run by volunteers until recent years. Cr Bawden said during this time the breeding season was inconsistent.
"Now Council has taken it over, we can't afford to be hit and miss we have to be consistent," he said.
"There is a lot of local knowledge involved in producing a successful breeding program.
"The hatchery is about sustainability for the Gulf and surrounding regions. With this species only in the Gulf, it means that Mount Isa, Cloncurry, Richmond and Hughenden can use our species.
"We supply our barra to those areas with Mount Isa our biggest customer and Cloncurry and Richmond also being very supportive over the years."
Th Karumba Hatchery is also being relocated to the new Barramundi Discovery Centre.
"This will consolidate both centres into one accessible location for optimum tourism impact," Cr Bawden said.
"This is an important development for our community which will enhance the economic sustainability of the shire."
Cr Bawden said it was also to improve the breeding program and making the hatchery weather proof.
"The upgrade will ensure the new facility will be a controlled environment," he said.
"At the moment, if you have a strong south wind for any length of time, it chills the water that much that the fingerlings start to die.
"So they've had to rug up the tanks with blankets a couple of weeks ago because of the wind. That won't happen in the new one. It will be a consistent temperature with no outside elements involved, making it more reliable."
Cr Bawden said the slab was down and cladding would be installed this week.
The Hatchery upgrade was fully funded by the Works for Queensland program for $900,000 and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
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Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
