“This investment will allow for 26 on-ground fish habitat rehabilitation projects, with more than $1.1 million committed as in-kind support from the successful applicants,” Minister Whan said.

”The funding to restore and rehabilitate freshwater and saltwater fish habitats was provided through the Recreational Fishing Trusts from funds raised from the recreational fishing licence fee.

“This year’s program was highly competitive with the Department receiving over 60 applications requesting a total of over $1.6M of funding, many applications were of a high standard and were supported by local recreational anglers.”

The 26 projects that were funded cover many popular fishing spots in NSW and include

• Saltmarsh and mangrove rehabilitation in a number of coastal estuaries

• Improving fish passage at six barriers, including Dargavilles Crossing on the Wallamba River, the last significant barrier in the Wallis Lake catchment and fishway construction on the Stewarts River in the Camden Haven catchment

• Enhancing the health of NSW waterways including the Tuross River on the South coast, the Namoi River near Pilliga and the Thredbo River near Jindabyne through weed removal, river bank stabilisation, revegetation with endemic species and fencing to exclude cattle.

Industry & Investment NSW (I&I NSW) Conservation Action Unit Manager Craig Copeland said the ongoing Habitat Action Grant Program was a great example of how anglers’ money is being invested to support the improvement of fish populations.

“Rehabilitation of fish habitat will provide long-term benefits for native fish stocks which will provide a substantial benefit for anglers into the future, increasing opportunities for rural and regional communities to promote local tourism,” Mr Copeland said.

“Recreational angling is the backbone of many local communities, stimulating the local economy and bringing jobs and investment. The ultimate outcome of these projects is more fish in our rivers and estuaries.”

Funds raised through the sale of recreational fishing licences are placed into two trusts, one for saltwater and one for freshwater. Expenditure from both trusts is overseen by committees of anglers.

For a full list of projects under the Freshwater and Saltwater Habitat Action Program, go to:

http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fish eries/recreational/fees/aquatic-h abitat-protection-and-rehabilitat ion