The Townsville City's Fishwatch network (2003 to 2007) was a local network created to discuss and advance recreational & environmental fishing initiatives.

Recreational Fishers on tidal reach
of Ross River (Bowen Road Bridge)

Tropical Fisheries Ecology

Fishwatch network members included representatives from the following groups and organisations:

• Sunfish NQ (Branch) Inc.
  
  
• Twin Cities Fish Stocking Society
  
  
• Townsville Sport Fishing Club
  
  
• JCU Coastal Ecology Group
  
  
• QLD Recreational Fishing Tackle Association
  
  
• NQ Water
  
  
• DPI Fishing & Boating Patrol
  
  
• QLD Transport
  
  
• Townsville City Council

The Townsville City Fishwatch Network was set up as a network for local fishers and community interests to discuss recreational fishing and environmental conservation of fish stocks in the Townsville area. The network consisted of members from a wide range of community groups, organisations and government.

Aim - Was to promote sustainable recreational fishing and sport-fishing as part of the Townsville lifestyle.

The objectives of the Fishwatch are to:

• Provide a quarterly forum for business, industry and community to present ideas and integrate scientific research and local recreational fishing;
  
  
• Provide an ongoing network for discussion and implementation of local recreation and environmental initiatives and projects.

• Solander Road Fishway - University creek prototype culvert fishways.
  Aims to overcome fish migration barriers at the Solander Road - University Creek, road-waterway crossings.

• Ross River Recreational Fishing Enhancement Plan (Fishwatch)
  Aims to produce a Plan to enhance recreational fishing opportunities and tourism in Ross River. The initial components of the plan include:
  
  
  • Ecological research into sports fish stocks ($13,000)
    also see: Tropical Fisheries Ecology
    
    
  • Annual stocking of Barramundi fingerlings ($5,000)

    (Projects funded by NQ Water and TCC)

  Future projects will include assessment of opportunities for enhancing access to Ross River for fishing and nature-based recreation.

• Weed harvesting - NQ Water is trialing the use of a mechanical weed harvester to control aquatic weeds on Ross River.

• Ross River riparian revegetation, habitat management and community water quality monitoring (TCC, CoT and Landcare/Bushcare groups).

Townsville City Council purchased a 1300L Fish Transporter designed for fish rescues and the transportation of fingerlings for fish restocking programmes. The 1200mm x 1500mm tank is able to transport fingerlings long distances. The detachable lid makes it easy to transport large fish in need of rescue in the event of water quality decline.

	Live Fish Transporter

[ Photos ]

If you would like further information on the Fish Transporter please contact:
TCC Integrated Sustainability Services, Phone: (07) 4727 9000.