Macedon Primary School students have helped to restock Nursery Reservoir with fish as their landcare fishing program launched last month.
Students were involved in the release of 250 catchable rainbow trout (and some surprise ex-brood stock trout) with a fisheries team from Snobs Creek.
Fisheries officers offered their knowledge along with special guest visitor Victorian Fisheries Authority director Brian Mottram.
Principal Matthew Forrest said he was thrilled the students had the opportunity to be involved.
“We are so fortunate to have our school so close to the Macedon reservoir and to be able to provide this unique opportunity for our students,” he said.
Students also enjoyed a session with Fish Care, which focused on sustainable, educational fishing.
They were taught how to identify fish, learnt about size and bag limits, and practised tying a basic fishing knot.
As part of the fish release event, students had the option to participate in a practical lesson where they could try their hand at fishing.
The school was gifted a class set of fishing rods and the teachers look forward to seeing the grade six students in action at their upcoming school camp.
The school’s close proximity to the reservoir and the strong landcare program is what inspired parent Cara Cummings to approach the school and help create the program.
The program is designed to teach students the importance of healthy waterways through citizen science, learn the rules and regulations of recreational fishing and engage in fish care.
Ms Cummings is an ambassador for Women in Recreational Fishing and Black Magic Tackle pro-angler, and was delighted to see students enjoy the program.
“Getting children involved in fishing is a wonderful hobby to explore,” she said.
“Aside from the benefits of being outside and immersing oneself in nature, children learn patience, resilience, skill and enjoy time bonding with family and friends.”
The school has incorporated the program into their landcare activities with teacher David Oxworth at the helm.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students,” he said.
“With the donation of the fishing rods, we plan to include fishing as a regular part of our camps and landcare program.
“We greatly appreciate the enthusiastic work done by Cara Cummings to get this program under way, as well as the additional support we have received from Fish Care and the Victorian Fisheries Authority.”
