PRESS RELEASE- Trout Harvest @ Wadalba

Well the ‘Something Fishy @ Wadalba’ ‘has bourn fruit’! A spring harvest moon and increase in water temperature has resulted in an earlier than expected harvest of our Trout.
You may remember that the Trout were purchased and tenderly transported from NSW Fisheries at Ebor (near Armidale) during Easter to the Wadalba ARC (Aquaculture Research Centre). In the short 6 months we have ‘grown out’ the Trout to almost 4 times their original size. Students have managed the stock through constant water testing of pH, Conductivity and Temperature, Fed, Graded and cared for the fish to produce an outstanding crop. At a time when wild fish are becoming scarce and high fuel prices are causing many fisherman to stop their fishing, farmed fish are really producing exceptional quality eating fish from world class facilities such as Wadalba’s ARC.

Wadalba Community School’s ARC fits into an emerging field of study relating to the sustainability of our aquatic environment. At a time of pressure on both the marine
and freshwater environments, there is a recognised need to deliver sound educational programs through formal structures within state and national curricula.
The development of environmentally and economically sustainable methods of farming fish is now recognised as essential for relieving the pressure on wild fish stocks as well as on the marine and aquatic environment.

The 'ARC' provides an opportunity for the future custodians of this environment to study and appreciate its value. It gives them the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to use and protect these unique ecosystems and the ability to communicate their appreciation to the community. It provides an opportunity to instil in students an acceptable ethical code towards the use of the marine environment, increasingly demanded by the community and governments.

Special thanks to...
Central Coast Aquaculture Foundation, CIBA, WaterCo, Swimart (Charmhaven), Wyong Shire Council