Pemberton Trout Hatchery
Trout bred in captivity are the foundation of recreational freshwater fishing in WA and have been for a century.
DPIRD has operated the Pemberton Freshwater Research Centre (PFRC) for nearly 50 years. The PFRC hatchery is the foundation for the ‘put and take’ rainbow and brown trout fishery across the South-West of WA, enjoyed by around 10,000 licensed anglers each year. Aquaculture technology and the tourism economy intersects at PFRC with the ongoing investment in fish production being essential to the fishery. Without the annual inputs of fry, yearlings and ex-broodstock fish, the trout fishery that contributes an estimated $18 million annually to the SW regional economy would not exist.
In 2020, the PFRC anticipates production of around 500,000 fry, growing out at least 35,000 yearlings and releasing over 2500 ex-broodstock fish. Aquaculture businesses grow out in excess of 75,000 fry per year and these fish are consumed in Perth restaurants or exported to premium Asian markets. WA Rainbow trout is a premium food product and value adding of trout egg caviar and whole smoked fish are gourmet offerings from the Southern Forest. Private landowners enjoy stocking the dams and lakes on their properties with trout and the PFRC sells 75,000 – 100,000 fry each year for this purpose.