The Macquarie River saw a population boom recently when the Warren Shire Council released over 21,000 native fish fingerlings into the Bob Christensen Reserve.

On Monday 12 January locals and council members took part in the releasing of over 10,000 Golden Perch fingerlings and 11 000 Murray Cod fingerlings.

Warren Mayor Greg Whiteley says it was the latest in a string of annual releases to preserve the native ecosystem.

“This release will give the Macquarie a boost and help strengthen native fish populations for years to come.

"It was great to see locals get involved and make a real contribution to caring for the river,” he said. 

Event Organiser Sylvester Otien says three families turned up to help the council rehome the fish for the fourth annual release.

He says due to environmental factors, the native fish need to be restocked often.

Although Mr Otien says the January heatwave has not impacted the lifestyle of the fish, introduced carp pose an ongoing threat to the natives.

Carp are widely viewed as a pest across the state due to their destruction to the environment, through their bottom-feeding habits and consumption of native life.

"Carp make life harder for the released fish," Mr Otieno says.

The stocking was supported through the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) $2-for-$1 Native Fish Stocking Program for 2025/2026, which aims to conserve and protect the unique biodiversity of NSW inland river systems.

Through the Program, Council contributed $6,000 and received $12,000 from NSW DPI, enabling the purchase and release of native fish fingerlings.