THE state government has again warned religious groups against releasing exotic fish into NSW waterways as part of ancient rituals after a large barramundi was caught in a mid-north coast lake.
A commercial fisherman caught the 102cm barramundi in Wallis Lake near Forster - 1000km south of its nearest natural habitat in central Queensland - this month.
Dozens of smaller barramundi, about 40cm long, have been caught or seen in Sydney Harbour and surrounds.
The "plate-sized" Harbour barramundi are believed to have been bought by religious groups - particularly Buddhists - from restaurants and suppliers then released to gain good karma.
Buddhists carry out an ancient practice called Tsethar, saving the lives of animals doomed to be killed. It is said to increase lifespan, protect from illnesses and remove life obstacles.
Senior fisheries manager Cameron Westaway said the barramundi, and silver perch also being released, posed a serious environmental threat outside their natural habitats.
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