Annual Murray cod closed season to commence

MEDIA RELEASE 

Tuesday 28 August, 2007

Primary Industries and Resources SA (PIRSA) is reminding all recreational fishers that the closed season for Murray cod commences on Saturday 1 September and continues until Monday 31 December, inclusive. 

During this period, Murray cod are fully protected and cannot be taken.

PIRSA Manager Compliance Operations, Mr Paul Tatarelli said research shows that given the right environmental conditions, South Australia's Murray cod population breeds at this time of year.

“The closed season provides cod with the best available chance to spawn. However, there seems to be some confusion about what should be done with Murray cod that are accidentally caught during the closure,” he said.

“Any Murray cod caught during the closed season must be returned to the water immediately.”

Mr Tatarelli warns any person found taking or in possession of Murray cod during the closed season may face court proceedings and/or heavy fines.

PIRSA Fisheries has also asked recreational anglers to be wary of how they handle large cod during both the closure and at other times of the year. The capture and handling of large cod causes considerable stress to the fish and may result in its death. 

Should anglers hook a large Murray cod, the best approach is to leave the fish in the water at all times, including if taking a photograph. The hook should be removed carefully and the fish allowed to swim away.

Other advice for the successful release of large Murray cod include:

  • using barbless hooks so fish can be released with a minimum of fuss and damage
  • minimising long playing or landing times as this will exhaust the fish, increase stress levels and may result in delayed mortality
  • minimising any handling of the fish.  Handling fish can cause infection resulting from loss of scales or protective slime
  • not lifting fish by the head, dragging them into the boat for photographs or lifting them where the body of the fish is unsupported.

Any illegal fishing activities or fish kills should be reported by calling the 24 hour FISHWATCH hotline on 1800 065 522.