Wednesday, 16 December, 2009

In an effort to protect the long-term future of South Australia’s Murray Cod population, Executive Director, PIRSA Fisheries, Martin Smallridge today announced that the fishery will remain closed during 2010.

This latest closure comes into effect from New Year’s Day and will run through until 31 December 2010

Mr Smallridge said that with drought conditions continuing right across the Murray-Darling Basin, the State Government has had to make the tough decision to close the fishery for a further 12 months.

“The information we have available indicates that Murray Cod are dependent on environmental flows for successful recruitment and current conditions in the River Murray do not support this,” he said.

“Rather than sit back and wait for flows to improve, the Department of Primary Industries and Resources SA (PIRSA) will investigate different management options in a bid to protect the existing Murray Cod stock.

“This will include an investigation into the feasibility of a stock enhancement program for Murray Cod in South Australian areas of the River Murray.
 
“PIRSA historically hasn’t supported fish stocking, however given the bleak outlook for the species at this time the Department will objectively weigh up the risks and benefits of a restocking program in South Australia.

“We understand how important this iconic fish is to the state’s recreational fishing sector, so as a Government we need to take strong and decisive action to protect the species for future generations to enjoy.”

Mr Smallridge said the current Murray Cod population must be protected so that successful spawning and recruitment can occur when there are improved environmental flows and enhanced habitat conditions.

“Their numbers have significantly declined since European settlement, due to a number of contributing factors such as habitat loss, barriers to fish movement, introduced exotic species, disease, reduced environmental flows, water regulation and fishing,” he said.

“So it’s vital that we put in place pro-active management strategies now to ensure a sustainable and viable Murray Cod fishery into the future.”

To coincide with the closure, PIRSA Fisheries have also released for public comment a discussion paper outlining possible options for the future management of Murray Cod in South Australia.

The paper, titled ‘Management Options for Murray Cod in South Australia’ outlines a number of possible options for the future sustainable management of the iconic freshwater fish.

Developed by PIRSA Fisheries, with input from the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) Aquatic Sciences, the paper will be distributed to various government departments, conservation, natural resource management, industry and recreational fishing groups.

“We understand how important Murray Cod is to the community, but we need their input as to what they view as the best management options going forward,” Mr Smallridge said.

“I encourage all South Australians to have their say and submit their ideas on how the fishery is managed into the future.

“A series of public meetings will also be held early in the new year to give the community an opportunity to express their views in a public forum.”

The options paper and information on how to submit comments can be found on the PIRSA Fisheries website at: www.pir.sa.gov.au/fisheries. A feedback form is included with the paper.  Submissions close at 5:00pm on 31 March 2010.