SA Murray Cod Stocking Project Announced
RecFish SA Executive and long time Murray River fishing advocate, Peter Teakle has welcomed the joint announcement from the Minister for Food & Fisheries and the Minister for Regional Development, saying “It really feels like Christmas has finally come ”.
Murray Cod Fingerlings for Stocking – Image David Ciaravolo
Having advocated for action for many years, including throug his role in the National Murray Cod Fishery Management Group and the Murray Cod Enhancement Program, Peter Teakle said
“Many fishers will be thrilled and will support this announcement.
“The group has put in a lot of energy and there has been input from experts from around the country.
“It’s a real positive for Murray River fishers and shows that things are changing with respect to how these fisheries can be managed in South Australia.
“I know that Riverland and travelling river fishers will be ecstatic at this news” he said.
SA Murray Cod – Image Lubin Pfeiffer
Fishing for Murray Cod has been restricted since 2008 and is currently only opened for a limited catch and release season each year.
Native fish have declined significantly in the Murray River, particularly in the South Australian section. Presently, Golden Perch are the only Murray River native species which anglers can target and retain.
Peter expressed “relief” at the long awaited announcement of a stocking programfor Cod in South Australia and said “Once this is up and running, it will bring South Australia in to line with our interstate counterparts, who have had stocking programs for many years”.
“The future for Murray Cod just got brighter, and that’s good news for the fish, the river and the region” he said.
See the Ministers announcement here