MURRAY cod will be stocked into the South Australian section of the Murray River, according to a joint announcement from the Minister for Food and Fisheries and the Minister for Regional Development. RecFish SA Executive and long time Murray River fishing advocate, Peter Teakle, has welcomed the announcement , saying “It really feels like Christmas has finally come”.
Having advocated for action for many years, including through 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 very positive development for Murray River fishers and shows that things are changing for the better 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. 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 that anglers can target and retain.
Peter expressed “relief” at the long awaited announcement of a stocking program for 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.
