Murray Cod Restocking Program

In reply to Mr WHETSTONE (Chaffey) (2 December 2015).

The Hon. L.W.K. BIGNELL (Mawson—Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Tourism, Minister for Recreation and Sport, Minister for Racing): I have received this advice:

A community forum was held in Berri in April and five community fishing events were held at sites along the River Murray (Blanchetown, Berri, Moorook, Lyrup Flats and Cadell). The events also provided an opportunity for the public to participate in collecting important baseline data on Murray Cod stocks and engage with staff from PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture.

A trial of releasing approximately 100,000 Murray Cod fingerlings into waters of the South Australian River Murray as a method to boost the fish population is planned for early 2016.

PIRSA has signed a contract with Fisheries Victoria, Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, to deliver and release the fingerlings.

This trial is an important step in determining whether stocking could be a viable option for establishing a healthy population and sustainable recreational fishery for Murray Cod once more.

Information and knowledge generated through scientific program evaluation and monitoring will inform ongoing fisheries management for Murray Cod, including whether there is a need for ongoing or alternative conservation and restoration measures in the South Australian River Murray.

The working group held a meeting in Renmark on 20 January 2016 to discuss the site selection, stocking process and community engagement associated with the upcoming trial release.

A public meeting was held the same evening to update the community on the status of the program and the trial release, with over 40 people attending. Strong support and positive feedback for the program was received, with the community keen to form partnerships with government and participate in any release of fingerlings, monitoring undertaken and future resourcing of the program.

PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture are currently working with their Victorian counterpart and members of the working group to finalise the location and logistics on the release trial of Murray Cod fingerling.