Murray Cod

In reply to Dr CLOSE (Port Adelaide—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (26 November 2020). (Estimates Committee A)

The Hon. D.K.B. BASHAM (Finniss—Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development):

(a) The Minister's Recreational Fishing Advisory Council undertook a survey to determine the priorities of the recreational fishing sector. Survey participants were asked to prioritise 'additional fish restocking programs' and it received an average score of 8.07 out of a possible 10.

(b) and (c) Since 2010, limited catch and release fishing for Murray cod has been allowed in the Murray River between 1 January and 31 July, and this is reviewed on an annual basis. The decision to allow for limited catch and release for the 2021 season was made on 18 December 2020.