As recreational fishers prepare for the second Murray Cod catch-and-release season, PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture is urging fishers to follow correct handling techniques and ensure their knowledge of the rules associated with fishing on the River Murray is up-to-date.

On 1 January 2012, the fishery will reopen as a part of the Murray Cod catch-and-release program, with the season running until 31 July 2012.

Senior Fisheries Officer for PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture, David Grant, said the Murray Cod was an extremely important species to recreational fishers and the River Murray community and it was vital that fishers complied with catch-and-release requirements.

“PIRSA is pleased with the level of compliance during the closed season and the fishing community’s response to the catch-and-release program,” Mr Grant said.

“However fishers should keep in mind that this is strictly a catch-and-release arrangement and there are some very important rules and handling tips they need to be aware of.

“Most importantly, as Murray Cod is a vulnerable species, fishers are not allowed to lift any size Murray Cod out of the water and anyone caught doing so will face considerable fines.”

The following handling techniques are recommended for Murray Cod:
• Avoid using light lines and playing fish to exhaustion
• Use barbless hooks or barbless trebles on lures
• Use a knotless landing net to support the fish in the water
• Cut the line outside the mouth for deep hooked fish and don’t try to remove the hook
• If using a fish grip, don’t hold the fish vertically in the water

Mr Grant also reminded fishers on the river to brush up on all river fishing rules, after several cautions and expiations were issued to recreational fishers in early December.

“It was disappointing to see this disregard of the rules, which included infringement notices issued for taking Freshwater Catfish, a fully protected species, and taking Golden Perch (Callop) below the minimum length of 33 centimetres,” he said

“We all have a role to play in protecting the sustainability of our fisheries and people need to ensure they are aware and comply with the rules and regulations at all times.”

Fishers should consult the SA Recreational Fishing Guide, for a complete overview of River Murray fishing rules. This includes:
• Totally protected freshwater species include Silver Perch, Catfish and Trout Cod
• Fishing with any device is not permitted within 150 metres of a weir or lock
• Unattended buoys must be tagged with the owner’s name and address
• The Chowilla flood plain is closed to Murray Cod fishing until 31 December 2012

Suspicious or illegal fishing activity can be reported through the 24 hour FISHWATCH number on 1800 065 522. Callers can choose to remain anonymous.

Hi Allroy,
Each situation is treated upon its merits by Fisheries Officers. There is the ability to issue an Expiation Notice (on the spot fine) for lifting a Murray Cod from the water. This fine is set at $500 plus a $60 victims of crime levy.
As per any Expiation Notice issued, the person who has received this notice is able to contest the matter, which results in Court proceedings taking place.

If the action is seen as something very serious in the Fisheries Officers view, for example removing a number of Murray Cod from the water that had been caught in illegal drum nets, the matter is likely to be referred to the Crown Solicitors office for prosecution action. The maximum penalty for a first offence is $10000 and second offence $20000.

The amount of evidence needed in either of the above scenario's is the same as each matter needs to be assumed by the Fisheries Officer that it will be contested in Court.

Regards

Randel Donovan
Regional Manager
PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture