End to Murray Cod Season

August 28, 2002

Anglers are reminded the annual three-month ban on fishing for Murray cod starts this Sunday, September 1, 2002.

The Director of NSW Fisheries, Steve Dunn, said the fishing ban is designed to protect Murray cod during their breeding season and covers all freshwater areas of the State.

"This native species is quite unusual. Over the next few months, females will lay eggs in hollow logs and the males will guard the eggs until they hatch."

"It is important we enforce this ban to give Murray cod the chance to breed successfully."

Mr Dunn said Murray cod are a prized catch of freshwater anglers and are found mainly in the Murray Darling river system.

"They are one of the largest freshwater native fish in Australia. The largest specimens can grow to 1.8m and weigh up to 100kg."

Penalties for catching Murray cod during the closed season range from $500 on-the-spot fines to a maximum court fine of $22,000 and/or six months jail.

The Murray cod season re-opens on Sunday, December 1, 2002.

"I would also like to remind freshwater anglers that trout cod, a close relative of Murray cod, remains totally protected all year round," Mr Dunn said.

"This is an endangered species and anglers must release any trout cod they catch."

"The trout cod protection area on the Murray River between the Yarrawonga Weir, near Lake Mulwala, and the Tocumwal road bridge is closed to all forms of fishing from September to November inclusive, to help protect this species."

For more information about NSW fishing rules, please call your nearest NSW Fisheries office

Further information about bag and size limits can be obtained via the NSW Fisheries website at www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au or from any NSW Fisheries office.

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