Murray Cod Fishery Management

Listing Murray cod as Priority Species in Victoria As of 1 July 2009, Murray cod is now listed as a Priority Species under the Fisheries Act. This means that it is now an indictable offence to take, possess or traffick commercial quantities of Murray cod in Victoria with penalties of up to 10 years jail. Murray cod are now given the same priority protection as valuable species like abalone and rock lobster. Under the Fisheries Act 1995, a commercial quantity of Murray cod in Victoria has been defined as: in carcass form, three times the daily catch limit of Murray cod; or in any form other than carcass, 30 kilograms or more of Murray cod (including ice). The daily bag/possession limit for Murray cod is 2, with a minimum legal length of 60 cm and legal maximum legal length of 100 cm. A closed season for Murray cod in Victoria applies from 1 September to 30 November (inclusive). There is growing evidence to suggest that there has been a movement in criminal activity towards that of trafficking Murray cod for sale in Melbourne markets. Action has been taken to protect the sustainability of the iconic species. The Victorian Government has been careful to distinguish between small scale illegal activity and large scale organised crime. Anyone who sees or suspects illegal fishing activity is urged to call the 24-hour reporting line on 13-FISH (13 3474). Victorian Murray Cod Management Arrangements Paper The Victorian Murray cod fishery faces a number of challenges and opportunities over the next ten years. These include the potential impacts from climate change and other environmental and habitat changes, increased recreational fishing pressure, organised theft, refined stocking regimes and pest species. Murray cod are the most sought after and famous of all Victorian inland recreational fishing species. This arrangements paper, combined with proposed changes to the existing regulations and legislation that cover Murray cod, will assist in addressing challenges facing the Murray cod fishery now and in the future and lead to better fishing opportunities for Murray cod across Victoria. This paper aims to provide pro-active management objectives and strategic direction for fisheries managers to ensure a sustainable and viable Murray cod fishery for the future. To view the Murray cod Management Arrangements Paper you will require Adobe Acrobat Viewer. A free copy can be downloaded from Adobe Acrobat (external link). Victorian Murray Cod Fishery Management Arrangements Paper (PDF 293KB)