Annual fish surveys of the Murray and Owens Rivers have begun (Maccullochella peelii peelii), with researchers hoping to find a healthy number of the iconic, yet threatened, Murray cod.
The scientists are particularly curious this year, after last year’s surveys found the highest number of the fish in the past 14 years – a promising indication for health of the waterways.
“We have been surveying large-bodied native fish in the Murray River for the past 14 years using electrofishing and last year’s survey delivered the highest number of Murray cod since surveys began,” said Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) Arthur Rylah Institute (ARI) scientist, Scott Raymond.
“Most of the fish found in the survey were very young, so we are keen to get back out there in the next month to see how many of those fish are reaching maturity.”
It is believed that the re-establishment of large, woody habitat and the removal of pest plants are among the factors that have helped promote the species in its native territory.
“It’s also possible that the recent changes to the minimum size of Murray cod that can be caught by anglers may have contributed to an increase in the number of breeding age fish in the river,” said Raymond.
This year’s survey is to be conducted on the Murray between Lake Mulwala and Tocumwal, with funding from the DELWP as well as support from other Victorian government and Commonwealth government agencies.