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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Editor on August 26, 2014, 07:29:29 PM

Title: Murray cod size limit review
Post by: Editor on August 26, 2014, 07:29:29 PM
Murray cod size limit review - Vic DEPI


Background
Murray cod are an iconic Australian native species particularly valued by recreational fishers. Murray cod have the potential to grow to large sizes. Historically the cod populations would consist of relative high numbers of larger fish. However, fisheries surveys show that the numbers of large fish in many of Victoria's river systems are relatively low and that there is a correlation with the current minimum size limit. This indicates that the size structure of Murray cod populations in many locations is impacted by recreational fishing. 

(http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0006/266415/Slot-limits-cover-page-photo.jpg)

Using science to model fish populations
Fisheries Victoria have been working with recreational fishers across the Murray Darling basin to better understand the population status of Murray cod and what key factors drive and effect their population status in the wild. In particular, the development of Murray cod fish population models has helped us bring together decades of applied research and monitoring information. Armed with this data, Fisheries Victoria embarked on an internal review of Murray cod bag and size limits in 2012. The Murray cod fish population models were used to compare a range of bag and size limit scenarios to investigate which were the most beneficial regulations for both the Murray cod populations and the recreational fishery.

The outcome of the review is a proposal to improve Murray cod populations and the recreational Murray cod fishery by changing bag and size limit regulations. Information about the proposed changes is presented in the video below or can be obtained by reading the consultation paper.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3QJ4X1uBXA#ws (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3QJ4X1uBXA#ws)

A short video explaining the science and benefits of applying slot length regulations to Victoria's Murray cod recreational fisheries has been prepared.

Get the consultation paper here
Fisheries is inviting interested persons to read the consultation paper and make submissions.

Comprehensive background information and details of how and where to lodge your submission are murray cod consultation paper  available at the links below.

The use of slot lengths to improve Victoria's Murray cod fishery   [PDF File - 1.5 MB] (http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/266163/Consultation-Paper-The-use-of-slot-limits-to-improve-the-Victorian-Murray-cod-fishery.pdf)

The use of slot lengths to improve Victoria's Murray cod fishery   [MS Word Document - 1.5 MB] (http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/word_doc/0008/266966/Consultation-Paper-The-use-of-slot-limits-to-improve-the-Victorian-Murray-cod-fishery_web-V1.doc)


Attend the Public Forum in Bendigo
Details of the proposal will be presented at a public forum on Wednesday, August 6, at Rotary Gateway Park, 22 High St (Calder Hwy), Kangaroo Flat, starting at 7.00 pm.

Closing date for submissions

Written submissions to the Consultation Paper must be received by August 29 2014.
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