The Murray Cod fishing season will close and fishing is prohibited for this species under the Fisheries Act 2000 from midnight 31 August to 1 December 2023 to protect them during their breeding season.
"Murray Cod are endemic to the Murray–Darling Basin and are nationally threatened," said Mr Bren Burkevics, ACT Conservator Flora and Fauna.
"Male cod prepare nesting sites during breeding season and defend their nests constantly until the eggs hatch and the larval cod disperse. If male cod are caught or displaced from their nest, predators such as small fish, Carp, and shrimp quickly invade and consume the eggs.
To protect Murray Cod during the closed season, fishers are encouraged to match fishing gear to the season by using smaller lures and hooks, switching baits to options less attractive to cod such as worms or corn, and reducing line weight to minimise the chance of hooking Murray Cod.
"If you are fishing for other species like Carp during the closed season and accidently catch a Murray Cod, you must release the fish as soon as possible without removing it from the water. You should then change your fishing method or move to a new location to reduce the risk of catching a Murray Cod and damaging their breeding efforts.
"Native freshwater fish have declined in distribution and abundance in south-eastern Australia since the time of European settlement. Many factors have contributed to this decline including habitat degradation, introduction of exotic species, overfishing and disruption to natural water delivery.
"Canberra has an enthusiastic and active fishing community that actively support measures to protect native fish species. Closure periods and a comprehensive fish stocking schedule relieve pressure on fragile rivers and streams and threatened fish species to support recreational fishing into the future."
