Murray cod – South Australia's most iconic freshwater fish – will now be more abundant in Lake Bonney after more than two tonnes of the species were released into the inland waterway on Saturday.
Around 600 fish, some up to a metre long, were released as part of the State Government's $6.6 million recreational fishing package and comes a week after thousands of rainbow trout were added to the Happy Valley Reservoir.
The release of the species was organised by the new Recreational Fishing Authority (RFA), RecFish SA and the Berri Barmera Council.
The new RFA has been established to:
- open up more freshwater fishing sites
- support more children's fishing clinics
- fast-track freshwater fish stocking programs
- support community fishing events, competitions and tourism initiatives
- support RecFish SA's tagging and translocation program.
RecFish SA will receive $1.75 million over four years to represent the interests of recreational fishers and to fund its pioneering tagging and translocation program.
A further $1 million will be spent enhancing recreational fishing infrastructure including jetty rod holders, bait boards and fish filleting tables at popular fishing spots.
Anglers should note that Murray cod fishing is currently closed to protect the species during peak spawning periods; the season for catch and release will open in January.
Golden perch (callop), red-fin, carp and other species are available to catch for recreational fishing purposes.
RecFish SA CEO Asher Dezsery said the native fish played a key ecological role in the Murray–Darling system.
"The reintroduction of large Murray cod to Lake Bonney is an exciting step towards rebuilding populations devastated by drought," he said.
"Bringing Murray cod back to Lake Bonney connects healthier waterways with great fishing, stronger tourism and local pride - creating something the community can help nurture and benefit from for years to come."
For Uncle Norm Wilson, from the River Murray and Mallee Corporation, the Murray cod is an important part of the stories of the area's Traditional Owners.
"Pondi (cod) is culturally significant to our people through the Dreamtime stories from many of thousands of years ago, and is our Totem fish that created the widening of the river by moving the tail back and forth," Mr Wilson said.
"Lake Bonney was historically known by the Aboriginal name Nookampka, and the Traditional Owners of this area are the Barmerara Meru clan of the Ngawadj people who lived north of the Murray.
"This is an exciting time for our people to be a part of the release of cod into the lake at such a high number. We hope that they grow into larger pondi and they will make their way through the narrow channel back into the River Murray area."
For more information visit RecFish SA or the Recreational Fishing Authority .
