Electro-fishing partners unite again for mighty Murray Cod

[fishingvic]

Electro-fishing partners unite again for mighty Murray Cod

Media Release

May 2019

Electro-fishing partners unite again for mighty Murray Cod

Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) is again partnering with the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) to relocate hundreds of Murray Cod and other high-value native fish caught up in the East Goulburn Main Irrigation Channel.
At the same time, the organisations expect to bring a smile to the faces of local anglers by re-stocking family friendly fishing spots at Lake Benalla, Broken Creek at Nathalia and Victoria Park Lake in Shepparton.
Taking advantage of the end of the gravity irrigation season, GMW is allowing the VFA and a contracted electro-fishing boat to enter the irrigation channel and undertake a catch-and-release program.
“A similar exercise was trialed in 2017 and proved very successful with more than 550 valuable native fish - mostly decent-size Murray Cod - relocated into a more natural habitat,” VFA Chief Executive Officer Travis Dowling said.
Murray Cod and other valuable natives like Golden Perch and Blackfish have shown they can adapt to life in the East Goulburn Main Irrigation Channel and its connecting spur channels. However they can also be at risk when GMW conducts regular lowering of channels for de-silting and weed spray programs.
The fish likely originally came from Nagambie Lakes and unwittingly found their way into the irrigation network via Goulburn Weir.
Electro-fishing, often called the friendly way to fish, involves a boat equipped with electrodes which are lowered into the water to attract and stun fish. They can then be netted, placed in a holding tank and transported for release into lakes and rivers.
GMW Managing Director Charmaine Quick welcomed the joint effort with the VFA as a “win-win” for local communities and the environment – not to mention the wayward fish.
“The electrofishing boat is being funded by the VFA while GMW is providing some manpower, transport and site safety management, so it’s a true partnership of benefit to our local communities,” she said.
“Importantly, the timing and locations of the electro-fishing exercise also means there is no impact on our irrigation customers.”
Electrofishing is expected to take place over two weeks from late May with another two weeks possible later in the winter.
The VFA is working with local fishing clubs and primary schools in Benalla, Nathalia and Shepparton to take part in the fish releases expected to result from the partnership.

Murray Cod fast facts:
• Murray Cod are the most long-lived freshwater native fish in Australia, reaching ages of 50 years or more
• They are Australia’s largest freshwater fish, regularly growing to more than 1m
• A top predator in their habitat, a Murray Cod will eat almost anything that crosses its path – other fish, yabbies, shrimp, waterfowl, small mammals and turtles


Media Contact: Richard Bryce
Unit: Communications and Engagement
Telephone: 0403 144 941

[Texas]

You involved Jim???

[davek]

There goes our quiet fishing spots, hopefully they don't get all of them, cheers davo

[April Fool]

You involved Jim???

I am part of the dept. of ag, not fisheries, although we are located together. Besides, I have trouble getting hooked fish out at times when the channel is full. I won't be of any use when they are low.

They were surprised last time they did it in regards to the amount of blackfish they found in it. No surprise to me...the fkn little worm pinching pr!cks!!! I wonder how many fish are lost down the smaller spur channels. It also doesn't help when a fishing report in a mag says the fish can be targeted when the water levels drop!

Dave, I will find out where they have done. Last time it was downstream of 'spot h'. If they do upstream, I will avoid fishing the channels for a while when they refill. They will not get all of them anyway as they will hang out in the holes at the 'syphon' pipes.

I asked a fisheries person a couple years ago if they had plans to put in place some sort of screening device to prevent the fish from entering the system. The answer was no as he said there is nothing they can do. I thought this was strange as I have seen posts on fb of the screens being put in place not too far from here. I had thoughts about starting a one man vendetta to do something about it but after talking to someone today, I don't think it is worth the death threats I am likely to recieve!!!!
Cheers
Team Bender
Thinking of hiring a security guard!

[davek]

You involved Jim???

I am part of the dept. of ag, not fisheries, although we are located together. Besides, I have trouble getting hooked fish out at times when the channel is full. I won't be of any use when they are low.

They were surprised last time they did it in regards to the amount of blackfish they found in it. No surprise to me...the fkn little worm pinching pr!cks!!! I wonder how many fish are lost down the smaller spur channels. It also doesn't help when a fishing report in a mag says the fish can be targeted when the water levels drop!

Dave, I will find out where they have done. Last time it was downstream of 'spot h'. If they do upstream, I will avoid fishing the channels for a while when they refill. They will not get all of them anyway as they will hang out in the holes at the 'syphon' pipes.

I asked a fisheries person a couple years ago if they had plans to put in place some sort of screening device to prevent the fish from entering the system. The answer was no as he said there is nothing they can do. I thought this was strange as I have seen posts on fb of the screens being put in place not too far from here. I had thoughts about starting a one man vendetta to do something about it but after talking to someone today, I don't think it is worth the death threats I am likely to recieve!!!!
Cheers
Team Bender
Thinking of hiring a security guard!

think seriously :Boxing: :tongue: :rofl: cheers davo

(Remember when we had lots of good emoji's)

[April Fool]

Most people on Facebook will have seen the results of the electro-fishing so far. Whilst I am not on facebook, I can still see posts and some impressive fish have been removed. I am not sure which day this fish come out but I know last Friday 4 x 1metre cod were removed and placed into the Goulburn...about 20 metres upstream of where I fish it! There doesn't seem to be that many blackfish this year.

After hearing from my southern channel correspondent that channel levels there were lower than expected, I went out on an unarmed recon. A rather dismall site at one of my more popular haunts although there is still a reasonable amount of water downstream.

The lower levels upstream can be explained by this channel being on...if only to drain the 'main' channel.

I find it amusing that so many anglers drive over these channels with NFI what is in them...as they head for the Goulburn's cod! Anyway, most of the channel cod are gone now and VFA and GMW as well as volunteers have done a great job.
cheers
Team Bender