Abstract for presentation at Biodiversity Extinction Crisis Conference - A Pacific Response

Murray cod is a large, iconic angling species that was once widespread and abundant throughout the Murray-Darling Basin, supporting substantial commercial fisheries. Populations have suffered significant declines and it is now listed as threatened species (vulnerable) nationally. While Murray cod are listed under Commonwealth legislation, management of the species and their habitats is undertaken by agencies under the jurisdiction of the five state/territory jurisdictions. The listing process, together with some major fish kills, highlighted the plight of the species and initiated planning processes toward its recovery. The Murray-Darling Basin Commission convened a workshop to provide a review of the species and its status and to initiate a coordinated response. The resultant Murray cod Taskforce and National Recovery Team have provided direction for a National Recovery Plan. The Recovery planning process has taken over two years to date, with extensive consultation between agencies and stakeholders that represent angler and conservation interests. Whilst this process has had its difficulties: shortfalls-stakeholder representation (especially form conservation and indigenous groups), differences in philosophies between jurisdictions and agencies, ill defined agency roles for water/fish/fisheries, a lack of systematic population assessments and a lack of political will for more difficult decisions (including use the term conservation), it has provided impetus so that many actions have been undertaken before completion of the Recovery Plan. Significant new knowledge on the ecology of Murray cod contributed to an improved ecological model on which management could be based and results of previous management actions such as the closure of commercial fisheries and the promotion of catch and release recreational fisheries may have contributed to some observed improvement in populations.