PROTECTING EASTERN FRESHWATER COD – A GUIDE FOR FISHERS AND LAND MANAGERS
3
IMPACTS OF ILLEGAL FISHING
Any illegal activity that reduces the species
numbers is considered harmful to the viability of
the population and long-term conservation of the
species. Targeted or indirect capture of Eastern
Freshwater Cod directly reduces Cod numbers,
removes breeding age adults and disturbs breeding
activities including egg and larvae guarding, leading
to increased predation of eggs and juveniles by other
fish, eels and turtles.
Despite the protected status of Eastern Freshwater
Cod, reports and evidence indicate that illegal
fishing activities take place. Eastern Freshwater Cod
are regularly caught and released by anglers who
either target or indirectly catch them while targeting
other species such as Australian Bass and Freshwater
Catfish.
Targeting of Eastern Freshwater Cod by any
person at any time is an offence under the
threatened species provisions of the Fisheries
Management Act 1994.
HANDY FISHING TIPS
When fishing, please consider the following tips to
maximise the survival of Eastern Freshwater Cod:
» Use methods and rigs that reduce deep hooking
- target fish with artificial lures or choose non-
offset circle hooks when using bait.
» If the fish is hooked deeply, cut the line as close
as possible to the fish’s mouth. Do not try to
remove the hook.
» Use barbless hooks or hooks with reduced barbs
to make removal easier and minimise damage.
» Avoid lifting the fish from the water - if possible
unhook the fish whilst it is still in the water. Try
to retrieve hooks from mouth-hooked fish and
release the fish as quickly as possible.
» Support the weight of the fish properly. Use
wet hands or wet gloves when handling fish to
minimise damage to their skin. Don’t hold the
fish by the gills or eyes.
» Use knotless mesh nets - avoid knotted landing
nets which may damage the fish’s scales, skin,
eyes and fins.
» Use only legal fishing gear - the use of gaff
hooks, spears, spear guns or similar devices is
totally prohibited in any freshwater environment.
» If you find that you are catching Eastern
Freshwater Cod or other threatened or protected
species, you should consider trying to avoid
hooking them by changing your location, baits
or your fishing rigs.
THE FUTURE FOR EASTERN
FRESHWATER COD
The re-establishment of Eastern Freshwater Cod at
a small number of locations represents the early
stages of recovery. Eastern Freshwater Cod are still
in danger of extinction. The recovery of the species
relies on an ongoing concerted effort by government
and the wider community. A lot has been achieved
by government and the community to assist with
recovery including for example research into the
species biology, ecology, distribution and habitat
requirements; undertaking a wide range of habitat
rehabilitation activities such as revegetation, weed
control, fencing and fish passage improvement works;
and enhanced education and advisory activities.
Photo by Brett Vercoe
WHERE TO FROM HERE?
A recovery plan has been prepared for Eastern
Freshwater Cod that sets out the actions required to
recover the species to a position of viability in nature.
A performance criteria set out in the recovery plan is
to establish a minimum of two additional naturally
reproducing Eastern Freshwater Cod populations in
each of the Clarence and Richmond River catchment.
The independent Fisheries Scientific Committee
is responsible for listing threatened species of fish
and marine vegetation and for reviewing scientific
information to assess whether a species should be
downgraded or de-listed from the NSW Fisheries
Management Act 1994. The Committee assesses the
eligibility of each species for listing against criteria
set out in the Fisheries management (General)
Regulation 2010. Eastern Freshwater Cod will be de-
listed when they cease to be eligible for listing as a
threatened species in accordance with the criteria set
out in the regulations.