April 29, 2026
Photo: Victorian Fisheries Authority
A new study on the Murray cod fishery has found that recreational fishers believe fish handling is important in recovering Murray cod fisheries.
Co-authored by some of the world’s leading recreational fishing experts and published in the international journal Fisheries Research, the research surveyed more than 3,500 Murray cod fishers and is the largest survey of cod fishers to date.
The study aimed to assess perceptions related to handling practices and other factors that could influence the sustainability of the recreational Murray cod fishery.
Per the results, most anglers believed that the quality of the Murray Cod recreational fishery has improved over recent decades and reported high satisfaction for Murray cod fishing in Victoria, consistent with population recovery.
Over 90% of respondents reported that proper handling practices are important to the welfare of released Murray cod.
Blackwater was perceived as being the top threat to the Murray cod recreational fishery, followed by carp.
Fish stocking and appropriate fishing regulations, including the slot limit, were perceived as the most important management interventions to improving the Murray cod fishery.
The survey also showed that catch and release fishing for Murray cod has increased significantly over recent decades. The reported harvest rate for Murray cod was low.
Read the full research paper here.
