CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY FOR COOTAMUNDRA ELECTORATE FISHERS

​​Wednesday, 1 December 2021​ 

Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke has marked the opening of the Murray Cod season by visiting the Narrandera Fisheries Centre, a vital resource to the local waterways and biodiversity. 

Ms Cooke said population numbers had recently been bolstered after years of drought. 

“This year is going to be a great season for Cootamundra Region’s anglers,” she said.

“The Murray Cod is our largest freshwater fish and an icon of our inland waterways, so many are excited for a summer of fishing, following recent inflows of quality rain. This means inland impoundments and river systems will provide great cod fishing.  

“The annual three-month breeding closure has also recently finished, so experts are now predicting a big season. 

“Last year, more than 500,000 Murray Cod were stocked to more than 80 locations across NSW thanks to support from the $10 million Native Fish Drought Strategy. And many more will be stocked this coming season.

“The Murray Cod season is a great opportunity for families to get out on our waterways this holiday season and get back to nature together.”

The Narrandera Fisheries Centre is currently undergoing a $4 million expansion, with the construction of new buildings and high-tech equipment being installed to increase in the amazing work that is done. They have been at the forefront of the field since opening for researching native and introduced species, and this expansion will further advance the Centre. 

The Centre played a major role in storing and maintaining the Murray Cod numbers over the recent drought period, having created a virtual ‘Noah’s Ark’ for native fish species through dry spell in an effort to save native fish species.

For more information around the rules and regulations for fishing this season, head to: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/fishing-rules-and-regs