River Murray: Olsen Skis While Native Fish Take Last Gasp



Ian Gilfillan Australian Democrats Member of the Legislative Council	News Release	2000 News Releases index
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The Olsen Government must phase out all commercial fishing along the lower River Murray following strong evidence that native fish stocks are dangerously low.

Democrats Shadow Primary Industries spokesperson Ian Gilfillan says, "The Fishery Assessment Report to Primary Industries SA for the Inland Waters Fishery Management Committee (which was released in November 2000) confirms the serious concerns that recreational fishers have had about native fish stocks for some years."

"The report (which focuses on the Murray Cod) indicates that the ‘dramatic increase’ in the use of gill nets has increased catches to the point ‘that there is a high risk that the stock will decline’."

"The sharp rise in Cod take in 1999 reflects the increase in gill net use, the decline in 2000 suggests that remnant native fish stocks are being targeted and that commercial fishing practices are unsustainable", says Mr Gilfillan.

Commercial Cod take figures (South Australian Research and Development Institute):

Mr Gilfillan says, "The Government was forewarned of this catastrophe in early 1999 when the State Parliament’s Environment, Resources and Development Committee recommended, in a tripartisan report, phasing out commercial fishing in the Murray because it could not be seen as sustainable."

"New South Wales and Victoria have already done the sensible thing and moved to close down all commercial fishing, with the exception of Carp catches."

Mr Gilfillan says, "The Premier has made a big song and dance about his commitment to the Murray, now its time to show he is serious about its aquatic life."

"We need a phasing out of commercial fishing between the border with New South Wales and Wellington. This move should be complimented by long-term independent research to monitor the river’s native fish."