Fishers urged to return released Murray crayfish if caught
If you happen to find a Murray crayfish while fishing or exploring the river, you should return it to the river and not tell people where you found it.
Recreational fishers of the River Murray are being encouraged to release caught Murray crayfish back into the river.
The crays were released as part part of an ongoing project to re-establish the species by the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board.
A recent survey has shown promising results for the re-introduction.
Darren Willis, team leader for the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board said its exciting to see them going well.
“Of the Murray crayfish captured, three were mature female crays loaded with eggs which gives us hope that this group may become self-sustaining,” he said.
It's a step closer to reversing their extinct status in the South Australian wild.
“It is possible that recreational fishers might come across a crayfish while they’re fishing in the river.”
“If you do happen to catch one, we ask that you return the crayfish to the water and keep the location to yourself so we don’t endanger the future of the project.”
Sightings are encouraged to be reported to the landscape board for monitoring records.
- To register a sighting, contact 8532 9100.
If found, release the cray back into the river. Photo: Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board
Around 400 Murray crayfish, were released into the Murray River over an 18 month period.
Before this the species had not been found in South Australian waters since the 1970s.
Both male and female crayfish were released, ranging in size from 8 - 30cm in length.
A few of the crays were fitted with tracking devices before release, allowing remote monitoring.
During a monitoring event last month, 12 of the released Murray crayfish were
recaptured, indicating that efforts to re-establish a population in South Australia are proving a success.
Dr Sylvia Zukowski, a senior Aquatic Ecologist with project partner Nature Glenelg Trust said re-establishing the species in South Australia was vital for ongoing river health.
“The importance of Murray Crayfish in the river ecosystem is significant and bringing them back to South Australia is a giant conservation leap not only at a state level, but also at a national level for the conservation of this species,” she said.
Murray crayfish are recognised as a protected species under South Australian law.
Anyone who takes or causes harm to a protected species may face heavy fines.
