Australia: Endangered fish could be extinct in eight years

Volunteer fishers in south east Queensland have raised concerns about the low genetic diversity and high interbreeding rates of the endangered Mary River cod, with warnings that the species could become extinct within eight years. They have urged the state government to allocate $15 million to save the species and have received a reassuring response from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), which is working on a project to improve the genetic understanding of the Mary River cod and reviewing its recovery plan. The DAF has also defended its stocking practices, stating that they have helped recover the species in the Mary River and establish small wild populations, but agree that genetic diversity is crucial for the future resilience of the wild population and are conducting research to restore cod populations in Queensland's river systems.

Citizen scientists have warned the state government about the low genetic diversity in an already endangered fish species in south east Queensland, which could be extinct within eight years. Members of volunteer fish restocking groups said the already endangered Mary River cod (Maccullochella ariensis) which can live for 40 years and grow to 1.7m is facing the twin threats of high levels of interbreeding and low levels of genetic diversity. Currently recreational fishers are restricted to catching Mary River cod with a minimum size limit of 60cm and a possession limit of one from a select number of listed lakes. Freshwater Fish Stocking Association of Queensland member Brian Dare was so concerned about the Mary River cod's future, he wrote to Agriculture Minister Mark Furner about the plight of the species. Mr Dare and his wife Debbie run the Glenlyon Dam Tourist Park approximately an hour's drive south west of Stanthorpe near Glenlyon Dam, which is stocked with species including ...