News Release December 22, 2009
Solitary Island Marine Park leads black cod study
A study into Black Cod led by Solitary Islands
Marine Park researchers will reveal more about the
vulnerable Black Cod
The vulnerable black cod will be the subject of an extensive survey led by the team at the Solitary Islands Marine Park next year.
The study will survey areas in and around the Solitary Islands Marine Park, the Cook Island Aquatic Reserve, Cape Byron Marine Park and South West Rocks and is being conducted on behalf of the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority.
Marine researcher from the Solitary Islands Marine Park, Hamish Malcolm, said the study would fill a high priority gap in marine knowledge for the Northern Rivers region. He said this gap had been identified in a recent marine research report funded by the NRCMA.
He said the study would also assist Industry and Investment NSW with recovery planning for this vulnerable marine species.
Mr Malcolm said the Black Cod had been protected in NSW waters since 1983. He said Black Cod used to be targeted by spear and line fishers, however a noticeable decline in numbers had led those same fishers to seek protected status for this fish.
“The slow growth rate of this fish, combined with its slow-moving, curious and territorial behaviour made it particularly vulnerable to over-fishing. Black Cod will often occupy a particular cave or rocky overhang for many years.
“This project will provide comprehensive baseline data on the distribution and abundance of Black Cod from South West Rocks north to Tweed Heads. While this part of the NSW coast is considered a stronghold for this species, little is known about its life history and ecology.
“Once the baseline data has been collected, it will provide the basis for ongoing monitoring of the Black Cod in the region.”
Mr Malcolm said the surveys would start in March 2010 and continue for a number of months.
“This project complements a similar project conducted earlier in 2009 in the Port Stephens – Great Lakes Marine Park and when put together the studies will provide a profile of Black Cod distribution and abundance for much of the NSW coast from Newcastle to the Queensland border.
“We’re grateful for the support of agencies such as the Northern Rivers CMA which see this new Black Cod research project as vital to the future survival and sound management of this valued species in the region.”
Media Contact: Tonia Liosatos
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