Murray Now

Australia's iconic freshwater fish, the Murray Cod, could play a major part in a significant new industry that involves multiple water use, adding value and sustainability to the precious water resources of the Murray-Darling Basin.

The Victorian Open Water Murray Cod Aquaculture Industry Development Plan has been established to help educate, attract and promote this emerging industry.

The Mayor of the Swan Hill Rural City Council, Cr Greg Cruickshank, believes the potential of this industry is significant.

"This emerging sector presents opportunities for farm diversification in the Murray Basin, at a time when horticultural production is under enormous pressure," Cr Cruickshank said.

"It could be a significant new industry for horticultural and dairy irrigators, without any increase in water usage. Rather than it becoming their core business, this industry could be a co-product or diversification opportunity for them."

Murray Cod is highly regarded for its eating qualities and appeals to an increasingly health conscious market. The fish features firm white flesh, low-medium fat content, a high omega-3 fatty acid profile and an attractive appearance as a whole, filleted or banquet fish. Importantly, there are also indications of a strong market acceptance in Asia.

Long term drought and climate change impacts have led to widespread recognition that water is a limited and highly valued resource. Open water Murray Cod aquaculture involves multiple water use in agricultural enterprises, adding value and sustainability to increasingly precious water resources.

The open water Murray Cod sector is in its infancy. There has been very little commercialisation of the product to date, or a history of a consistent product supply. The formulation of a Development Plan has identified key strategies to foster the long term growth of a sustainable industry sector.

A major part of the Development Plan is to attract additional open water growers. Launch and information sessions about the Open Water Murray Cod Aquaculture Industry Development Plan will be held in Swan Hill on November 23 and in Mildura on December 10. For more information visit www.swanhill.vic.gov.au

"It will give interested farmers and investors an opportunity to gain an overview of the industry, market information, research and development and information on how to be involved," Cr Cruickshank said.

"There will also be site visits that will enable participants to see first-hand how Murray Cod is grown out in dams using cage systems.

"We hope those who attend will see this emerging sector as an outstanding long term opportunity for farm diversification in the Murray region."