MC secret sexlife

FROM THE MINISTER FOR INNOVATION, MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE

DATE: Tuesday, August 8, 2006

SECRET SEX LIFE OF THE MURRAY COD EXPOSED

Victorian scientists have revealed the once thought monogamous Australian fish, the Murray cod could be playing the field.

Minister for Innovation, John Brumby, said while Murray cod were commonly believed to be monogamous, a study of the fish larvae genes has shown that some cod were polygamous with pairings of two females and one male discovered in several captive spawnings.

Announcing the surprising findings today at the Agricultural Biotechnology International Conference (ABIC) in Melbourne today, Mr Brumby said scientists from Department of Primary Industries (DPI) had made the discovery.

“The more we know about the Murray cod, including its sex life, the better we will be able to manage the population levels as well as develop its export potential,” Mr Brumby said

“Murray cod is a highly sought after fish for both domestic and overseas markets, especially in Asia where warm water fish species, including the Murray cod, are worth $1 million a year to Victoria.

“However the Murray cod is listed as a vulnerable species under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) with the Murray Darling basin Commission estimating populations are less than 10 per cent of pre-European settlement levels.

“This discovery has substantial implications for the ongoing management of Murray cod.”

Minister for Agriculture, Bob Cameron, as well as helping with the conservation and management of the vulnerable species in the wild, the study would provide guidelines for genetically sound breeding and stock enhancement programs.

“The research team is currently determining if genetically separate populations of cod have existed, or do exist, in Victoria by analysing contemporary cod samples collected from across the Murray-Darling Basin, alongside historic fish scales collected up to 55 years ago,” Mr Cameron said.

“This is providing information on changes in the genetic structure of wild populations over space and time.

“Information on genetic population structure will advise management strategies to promote the long-term survival of wild populations, with flow on benefits to anglers.”

Mr Cameron said the study is just one component of a larger project which is utilising advanced gene marker and reproduction technologies to enable the development of selective breeding programs for the production of bigger, more colourful and healthier cod for aquaculture purposes.

This project is carried out at DPI’s Snobs Creek and Attwood centres and funded by the Victorian Government, through the Our Rural Landscapes Initiative and Fisheries Victoria.

Some of the work is also being carried out through a Monash University scholarship.

“DPI scientists are also working on a number of other projects designed to boost Murray cod exports, including improving cool chain technologies

for Murray Cod

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