Trout Cod Action Plan
The NSW Government has finalised and delivered the 10-year Trout Cod Action Plan, delivering on its March 2023 election commitment. This follows the public consultation that took place online and in-person in late 2023. The NSW Government is continuing to support the recovery of threatened trout Cod with more than $1 million allocated to commence the implementation of priority actions under the now final Trout Cod Action Plan.
The Action plan provides opportunity for involvement of recreational fishers in Trout Cod recovery activities, such as on ground habitat works, fish releases, broodstock collection, and fish downs of invasive species in release locations.
Metrics are being developed into recovery targets that will be measured as part of implementing the new Action Plan, and may include range expansion of Trout Cod across NSW catchments.
View the Final Trout Cod Action Plan
What we heard
We have collated a summary of the public consultation on the draft Trout Cod Action Plan and how feedback was incorporated into the final Trout Cod Action Plan.
View the What We Heard Report - Trout Cod Action Plan
Background
The NSW Government’s Plan for Fishing committed to reviewing the NSW Trout Cod program and preparing a 10-year plan to save the Trout Cod. A draft plan was released in 2023 for public consultation. Feedback was considered and a Final Trout Cod Action Plan has been developed.
The Action Plan includes short (1-2 years), medium (2-5 years) and long term (5-10 years) priority actions to help guide the recovery of Trout Cod in NSW.
Vision
Over the next ten years, our goal is to re-establish viable Trout Cod populations in priority habitats across their former range in NSW that can, once again, support ecological, cultural and recreational values. We are working towards de-listing Trout Cod as a threatened species.
Did you know that Trout Cod are also known colloquially as 'Bluenose'?
This is due to the species having a blue-ish grey hue on its upper jaw, which also resembles a nose. This can help you identify the species from the very similar looking Murray Cod. The name 'Trout Cod' can be a source of confusion in associating the species with 'Trout' and misconceptions they are hybrid species between trout and Murray Cod. Using the alternative common name of Bluenose clearly distinguishes the species as a special and unique fish.
Priority actions of the Action Plan
- Maintain/expand/increase populations of Trout Cod in NSW to support recovery, including establishing self-sustaining populations through stocking
- Secure existing Trout Cod populations
- Quantify the impacts and drivers of hybridisation between Trout Cod and Murray Cod
- Increase community awareness of Trout Cod status, threats, and recovery through education programs
- Reduce fishing-related mortality and maximise angler compliance
- Identify and prioritise re-introduction sites
- Identify known and potential threats to key Trout Cod population locations and habitat
- Identify and prioritise on-ground works and habitat rehabilitation efforts at Trout Cod populations and stocking locations
- Minimise impact of stocked, translocated and non-native/pest fish species.
