Do We Ever Make Progress with the Recovery of Threatened Fishes: An Australian Story of the Trout Cod

Recovery of threatened species is often necessarily a long-term process but one which is rarely successful or well documented. This paper details the progress towards the recovery of an iconic, long-lived Austtralain freshwater fish species: the trout cod Maccullochella macquariensis, first listed as threatened in the 1980s. The objectives, actions and progress of three successive national recovery plans (spanning 18 years) are assessed,  documenting changes to population distribution and abundance and updating ecological knowledge. Increased knowledge (especially breeding biology and hatchery techniques, movements, habitats and genetics) has greatly influenced recovery actions and the use of a population model was developed to assist with management options and stocking regimes. Key recovery actions include: the stocking of hatchery-produced fish to establish new populations; regulations on angling (including closures); education (particularly identification from the closely related Murray cod M. peelii); and habitat rehabilitation (especially re-instatement of structural woody habitats). In particular, the establishment of new populations using hatchery stocking has been a successful action. The importance of a coordinated long-term approach is emphasised and whilst there is uncertainty in ongoing resourcing of the recovery program, much has been achieved and there is cautious optimism for the future of this species.