Murray: Oral History of J.O. Langtry

Title

Murray: Oral History of J.O. Langtry

Description

An interview in four parts with J.O. Langtry.

J.O. Langtry talks about his investigation into the ecology of the Murray-Darling System with the newly formed State Fisheries and Game Department of Victoria. His systematic examination of native fisheries, informed by collaborating with professional fisherman, is central to our understanding of the Murray-Darling ecosystem. He discusses the anabranch system; drainage zones; opportunistic farming; pelagic fish; hatching Murray Cod at Burraby Station; fish stomach contents and diet; his influence on early fishing regulations; and legal and illegal fishing methods.

He also talks about the people who assisted him in his surveys; the various river conditions that different fish prefer; and the cultural and recreational value of fisheries. He discusses ground water; rising water tables; salinity; water and land management; and the 'Landline' TV series. He argues that efforts to restore the Coorong and Lower Lakes are not worthwhile.

He goes on to talk about the wide variety of people and occupations he dealt with in his work; the differences between Murray Cod and Trout Cod; a plan to remove Bony Bream that was later abandoned; fish farming; fish stocking; local and visiting poachers; and commercial fish markets. He discusses his service in the Australian Army Research Group, and his work to develop rations in Korea, New Guinea and Malaysia. He comments on the demographic of the Victorian public service and ends by reiterating the diminished scale of the anabranch system.

Other fish species mentioned: lungfish, trout fish/eastern big belly.

Mention of: Victorian State Fisheries and Game Department, Melbourne University, CSIRO, National Water Board, Rotary Club, Murray Darling Basin Authority.

Creator

Heather Goodall
Jodi Frawley

Publisher

University of Technology, Sydney

Contributor

Murray-Darling Basin Authority
NSW Department of Primary Industries - NSW Fisheries

Rights

Copyright University of Technology, Sydney

Date

2010-08-16

Access Rights

Restricted access.

Electronic records have been made private as per the request of J.O. Langtry. Material may only be accessed under research conditions.

Preliminary applications may be made to
data-librarian@uts.edu.au or State Library of NSW regarding collection ML OH 647/1-130.

License

AusGOALRestrictive

Provenance

Originally organised by researchers in sub-collection 'MDB Extra'.

Mediator

Mediated access. Interviewee's consent condition: Material may only be accessed under research conditions.

Interviewer

Heather Goodall

Interviewee

J.O. Langtry

Location

Canberra, ACT

Duration

Part 1 00:20:26
Part 2 00:22:33
Part 3 00:34:15
Part 4 00:06:43

Item Relations

This Item Is Part Of Item: Mainstem Murray River
This Item Was Created By Item: Prof. Heather Goodall
Item: Dr Jodi Frawley
This Item Has Provenance Information Item: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Data Archive (ATSIDA)
Item: State Library of New South Wales
This Item References The Subject Item: Murray Cod
Item: Golden Perch
Item: Murray: Images from interview with J.O. Langtry
Item: Murray: Oral History of J.O. Langtry - Afterthoughts
Is Related To This Item

Position: 174 (27 views)