THE NSW DPI is reminding fishers across Northern NSW that fishing is totally prohibited in the Mann and Nymboida Rivers with a three month ban currently underway.
“The closure of the river from August 1 to October 31 is designed to protect the endangered Eastern Freshwater Cod during its breeding season,” DPI, Director Fisheries Compliance, Glenn Tritton said.
“The Clarence and Richmond Rivers once teemed with this rare species of fish which is now only found naturally in just two isolated tributaries of the Clarence. A relative of the Murray Cod, Eastern Freshwater Cod were first identified as a distinct species in the 1980’s and the fishing closure is just one of a number of strategies that have been put in place to ensure the species’ survival.”
Fisheries scientists have identified that Eastern Freshwater Cod are most vulnerable during their breeding season and any fishing activity in the vicinity of brooding Eastern Freshwater Cod can have significant consequences for the survival of the species.
The closed waters include; The Mann River and all of its tributaries (including the Boyd River) upstream of its junction with the Clarence River and the Nymboida River and its tributaries from its junction with the Mann River upstream to Platypus Flat. The closure does not apply to notified trout waters which are regulated separately.
“These important fishing laws are in place to protect, conserve and improve the State’s fisheries resources for present and future generations,” Mr Tritton said.
“Fishers should expect to see fisheries officers patrolling these seasonally closed waters to deter and detect any illegal activity.
“Anyone found fishing or in possession of fishing gear that is capable of being used, in, on or adjacent to the closed waters, faces on-the-spot fines of $500 with maximum penalties of up to $22,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment for a first offence and $44,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment for a second and subsequent offence.
“In addition to the three month total fishing restrictions in the Mann and Nymboida Rivers, and because of the endangered status of Eastern Freshwater Cod, persons found to be targeting or in possession of Eastern Freshwater Cod at any time or at any location, face penalty notices of $2,500 with maximum penalties of up to $220,000 and/or 2 years imprisonment or both upon prosecution.”
More information about eastern freshwater cod is available HERE.
