NSW fishers are reminded to make sure they know the rules about fishing for Murray crayfish, following the June 1 season opening.
Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Inland Senior Fisheries Manager, Cameron Westaway, said there are a number of rules in place to protect the species found mainly in the Murray, Murrumbidgee and Edward Rivers.
“The annual Murray crayfish season is limited to three months of the year, June to August, to protect this valued native species,” Mr Westaway said.
“Murray crayfish are very slow growing, so it is important that any fishers targeting the species follow the rules to ensure the long term sustainability of the species.”
DPI Supervising Fisheries Officer, Peter Tilbrook, said that fisheries officers will be increasing their patrols of Murray crayfish waters to ensure fishers are following the rules.
“Murray crayfish measuring devices and advisory material are freely available from DPI fisheries offices and most tackle outlets to assist fishers to understand the rules,” Mr Tilbrook said.
The main Murray crayfish rules in NSW waters are:
- A NSW recreational fishing licence is required to fish in any NSW waters, including catching Murray crayfish or possessing any fishing gear in, on or adjacent to waters.
- A daily bag limit of two per person applies with a total of four in possession.
- The minimum legal length is 10cm, maximum length is 12cm.
- They can only be taken during the months of June, July and August.
- During the open season, the taking of Murray crayfish is prohibited in all NSW waters except in the Murrumbidgee River and its tributaries (excluding Old Mans Creek) between the Hume Highway road bridge at Gundagai and 100 metres upstream of the weir face at Berembed Weir, near Ganmain, and in the Murray River and its tributaries from 130 metres downstream of the weir face at Hume Weir, near Albury and the Newell Highway road bridge at Tocumwal.
- The taking of berried females, or the removal of heads, tails or claws in or adjacent to waters is prohibited.
- Up to five hoop nets per person may be used to take Murray crayfish where permitted with the letters ‘HN’ and user name and address on the float.
- Where it is legal to use hoop nets, they may continue to be used to take yabbies in waters closed to the taking of Murray crayfish. However, if any Murray crayfish are accidentally caught they must be immediately returned to the water unharmed.
Any illegal activity or suspected illegal fishing activity can be reported to any DPI fisheries office, the Fishers Watch phoneline on 1800 043 536, or online at http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/compliance/report-illegal-activity.