ANGLERS are reminded that the annual Murray crayfish season commences in specified NSW waters from Monday 1 June 2015.
It is prohibited to take Murray crayfish from other NSW waters and strict fishing rules apply to parts of the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers in south west NSW.
Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Senior Inland Fisheries Manager, Cameron Westaway, said significant changes were introduced in 2013 to the Murray crayfish fishing rules, which included shortening the season by one month and changes to bag and size limits to protect this threatened species.
“Changing the opening of the fishing season from 1 May to 1 June protects pre-spawning females,” Mr Westaway said.
“The restrictions have also seen a reduction in the daily bag limit for Murray crayfish from five to two and the possession limit from 10 to four.”
Fishing restrictions will be in place during the months of June, July and August, and anglers are reminded to make themselves aware of the rules before the season opens.
“Murray crayfish may only be taken during the open season in the Murray River between Hume Weir and Tocumwal road bridge including Lake Mulwala and in the Murrumbidgee River between the Gundagai road bridge and Berembed Weir excluding Old Man Creek,” Mr Westaway said.
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.
Up to five hoop nets per person may be used to take Murray crayfish where permitted with the letters ‘HN’ and user’s name, year of birth and postcode on the float.
The taking of berried females, or the removal of heads, tails or claws in or adjacent to waters is prohibited. Fisheries officers will be patrolling the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers and other closed waterways to ensure these rules are being followed.
“If you catch Murray crayfish, either during the closed season or during the open season in unspecified waters, you must immediately return the crayfish to the water unharmed,” Mr Westaway said.
Any suspected illegal fishing activity can be reported to the Fishers Watch Phoneline on 1800 043 536.
Detailed information on the fishing rules can be found at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries or in the NSW Freshwater Fishing Guide which is available from DPI fisheries offices and tackle stores.
