THE redfin, or English perch, has made it onto the latest listing of noxious fish in NSW.
The NSW Noxious Fish List now includes an additional 67 listings that have been agreed nationally as having a high-risk pest potential. The redfin perch (Perca fluviatilis) is now a Class 1 noxious fish.
Why redfin? In 2009 Industry & Investment (I&I) NSW consulted with the ornamental fish industry and hobbyist representatives in NSW regarding a list of proposed noxious species (including redfin perch), and there was general support to list the species as noxious. I&I NSW scientific staff endorse the listing of redfin as noxious, as it poses a significant threat to native species, particularly as it is a known carrier of Epizootic Haematopoietic Necrosis Virus (EHNV), which can have detrimental impacts upon native fish species.
Although the listing is now in place a six month advisory period has been provided to allow all stakeholders to comply with the new rules, which will be enforced from 1 July 2011.
Class 1 noxious fish species are totally banned in NSW. There are heavy penalties for possessing, selling or importing them (up to $55,000 for an individual or $110,000 for a corporation). Fisheries Officers may also seize and destroy any Class 1 noxious fish. It is illegal to be in possession of a live Class 1 noxious fish such as redfin.
If redfin are caught by recreational anglers, I&I NSW encourages them to be retained and utilised or disposed of appropriately, and that they are not returned to the water. It is not an offence to be in possession of a dead redfin which has been caught to take home.
I&I NSW notes some anglers, especially those near the Victorian border, target redfin. The noxious listing does not affect this – redfin can still be targeted and caught.
For more info click HERE.
