Fishers in southern NSW are set to brave the cold this winter with the Murray Crayfish season officially opening on Monday 1 June.
NSW DPI Senior Fisheries Manager Inland Cameron Westaway said the opening of the Murray Crayfish season is an exciting time for freshwater fishers in NSW.
“Despite the popularity of this catch, widespread decline in the Murray Crayfish population means that they are only permitted to be taken during the months of June, July and August, to protect the species and assist with its recovery,” he said.
“Whilst the season is open, it’s vital that fishers abide by the rules to ensure the species is sustained for future generations.
“In the Murray River, fishing is permitted between the Hume Weir and the Tocumwal Road Bridge, including Lake Mulwala, and in the Murrumbidgee River between the Hume Highway Road Bridge at Gundagai and Berembed Weir, excluding Old Man Creek.
“Fishing laws are designed to protect, conserve and share our fisheries resources for all legitimate users and our future generations.”
During the season, the minimum size limit for the species is 10cm, and the maximum size limit is 12cm. Fisheries officers measure Murray Crayfish to the nearest millimeter and it is essential that fishers do the same.
A daily bag limit of 2 crayfish per person and a total possession limit of 4 are in place for the season.
The taking of berried females or removing heads, tails or claws in, on, or adjacent to waters is prohibited, as is the taking of Murray Crayfish using any form of trap.
