Recreational fishers are reminded that the seasons for Murray Cod and Murray Crayfish come to a close this Friday, 1 September.
NSW DPI Fisheries Deputy Director General Sean Sloan said the Murray Cod fishery is subject to a three-month closure every year to protect these iconic native species.
“Murray Cod cannot be taken in inland waters from September to November inclusive, which is their breeding season, except in Copeton and Blowering dams, which are year around fisheries,” Mr Sloan said.
“In Copeton and Blowering dams, DPI monitoring has confirmed that the majority of fish in those waters are stocked fish, meaning the breeding season closure would provide negligible benefit to Murray Cod.
“Murray Cod are a prized target for fishers in NSW’s inland fishery and are native to the Murray-Darling Basin.
“They are Australia’s largest freshwater fish, growing up to 1.8m in length and weighing up to 50kg.
“This three-month fishing closure is put into place to protect these iconic native freshwater fish for future generations.”
Mr Sloan said in addition to the annual three-month Murray Cod fishing closure, there is also a closure in place for the fishing of Murray Crayfish.
“The Murray Crayfish can only legally be taken in specified waters of the Murray and Murrumbidgee rivers from 1 June to 31 August,” Mr Sloan said.
“The fishery is closed for the remainder of the year, to provide protection for this vulnerable species.
“NSW recreational freshwater fishing laws are designed to protect, conserve and improve our fisheries resources for future generations.
“Murray Crayfish are endemic to the southern tributaries of the Murray-Darling Basin and are the largest freshwater spiny crayfish in NSW, growing up to three kilograms in weight.
Information on freshwater fishing rules can be found in the NSW Recreational Fishing Guide from DPI Fisheries offices, bait and tackle shops, fishing license agents or via our website https://bit.ly/3AWEPrp.
Suspected illegal fishing should be reported to the Fishers Watch Phoneline on 1800 043 536 or via the online form located on NSW DPI Fisheries website here – https://bit.ly/38lU4OB.
