New recreational fishing rules for native species in the Snowy River
22 Dec 2016
New rules for recreational fishing of native fish in the Snowy River catchment are now in place in a move to further protect native species within the endangered ecological community.
Department of Primary Industries’ (DPI) Senior Fisheries Manager, Dr Trevor Daly, saidthe rules have commenced following a Ministerial Order.
“As part of the changes a ‘catch and release’ fishery for Australian Bass and Estuary Perch has been established,” Dr Daly said.
“This means that any Australian Bass or Estuary Perch caught within the Snowy River EEC must be returned immediately to the waters from which they were caught.
“Recreational fishers can continue to catch and keep Longfin and Shortfin Eels in the catchment.
“Existing fishing rules for Salmonoids (Trout), which are not native species, remain unchanged.
“The Snowy River is always a popular place for fishers and their families over summer and I would encourage everyone to enjoy themselves and be aware of the rules.”
Species listed as threatened in NSW are not permitted to be taken by recreational fishers within the endangered ecological community or elsewhere in NSW.
“Any accidental capture of threatened species must be returned to the water unharmed,” Dr Daly said.
“The Snowy River aquatic ecological community was listed as endangered by the Independent Fisheries Scientific Committee (FSC) in 2012 and significant work has been done since to consider future impacts.”
Public submissions were invited on the Species Impact Statement (SIS) and draft Ministerial Order during April and May 2016.
The SIS considered the impact of limited recreational fishing for native species in the Snowy River ecologically endangered community and made recommendations to the Minister, which along with advice from the FSC and public submissions led to the decision to implement the Ministerial Order.
More information
Media contact: Lyndall Hilder (02) 6391 3686 or 0409 383 423
