Three short-term prawn trawling closures have been introduced to protect fish stocks after the flooding on the NSW mid north coast, Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald said today. 

"The closures prohibit prawn trawling in ocean waters off the mouths of the Bellinger, Nambucca and Hastings Rivers," Minister Macdonald said.

"The closures, which were introduced this week, are aimed at protecting fish washed out of the rivers as a result of the floods," he said.

"They will be in place until 16 April for the Nambucca and Hastings River areas and until 23 April for the Bellinger area."

Director of Fisheries Operation with NSW Department of Primary Industries Peter Turnell said during floods a greater number of juvenile and non-target fish are flushed from the upper reaches of the rivers out to sea.

He said the waters adjacent to the three rivers had only recently been re-opened after the February floods in the area.

"On this occasion, as was the case with the last set of closures, NSW DPI officers have consulted closely with local commercial fishers," he said.

"They agree that the approach is in the best interests of the fishery and fishers."

Mr Turnell said the flood closures complement a number of rules and regulations in place to ensure the ocean trawl fishery was fished in a sustainable way.

"There are input controls on the fishery that restrict things like the number of licences, the size and engine capacity of boats, the length and mesh size of nets, and the areas and times which can be worked," he said.

"All prawn trawl nets for example must be fitted with an approved By-catch Reduction Device.

"These closures are all part of detailed commercial fisheries management strategies to ensure sustainability."

Information on the fishing closures or on the sustainable management of the Ocean Trawl Fishery is available by calling (02) 9527 8411.

A natural disaster declaration covers Bellingen, Coffs Harbour, Clarence Valley and Nambucca local government areas.

This means affected primary producers and businesses are able to apply for assistance available under the Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements by contacting the Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593.

More information

NSW Rural Assistance Authority

Media contact: Phil Bevan, NSW DPI, Wollongbar Ph 6626 1350 or 0429 458 053