A new study aimed at providing vital information on the freshwater catfish population in the Clarence River system is about to commence, Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald said today.

Minister Macdonald said the disappearance of catfish from many rivers in western NSW and declining stocks in coastal catchments has highlighted the need to better understand the species.

"Until now, very little research has been conducted on freshwater catfish, so these results will be crucial to help ensure the long-term sustainable management of the species," he said.

"Fishing for catfish with a hand-line and a tin of worms is a fond childhood memory for many country people.

"This research will help us better understand the habitat and flow requirements of catfish in the system, so that this popular pastime can be passed down to future generations.

"The project will focus on freshwater catfish in the mid sections of the Nymboida River, one of the largest sub-catchments of the Clarence River System.

"The latest radio-tagging techniques will be used to monitor the movements of a number of catfish over a 12 month period.

"We are urging anyone who catches a tagged fish to return them to the water unharmed as quickly as possible.

"Tagged catfish have an aerial protruding from their underbelly, near the vent region.

"Radio-tracking will determine the movement patterns of catfish in relation to water flows and barriers, particularly their movement patterns during the breeding season.

"We will be able to track catfish to their nests and study their breeding habits and the importance of water flows to this process."

Another study also underway, funded by the Recreational Fishing Trust of NSW, is looking at the genetics and ecology of western catfish populations, which have declined significantly in recent years.

The study is part funded by the Recreational Fishing Trust of NSW and is one component of a three-year collaborative project.

That project will study the effects of flows and barriers on a number of species in the Clarence, involving NSW DPI, the Northern Rivers CMA, North-Coast Water, Coffs Harbour Water and Country Energy.

Media contact: Jason Bartlett, 0438 209 281