Key threatening process: Hook and line fishing in areas important for the survival of threatened fish species.

Description:Hook and line fishing refers to the activity that uses a combination of lines and hooks with the aim of catching fish. This includes, but is not restricted to, the use of lines composed of microfilament, wire and cord, with attached lures, hooks and jigs. Hand – lines, set lines, rod and reel fishing, trolling, lure fishing and fly fishing are all included in the activities identified as a key threatening process. This definition includes catch and release, not just the “taking” of fish.

Areas that are known to be used for feeding and breeding are considered important for the survival of a threatened species. Some of these areas may be declared as critical habitat, such as the grey nurse shark areas along the NSW coast. Other important areas include the trout cod protection areas in the Murray River that contain remnant trout cod populations and the Nymboida River that contains the last naturally occurring populations of eastern freshwater cod.