Targeted Operation for Murray Crayfish Open Season
7 Jul 2021
The Murray Crayfish season is now underway, and NSW DPI Fisheries Officers are reminding the public to abide by strict size and bag limits after a Queen's Birthday long weekend blitz.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Acting Director Fisheries Compliance, Tony Chen has today said that leading up to and over the Queen's Birthday long weekend, Fisheries Officers from across Southwest NSW inspected 448 fishers, where 53 offences were detected.
“Some of these offences were detected thanks to information provided by the public to the NSW Fishers Hotline, with a number of people apprehended in closed waters before the season had started,” Mr Chen said.
“The operation focused on two areas: the Murray River from Albury downstream to Strathmerton; and the Murrumbidgee River from Gundagai downstream to Berembed Weir.
“While most fishers were abiding by the rules and regulations, Fisheries Officers detected several offences relating to size and bag limits.
“This included two fishermen who were found in possession of 16 Murray Crayfish including 7 of a prohibited size and carrying ova externally, this offence saw both fishermen receive multiple penalty notices totaling $1400 each.”
The operation also saw another 11 people, who were found in possession of prohibited size Murray Crayfish and a further 6 people were also apprehended for possessing Murray Crayfish carrying ova.
A total of 22 Murray Crayfish and 9 unprescribed traps were seized by Fisheries Officers.
Mr Chen has urged fishers to familiarise themselves with the rules and regulations surrounding the capture of Murray Crayfish.
“During the open season of June, July and August, Murray Crayfish can only be taken from prescribed areas of the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers, and it is an offence to take Murray Crayfish using any form of trap.
“Murray Crayfish have a minimum size of 10cm and a maximum size of 12cm carapace length, with a daily take limit of 2 and a total possession limit of 4.
“The species must be measured correctly from the rear of the eye socket to the centre rear of the carapace, or head shell excluding any attached hairs.
“Any Crayfish carrying ova (eggs) must be returned to the water immediately with the least possible harm.”
The public are encouraged to report illegal fishing activity to the NSW Fishers Hotline on 1800 043 536.
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