Threatened species colour guide for anglers

The State Government has produced a colourful, practical guide to help commercial fishers identify threatened species on and around the water.

The Threatened and Protected Species Identification Guide for Fishers is being distributed to commercial fishers across NSW and will soon also be available for recreational anglers and conservation groups.

Strong interest in the guide from all fishing industries showed the growing awareness of the need to conserve marine and aquatic biodiversity.

The guide includes information on birds and their habitats, fish species, turtle identification, penguins, sharks, whales and other sea mammals.

It is important that all fishers have a basic idea of the size, colouring, habitat and physical features which help to identify threatened species.

The guides have been produced by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) to help fishers comply with environmental legislation. Copies for anglers will be partly funded by the NSW Recreational Fishing Licence.

The State Government has a strong and detailed plan for helping to balance the growing population in NSW and the need to protect our marine and aquatic biodiversity.

This includes:
* An on-going fish stocking program to help ease the pressure on inland fisheries;
* A plan to develop aquaculture which also helps to ease pressure on fish stocks;
* Extensive fish habitat restoration work, which is partly funded through the NSW Recreational Fishing Licence;
* Detailed assessments to ensure our commercial fisheries are sustainable.

The Threatened & Protected Species Identification Guide for Fishers is available by calling the NSW DPI Fisheries Advisory Line on 1300 550 474.