Have your say on proposed changes to fishing rules
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Anglers in NSW are invited to have their say on proposals to change some recreational fishing rules, including modifications to size limits, bag limits and fishing methods.
Two discussion papers have been prepared in consultation with the commercial and recreational fishing advisory councils.
The discussion papers have been prepared in response to the findings of environmental assessments being conducted for the state’s major fisheries, the results of the National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Survey, the recommendations of the Palmer Report on Illegal Fishing for Commercial Gain or Profit in NSW, and community feedback from previous reviews.
This process will give people the opportunity to comment on the proposals and options for changes to the current fishing rules.
The discussion papers include proposals for changes to freshwater and saltwater bag and size limits and methods, and for fishing competitions.
The changes being considered for freshwater fishing include:
- creating a spawning closure for Australian bass and estuary perch
- extending the Murray crayfish rules to apply to all other species of spiny crayfish
- increasing the minimum size limit for Murray cod, and introducing a catch and release requirement for cod larger than 100cm
- introducing a maximum time of 24 hours for setting gear
- changes to the bag and possession limit of trout in some waters.
The changes being considered for saltwater fishing include:
- introducing a bag limit for common baitfish
- a combined bag limit of 20 for all leatherjacket species
- smaller bag limits for some highly valued species including mahi-mahi, marlin, sailfish and swordfish
- introducing of minimum length for several species
- creating a spearfishing code of practice.
The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) will distribute 75,000 discussion papers throughout NSW using many bait and tackle shops, Fishcare volunteers, DPI Fisheries Offices and direct mail to stakeholder groups, fish cooperatives and fishing clubs.
Written submissions close 30 September 2005. Submissions should be sent to: Fishing Review, NSW DPI, PO Box 21, Cronulla, NSW, 2230, faxed to (02) 9527 8576 or emailed to fish.review@fisheries.nsw.gov.au.