FISHING enthusiasts gearing up for the holiday season should be aware of recent changes to recreational fishing rules in NSW, the Member for Monaro John Barilaro said today.
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Mr Barilaro said changes include modified bag and size limits and gear usage rules.
“The changes are now in place, after taking into account feedback from thousands of recreational fishers including those in the Monaro,” said Mr Barilaro.
“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government remains committed to ensuring rules reflect the recreational fishing community’s needs and expectations, while maintaining quality recreational fishing for the future.”
Key changes include:
* Bag limit reduced from 20 to 10 for Flathead species (other than Dusky Flathead), Bream and Tarwhine, Tailor, Blue Swimmer Crab, Trevallies and Luderick. The possession limit of 20 will remain for these species;
* Spawning closure for Australian Bass and Estuary Perch extended to four months to protect early migrating bass. Catch and release will be permitted during the closure;
* Number of witches hats/hoop nets/lift nets is reduced from five to four and the number of crab traps is increased from one to two in saltwater.
* change of marking requirements of recreational nets and traps to specify trap type, fisher’s initial and surname, year of birth and postcode;
* Five hoop nets are permitted to be used to take yabbies in Lakes Lyell, Lake Wallace and Googong Dam; and
* Revised Murray cod minimum size of 55cm and a maximum size of 75cm.
Another recent change is the new single fish bag limit for southern bluefin tuna.
“Of the 16 changes, five include minor rule adjustments to reduce red tape and streamline fishing rules,” said Mr Barilaro.
“The NSW Government is proud to support our recreational sector, which contributes more than $1.6 billion to the State’s economy each year.”
To view a video explaining the changes, and for more information, visit www.dpi.nsw.gov/au/fisheries/recreational