NSW New Fishing Laws Come Into Effect

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04 Nov 2014

ANGLERS in NSW are being reminded that changes to the state's recreational fishing rules commenced this week.

Minister for Primary Industries Katrina Hodgkinson said the changes are now in place, after taking into account feedback from thousands of recreational fishers.

“These changes, supported by a majority of people who made submissions, include modified bag and size limits and gear usage rules,†Ms Hodgkinson said.

“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.â€

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.

Ms Hodgkinson said of the 16 changes, five include minor rule adjustments to reduce red tape and streamline fishing rules.

“The NSW Government is proud to support our recreational sector, which contributes more than $1.6 billion to the State’s economy each year,†Ms Hodgkinson said.

“A three-month advisory period will be in place to allow recreational anglers time to adjust to the new rules.â€

To view a video explaining the changes, and for more information, visitwww.dpi.nsw.gov/au/fisheries/recreational.