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General Category => News Views & Press Releases => Topic started by: Editor on June 11, 2013, 02:02:06 PM

Title: Australian bass and estuary perch closed for fishing
Post by: Editor on June 11, 2013, 02:02:06 PM
Australian bass and estuary perch closed for fishing
31 May 2013 - NSW DPI


Fishers are reminded that the annual fishing closure for Australian bass and estuary perch from all rivers and estuaries in NSW will commence on 1 June.

Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Inland Senior Fisheries Manager, Cameron Westaway, said the zero bag limit protects the fish species while they spawn.

“An annual three month closure for Australian bass and estuary perch was introduced after feedback from the community during the review of recreational fishing rules in 2007,” Mr Westaway said.

“During the winter months these popular native sports fish species become vulnerable to overfishing as they form large groups and migrate to parts of estuaries with the right salinity to trigger spawning.

“This closure protects the fish species during this spawning period to ensure they can remain a popular catch with recreational fishers for many generations to come.”

Mr Westaway said the zero bag limit does not apply to Australian bass and estuary perch caught in freshwater impoundments and dams, as they do not breed in these areas.

“All fish in freshwater impoundments, like Glenbawn Dam and Glennies Creek Dam in the Hunter Valley, Brogo Dam near Bega and Clarrie Hall and Toonumbar Dams in the northeast are stocked fisheries, meaning anglers may continue to fish for these species in those waters all year round,” he said.

DPI Director of Fisheries Compliance, Glenn Tritton, said any Australian bass or estuary perch caught in rivers during the closure must be returned to the water immediately with the least possible harm.

“The zero bag limit does not close any waters to fishing and does not affect anglers fishing for other estuary species, such as bream or flathead,” Mr Tritton said.

“Fisheries officers will target fishers illegally retaining Australian bass or estuary perch during the three month closure.

“Anyone caught retaining Australian bass or estuary perch will be issued with a penalty notice or in more serious matters will face local court.”

A proposal to extend the closed season to ensure spawning protection for bass in all areas of the State can be found at


Have your say on the review of NSW recreational fishing rules (http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/info/review)