Sweetwater Fishing Forums
General Category => News Views & Press Releases => Topic started by: Editor on November 15, 2012, 05:59:56 PM
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Have your say on Murray crayfish proposal
15 Nov 2012
The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is seeking public submissions on a proposal by the Fisheries Scientific Committee (FSC) to list Murray crayfish as a vulnerable species.
DPI Director of Aquaculture, Conservation and Marine Parks, Bill Talbot, said the FSC has reviewed available information on Murray crayfish and found that the species is facing a high risk of extinction in NSW.
"Factors contributing to the decline of Murray crayfish include continued harvest by recreational fishers, habitat modification and loss, sedimentation, river regulation and the species’ intolerance of low dissolved oxygen concentrations caused by flooding," Mr Talbot said.
"The FSC is seeking written submissions from the public on any information that may assist their deliberations, including information on abundance, distribution and any historical information, such as old catch records.
"I encourage any member of the public with relevant information to make a submission to the FSC."
After the close of the consultation period, the FSC will consider all submissions before making a final determination on whether to list the species as a vulnerable species under the Fisheries Management Act 1994.
"If listed, it will become an offence to harm, buy, sell, possess, or damage the habitat of Murray crayfish without a specific permit or licence," Mr Talbot said.
The FSC is an independent scientific advisory body whose role is to determine the eligibility of nominated species through assessment against specified listing criteria. Submissions must be received in writing by Friday 21 December 2012.
Submissions can be sent by email to fsc@dpi.nsw.gov.au or by mail to:
Fisheries Scientific Committee
c/- NSW Department of Primary Industries
12 Shirley Road
Wollstonencraft NSW 2065
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Yeah, close them off an dit will be just the excuse for the bogans to toss in a few redclaw........