Sweetwater Fishing Forums
General Category => News Views & Press Releases => Topic started by: Editor on October 26, 2013, 07:41:29 AM
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Macquarie perch season is closed
22 October 2013 - Vic DEPI
Fisheries Victoria is advising all freshwater anglers that Macquarie perch season is closed from October 1 to December 31.
Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) Senior Fisheries Officer Greg Sharp said the closed season is to protect the fish during their spawning season.
"Macquarie perch is classified as threatened under the Victorian Government Flora and fauna Guarantee Act 1988," Mr Sharp said.
"Dartmouth Dam and upper Mitta Mitta River are the last strongholds of the Macquarie perch population in Australia.
"It's vital that anglers who accidentally catch these fish return them to the water with the least possible injury or harm."
Mr Sharp said uniformed and plain clothed Fisheries Officers frequently patrol the lake and its tributaries in an effort to protect this threatened fish and ensure anglers comply with recreational catch limits and regulations.
"We have an on-the-spot fine of $433 for taking Macquarie perch during closed season with more serious offences going to court."Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected illegal fishing activities to the 24 hour fisheries offence reporting line, 13-FISH (13 3474).