▲TopMurray Cray Season Opened May 1

The annual four-month Murray crayfish open season began on Thursday 1 May and anglers should ensure they know the rules for catching this prized native species. These rules, aim to ensure Murray crayfish are harvested sustainably. Crayfish measuring devices and advisory material are available from any DPI Fisheries offices or phone 1300 550 474.

Fishers are reminded of the main rules:

• A daily bag limit of five applies to Murray crayfish with a total of 10 in possession. They must have a carapace (head) length of at least nine centimetres long, but only one crayfish greater than 12 centimetres may be kept.
• Murray crayfish can only be taken during the months of May, June, July and August.
• A ban applies to taking Murray crayfish in trout waters.
• Any female crayfish taken that are carrying eggs must be returned to the water immediately. Removing claws, head or tail in, on or adjacent to water, is also banned.
• Five hoop nets per person are permitted with the user's name and address on the float.

Artificial Reefs to create fishing haven on the South Coast

Recreational fishing on NSW South Coast is set to get even better, with the region set to receive two artificial reefs: one in Lake Conjola and the other in Merimbula Lake. The reefs are moulded concrete balls deployed in shallow coastal estuaries, which create an artificial reef which can be easily relocated if necessary. This is exciting news for recreational fishers on the South Coast. Artificial reefs deployed in Lake Macquarie, Botany Bay and St Georges Basin have proven to be successful in attracting a variety of recreational fishing species, including bream, snapper and whiting. The artificial reefs program is funded by the Recreational Fishing Trust. It’s another great example of recreational fishing licence fees being put back into the water for the benefit of the community. The reefs should be installed later this year, pending approval from all relevant consenting authorities. For more information visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/saltwater-fishing/artificial-reefs

Lights improve safety at Crowdy Head boat ramp

Lights will be installed at the popular Crowdy Head boat ramp on the State’s North Coast, to improve safety for local fishers and visitors after Harrington Hotel Blue-water Fishing Club successfully secured more than $6,000 funding through the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust. The lighting will enable boat users to see any hazards, such as slippery surfaces, or any other dangers, when entering or leaving the water. The lights are expected to be built in the next two months.

General information 1300 550 474 Agent enquiries or for changing contact details: 02 9527 8589, Fax 02 9527 8409

www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/recreational

New patrol boat for South coast up and running

A new state-of-the-art, "hot pursuit" NSW Fisheries boat has begun patrolling South Coast fishing waters targeting illegal fishing activity. The vessel is patrolling waterways from Tuross Heads in the north and Goalen Head in the south including Tuross Lake, Mummaga Lake, Wagonga Inlet and Bermagui River. It will also patrol aquatic reserves, marine protected areas and around Montague Island, a critical habit for the grey nurse shark. Illegal fishing activity can be reported to your local DPI Fisheries office or by calling the Fishers Watch hotline 1800 043 536.

Alien fish escape threatens native species

An exotic fish species commonly kept as a tropical aquarium fish has been discovered in the wild for the first time in NSW near Newcastle. NSW (DPI) researchers discovered six live Platys at Medowie, when undertaking survey work in a drainage channel at Ferodale Park. Platys have also been found in creeks around Brisbane and far North Queensland and have a high reproductive rate. If they breed and spread they have the potential to impact native fish species by competing for food and space and may also spread disease and parasites. Keep a lookout for suspected new pest fish and plant species in local waterways and report suspected aquatic pests to NSW DPI’s Aquatic Biosecurity Unit on the 24 hour recorded hotline (02) 4916 3877 or email aquatic.pests@dpi.nsw.gov.au.

Huge Illegal lobster catch seized

A commercial fisherman from the State’s mid north coast will face court on numerous charges following what is believed to be the State’s largest seizure of 930 eastern rock lobsters with a total weight of approx 950 kg and an estimated retail value of more than $60,000 found in seven holding pens. The fisherman will be charged under the Fisheries Management Act 1994 following a major operation during the past week along the coastline between Crescent Head and Port Macquarie, which recovered almost one tonne of rock lobsters. The good news is that all these lobsters have been returned to the water alive. Illegal fishing activities can be reported on 1800 043 536 or call your local NSW DPI fisheries office.

Reminder to all Agents

To order additional licence material and recreational fishing advisory information, contact DPI recreational licensing team on (02) 9527 8589 or fax your order to (02) 9527 0034. To be added to the Newscast electronic mailing list, please send your email address to fisheries.newscast@dpi.nsw.gov.au.