NSW

NSW Fisheries Officers protecting our waterways from illegal fishing! NSW Fisheries Officers regularly patrol waterways that are important for fish migration. The area of the Nepean River at Penrith Weir 115 metres upstream and 26 metres downstream from the weir face prohibits all methods of fishing. The vertical slot fishway system installed here plays an important role in ensuring migrating …

Using wire fish traps to take Murray crayfish is unlawful and will not be tolerated. NSW DPI Fisheries Officers from the states South West have apprehended a man from Gooramadda, allegedly using an unlawful wire trap to take Murray crayfish from the Murray River near Howlong. As a result of a surveillance operation, the man was observed and recorded using …

Tilapia is in the top 100 of the world’s worst introduced species. It is a real risk to NSW’s native fauna and our environment. If you see a fish you think might be tilapia, call the NSW DPI Aquatic Biosecurity 24-hour hotline 1800 675 888. Why are Tilapia a risk to native fish and habitats? Characteristics allow tilapia to establish …

NSW prawns remain safe for human consumption and consumers can continue to purchase NSW prawns from local seafood suppliers. Last month NSW DPI and the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness has confirmed detections of White Spot in wild-caught school prawns near the Evans River (on 8 May) and Richmond River (on 25 May). As a result, a Biosecurity Control Order …

The 2024 Murray crayfish season commences this Saturday, June 1! Murray crayfish may only be taken during the months of June, July and August in the Murray River between Hume Weir and the Newell Highway Road bridge at Tocumwal including Lake Mulwala and in the Murrumbidgee River between the Hume Highway Road bridge at Gundagai and Berembed Weir, excluding Old …

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) has been detected by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) in wild-caught school prawns (Metapenaeus macleay), from the inshore ocean area near Evans Head. The WSSV-positive prawns were collected on April 29, 2024 for routine testing as part of the national white spot surveillance program, with DPI Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI) testing of 195 prawns in pools of …

Circle hooks are widely known as the No.1 choice for game fishermen targeting billfish on live baits or skip baits. These strange looking, inward turned hooks are designed to pin fish in the corner of the mouth, ensuring a solid hook hold and a healthy release. However, circles aren’t just about catch and release fishing for gamefish – they are …

In January 2023, 2100 “advanced size” juvenile dusky flathead were stocked into Lake Macquarie, as part of a research project assessing techniques to enhance populations of this highly popular sportfish. Fast forward to the 2024 Easter long weekend and the first reported tagged dusky from this cohort of fish has been recaptured. Keen angler Steve Vella caught and released the …

New eastern blue groper fishing rule changes From March 1 2024, taking eastern blue groper by any method, including line fishing, is prohibited as part of a 12-month trial, to ensure greater protection of this iconic species. During the 12-month trial, DPI Fisheries are consulting with stakeholders and the broader community on longer term changes to eastern blue groper fishing …

Do not discard any seafood waste in waterways – throw all abalone shells, gut and any leftover abalone waste in the bin. Movement restrictions are in place on the transport of live abalone into and within New South Wales in response to detections of Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis (AVG) in South Australia. What is AVG? AVG is a viral disease which …