Get your fishing information from the NSW DPIRD FishSmart App or website!
Fisheries Officers patrolling the Riverina area, have intercepted two fishers involved in a series of offences involving the unlawful take and possession of Murray crayfish.
Two fishers were inspected by NSW DPIRD Fisheries Officers on the Murray River more than 20 km beyond the boundary of where Murray Crayfish can be lawfully taken at Tocumwal river.
The inspection uncovered 11 x Murray crayfish in total, including 3 less than the prescribed minimum size of 10 cm and 2 more than the prescribed maximum size of 12 cm.
Not only did the fishers land themselves in hot water over taking Murray crayfish from closed waters, but they were also reported for size limit, bag limit, and possession limit offences.
The fishers told our officers that they had taken their information from unofficial YouTube videos on fishing for Murray crayfish fishing and were unaware that their fishing activities were unlawful. The fishers were issued multiple penalty notices due to their unlawful fishing practices.
Fishers can follow the below links to find information on correct fishing practices, bag and size limits and information on fishing closures:
- The FishSmart app which can be downloaded to your phone for free 24/7 access
- The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development website
- Grab yourself a copy of a Freshwater or Saltwater Recreational Fishing Guide
Not only will following the rules enrich your fishing experiences by keeping you out of hot water, but it will also help ensure our fish stocks remain healthy and strong for the enjoyment of generations to come.
NSW DPIRD encourages the public to report suspected illegal fishing to the Fishers Watch Phone line on 1800 043 536 or via the online form located on our website.