THE Murray crayfish season opened yesterday, but the freshwater crustacean won’t be allowed to be collected downstream of Tocumwal.
NSW Department of Primary Industries deputy director general fisheries Sean Sloan said 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, and in the Murrumbidgee River, between the Hume Highway road bridge, Gundagai, and Berembed Weir, excluding Old Man Creek.
“A number of rules are in place to protect this vulnerable species and assist with its recovery,” he said.
Thousands of crayfish were rescued from the Murray River during the high river levels last October and November as hundreds walked out of the deoxygenated water.
“It’s a highly anticipated time when the Murray crayfish season opens on June 1 for the winter months, and we want to ensure fishers can enjoy the season while abiding by the rules to make sure we can sustain this species for future generations,” Mr Sloan said.
Mr Sloan said fisheries officers would be patrolling waterways ensuring water users were following the rules and abiding by the bag and possession limits.
“Recreational fishers can use up to a total of five hoop/lift nets or open pyramid lift nets or combination of these nets per person to take Murray crayfish where permitted. The letters ‘HN’ or ‘PN’ and the user’s name, year of birth and postcode must be visibly written on each net’s float,” Mr Sloan said.
The daily bag limit for Murray crayfish was two and the possession limit was four per person.
The minimum size limit for Murray crayfish, measured from the rear of the eye socket to the centre rear of the carapace, was 10cm and the maximum size limit was 12cm.
“Recreational fishers are also reminded they must not take ‘berried’ females, remove or possess the heads, tails or claws of crayfish in, on, or adjacent to waters, unless the crayfish are being prepared for immediate consumption, immediate use as bait or are being cleaned at a fish cleaning facility,” Mr Sloan said.
“Opera house” style yabby traps are banned in NSW.
Report illegal fishing through the FishSmart app or to the Fishers Watch line on 1800 043 536.
