LATEST FISHERIES NEWS

Catch a fish, not a fine this Christmas:

09/07/09: – Fishers are being warned to make sure they pack their NSW Recreational Fishing Licence before they head off on holidays this festive season.
Industry & Investment NSW Fisheries Compliance Director Glenn Tritton said the summer holidays are traditionally one of the busiest times for fishers to wet a line..

“Fishing is one of this country’s greatest past times, with more than one million recreational fishers hitting the water in NSW every year,” Mr Tritton said. “But before you try your luck in any one of NSW’s great fishing spots – you need to make sure you’ve got a NSW Recreational Fishing Licence.

“A licence is necessary for all types of fishing activity including netting for prawns, spear fishing shellfish gathering and angling, and must be carried on the person at all times. “A $200 on the spot fine applies for fishing without a current fishing licence, unless exempt from holding a licence.

“NSW Recreational fishing licences are available at more than 1000 outlets including bait and tackle shops, and some Kmart stores as well as your local I&I NSW office. “Licences are also available online at www.licence.nsw.gov.au or by calling 1300 369 365.”

The types of licences available include:
• $6 for three days
• $12 for one month
• $30 for one year
• $75 for three years

“Money raised from the sale of recreational fishing licences is placed into two trusts, one for saltwater and one for freshwater, and can only be spent on projects to improve recreational fishing in NSW,” Mr Tritton said.
“Fishers must also make sure they comply with a range of rules and regulations including gear restrictions, closed areas to fishing as well as fish size and bag limits.

“The rules are in place to encourage responsible fishing, reduce the chance of over fishing and to ensure stocks remain at sustainable levels for future generations.
“Fishers should also make sure they fish safely, and check the weather and water conditions before heading out.”

The highly informative NSW Recreational Saltwater and Freshwater Guides 2010 are now available and contain a range of useful information including fish identification, size and bag limits, prohibited methods and tips on fishing safely. You can obtain a free copy from most fishing tackle outlets or email: fishingguide.fisheries@industry.nsw.gov.au.