Fisheries Officers have been conducting high profile patrols recently by focusing on coastal and offshore waters to detect and deter illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities and maintain a high visibility presence on the water.
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Sydney North officers recently conducted an offshore patrol in which good numbers of snapper were found to have been taken by recreational fishers.
Pleasingly, no offences related to snapper were detected, however several offences related to other species were found.
Fishers are reminded that it is unlawful to possess prohibited size fish in NSW.
This includes the use of prohibited size fish as bait as anglers must ensure the legal size limit is adhered to before consumption, retention or use as bait.
Even if the prohibited size fish is dead or injured it must be released immediately and additional rules also relate to mutilation of a restricted species of fish.
For example, if using tailor as bait it must be greater than 30cm in length.
Catch size and bag limit rules are in place to ensure the sustainability of fish stocks.
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With many Murray cod anglers gearing up for the opening next Wednesday, December 1, queries have been made as to why the closure at all. DPI scientists have been using a variety of techniques to help unlock secrets of spawning and recruitment in wild Murray cod.
The winter months have proven to be the prime spawning times so the closure was imposed to allow these iconic species to progress through their breeding cycles unhindered.