MEDIA RELEASE:Fishing Closure for Rare Freshwater Fish

[Nete-Quette]

31.7.08

MEDIA RELEASE:    Fishing Closure for Rare Freshwater Fish

A total fishing ban is being enforced for the next three (3) months (until the end of October) on the Mann and the Nymboida Rivers and all their tributaries.

The total fishing ban is to protect the spawning season of the Eastern Freshwater Cod. Scientific studies demonstrate this magnificent species is most vulnerable during its breeding season, August to October.

The penalty for fishing in the closed zone is a fine of up to $22,000. The survival of this iconic freshwater fish is dependent upon the closure being effective!

The Eastern Freshwater Cod is not your typical Australian male. After the female lays the eggs, the male stays on station guarding the eggs during incubation and the development of the fry. Unguarded eggs are quickly devoured by predators.

It is absolutely essential for the survival of this endangered species that this territorial behaviour is uninterrupted.

Eastern Freshwater Cod are a totally protected species and this three month total fishing closure will enhance their comeback from the brink of extinction.

For a species that was once common in the Richmond and Clarence River systems, it is now only found in two isolated and small populations.
                  
Ken Thurlow CEO

[Nete-Quette]

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[CEO]

  While the impending October long weekend  is a popular time for fishing families to visit the rugged Nymboida / Clarence river systems, be advised that Fisheries Compliance staff will be patrolling and targetting, the closed areas, by a variety of means. The East Coast Cod closure, (a total fishing ban) ceases on 31st October. And a reminder that Daylight Saving recommences again next weekend.

[CEO]

   We all hope no-one was doing the wrong thing during the long weekend in the area closed to ALL forms of fishing. That would be just plain dumb!

[CEO]

 ECOfishers will check with Compliance staff to see if anyone was issued with infringement notices during the above fishing closure.

[CEO]

  NSW Fisheries advises ECOfishers that there were no serious infringement issue in the "Fishing CLosure," during the October long weekend. A campaign of appropriate signage, foot, kayak and helicopter patrols, detected no breaches.
  NSW Fisheries has thanked ECOfishers for their support  and looks forward to enlisting their support again next year with a novel approach or two. ECOfishers will be happy to oblige again.
    Now that truly is, "Making people part of the solution."