Recreational fishers are reminded that the annual fishing closure for Australian Bass and Estuary Perch will begin on Thursday, 1 May 2025 covering all coastal rivers and estuaries in New South Wales.
NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), Program Leader Fish Stocking & Enhancement Operations, Jim Harnwell emphasised the importance of the zero-bag limit during this four-month period to protect these native species while they spawn.
"During winter, Australian Bass and Estuary Perch gather in large schools and migrate to specific estuarine areas where the salinity levels are ideal for spawning," Mr. Harnwell said.
"This spawning period is crucial for their long-term survival, and the no-take closure ensures they have the best chance to reproduce and maintain healthy populations."
"Australian Bass and Estuary Perch are popular target for recreational fishers using bait, fly and artificial lures.
"This annual closure, from 1 May through to 31 August, helps safeguard these sought-after sportfish species for generations to come.
"Any Australian Bass or Estuary Perch caught in estuaries and in rivers below dams during the closure must be returned to the water immediately, unharmed."
Australian Bass and Estuary Perch cannot be retained or sold by commercial fishers at any time.
Mr Harnwell said that the zero-bag limit does not apply to Australian Bass and Estuary Perch caught in freshwater dams or in rivers above impoundments, as the fish do not breed in these areas.
"Freshwater impoundments, including Glenbawn Dam and Glennies Creek Dam in the Hunter Valley, Tallowa and Brogo Dams in the southeast and Clarrie Hall and Toonumbar Dams in the northeast, are stocked fisheries and the zero-bag limit does not apply," Mr Harnwell said.
"Since we enhance fish stocks in these impoundments each year with fingerlings bred in our hatcheries, anglers can fish for Australian Bass and Estuary Perch year-round in these waters.
"The zero-bag limit for these species does not close any waters to fishing and does not affect anglers fishing for other estuarine species, such as Yellowfin Bream or Dusky Flathead, during the colder months.
"Recreational fishers are encouraged to download the FishSmart NSW app to stay up to date with all the fishing rules and regulations that apply when fishing in NSW.
"DPIRD Fisheries Officers will be out in full force during this time to ensure that the fishing closure for Australian Bass and Estuary Perch is being adhered to, and all recreational fishing rules are being followed."
If any suspected illegal activity is witnessed, the public is urged to contact the Fishers Watch Phoneline on 1800 043 536 or via the online report form.
