Check new freshwater rules before fishing

KEEN fishers better check new fishing rules before casting their lines in freshwater next month.

A number of freshwater fish species will receive greater protection when the new freshwater fishing rules are implemented from February 1.

Fisheries Queensland manager Tony Ham said the changes to freshwater fishing rules would ensure the sustainability of fisheries for future generations.

“These changes will see new closed waters areas added adjacent to waterway barriers on the North Pine River at North Pine Dam, Sideling Creek at Lake Kurwongbah, Teviot Brook at Wyaralong Dam and Yabba Creek at Borumba Dam to provide these areas with the same protection provided at other dams,” Mr Ham said.

“Greater protection will be provided to a number of freshwater fish species including mary river cod, murray cod, silver perch, edgbaston hardyhead and cling gobies, freshwater mullet, gulf grunter, lake grunter and eel-tailed catfish will ensure the sustainability of these species.”

Mr Ham said the use of marine baits would be restricted in all freshwater systems and new rules relating to the use of set lines, funnel traps, round traps and the marking of freshwater traps would come into effect.

– APN NEWSDESK