Department of Primary Industries (DPI) senior inland fisheries manager, Cameron Westaway, said the zero bag limit protects the fish species while they spawn.

“During the winter months these popular native sports fish species become vulnerable to overfishing as they form large groups and migrate to parts of estuaries with the right salinity to trigger spawning,” Mr Westaway said.

“This closure protects the fish species during this spawning period to ensure they can remain a popular catch with recreational fishers for many generations to come.”

Mr Westaway said the zero bag limit does not apply to Australian bass and estuary perch caught in freshwater dams or in rivers above impoundments, as they do not breed in these areas.

“All fish in freshwater impoundments, like Glenbawn Dam and Glennies Creek Dam in the Hunter Valley, Brogo Dam near Bega and Clarrie Hall and Toonumbar Dams in the northeast are stocked fisheries, meaning anglers may continue to fish for these species in those waters all year round,” he said.

Catch and release fishing for Australian bass or estuary perch is permitted in rivers during the closure but any of these species of fish must be returned to the water immediately with the least possible harm.

“The zero bag limit does not close any waters to fishing and does not affect anglers fishing for other estuary species, such as bream or flathead,” Mr Westaway said.

Fisheries officers will target anglers illegally retaining Australian bass or estuary perch during the four-month closure. 

Detailed information on fishing rules is also on the website at www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au and at DPI fisheries offices and most bait and tackle stores.