THE ACT Parks and Conservation Service is asking the public to report instances of illegal fishing in the ACT and is reminding those who fish to act responsibly to protect the local environment.
“This comes after a man was fined $1000 for using illegal fishing equipment in an ACT waterway. He had 20 set lines at Kambah Pool reserve,” Murrumbidgee River Corridor Area Manager, Tim Chaseling, said.
“The ACT has a number of great fishing spots, including along the majestic Murrumbidgee River, where you can catch freshwater fish such as Murray cod and golden perch. Unfortunately some anglers spoil it for others and cause harm to the local environment by leaving baited set lines and rods unattended, fishing during closed seasons, not keeping to size and bag limits, causing damage to the local area through unauthorised vehicle access and leaving rubbish.
“This is incredibly thoughtless behaviour. Set lines are indiscriminate and can seriously harm protected endangered fish such as trout cod and Macquarie perch which also inhabit our waterways. Native animals, such as platypus, can also become entangled on the set lines and drown, while vehicles can cause significant environmental damage. Enclosed yabby traps, such as opera house nets, are also illegal in the ACT and surrounding region given they can kill platypus, turtles and water rats by drowning them.
“I encourage anyone who sees illegal fishing activities, such as set lines, unattended rods or enclosed traps, to report them to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Access Canberra on 13 22 81.
“Signage has been placed at popular fishing spots along the Murrumbidgee and other waterways in the ACT displaying pictures and descriptions of the protected endangered fish so that anglers can readily identify their catch. They also provide information on regulations and restrictions.
“Anglers can fish the areas of the Murrumbidgee River that lie within the ACT downstream from the junction with the Gudgenby River and upstream from Angle Crossing to the ACT border. Some of the best locations include Pine Island Reserve, Kambah Pool Reserve, Casuarina Sands and Uriarra Reserve. People can also fish the Molonglo River downstream from Scrivener Dam; and Canberra’s urban lakes. Four Canberra lakes including Tuggeranong, Ginninderra, Gungahlin and Yerrabi, are stocked with Murray cod and golden perch.”
There are a few other steps people can take to protect the environment:
- wrap excess fishing line in foil and dispose of it in a rubbish bin to stop wildlife getting caught
- take your rubbish home
- don’t dig for worms along the river bank or in nature reserves, it is illegal to do so.
For more information call Access Canberra on 13 22 81 or visit environment.act.gov.au to obtain a copy of the ACT recreational fishing information sheet, available in a number of languages.
[Photo: “Small Murray cod” by Original uploader was Codman at en.wikipedia – Transferred from en.wikipedia; transferred to Commons by User:Bidgee using CommonsHelper.. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.]
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