Anglers are reminded that the Murray Cod fishing season closes at midnight on 31 August 2012.

“To maintain our Murray cod stocks and allow the fish to spawn, the ACT has a closed season in which it is prohibited to fish for Murray cod,” Daniel Walters, acting Director of Environment Protection and Water Regulation said today.

“The closed season commences on 31 August at midnight and will remain in effect until midnight 30 November.”

Anglers are still permitted to fish the Murrumbidgee River within the ACT (downstream from the junction with the Gudgenby River); the Molonglo River downstream from Scrivener Dam; and Canberra’s urban lakes, which remain open to fishing all year round.

“If you catch a Murray cod in these waterways, you must return it to the water with the least amount of injury possible,” Mr Walters said.

“By observing these simple rules, fishing enthusiasts will help look after a valuable recreational resource for future generations and maintain the ACT’s reputation as a great place to catch a variety of freshwater fish, including the native Murray cod.”

The season is closed in accordance with the Fisheries Act 2000. This legislation is designed to conserve fish species and their habitat and promote sustainable, high quality and viable recreational fishing in the ACT.

“The closure provides additional protection to Murray cod during their spawning season, when the fish are more aggressive and easier to catch. Protection of spawning fish is essential if Murray cod are to be managed in a sustainable way,” Mr Walters said.

The season closure in the ACT is the same as those in force in NSW and Victorian waters. For more information call Canberra Connect on 13 22 81 or visit www.environment.act.gov.au.