FISHERS CAN SNAG FREE YABBY TRAPS TO HELP PROTECT NATIVE WILDLIFE

LOCAL fishers are in line for free yabby nets as part of a plan to transition the State to open-top nets to protect vulnerable native wildlife.

Northern Tablelands MP and Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said the State Government was giving away 5,000 yabby nets to recreational fishers as part of the comprehensive program to phase out the use of enclosed yabby traps in NSW from 30 April this year.

“Opera house-style yabby traps pose a risk to air breathing animals such as platypus, water rats and turtles, which can find themselves caught and unable to free themselves,” Mr Marshall said.

“The NSW Government has been transitioning to open-top nets for some time and this roll out will be implemented following consultation with and support from the NSW Recreational Fishing Advisory Council.

“We want to give fishers has much time as possible to make sure that they’re aware of the new rules and ensure they have the right equipment.

“By moving away from ‘opera’ style traps to open-top yabby nets, we will allow both our fishing resources and native animal populations to flourish, with the open top nets allowing mammals to exit through the top, unlike opera house traps which only have openings on the sides.”

Mr Marshall said up to five nets, comprised of either open pyramid lift nets, hoop/lift nets or a combination of both, could be used to catch yabbies in all inland waters where it is legal to use lift nets.

“This is a great opportunity for fishers to do the right thing and get new gear in the process,” he said.

To assist with this transition, the NSW Department of Primary Industries is giving away 5,000 open-top nets. To collect a free open-top yabby net, please phone 02 6051 7760.

More information about the recreational fishing rule changes are available online at www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au, or by contacting your local NSW DPI Fisheries office.