Closed season for fishing in the Mann River and tributaries

Closed season for fishing in the Mann River and tributaries © RFA of NSW

The annual three month fishing closure on the Mann River and its tributaries commenced on 1 August 2022.

The annual closure is in place to provide an increased level of protection to the endangered eastern freshwater cod (eastern cod) during its spawning season and across an important portion of its natural range. At spawning time the eastern cod becomes particularly vulnerable to capture by hook and line due to the aggressive manner in which it protects its eggs.

The fishing closure runs from 1 August through to 31 October each year. All fishing activity is prohibited in the Mann River and its tributaries upstream of its junction with the Clarence River. This also includes the Nymboida River and all of its tributaries from its junction with the Mann River upstream to its junction with Wild Cattle Creek.

The possession of fishing gear in, on or adjacent to closed waters is also an offence. Penalties for fishing or being in possession of fishing gear on closed waters ranges from fines of $500 up to $22,000 upon prosecution.

Because of the endangered status of eastern cod, deliberately fishing for or targeting them is illegal. Offending involving the; taking, or harming or retention of Eastern Cod at any time can result in fines of $2,500 up to $220,000 and/or 2 years imprisonment upon prosecution.

If you accidentally catch an eastern cod in other areas, you must release it immediately back into the waters from which it was taken, ensuring that you cause the least possible harm.

Fisheries Officers will be out monitoring the closed waters and that patrol activity will include both high profile and covert activities.

Fisheries Officers will also be monitoring for illegal dredging and reclamation activities on rivers and streams across North East NSW. Landowners are reminded that earthworks that impact on the bed or bank of a waterway require approval via permit from NSW Fisheries. This process seeks to limit the damage that is caused to fish habitat and to arrest the decline in the health of waterways and water quality which directly impact on threatened species such as eastern cod.

If you accidentally catch (outside of the closure) or you see an eastern freshwater cod, help DPI better understand this species and its distribution by recording as many details as you can, get a photo if possible and complete the online reporting form here.

You can do your part to help protect the State's fisheries resources by reporting illegal fishing activity to Fishers Watch on 1800 043 536 or online here.