THE Environment and Planning Directorate is reminding anglers that the Murray Cod fishing season will close at midnight on Monday, 31 August 2015.

Dr Annie Lane, Executive Director, Environment, said the closed season will remain in effect until midnight on Monday, 30 November 2015.

“Anglers are still permitted to fish the Murrumbidgee River within the ACT downstream from the junction with the Gudgenby River; the Molonglo River downstream of its junction with the Queanbeyan River; and Canberra’s urban lakes and ponds, which remain open to fishing all year round,” Annie said.

“Fishing is not permitted at anytime on the Murrumbidgee River between Angle Crossing and the junction with the Gudgenby River. Explanation of the fishing zones and other information can be found at environment.act.gov.au.

“During the closed season if you catch a Murray Cod in these waterways you must return it to the water with the least amount of injury possible.

“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.

The closed season in the ACT is the same as those in force in NSW and Victorian waters.

It is an offence to take Murray Cod from public waters during the closed season and any persons found doing so can be issued with an on-the-spot fine of $250 with the maximum penalty of up to $5,500.

For more information call Canberra Connect on 13 22 81 or visit environment.act.gov.au

[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.]