FAQ
What is being listed?
The Murray Crayfish (Euastacus armatus) is being listed as a vulnerable species in NSW.
Why are they being listed?
The Fisheries Scientific Committee (FSC) reviewed the literature and found that the Murray Crayfish is facing a high risk of extinction in NSW in the medium-term future.
Murray Crayfish were once widespread throughout the Murray and Murrumbidgee catchments, from the upper reaches downstream to South Australia and into the A.C.T and Victoria. Today, they are considered rare in the lowland reaches of the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers and are rare or absent west of Mildura.
They are fully protected from fishing within the A.C.T and South Australia due to their restricted status, and are listed as a threatened species in NSW and Victoria.
Factors contributing to the decline of Murray crayfish include increased fishing pressures, habitat modification and loss, sedimentation, river regulation and the species’ intolerance of low dissolved oxygen concentrations associated with blackwater events after flooding. In addition, the species’ slow growth rate, relatively low fecundity, and very low levels of dispersal limit their ability to recover quickly from population declines or to recolonise areas where they have disappeared.
How does the FSC assess species?
The FSC uses criteria set out in the Fisheries Management Act 1994 and prescribed under the Fisheries Management (General) Regulation 2010 in determining the eligibility of species to be listed in the Threatened Species Schedules of the Fisheries Management Act 1994.
What does this mean for fishing?
Once listed, offences are established for harming, buying, selling or possessing threatened species and for damaging the habitat of threatened species.
However, an interim order has been put in place to allow limited recreational fishing for Murray Crayfish for the 2013 season.
Why have new regulatory arrangements been put in place?
New regulatory arrangements are considered vital to protect remaining Murray Crayfish populations while at the same time ensuring the recreational fishery can continue to provide social and economic benefits into the future.
Are any other crayfish species listed in the Fisheries Management Act 1994?
Yes, the Fitzroy Falls Spiny Crayfish (Euastacus dharawalus) is listed as a critically endangered species in NSW. Any type of fishing for this species is completely prohibited.
Where can I find more information?
The full final determination, including a guide to nominating threatened fish and marine vegetation can be found on the FSC’s website.
More information on fishing arrangements for Murray Crayfish can be found on the Department of Primary Industries website.
What is the FSC?
The FSC is an independent scientific advisory body established under the Fisheries Management Act 1994. Some of the principal functions of the FSC are:
- To advise the Minister for Primary Industries and the Natural Resources Commission matters relating to the conservation of threatened species, populations or ecological communities;
- To advise the Minister for Primary Industries on the identification of critical habitat of endangered or critically endangered species, populations or ecological communities; and
- Assessing the eligibility of species, populations and ecological communities of fish and marine vegetation for listing on the schedules of the Fisheries Management Act 1994.
How do I report illegal fishing activities?
You can report illegal fishing by phoning 1800043536 or by completing the online form.
