NSW DPI have released a notice warning that out-of-season fishing in and around the Lake Macquarie hot water outlet will be targeted with regular fisheries patrols. Fishing in the area is closed until the 31st August annually between the hours of 6pm-6am. The reason for the closures is to protect juvenile fish stocks which congregate in the warm waters.

Lake Macquarie Hot Water Outlet

The following information was provided by NSW DPI Fisheries:

Fishers are reminded seasonal fishing closures are now in place at hot water outlet canals
near the Eraring and Vales Point Power Stations on Lake Macquarie as an operation gets
underway targeting illegal fishing in these areas.

Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Supervising Fisheries Officer, Lee Burdett, said the
canals and adjacent waters are closed to all methods of fishing annually until 31st August
between the hours of 6pm and 6am.

“DPI fisheries officers are targeting illegal fishing in hot water outlet canals of the Eraring
and Vales Point Power Stations on Lake Macquarie and other hotspots in the Hunter and
Central Coast over the cooler months,” Ms Burdett said.

“The closures aim to protect juvenile fish stocks which aggregate in large numbers in and
around the warm waters of the outlet canals.

“Angling in these waters, particularly at night, causes a high rate of mortality among fish
that are yet to recruit to the recreational fishery – the Lake Macquarie Recreational Fishing
Haven.

“The annual closures have been in place for at least 15 years and the areas are well
signposted with details on the locations and where and when fishing is prohibited.”

Ms Burdett said fishers can be issued on the spot fines ranging from $75 to $500 and
prosecution of offenders may lead to penalties of up to $22,000.

“Fishing in hot water outlet canals is a serious offence and fishers have been fined and
prosecuted for fishing during seasonal closures in previous years,” she said.

“I would like to encourage all fishers to follow the rules to protect and conserve our fish
stocks and aquatic habitats for present and future generations.”

Detailed information on the fishing rules can be found at www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au or in
the NSW Saltwater Fishing Guide which is available from DPI fisheries offices and most
bait and tackle stores.

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