Delay In Hunter Prawn Trawl Season To Ensure Good Supplies For Xmas

October 4, 2002

NSW’s drought has resulted in NSW Fisheries delaying the opening of the Hunter River prawn trawling season to allow juvenile prawns more time to grow, the Director of Fisheries, Steve Dunn, said today.

He said the delay would help the Hunter River school prawn fishery meet demand over the Christmas-New Year period.

“Recent drought conditions have resulted in slower-than-usual growth of juvenile prawns in the upper reaches of the Hunter River,” he said.

“A later start to the season will allow these prawns more growing time and result in fairer access to the resource for prawn trawl fishers in all parts of the Hunter River.”

Mr Dunn said tests of prawn sizes, known as trial shots, would be carried out on November 8 to help local commercial fishers.

“Local fishers sought a delayed start until December 2 but trawler operators in the Upper Hunter earn a large part of their income in November, so if the prawns are big enough, the fishery will open.”

“If the prawns are of a sufficient size, the season will begin on November 11. If not, December 2 will be the starting date,” he said.

Mr Dunn praised local prawn trawl fishers for their cooperation with NSW Fisheries in reaching agreement on the delayed start to the season.

Further information about bag and size limits can be obtained via the NSW Fisheries website at www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au or from any NSW Fisheries office.

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