Department of Primary Industries (DPI) program leader Stocking and Fisheries Enhancement Operations, Jim Harnwell, said the zero bag limit protects the fish species while they spawn over winter.

"During the winter months these popular native sport fish species form large groups and migrate to parts of estuaries with the right salinity to trigger spawning," Mr Harnwell said.

"This closure protects the fish species during this spawning period to ensure they can remain a popular catch with recreational fishers for many generations to come."

Mr Harnwell said the zero bag limit does not apply to Australian bass and estuary perch caught in freshwater dams or in rivers above impoundments, as the fish do not breed in these particular areas.

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"All fish in freshwater impoundments, like Glenbawn Dam and Glennies Creek Dam in the Hunter Valley, Brogo Dam near Bega and Clarrie Hall and Toonumbar Dams in the northeast, are stocked fisheries, meaning anglers may continue to fish for these species in these waters all year round," he said.

However, any Australian bass or estuary perch caught in rivers during the closure must be returned to the water immediately with the least possible harm to the fish.

"The zero bag limit does not close any waters to fishing and does not affect anglers fishing for other estuary species, such as bream or flathead during the colder months".

Fisheries officers will target anglers illegally retaining Australian bass or estuary perch during the four-month closure.

For more information regarding the annual closure, please visit the DPI's website - www.dpi.nsw.gov.au.

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