Yabby fishers living in the ACT can now swap their destructive ‘opera house’ nets for new free wildlife-friendly nets at participating tackle stores.
Minister for the Environment and Heritage Mick Gentleman said ‘opera house’ style traps killed platypus and other native wildlife such as Murray River crayfish.
“I’ve banned these enclosed yabby traps in the ACT to help protect our unique native wildlife. Platypus can easily become trapped in the nets when looking for food and have less than three minutes to escape before drowning,” Minister Gentleman said.
“The ACT Government is funding the Yabby Net Swap Program to give local anglers a chance to swap their harmful old traps for new open top nets, which catch just as many yabbies without harming native wildlife.
“The existing ban on enclosed yabby nets has been extended from public waters to all private waters including private dams.
“The ban is one of many improvements to the Fisheries Act 2000 to better protect our native fish while maintaining ACT as a great place for fishing activities.”
Tackle World Canberra Manager Antony Pezzella said he was happy to be part of the ACT Government’s program.
“We’re really glad we can help out with the Yabby Net Swap Program and help our customers protect the ACT’s native wildlife while continuing to enjoy fishing for yabbies,” Mr Pezzella said.
