The Autonomous Community has established, through an Order, the general guidelines for closed seasons for river fishing in the Region of Murcia for the remainder of this year and, where applicable, for future years up to a maximum of three, in accordance with the provisions of Article 42.1 of Law 7/2003 on Hunting and River Fishing in the Region of Murcia.
The Director General of the Natural Environment, María Cruz Ferreira, emphasized that the aforementioned order "reflects the guidelines to be followed for river fishing, such as the areas where it can be carried out, the hours and periods open, the species that can be caught, their minimum size, the gear and equipment that can be used, the procedure for organizing competitions, and other general limitations."
In general terms, river fishing may be practiced every day of the year, during the period between one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset, with the days, hours, and fishing periods for each reserve or river zone being reflected in the Order itself.
River fishing preserves and areas
The river fishing reserves and areas are located on the Segura River, in the municipalities of Moratalla, Calasparra, Cieza, Abarán, and Murcia; the Luchena and Mula Rivers; and in 11 reservoirs. Fishing is prohibited on the Benamor, Agos, and Quípar rivers, and in the Santomera reservoir.
Species that can be targeted for fish farming include gypsy barbel, river bream, goby, and golden crucian carp. In addition, some invasive exotic species such as zander, pike, red crayfish, carp, black bass, and rainbow trout are also available.
Ferreira argued that "this aims to make the orderly use of invasive alien species that are socially and/or economically relevant compatible with the protection of the natural environment and river ecosystems."
The most significant change included in this Order is that it establishes the catch-and-release method as mandatory year-round for gypsy barbel fishing, modifying the period established in the previous order, which specified that it would be limited to the period from January 1 to July 31.
Source: CARM.
Photo: Quipar Reservoir, Cieza In Your Hand.