It is understood the new guidelines have been released after the death of a large Murray cod which was taken from the water and photographed.

Cod exceeding 75 centimetres cannot be kept and the Department of Primary Industries wants to make all anglers aware of its new policy.

The department said fish may need to be landed to determine whether they are a particular length or species or to remove hooks and ensure the least possible harm.

A policy has been formulated involving a prohibited size fish, a fish in excess of the bag or possession limit and a species of fish taken during a closed season.

Photographs may be taken at the immediate location where the fish is landed provided a device to photograph the fish is immediately available.

The DPI catch and release (best practice) guidelines must be followed to ensure a fish is returned to its natural environment with the least possible injury and as quickly as possible.

The weighing of fish in such circumstances is not considered best practice and is banned for fish that cannot be taken.

Anglers failing to comply with the policy could have action taken against them.

More information regarding maximising released fish survival and NSW DPI catch and release best practice guidelines can be obtained on (02) 4424 7417.

Meanwhile, Victorian anglers who buy a one or three-year fishing licence online will receive a plastic licence in the mail under new arrangements to be introduced later this year.

Fisheries Victoria executive director Travis Dowling said the new plastic licence will be welcomed by people who want something more durable for longer term licences.

“Some bait and tackle shops laminate paper licences for customers to prolong their lifespan given they are often kept in moisture prone environments such as tackle boxes or aboard vessels,” Mr Dowling said.

“Anglers who buy plastic licences online will not spend time and effort replacing water damaged, or worn, paper licences.

“Tackle shops and other retailers will still sell one and three-year fishing licences, along with the shorter two-day and 28-day options, but all four formats will remain paper-based when bought over the counter.

“This new online option provides anglers with a choice about their preferred licence format and should reduce the burden on retailers.

“We have commenced a tender process to engage a supplier for the plastic cards and will announce a commencement date for the new arrangements in the months ahead.”

Mr Dowling said once implemented, anglers can expect their plastic licence to arrive in the mail within seven days, with an emailed equivalent to provide short term licence coverage for anglers wetting a line immediately.

“The cost of producing and posting the new one and three-year plastic licences to anglers will be included in the current online purchase prices which are $24.50 and $66 respectively,” he said.

Mr Dowling said online sales of recreational licences had been growing each year and around 40 per cent were now bought this way, including purchases via smartphones.

“All revenue from the sale of recreational fishing licences will continue to be placed in a trust account and disbursed to fund projects that improve fishing opportunities,” he said.