Fisheries Victoria
'A fortnightly round-up of recreational fisheries management issues'

Fish-Fax issue 166, 2nd March 2006

World first for Murray Cod

Victoria is leading the way with a world first library of Murray Cod DNA. The library can hopefully be used to develop a selective breeding program to maintain the genetic diversity in the wild populations and enhance aquaculture. Fisheries Victoria released 190,000 Murray cod in the past year, this DNA research will benefit the fish stocking program.

The data can also be used to develop sound management strategies to promote the long-term survival of wild populations, leading to improved recreational fisheries and benefits to anglers, the aquaculture industry and the environment.

The project is being carried out at the DPI's Snob's Creek Hatchery and Attwood Centre, with funding through the “Our Rural Landscapes Initiative” and Fisheries Victoria and some work being supported through a Monash University scholarship.

Victorian Water Level Update

For the week ending Friday 24 February 2006.

Blue Green Algae Update

Warning signs, which had been placed along the Lake Colac foreshore near Colac and at Meredith Park and Delaneys Point have recently been removed. Blue Green algae had returned to the lake for the second time this summer, and comes on top of the deaths of 20-30 eels at the lake. The EPA is currently investigating the deaths, and Barwon Water is conducting weekly water quality tests to monitor for the algal blooms.

Blue-green algae has also recently caused closures to sections of the Barwon River between Queen's Park Bridge and the Moorabool Street Bridge . The area was closed for 2-3 weeks, but is now reopen. Unseasonal weather and low water flow are thought to have contributed to the late outbreak of algae in the river.

Enforcement News

A man has been found guilty of three charges in the Mildura magistrates Court, relating to growing fish for sale without an aquaculture licence and possession of commercial fishing equipment. He was fined a total of $900.

Four Melbourne men were detected by Fisheries Officers, allegedly committing a variety of abalone offences near Portland . Ninety abalone allegedly taken from near Lighthouse Reef were seized, along with the diving equipment used by the men. A number of the abalone were undersized and shucked from their shell. Three of the men are expected to be issued with a summons to appear before the Portland Magistrates Court; the fourth man will be issued with several penalty infringement notices.

Members of the public are reminded to report suspicious or illegal fishing activity to the

13 FISH (13 3474) 24 hour, 7 days a week reporting line.

Goulburn River Health Boost

A recent independent report, conducted after fish deaths in the Goulburn River , has led to the development of new programs to boost the health of the river system. The fish deaths were outlined in Fish Fax issue 111, with 90 Murray Cod and 110 introduced carp found dead downstream of the Goulburn Weir, between 14 January and 21 January 2004.

The report recommendations will assist relevant agencies and authorities in continuing to improve and refine management of the river.

Initiatives of the programs include establishing a water reserve, a strategy to repair riparian land along the river and research projects between DSE and Goulburn-Murray Water monitoring and investigating water and sediment quality.

Fishcare for freshwater catfish this summer

Freshwater catfish “weigh your catch” sticker rulers are now available from the community group Fishcare Southwest Inc.

The 50 centimetre long sticker contains simple scientific information on length and weight, biology and current Victorian recreational fishing regulations for Wimmera River freshwater catfish.

The Wimmera River Basin fishery is unique because it is the only river basin in Victoria where freshwater catfish caught can be retained. In all other Victorian waters they are fully protected and are listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 as “threatened” and must be returned to the water.

A minimum size limit of 30 cm and a two fish bag limit per angler apply in the Wimmera River Basin.