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

Fish-Fax issue 169, 13th April 2006

New three-year recreational fishing licence available s

Minister Responsible for Fisheries Bob Cameron has announced the introduction of a new three-year Recreational Fishing Licence (RFL).

Recreational fishers in Victoria now have the option to purchase a three-year licence at $60, offering a 10 per cent, or $6 saving on the combined cost of purchasing three annual licences. The annual ($22), 28-day ($11), and 2-day ($5.50) RFLs will continue to be available for purchase. In addition, holders of a three year licence will receive a reminder notice shortly before their licence is due to expire.

An RFL covers all forms of recreational fishing in Victorian waters. Unless fishers are exempt, an RFL is required when taking or attempting to take from Victorian waters, any species of fish by any method, including line fishing, bait collection, gathering shellfish, yabby fishing, prawning and spear fishing.

Money raised from RFL fees fund a range of projects through the annual Recreational Fishing Grant Program (RFGP). Since the commencement of the RFGP in 2001, RFL fees totalling almost $5 million have been allocated to over 170 projects around Victoria . You can read more about these projects by visiting www.dpi.vic.gov.au/feesatwork

RFLs can be purchased from more than 980 retail outlets and online at the Department of Primary Industries' web site ( www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing ). 2-day and 28-day RFLs are also available at over 280 Shell (Touch Outlet) service stations.

For further information please call the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

Record southern bluefin tuna off Portland

The biggest southern bluefin tuna (SBT) seen for 25 years are being caught off-shore near Portland . Tuna up to 120kg have been caught – a rare phenomenon creating great opportunities for recreational anglers and local business operators.

The Minister Responsible for Fisheries, Bob Cameron, is urging people to show restraint and calling on fishers to have second thoughts about taking more SBT if they have already taken a large fish.

There is a daily bag limit and possession limit of two fish per person, which applies in Victoria . It is illegal for recreational fishermen to sell their catch.

Summary of March 2006 fish stockings

DPI – Fisheries Victoria

Snobs Creek Fish Hatchery

Summary of fish releases for March 2006