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

Fish-Fax issue 173, 8th June 2006

A reminder for recreational abalone divers.

Fisheries Victoria would like to remind all fishers that the recreational season 2005/06 for taking abalone in the central zone is now closed. There is a permanent ban on the take of all abalone species by recreational divers from Central Victorian waters except on 60 nominated days each year. Fisheries Victoria is currently consulting with the Victorian Recreational Fishing Peak Body, VRFish regarding allocating days for the 2006/07 season.

Central Victorian waters are defined as the coastal water from the mouth of the Aire River at Cape Otway to the most north-western part of Arch Rock (West of Wilsons Promontory).

As mentioned in the last Fish-e-Fax (Issue 172), Fisheries Victoria is considering releasing a fishery notice to reduce the daily recreational bag and possession limit for the Eastern and Western waters of Victoria to five per person (currently ten) to match that of the Victorian Central waters. Before a final decision is made, Fisheries Victoria is consulting with VRFish and other stakeholders.

For further information relating to recreational abalone fishing call the customer service centre on 136 186, alternatively visit: www.dpi.vic.gov.au

Assisting with fish movement

The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority has recently installed a “fishway” near the mouth of the Cumberland River on the Great Ocean Road . The fishway will assist the movement of fish moving in and out of the river mouth. This freedom of passage is important for the life cycle of many fish species.

Fishways are commonly designed using channels that are divided by baffles to minimise turbulence for the fish. Strategically placed objects inside the fishway allow fish to shelter from currents, rest or hide from any predators. Other local rivers in the south-west have had success with introduced fishways.

School holiday trout stocking

Bob Cameron, the Minister responsible for fisheries has announced that over the next two weeks, more than 11,000 ready-to-catch rainbow trout will be stocked into inland waterways across Victoria.

As part of the Governments Family Fishing Lakes initiative managed by Fisheries Victoria, 34 sites throughout the State have been selected to receive between 200 to 400 rainbow trout to ensure good family fishing opportunities are available during the approaching school holidays. Rainbow trout are relatively easy to catch, and fish being released are advanced yearlings suitable for immediate fishing.

When considering stocking rates, Fisheries Victoria relates the number of fish released to the size of the water and the level of access for anglers. The proximity of stocked waters to urban centres and regional towns is taken into account, along with accessibility for disabled visitors and children on bikes. All stocking programs are carried out in conjunction with district angling clubs.

May stocking figures

Victorian waters stocked between 1 st and 18 th of May 2006.

Blue-green algae warning for Lake Eppalock

Warm weather and a lack of rainfall last month has resulted in a health risk for Lake Eppalock , situated south-east of Bendigo . Last week, Goulburn-Murray Water detected the highest level of blue-green algae since the lake was established. The public have been advised to avoid contact with water from the lake as it is unsafe for human consumption or contact.

Warning signs have also been placed at the areas on the lake that are used for recreational activities such as fishing. Fishers are advised of health risks if fish from the lake are consumed, including gastroenteritis, nausea or vomiting. This level three alert is the highest under Goulburn-Murray Waters warning system for potentially toxic algae.

Experts are hoping that the onset of winter's cooler weather will stop the progress of the bloom with a reduction in water temperatures. Another sign of relief for the lake will be the State Government's decision to build a 42km pipeline from the Waranga Channel near Colbinabbin to Lake Eppalock . Announced in the Governments Budget was a $30 million funding for the pipeline that will release additional water to Lake Eppalock to help solve the water crisis for Bendigo as well as improve the health of the lake.