Fisheries Victoria
'A fortnightly round-up of recreational fisheries management issues'
Fish-e-Fax Issue 183, 26 October 2006
The New Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide Hooks Anglers
The 2006-2007 edition of the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide has recently been released by the Minister Responsible for Fisheries, Bob Cameron.
A recreational boater
The Guide informs the recreational fishing community about the rules and regulations and advises anglers of any recent changes to fisheries regulations. Other important information includes details of closed seasons that apply for specific species, bag/possession limits and minimum size limits of targeted species.
Over 300,000 copies of the Guide are currently being distributed across the state to regional Department of Primary Industries (DPI) offices, selected tourism operators and over 900 recreational fishing licence outlets across Victoria.
Recent changes to the fisheries regulations and new information in the Guide includes:
Changes to the trout closed season;
Abalone open days and bag limits;
A description on what you need to know about Aquaculture Fisheries Reserves;
A list of the Family Fishing Lakes as part of the Go Fishing in Victoria initiative; and
A description of the Go Fishing in Victoria project.
The 2006-2007 edition of the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide can be viewed at Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide web page with free hard copies available from most tackle fishing shops or by ringing the Customer Service Centre on 136 186.
The Guide is a summary of the rules and regulations at the time of printing and anglers should keep up to date on current fishing laws.
In addition, the Family Fishing Guide (that is directed towards the less experienced fishers) is now available and able to be printed off the Getting Started web page. The family orientated guide illustrates and describes fish species that are commonly found in Family Fishing Lakes and provides step-by-step instructions on bait, rigs and knot tying for new anglers.
Boosting Boat Safety and Improving Facilities for Recreational Anglers
Recreational anglers, boating enthusiasts and rescue organisations have received support from the Bracks Government in the way of a $5.2 million Boating Safety and Facilities Program for 2006-07.
This funding aims to continue to reduce the number of boating-related injuries and fatalities in Victoria's waterways which decreased from seven fatalities over 2004-2005 to four over the 2005-2006 year.
As part of the program, a number of projects will receive funding for facility and safety development, such as:
Improving accessibility to boat ramps and launching facilities
Installation of floating infrastructure
Construction of boat ramps
Improved lighting around launching areas
Upgrading itinerant berthing and car park works
Upgrading, improving and erecting signage
Improving navigation aids
Education and training programs
Installation of weather stations
Purchasing search and rescue vessels and associated equipment
The program includes close to a $1 million investment into search and rescue, providing volunteers with vital equipment and training to undertake their rescue operations for the Victorian boating community.
This year's program will also fund the following state-wide initiatives:
Research funding
Safe boating program
Victorian Recreational Boating Safety Handbook
Personal Watercraft Courtesy Rider Program
Public awareness campaigns
Program management
For further information, including a full list of successful applicants, call Marine Safety Victoria on 1800 337 222 or visit Marine Safety Victoria (external link).
Fisheries Officers Pounce on Poachers
The number of Fisheries Officers protecting our waters has significantly increased in recent years, which has been reflected in the number of prosecutions and fines. There were 71 prosecutions in 1999 compared with 438 last year – which is an increase of over 600 per cent.
The 13-FISH (13-3474) reporting line for people who suspect illegal fishing has proved to be a great success, providing crucial information to Fisheries Victoria in the fight against fisheries crime. Since the introduction of the service in 2003, the call centre has received more than 4200 calls, resulting in 314 Infringement Notices, 59 prosecutions and the seizure of illegal anglers fishing equipment.
Fisheries compliance staff are located at 22 locations across the state. A 40% increase in field staffing indicates that the Victorian Government is committed to protecting Victoria's aquatic resources from theft and illegal take.
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