Fisheries Victoria
'A fortnightly round-up of recreational fisheries management issues'
Fish-e-Fax Issue 193, 12 April 2007
Abalone Control Measures Continue in the Southwest
A ban that prohibits the take of abalone has been extended along the coastal waters near Port Fairy. The ban was put in place in October 2006 to protect vulnerable and accessible abalone stocks from fishing pressure whilst they recover from a herpes-like abalone disease.
The closure extends from the high water mark 1km west of The Crags car park to the Killarney Beach car park and includes an area of marine waters extending seaward for between 500 to 700 meters.
A fishing platform at Avondale Heights was constructed last year using $7500 of Victorian recreational fishing grant money.
The ban was introduced via a Fisheries Notice and will expire on 30 September 2007. The notice also prohibits the:
Taking of other shellfish and sea urchins,
Use of commercial abalone fishing equipment,
Collection of any substrate.
Vessels may move through and anchor within the area. Line fishing from the shore or boats is also permitted, as are other water activities such as surfing, diving and shore/rock walking.
The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) will continue to investigate the success of the closure in using it as a fisheries management tool. Fisheries Officers are maintaining patrols in the area to ensure that both commercial and recreational anglers comply with the regulations.
Commonwealth Grants Double your Project Money
Round five of the Commonwealth Government Recreational Fishing Community Grant Program (RFCGP) opened on 27 March 2007. The last day for lodgement of applications is 25 May 2007.
A change in the grant system now means that Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence (RFL) revenue that has been specifically allocated can be used as a matching contribution in applications for projects under the Commonwealth Government's RFCGP. Fisheries Victoria encourages recreational anglers to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to enhance recreational fishing opportunities and activities for all Victorians.
Previously applicants have had to raise half the funding themselves. Now, Victoria's RFL Trust Account has allocated up to $100, 000 towards the program.
The criteria for the Commonwealth Government's RFCGP generally align with the Victorian RFL grants program, with the addition that the Commonwealth program will fund projects to establish and upgrade volunteer marine and freshwater rescue groups and associated infrastructure projects, and improvements to recreational boating facilities.
Information regarding the Commonwealth Government RFCGP can be obtained via the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry (external site). All enquiries regarding Victorian RFL revenue and the level of support for a proposal to enable an application to be submitted to the Commonwealth should be directed towards Mr Robert Krix, Executive Officer, Fisheries Revenue Allocation Committee on (03) 9658 4369, Fax (03) 9658 4203, or e-mail robert.krix@dpi.vic.gov.au .
Fishing Safety Advice
With fishing increasingly becoming a popular recreational activity, anglers are encouraged to remember and follow the following guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable activity:
Check weather and water conditions before you start fishing
Observe first and fish later – take time to judge your fishing spot before fishing to observe water conditions plus access and escape routes
Always let someone know of where you plan to go and when you plan to return
Wear a lifejacket or buoyancy vest when boat fishing or when fishing in hazardous locations such as rock platforms or near fast moving water
Ensure that all of your fishing and safety gear is properly maintained
Always wear appropriate non-slip shoes
Never fish alone
Never take risks when fishing
Never enter the water after a lost rod, tangled line or lost lure
Alert emergency services by dialling 112 from a mobile phone or 000 from a landline.
Stocking Update
The following waters were stocked by Fisheries Victoria during the month of March, 2007.
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