Fisheries Victoria
'A fortnightly round-up of recreational fisheries management issues'
Fish-e-Fax Issue 202, 16 August 2007
Responsible fishing to protect wildlife
Fifteen years of rescues and research by Australian Seabird Rescue teams has revealed that 94 per cent of fishing-related injuries on sea and shorebirds are caused by anglers accidentally hooking a bird when they are fishing and to a lesser extent, by un-attended set lines. Historically, it was believed that the most common cause of injury to wildlife was discarded line, which rescue teams have found to be related to only 6 per cent of injuries.
The Tarwin River fishing platform
To ensure that the threat to wildlife is reduced, fishers are encouraged to:
Cast away from foraging birds;
Use barbless hooks, where possible;
Not leave lines unattended;
Collect all rubbish and tackle and dispose of it correctly; and
Report any injured animals to Help of Wildlife on 0417 380 687 or Wildlife Victoria on 0500 540 000.
Licence-funded Tarwin River fishing platforms completed
Four new fishing platforms on the south bank of the Tarwin River are complete and ready for use by recreational anglers.
The platforms, located between the Tarwin Lower township and the road bridge upstream, will significantly improve access to the river for shore-based anglers chasing species such as estuary perch, mullet and bream.
All four platforms were custom-designed to fit each location on the river and feature bench seats and angled top railings which make ideal rod rests.
The platforms will help maintain bank stability, prevent erosion, reduce the loss of vegetation and enhance safety.
Before the platforms were built, anglers were fishing from degraded banks that were often muddied from high tides and lots of foot traffic. Now anglers can enjoy a family fishing experience that is clean, safe and has minimal impact on the surrounding environment.
The two-year, $210,000 project, was delivered by the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (WGCMA) as part of its program to enhance the health of the Tarwin River and provide for the social and recreational needs of locals and visitors.
A grant of $115,000 from the Recreational Fishing Licence Trust Account contributed to the project.
The fishing platforms are linked by existing tracks and the WGCMA has plans for another three platforms along the river as part of its ongoing improvements for the area.
Since the introduction of the all-waters Recreational Fishing Licence in 1999, more than 180 projects totalling over $6 million have been funded to improve freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities throughout Victoria.
Stocking update
The following waters were stocked by Fisheries Victoria during the month of July, 2007.
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