Victoria’s fisheries are being assisted by a dedicated group of volunteers. Giving up their time freely, Fishcare Volunteers help many people to understand issues affecting our recreational fisheries.

A Fishcare Regional Roundup:

SOUTH WEST REGION
The Warrnambool Fishcare Program began with 15 enthusiastic volunteers signing up to do their bit for fish. The aim of the program was to monitor the growth rates and movement of bream in the Hopkins River through a tagging study. Today over 800 bream have been tagged and released. Currently the Warrnambool volunteers are piloting a schools program where they will take the message of fishing for the future intolocal primary schools.

In addition Portland now has 6 volunteers who are taking conservative fishing messages to local and visiting anglers.

PORT PHILLIP REGION
Fisheries staff and volunteers have been involved in the production of a Fishcare educational trailer. This trailer provides a highly visible promotional tool for the fisheries education program undertaken by our volunteers.

Our five new recreational Fisheries Officers currently manage 120 Volunteers across the Port Phillip region. This has resulted in a much closer working relationship being developed between fisheries staff and the volunteers, with many new projects being undertaken.

THE GIPPSLAND REGION
The Gippsland Fishcare Volunteer Program includes a team of volunteers, which extend from Mallacoota to Trafalgar. A significant presence is centred around the Gippsland Lakes and Rivers. During the past year, our team has presented the Primary Schools Education Program to 17 schools. The education session covers safe handling and release of fish, fish identification, measuring fish and litter issues.

Since its beginnings in 1995 the program has contacted over 10,000 clients contributing considerably towards achieving fisheries sustainability. In August the program reached a five-year anniversary.