From the Department of Primary Industries

Monday, 12 November, 2007

NEW RECREATIONAL FISHING GUIDE OUTLINES CHANGES

The 2007-08 edition of the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide has been released and highlights important changes to fishing regulations over the last 12 months, Fisheries Victoria Acting Executive Director Jon Presser said today.

A staggering 300,000 guides are published annually and distributed via DPI regional offices,
selected tourism outlets and 900 recreational fishing licence agents across the state.

Mr Presser said the new guide provides the recreational fishing community with important
information about permitted equipment, closed seasons, bag/possession limits and minimum size limits.

“The guide informs recreational anglers about the regulations that currently apply, and about recent changes,” Mr Presser said.

The most substantial changes this year relate to tighter catch limits for snapper, the introduction of a bag limit for Bass yabbies and the temporary closure of the Glenelg freshwater spiny crayfish fishery.

Anglers should review these sections of the new guide to familiarise themselves with recent
amendments.

“We have also expanded the section of the guide that outlines how your fishing licence fees are spent,” Mr Presser said.

“In addition to listing the projects announced this year, we have included photographs of projects that are underway or completed.

“There is some terrific work being undertaken to improve recreational fishing opportunities and we are keen to promote them in the guide, which is one of our most recognised information products.”

The new guide can be viewed online at www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing. Hard copies can be obtained free of charge from reputable fishing tackle shops, DPI offices or by ringing the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186.