From the Department of Primary Industries

Tuesday, November 13 2007


SURVEYING OF FISHERIES BEGINS IN BUSHFIRE AFFECTED AREAS

The Minister Responsible for Fisheries, Joe Helper, announced today that fisheries surveying
work has begun in the alpine and north-east Gippsland regions of Victoria which were
significantly affected by wildfires in 2006/07.

In early 2007, the Ministerial Taskforce for bushfire recovery allocated $455,000 for a three-year project to support the recovery of the recreational fisheries in bushfire damaged areas.

“As a result of the fires the health of streams, and therefore the populations of trout and native fish may have been damaged,” Mr Helper said.

“Fisheries survey teams will be checking how fish populations have been affected and what
supporting action may need to be taken.

“The prolonged drought will compound the impact of fires on fisheries, making it even more
important that we accurately assess the health of fisheries.”

The surveying work aims to monitor and assess the recovery of fish populations in the burnt
areas.

It will focus on:

• Monitoring the recovery of recreational fisheries in bushfire affected areas;
• Determining the social and economic values and impacts of recreational fishing for local
communities;
• Determining what recovery action may be taken (if any) to assist with the recovery of
fisheries; and
• Contributing to regional promotional campaigns to encourage anglers back to bushfire
affected regions.

“The project is designed to ensure we continue to retain a top-class fishery in the alpine and north-east Gippsland region,” Mr Helper said.

“The project will also develop an action plan for inland fisheries managers to respond
appropriately to future bushfires.

“Information from the studies will be used by fisheries managers to ensure the sustainability of fisheries in the regions.

“Promotional campaigns will be linked to the Go Fishing in Victoria initiative to increase
participation for recreational fishing in north-east Victoria and Gippsland that will contribute to the recovery of regional communities.”

Above Photos: Minister Responsible for Fisheries, Joe Helper, with fishvictoria.com Pro Reporter Geoff Lacey.