From the Department of Primary Industries

Monday, 17 December 2007

DUSKY FLATHEAD CATCH LIMITS MAINTAINED FOR A FURTHER 12 MONTHS

A Fisheries Notice will maintain current recreational fishing catch limits for dusky flathead until December 2008 in order to protect valuable stocks, Fisheries Victoria Executive
Director Peter Appleford said today.

“Dusky flathead is a popular recreational fishing target species in eastern Victorian estuaries and inlets, from Mallacoota Inlet to the Gippsland Lakes,” Dr Appleford said.

“The daily bag and possession limit for dusky flathead of five fish, of which no more than one may exceed 60cm in length, was initially introduced in December 2003 following concerns about increased angler catches of dusky flathead using increasingly effective fishing methods.

“There has been widespread angler support for the dusky flathead catch limits, and monitoring has indicated that these limits have been effective in constraining the size of retained catches.

“We have listened to public concerns that dusky flathead stocks in east Gippsland were under increasing recreational fishing pressure, and we have maintained the stricter interim catch limits for this species as a precautionary measure.”

The legal minimum size for taking of dusky flathead and all other flathead species remains at 25 centimetres, and a combined daily bag limit and possession limit of 30 fish continues to apply to all flathead species other than dusky flathead.

Dr Appleford said Fisheries Victoria would continue to listen to angler concerns and will consult stakeholders during 2008 regarding a proposal to retain the dusky flathead recreational catch limits in the long term via changes to fisheries regulations.

He said Fisheries Officers regularly patrolled fishing spots to ensure both recreational and
commercial fishers complied with fishing regulations.

Anglers caught exceeding recreational fishing catch and size restrictions face fines of up to
$2,200.

“Rules and regulations are in place to help us ensure our fisheries are effectively managed and will be sustainable well into the future,” Dr Appleford said.

“The public can also help authorities enforce regulations and protect our valuable fishing stocks by reporting suspicious activity to our 13 FISH 24 hour hotline by phoning 13 34 74.”

For a pocket guide providing further information on these interim dusky flathead recreational catch limits contact the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186.