FROM THE OFFICE OF VRFISH – VICTORIAS’ RECREATIONAL FISHING PEAK BODY

WELCOME TO THE MONTHLY REPORT FROM THE VRFISH OFFICE

November 2007

Western Port Net Free
As of 1 December 2007 Western Port became commercial net free. The Brumby Government has delivered on their electoral promise of creating a new ‘Recreational Fishing Haven’ in Western Port by banning all commercial netting. This no netting zone was aimed to create greater opportunities for recreational anglers to enjoy fishing for whiting, snapper, gummy sharks and other species. Thanks to the Victorian Government for delivering on the electoral promise.

Which sea star have you just picked up?
On a recent fishing trip off Point Cook I was saddened to see so many dead native sea stars at the Werribee boat ramp. In a recent article in Fishing Lines VRFish highlighted the difference between the native species and the pest species (Northern Pacific sea stars). Remember the Northern Pacific sea star has five arms mainly yellow with purple detail. The arms are also covered with small spines with jagged ends that are arranged irregularly. If you are not sure, leave it where it is - native sea stars do a great job of eating the pests! Read the article in the October 2007 edition of Fishing Lines for further information www.vrfish.com.au.

Dusky Flathead and Gippsland Lakes Bream Catch Limits Retained
Fisheries Victoria has renewed a Fisheries Notice for a further twelve months for Dusky Flathead, of a bag/possession limit of 5 (no more than 1 fish may exceed 60cm in length). This Fisheries Notice was introduced as a precautionary measure in 2003 to protect Dusky Flathead from increasing targeting from sophisticated recreational methods. Also the Fisheries Notice aiming to maintain the current level of protection of bream stocks in the Gippsland Lakes system from commercial and recreational fishing pressure. The Notice maintains the increase in the legal minimum length from 26cm to 28cm. You can check out a copy of the Fisheries Notice at http://www.vrfish.com.au/Angler_Info.htm

Lake Mokoan Fish Moving House
A joint project between Department of Sustainability and Environment and the Department of Primary Industries is relocating fish from Lake Mokoan to waters across Northern Victoria, including the Goulburn River. This is fantastic news for recreational fishers, as Lake Mokoan was stocked for many years to create a recreational fishery close to Melbourne. VRFish applauds these agencies for their efforts in saving the fish before the Lake is drained.

Trout Policy Workshop
Thanks to all who came along and participated in the VRFish Trout Policy Workshop on 24 November 2007 at the Victorian Game Fishing Club rooms. The Workshop outcomes have been posted on our website www.vrfish.com.au, the next stage will be to review the VRFish Trout Policy and make the necessary changes identified at the Workshop. Stay tuned for more details on the development of the VRFish Trout Policy.

Altona Safe Harbour Down Grade
Hobsons Bay City Council (HBCC) has advised that the Altona Safe Harbour is no longer an all weather and all water access facility. The present depth in the access channel at low tide is less than one metre and HBCC has advised all boat owners against launching and retrieving at low tide until the channel is dredged. HBCC has advised that boat owners may wish to consider launching and retrieving at The Warmies or Werribee South at low tide. For a copy of the Hobsons Bay City Council notice, check out http://www.vrfish.com.au/Angler_Info.htm

New 2008 Shipmate Pocket Directory
Out now and still free – The new 2008 edition of Shipmate Pocket Directory – the boaters guide to marine trades and services in Victoria, is out now. If you own a boat, then this free 112 page, handy pocket sized guide is a must have. It lists everything that you need to keep your pride and joy in tip top condition, including marine trades and services by category, emergency services, yacht clubs, marinas, marine organisations, tide tables and much more. Now in its fourth edition, Shipmate is also available on line at www.shipmate.com.au the website includes all of the details in the booklet as well as lots of other useful marine links including web cams around the bay. Compiled by boaters for boaters, this handy, free, pocket guide with its distinctive yellow cover is available from yacht clubs, marinas, the BIA, Yachting Victoria, VRFish and selected marine businesses. Pick up your free copy of Shipmate Pocket Directory today or contact Shipmate on 9690 5435 or email: info@shipmate.com.au for details on how to get a copy.

Good result for Kiewa
VRFish North East has worked closely with the Department of Sustainability and Environment and Parklands Albury Wodonga to restore safe access to the Kiewa River. A local landholder had placed a barbed wire fence across the river, which on a poor visibility evening could have done some serious damage to an unsuspecting canoeist, especially with the rising trend of canoe fishing.

Position Available
VRFish and the Boating Industry Association of Victoria are calling for expressions of interest for a Grants Officer. For full details, including position description, go to www.vrfish.com.au, applications close Monday 21 January 2008.

Upcoming events
o 22/12 to 6/1 – VRFish Office Closed

Alison Gibson
VRFish Administration Officer
VRFish – Victoria’s Recreational Fishing Peak Body
Marine House, Ground Floor, 24 York Street South Melbourne Vic 3205
Telephone: 9686 7077 Facsimile: 9682 1066 Web: www.vrfish.com.au