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

WELCOME TO THE MONTHLY REPORT FROM THE VRFISH OFFICE

February 2008

VRFish Trout Policy
Late last year, VRFish hosted a workshop to review and revise our Trout Policy. Following the outcomes of this Workshop, a revised Trout Policy has been developed. This draft was presented to the VRFish Regional State Council Meeting in Queenscliff for further comment and endorsement. VRFish has loaded this draft Policy onto our website www.vrfish.com.au and encourages anyone interested in commenting to do so. Comments will be accepted until 16 May 2008. Once finalised the revised Policy will form part of the Inland Fisheries Policy.

New Species Sightings
Since the disappearance of water from Lake Wendouree, locals have been reporting sightings of a new mammal – this aerial photo sent to VRFish shows the creatures lying on the dry bed of Lake Wendouree. An amazing phenomenon – you would have never have thought that anything could live in these conditions. Crazy days indeed – before you know, it’ll be raining!

Northern Region SWS
The Department of Sustainability and Environment have released the Northern Region Sustainable Water Strategy Discussion Paper for public comment until 17 March 2008. This strategy aims to bring together all existing national, state and local water policies and projects within the region, and integrate the data to form a regional perspective. It also identifies threats to water availability and quality, including the implications of climate change. It aims to ensure reliable and safe water supplies for towns and associated industry and support an economically viable and environmentally sustainable irrigation industry. It seeks to help protect rivers and aquifers from the impacts of drought, climate change and other risks and recognises and where relevant responds to indigenous and other heritage values associated with the region’s rivers and catchments. The Strategy can be viewed at www.dse.vic.gov.au/water

Corangamite Fishery Management Plan
Fisheries Victoria has released the draft Corangamite Fishery Management Plan for public comment until 8 April 2008. This Plan will provide future management direction for the Corangamite Fishery over the next five years. The draft Plan is available from www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing

National Recreational Fishing Code of Conduct
Recfish Australia have released a revised National Code of Conduct for comment by interested recreational fishers. The revised code will incorporate the new best practices that have been developed in recent years including the use of circle hooks, knotless landing nets, fish handling techniques, best methods for releasing various species, animal welfare advice as per the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy, safety issues like boating, rock fishing, and dangerous/poisonous fish. The revised Code is available at www.recfish.com.au. VRFish encourages all Victorian recreational fishers to review the Code and provide input to Recfish Australia.

Position Available Recfish Australia
Expressions of Interest are being called for the position of Chief Executive Officer of Recfish Australia. Further information can be obtained by calling Mr. Bruce Schumacher 0418 499 322 or visiting www.recfish.com.au. Applications should clearly demonstrate they address the selection criteria and be received by Friday 14th March 2008 to A/CEO and Chair of Board, Mr. Bruce Schumacher c/- admin@recfish.com.au

Glenelg Spiny Freshwater Crayfish Fisheries Notice Extended
Fisheries Victoria has extended the Fisheries Notice to protect Glenelg Spiny Freshwater Crayfish for further 12-months, until February 2009. VRFish commented on and supported the Fisheries Notice. VRFish further requested research be undertaken on the recreational take of males within the Glenelg River system – concern has been expressed by recreational fishers that the current regulations could be limiting the population base of males in some areas and impacts on the overall breeding opportunities of the species. VRFish is yet to receive a response from Fisheries Victoria as to whether or not this research will be undertaken. For a copy of the Fisheries Notice go to http://www.vrfish.com.au/Angler_Info.htm

Regulation Review
In a recent update received from Fisheries Victoria they have advised that the new draft fisheries regulations and associated Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) are being finalised with the Office of Parliamentary Council and the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission. It is anticipated that the new draft regulations and RIS will be released in early April 2008 for consultation. The existing Fisheries Regulations 1998 were due to sunset in March 2008. The Minister for Agriculture has approved a 12 month extension of the existing regulations. It is still planned to proclaim the new regulations towards the end of 2008.

Where is the Virus now?
Latest reports from the Victorian Abalone Divers Association have reported the abalone virus front at London Bridge; the virus has only moved approximately 500 metres east. This places the virus front at approximately 500 metres to the west of the Arch. The slow movement of the virus may be due to the inability of people to access this area during the rough weather conditions recently occurring. People are reminded to ensure that they use good bio-security procedures, ensuring that they wash and sterilize their gear and equipment between sites. It is recommended that all human activity should not be conducted in the areas where the virus is active. This will ensure the slowing and or stopping of the spread of the virus.

Artificial Reefs
To update you on the progress of the implementation of some of the government electoral commitments, Fisheries Victoria will be hosting a forum on artificial reefs in mid April 2008, this forum will discuss what recreational fishers would like the artificial reefs to achieve and to discuss potential locations for the reefs. So VRFish puts out the call, if you have a suggestion where would like to see an artificial reef, please let us know. Just remember its marine waters only! Email info@vrfish.com.au or Phone 03 9686 7077.
· Fish Cleaning Tables – Another government electoral commitment is the installation of fish cleaning tables. Fisheries Victoria have firstly released a tender for manufacture of the fish cleaning tables and have now released a tender for the project management of the installation of the fish cleaning tables. Thanks to the inputs provided by you VRFish have promoted a list of potential sites for fish cleaning tables around Victoria to Fisheries Victoria. Your input was invaluable! However, we are always keen to hear of other locations for fish cleaning tables, so please keep your suggestions coming. Email info@vrish.com.au or Phone 03 9686 7077.

CONS 2008
The Consultation meetings (CONS) for 2008 have concluded for yet another year, where proposals for potential fish stockings across Victoria were discussed. Inland Victoria has been hit really hard due to the drought; it would be great to see some decent rain to start filling our lakes and streams again so we can start to replenish our lost fish stocks. It is hoped that we will receive the CONS report a little earlier this year!

Frankston Reservoir another potential fishing spot!
Frankston Reservoir has been de-listed as a water reserve, similar to Devilbend Reservoir, and the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and the Frankston City Council are currently surveying the community to find out what they would like from this new community asset. Frankston Reservoir would be another wonderful fishing location for recreational fishers to enjoy in the metropolitan area, so do yourself a favour and tell DSE and Frankston City Council that you would like to go fishing at the Frankston Reservoir http://www.questionpro.com/akira/TakeSurvey?id=879993

Upcoming events
- 16/3 – Fishcare East Gippsland Catch a Carp Day, Port of Bairnsdale
- 19/4 – Hyland Lake Free Family Fishing Festival

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