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VRFish, the peak recreational fishing body representing all recreational fishers in Victoria, in conjunction with Fisheries Victoria, is calling on recreational fishers for a voluntary ban on the use of abalone gut (viscera) as bait. The VRFish Chairman, Geoff Cramer said “We believe that this measure needs to be implemented to help reduce the risk of spreading the Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis (AVG). This is a voluntary ban and the need for it will be removed when the threat of AVG spreading has passed.” The use of a voluntary ban by recreational fishers is a step towards the use of information, communication and education to change recreational fisher behavior instead of simply implementing prescriptive regulations. Although there are relatively few fishers in Victoria that use abalone gut as bait there is still a risk that the disease could be spread inadvertently through their actions. If this voluntary ban is successfully implemented, it is believed that a similar process may be adopted where there are future issues identified that require a change in fisher behavior. Chairman Geoff Cramer concluded “It is the view of VRFish that information, communication and education are the preferred approach so we look forward to a successful implementation of this voluntary ban.” So remember rec fishers “If you don’t want the fishery shut…don’t use gut!” Further information on how recreational fishers can assist in halting the spread of the AVG is available on the Fisheries Victoria website www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing. 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 |
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