FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES

CALLING FOR IDEAS FROM EASTERN SUBURBS ANGLERS

Tuesday, 8 September, 2009

Anglers who fish in Melbourne’s east are being urged to have their say about a plan for recreational fishing in the State.

The Acting Executive Director Fisheries Victoria, Anthony Hurst, says the preparation of the plan is a great way for fishers to get involved in suggesting future initiatives to improve their sport.

"The plan began to take shape in discussions with recreational fishers at a Recreational Fishing Round Table meeting in Melbourne in May,” Mr Hurst said.

"We want all recreational fishers to contribute to the development of new projects that enhance fishing in the state.

"Fisheries Victoria is holding an open public forum at the Keysborough Angling Club, Gladesville Boulevard, Patterson Lakes, on Tuesday, 15 September, from 7pm to 9pm.

"Other forums have been held across the state over the past two months and the quality of ideas and enthusiasm of participants has been top notch.

"They have been held at Melbourne, Torquay, Warrnambool, Horsham, Wangaratta, Bairnsdale and Mallacoota. “

Examples of some of the ideas proposed so far are to:
-Investigate stocking larger numbers of freshwater fish or stocking more frequently
-Build more fishing reefs like the new ones off Frankston, Seaford and Aspendale
-Provide better information about spear-fishing (e.g. education information and signage)
-Identify and map key crown land access points
-Investigate the development of a plan to stock marine fish species, and
-Develop a primary schools fishing education program.

"These ideas will help develop the new Recreational Fishing Plan which will build on the Victorian Government’s $13.5 million Enhanced Recreational Fishing Program.

This is delivering a 30 per cent increase in fish stocking, new fish cleaning tables, a recreational fishing haven in Western Port and improved access to waterways.

"It will also help to guide the new Recreational Fishing Grants Working Group, which will provide advice on priority projects using recreational fishing licence revenue.”

The meetings are open public forums being held in the evening to ensure as many people as possible can attend.

For more information about the Recreational Fishing Forums visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing.