DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES Fishery status report 2008 Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series - No. 63 Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series Fishery status report 2008
Report No. 63
Fishery status report 2008
Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series No. 63
Fishery status report 2008
© The State of Victoria, Department of Primary Photographs supplied by: Industries, 2008 Marc Ainsworth, Stephen Colquitt, Dallas D'Silva, This publication is copyright. No part may be Paul Hamer, Jeremy Hindell , Stewart McGlashan, produced by any process except in accordance Ewan McLean, Jodie Simpson and Ross with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. Winstanley. Reproduction and the making available of this Illustration supplied by: Krystii Melaine. material for personal, in-house, or non-commercial purposes is authorised on the condition that: Electronic copies of this document are available from the Fisheries Victoria website: • The copyright is acknowledged as the owner; www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing • No official connection is claimed; Disclaimer: This publication may be of assistance • The material is made available without charge to you, but the State of Victoria and its employees or cost; and do not guarantee that the publication is without • The material is not subject to inaccurate, flaw or is wholly appropriate for your particular misleading or derogatory comment. purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for an Requests to reproduce or communicate this error, loss or other consequence which may arise material in any way not permitted by this licence from you relying on any information in this (or by the fair dealing provisions of the Copyright publication. Act 1968) should be directed to: This report cannot be used in court. Fishing laws The Department of Primary Industries change from time to time. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are acting within the law. If you Copyright Officer, are in doubt contact the Customer Service Centre PO Box 4440 (telephone 136 186 or www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing) Melbourne Victoria 3001. For more information about DPI visit the website ISSN: 1448-7373 at
Fishery status report 2008 ii Table of Contents
List of Figures ...... v List of Tables ...... vii Acronyms ...... viii
Foreword...... 1
Executive Director’s overview...... 3
1. Introduction ...... 4 1.1 Structure of the report...... 4 1.2 Victoria’s fishery score card...... 5 1.3 Summary of report ...... 10
2. Overview of fisheries in Victoria...... 17 2.1 Management of fisheries resources in Victoria ...... 17 2.2 Marine fisheries ...... 25 2.3 Inland fisheries ...... 28 2.4 Research and stock monitoring ...... 30 2.5 Compliance and fisheries enforcement ...... 30 2.6 Aquaculture overview...... 35
3. Fishery specific reports...... 36 Marine fisheries ...... 36 3.1 Rock Lobster Fishery...... 37 3.2 Giant Crab Fishery ...... 48 3.3 Abalone Fishery...... 56 3.4 Scallop Fishery...... 67 3.5 Snapper Fishery ...... 77 3.6 Black Bream Fishery...... 90 3.7 King George Whiting Fishery...... 103 3.8 Sea Urchin Fishery...... 116 Inland fisheries ...... 123 3.9 Eel Fishery ...... 124 3.10 Murray Cod Fishery...... 132 3.11 Salmonid Fishery...... 139
Fishery status report 2008 iii 4. Aquaculture reports ...... 149 4.1 Salmonid Aquaculture...... 149 4.2 Mussel Aquaculture...... 152 4.3 Abalone Aquaculture ...... 156
Appendix 1 – Species List ...... 160 Freshwater Species List – 6 species...... 160 Marine Species List – 122 species...... 160
Appendix 2 – Production statistics...... 163
Fishery status report 2008 iv
List of Figures
Figure 1. Production and value of all Victorian fisheries since 2002/03...... 10 Figure 2. The percentage contribution of different commercial fishing sectors to the total volume and value of Victorian fisheries production in 2006/07 ...... 10 Figure 3. Scallop production (live weight) and market value ($,000) since 2002/03 ...... 12 Figure 4 Annual aquaculture production (tonnes) in 2006/07 (Bars show the production range since 2003/04) ...... 16 Figure 5. Annual aquaculture production value ($, 000) in 2006/07 (Bars show the production range since 2003/04) ...... 16 Figure 6. Catchment management areas in Victoria...... 28 Figure 7. Summary breakdown of the different elements involved in investigating fisheries crime...... 33 Figure 8. Analysis of the 146 files prosecuted by the Victorian Government in 2006/07, by fishery...... 33 Figure 9. Location of aquaculture fisheries reserves within Port Phillip Bay and Western Port bay...... 35 Figure 10. The Victorian Lobster Fishery ...... 37 Figure 11. Reported rock lobster catch (kg), effort (potlifts) and catch rate (kg/potlift) from the western and eastern zones over licensing year. The vertical dotted line indicates the introduction of quota management...... 39 Figure 12. Victorian Giant Crab Fishery...... 48 Figure 13. Total giant crab catch (kg), targeted effort (targeted potlifts) and catch rate (kg per 24hr potlift) from the western zone for licensing seasons 1990/91 to 2006/07 (April – March)...... 50 Figure 14. Giant crab catch rate (kg per 24 hour potlift) of fishers landing more than 1 tonne of giant crab in a fishing season...... 50 Figure 15. Victorian commercial abalone fishery map...... 56 Figure 16. Reductions to the total abalone fishery TACC over the past five quota years...... 58 Figure 17. Annual commercial snapper catches from Port Phillip Bay...... 81 Figure 18. Commercial fishing effort, snapper catch and snapper catch rates using long lines in Port Phillip Bay from 1978/79 to 2006/07...... 81 Figure 19. Retained (top) and discarded (bottom) snapper catch rates (± 2 s.e.) for avid (fished more than 5 days per year) boat anglers targeting snapper in Western Port bay since 1998/99...... 83 Figure 20. Age composition of snapper caught and retained by anglers in Port Phillip Bay in 2006/07 (n = 528)...... 86 Figure 21. Annual commercial bream catches from the Gippsland Lakes (including Lake Tyers) – 1914 to 2007...... 93 Figure 22. Commercial bream fishing effort, catch and catch rates in the Gippsland Lakes using mesh nets (top) and haul seine nets (bottom)...... 95 Figure 23. Retained (top) and discarded (bottom) bream catch rates (± 2 s.e.) for shore-based recreational anglers targeting bream in the Gippsland Lakes...... 96 Figure 24. Bream catch rates for a research recreational angler targeting bream in Sydenham Inlet, East Gippsland...... 96 Figure 25. Annual commercial King George whiting catches from Port Phillip Bay, Corner Inlet/Nooramunga and Western Port bay since 1914...... 107
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Figure 26. Commercial fishing effort, King George whiting catch and whiting catch rates using mesh nets (top) and haul seine nets (bottom) in Port Phillip Bay since 1978/79...... 108 Figure 27. Commercial fishing effort, King George whiting catch and whiting catch rates using mesh nets (top) and haul seine nets (bottom) in Corner Inlet/Nooramunga since 1978/79...... 109 Figure 28. Monitoring of spring (Aug-Nov) settlement of small juvenile King George whiting at eight sites in Port Phillip Bay since 1996...... 113 Figure 29. Value of Victorian salmonid aquaculture production (farm gate)...... 150 Figure 30. Value of Victorian mussel aquaculture production (farm gate)...... 153 Figure 31. Value of Victorian abalone aquaculture production (farm gate) ...... 157
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List of Tables
Table 1. Fish Species listed in December 2007 under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and the Environment Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 ...... 24 Table 2. Bay and Inlet Fishery Access Licences...... 25 Table 3. Other Non-Bay and Inlet Fishery Access Licences...... 26 Table 4. Examples of DPI resources committed to recent fisheries compliance operations and collaborations with other agencies...... 32 Table 5. Catch rates of main bycatch and byproduct species associated with the western and eastern fishing zones in the Victorian commercial rock lobster fishery ...... 40 Table 6. Progress in implementing rock lobster fishery assessment recommendations...... 46 Table 7. Catch rates of the main bycatch and byproduct species associated with the Victorian commercial giant crab fishery ...... 49 Table 8. Progress in implementing Giant crab fishery assessment recommendations...... 55 Table 9. Abalone fishery TACC 2007-08 (quota year) in tonnes ...... 58 Table 10. Progress in implementing abalone fishery assessment recommendations...... 64 Table 11. Victorian scallop catch from Lakes Entrance region...... 68 Table 12. Progress in implementing scallop fishery assessment recommendations...... 73 Table 13. Victorian Commercial Snapper catches in 2006/07 ...... 80 Table 14. Victorian Commercial Bream Catches in 2006/07...... 92 Table 15. King George whiting commercial catch in 2006/07...... 105 Table 16. Sea urchin harvest from eastern Victoria (live weight, tonnes)...... 118 Table 17. Sea urchin harvest from Port Phillip Bay (live weight, tonnes) ...... 118 Table 18. Progress in implementing sea urchin fishery assessment recommendations ...... 121 Table 19. Mortality of protected species associated with commercial eel fishing in Victoria...... 129 Table 20. Progress in implementing eel fishery assessment recommendations ...... 130 Table 21. The number of Murray cod stocked by location during 2006/07 ...... 133 Table 22. The number of salmonids stocked by location during 2006/07...... 141 Table 23. Reported catch of Victorian commercial scale fish (2002/03–2006/07)...... 163 Table 24. Reported catch of Victorian commercial mollusc, echinoderm, crustacean, shark and rays (2002/03–2006/07)...... 164 Table 25. Reported value of Victorian commercial scale fish catch (2002/03–2006/07)...... 165 Table 26. Reported value of Victorian commercial mollusc, echinoderm, crustacean, shark & ray catch (2002/03–2006/07)...... 166 Table 27. Weight and value of Victorian aquaculture production (2002/03-2006/07) ...... 167 Table 28. Weight and value of Victorian abalone aquaculture production (2002/03–2006/07)...... 167 Table 29. Weight and value of Victorian blue mussel aquaculture production (2002/03–2006/07)...... 167 Table 30. Weight and value of Victorian scale fish aquaculture production (2002/03–2006/07)...... 168
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Acronyms ABFAG – Abalone Fishery Assessment Group GCFAL – Giant Crab Fishery Access Licence AFAL – Abalone Fishery Access Licence HAGS – Habitat Assessment Groups AFC – Abalone Fishery Committee ITQ – Individual transferable quota AFMA – Australian Fisheries Management IUU – Illegal, unreported and unregulated Authority fishing/catch AVG – abalone viral ganglioneuritis KBN – Koorie Business Network
B MSY – Biomass required to take the Maximum LML – Legal minimum length Sustainable Yield MOU – Memorandum of understanding B 2000 – Biomass in the year 2000 MPA – Marine Protected Area BRD – Bycatch reduction device NSW - New South Wales CI – Corner Inlet OCS – Offshore Constitutional Settlement CLE – Aquaculture Crown Land Eel Licence PAB – Protected aquatic biota CMA – Catchment Management Authority PCR – Polymerase chain reaction (a diagnostic CONS – Inland fisheries consultation meetings test). COP – Code of practice PPB – Port Phillip Bay CPUE – Catch per unit of effort RFGP – Recreational fishing Grants Program DEWHA – Australian Government Department of RFL – Recreational Fishing Licence Environment, Water, Heritage and Arts RLFMA – Rock lobster fishery management DIIRD – Department of Innovation, Industry and advisory team Regional Development SESSF – Commonwealth Southern and Eastern DOI – Department of Infrastructure Scalefish and Shark Fishery DPI – Department of Primary Industries SIV – Seafood Industry Victoria (fishing industry DSE – Department of Sustainability and peak body) Environment TACC – Total allowable commercial catch EBFM – Ecosystem based fishery management TAS - Tasmania EFAL – Eel Fishery Access Licence TEP – Threatened, endangered or protected EPBC Act – Environment Protection and Biodiversity species Conservation Act 1999 TL – Total length ERA – Ecological risk assessment VEFA – Victorian Eel Fishermen’s Association ESD – Ecologically sustainable development VIC - Victoria EVSUDA – East Victorian Sea Urchin Divers VISC – Victorian Indigenous Seafood Committee Association VRFish – Victorian recreational fishing peak body EZ – eastern zone (rock lobster fishery) WA – Western Australia FCC – The Fisheries Co-Management Council WP – Western Port/ Western Port bay FL – Fork length WTO – Wildlife trade operation (accredited under FRAL – Fish Receiver Abalone Licence the EPBC Act) FRB – Fisheries Research Branch WZ – Western zone (rock lobster fishery) FRDC – Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
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Foreword Victoria’s waters range from fast, snow-fed the recent activities undertaken by the Department streams in the mountains, to lazy rivers and creeks of Primary Industries (DPI) in managing our flowing down to the sea. They include inland valuable fisheries resources. The report also lakes, river systems and water storages, estuaries highlights recent changes in management and marine waters out to three nautical miles from arrangements, research and fisheries compliance shore. By agreement with the Commonwealth, activities. Victoria also manages some fisheries beyond this Our fisheries resources are facing a number of limit. challenges. The key challenges at present include: Victoria’s commercial and recreational fisheries are illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing; diverse and geographically extensive. Commercial drought; climate change; new technologies and fishing in Victoria occurs mostly in marine areas pressure on the quality of aquatic environments. and in some bays, inlets and estuarine areas. Compliance with Victoria’s legislation and Aquaculture and recreational fishing occur in regulations is a cornerstone of fisheries marine, estuarine and inland waters. management arrangements. Most people Our unpolluted oceans provide some of the undertaking fishing activities in Victoria do the world’s finest seafood including abalone, mussels, right thing, but organised criminal elements are rock lobster and snapper. With such quality on known to operate within our state, and attempt to offer, it is not surprising that an estimated 550,000 make illegal financial gains by stealing the Victorians engage in some form of recreational community’s resources. These illegal activities fishing every year. pose a significant threat to the resources. Victoria’s fisheries resources are well managed – Environmental changes can affect fisheries by both national and international standards. Our resources, and the recent focus on climate change fisheries resources are managed in accordance has highlighted the need for fisheries management with the principles for Ecologically Sustainable to be adaptable and responsive to changing Development (ESD), to ensure long-term circumstances. An extended period of drought in sustainability. This will ensure fish now and into Victoria and other parts of Australia has the future. To achieve this, DPI works in three key significantly impacted on many inland fisheries areas: and reinforced the fact that fisheries are vulnerable • Securing the fish to environmental impacts. These impacts also include pollution, fire, disease, and competition • Sharing the fish from introduced or noxious species. • Growing the value of the fish. Even though some fishery stocks are subject to This fishery status report continues a long natural variability for reasons that are not fully tradition of documenting the seafood production understood, it is anticipated that climate change from Victoria’s commercial fishing industry, which will impact on Victoria's inland and marine has been done since the early 1900s. It summarises fisheries and aquaculture businesses. Future the performance of Victoria’s key fisheries and predictions include changes to sea levels, nutrient aquaculture industries and provides a summary of flows, ocean currents, water temperatures, ocean
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acidification and fresh water flows. Such changes This report highlights a number of gaps in the will have implications for fish populations, information that would assist DPI to manage fisheries productivity and fish distributions. Victoria’s fisheries resources with more certainty. These include: These changes will be experienced differently • across parts of Victoria depending on the driving The levels of fishing catch and effort made by environmental forces. Climate change and the recreational and indigenous fishing sectors associated challenges will need to be incorporated • The social and economic value contributions into the assessments of fisheries resources made by the different fisheries sectors towards undertaken by DPI, and DPI is currently leading Victoria’s communities. important research into the biological, social and The DPI is continuing to work with other state and economic impacts of climate change. Future federal government agencies for reforms to the fishery status reports will incorporate the results way we do research and development and the from this research. management of our fisheries. It is intended that Other resource pressures that need to be this will help to establish strategic research considered in managing fisheries resources include alliances that will bring about greater efficiencies, changes in social demographics, energy costs, help to address the existing data gaps, and support global competition, and technological more resilient and viable fisheries sectors. improvements that better facilitate the location of and access to fisheries resources. Due to the many complexities involved in natural ecosystems, resource management decisions are often made without complete sets of information. Increasing the quality of information available increases the level of certainty in the decision making process. This information can also assist in quantifying the contribution of the development of Richard Bolt fishery resources to the Victorian economy and the Secretary for the Department of Primary Industries communities’ well being.
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Executive Director’s overview Fisheries Victoria is a division within the impacted (and continue to impact in some cases) Department of Primary Industries. We manage on the productive capacity of our fisheries Victoria’s fisheries resources by developing and resources and/or their supporting aquatic implementing policies, programs and projects, and environments. It is also anticipated that climate through the delivery of a range of fisheries change will bring further changes to productivity management services. and distributions of our fisheries resources. Our objective is the ecologically sustainable Over time, such impacts have the ability to alter development of Victoria’s fisheries resources. the sustainably of fishing practices and Fisheries Fisheries Victoria is working to achieve this Victoria remains vigilant in monitoring the objective by ‘securing the fish’, ‘sharing the fish’ situation. Through our ongoing stewardship, we and ‘growing the value’ of fish harvested. The goal are adapting our management strategies to is the presence of fisheries in our waters now, and maintain a sustainable harvest and to ensure that in the future. fish are available both now and into the future. In general, Victoria’s fisheries resources are The new format used in this fishery status report sustainably harvested, but the majority of our provides our stakeholders with more detailed resources are also considered to be fully exploited. information and is consistent with the annual This is documented in the new “fishery score card” reporting guidelines for the Ecologically in Chapter 1 of this report, which has been Sustainable Management of Fisheries published by prepared for the first time in this report. As many the Australian Government in 2007. It is intended of our resources are fully exploited, there is little that this document will act as a useful reference for scope for further expansion of the State’s people with an interest in the management of our established fisheries. Fisheries Victoria recognises valuable aquatic resources. this and will be working with the commercial I would like to take this opportunity to express my fishing industry to grow the value of existing thanks to all DPI staff who have contributed to the resources, and further developing the post-harvest production of this document. sector. In addition, we will be working with the aquaculture sector to implement the Victorian Aquaculture Strategy and increase the future supply of Victorian aquaculture products. The management of our fisheries resources takes place in a dynamic environment and a number of Dr Peter Appleford challenges have arisen in recent times that have Executive Director - Fisheries Victoria
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1. Introduction This report follows on from the 2006-07 Annual growing sector. There is also a summary of the Report of the Fisheries Co-Management Council extensive program of fishery monitoring and (FCC), and summarises the performance of research that underpins Ecosystem Based Fishery Victoria’s fisheries and aquaculture industries. It Management (EBFM) and aquaculture production has been prepared using a method that is consistent in Victoria. with the annual reporting requirements listed in the Five of Victoria’s commercial fisheries have been second edition of the Guidelines for the Ecologically assessed and achieved export Sustainable Management of Fisheries published by certification/accreditation under the the Australian Government in 2007. Commonwealth EPBC Act. For these important A large amount of the data in this report has been export fisheries and for a number of other fisheries provided by commercial fishers through logbook that have a significant commercial and/or social returns, which are collected by the Department of contribution, fishery-specific status reports have Primary Industries (DPI) as part of the commercial been produced (see Section 3). DPI will expand on fisheries management framework. Logbook data the number of fishery-specific status reports in has been collected from commercial fishers over a coming years. number of years, and is a key component of The fishery-species reports have summarised monitoring fishery stocks and some research technical information from stock assessments and projects. The aquaculture industry also provides research projects that inform their management production information in the form of their strategies. Where possible the scientific analyses production returns. DPI acknowledges all have been referenced in the reports to provide members of the commercial fishing and interested readers with access to further technical aquaculture industries who continue to participate information. in the collection of this valuable data. The common and scientific names used in the Increasing numbers of recreational anglers are also report are based on the Codes for Australian becoming involved in providing data through the Aquatic Biota (see www.marine.csiro.au/caab) and DPI Research Angler Diary Program, and through are given in Appendix 1. participation in surveys. Note on data used in this report 1.1 Structure of the report Report data is mostly presented as financial year This document is intended to meet the annual summaries (30 June to 1 July), which is expressed reporting requirements under the Fisheries Act 1995 using a backslash i.e. “2006/07”. Some data needed and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity to be summarised by quota year, licence year or by Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) of the Australian fishing season. Such data is shown using an en Government’s Department of Environment, Water, dash i.e. “2006–07” and a qualifying remark where Heritage and the Arts. required to avoid confusion. Continuous improvements are being made on data quality in The information in this report is organised to Victoria. DPI is working towards a more consistent provide readers with an overview of the status of data reporting system for future fishery status significant marine and inland fisheries in Victoria reports. for the commercial, recreational and indigenous sectors. The aquaculture industry is also described, Where available, data from the 2007/08 financial including new initiatives to boost this rapidly year has been incorporated.
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1.2 Victoria’s fishery score card
The DPI has conducted an overall assessment of key fisheries based on an evaluation of the following factors: • The ecosystem limitations impacting on the fishery (Ranked as Negligible / Minor / Moderate / Significant / Highly Significant) • The sustainability of fishing currently being conducted (Yes -sustainable / Uncertain / No - unsustainable) • The need for stock recovery plans and the status of plans that have been implemented (Yes / Uncertain / No) • The impacts of the fishery on the ecosystem (Ranked as Negligible / Minor / Moderate / Significant / Highly Significant) • The level of compliance risks for the fishery (Ranked as Negligible / Minor / Moderate / Significant / Highly Significant).
Based on these evaluations, the fisheries have been categorised into one of four groups. - There are sustainable levels of fishing and satisfactory abundance of fishery Under exploited stocks. The fishery could potentially tolerate additional harvest pressure.
- There are sustainable levels of fishing and satisfactory abundance of fishery Fully exploited stocks. (Minor issues may be affecting fishery stock abundance, and/or the sustainability of fishing.)
Over exploited - Stock abundance is not satisfactory, and/or overfishing is occurring.
Environmentally - Significant non-fishing (ecosystem) issues have been identified that are limited influencing productivity in the fishery. These issues are considered to be driving stock status.
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Fishery The level of non- Is the stock Is a stock recovery The level of impact the The level of compliance Status of Fishery fishing sustainably plan required? fishery has on the risks
(ecosystem) fished environment
impacts on the
fishery Rock Moderate - Yes Yes Overall – Minor Overall – Moderate Fully exploited lobster Variable larval (but fishing has TACC adjusted in line Minor gear impact Commercial - moderate (eastern settlement and previously played with recruitment to Minor bycatch/byproduct Recreational - moderate zone) fishery a role in reducing allow stock recovery Negligible TEP interactions IUU - moderate recruitment biomass) from historical fishing Rock Moderate - Yes Yes Overall – Minor Overall – Moderate Fully exploited lobster Variable larval (but fishing has TACC adjusted in line Minor gear impact Commercial - moderate (western settlement and previously played with recruitment to Minor level of Recreational - moderate zone) fishery a role in reducing allow stock recovery bycatch/byproduct IUU - moderate recruitment biomass) from historical fishing Negligible TEP interactions Giant Negligible Yes Yes Overall – Minor Overall – Negligible Fully exploited crab (but biomass was TACC adjusted to keep Minor gear impact Commercial - minor previously fishing sustainable and Negligible level of Recreational - negligible heavily fished allow stock recovery as bycatch/byproduct IUU - negligible down) needed Negligible TEP interactions Abalone Minor – Some Yes Yes Overall – Negligible Overall – Significant Fully exploited (eastern issues with sea TACC adjusted to Negligible gear impact Commercial - minor zone) urchin barrens allow stock recovery as Negligible level of Recreational - minor needed bycatch/byproduct IUU – significant Negligible TEP interactions (organised criminal activity)
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Fishery The level of non- Is the stock Is a stock recovery The level of impact the The level of compliance Status of Fishery fishing sustainably plan required? fishery has on the risks
(ecosystem) fished environment
impacts on the
fishery Abalone Moderate – Stock Yes Yes Overall – Negligible Overall – Significant Fully exploited availability (central TACC adjusted to Negligible gear impact Commercial - minor reduced by viral zone) allow stock recovery as Negligible level of Recreational - minor disease outbreak needed bycatch/byproduct IUU – significant Negligible TEP interactions (organised criminal activity) Abalone Significant - Stock Yes Yes Overall – Negligible Overall – Significant Fully exploited availability (western TACC adjusted to Negligible gear impact Commercial - minor heavily reduced zone) allow stock recovery as Negligible level of Recreational - minor by viral disease needed. A further bycatch/byproduct IUU – significant outbreak strategy to determine Negligible TEP interactions (organised criminal best recovery from activity) AVG being developed Scallop Significant - High Yes No Overall – Moderate Overall – Moderate Under exploited natural variability Moderate gear impact Commercial - moderate in spat fall and Moderate level of Recreational - minor subsequent stock bycatch/byproduct. IUU – moderate abundance Minor TEP species interactions Snapper Significant – Yes Western stock – No, but Overall – Minor Overall – Moderate Environmentally Habitat/ ‘adaptive management’ limited Minor gear impact Commercial – moderate environment measures are in place Minor level of (some concern over conditions in bays based on reviewed bycatch/byproduct targeting by and inlets stock monitoring data Minor TEP interactions Commonwealth fishers) determine annual Eastern stock – No (discarded tackle) Recreational - minor recruitment IUU – moderate (take for sale)
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Fishery The level of non- Is the stock Is a stock recovery The level of impact the The level of compliance Status of Fishery fishing sustainably plan required? fishery has on the risks
(ecosystem) fished environment
impacts on the
fishery Black Significant - Yes Uncertain in Gippsland Overall – Minor Overall – Minor Environmentally bream Estuarine Lakes – ‘adaptive limited Minor gear impact Commercial – minor conditions management’ measures Minor level of Recreational - minor determine annual are in placed based on bycatch/byproduct IUU – moderate (illegal recruitment reviewed stock Minor TEP interactions netting and take for monitoring data (discarded tackle) sale) Other estuaries – No King Significant - Yes Port Phillip Bay – No, Overall – Minor Overall – Minor Environmentally George Habitat/ but ‘adaptive limited Minor gear impact Commercial – minor whiting environment management’ measures Minor level of Recreational - minor conditions in bays are in place based on bycatch/byproduct IUU – moderate (take and inlets review of stock Minor TEP interactions for sale) determine annual monitoring data (discarded tackle) recruitment Other waters - No Sea Negligible Yes No Overall – Negligible Overall – Negligible Under exploited urchin Negligible gear impact Commercial - minor Negligible level of Recreational - negligible bycatch/byproduct IUU - negligible Negligible TEP interactions Eel Highly significant Yes Uncertain – but likely Overall – Moderate Overall – Minor Fully exploited - Lack of available Ongoing Minor gear impact Commercial – minor freshwater habitat environmental Moderate level of Recreational – minor due to drought limitations require bycatch/byproduct IUU – minor and poor water resolution before plan Minor TEP interactions quality can be implemented
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Fishery The level of non- Is the stock Is a stock recovery The level of impact the The level of compliance Status of Fishery fishing sustainably plan required? fishery has on the risks
(ecosystem) fished environment
impacts on the
fishery Murray Significant – Uncertain Yes – A plan is Overall – Minor Overall – Significant Environmentally cod Reduced habitat currently being drafted limited Better Minor gear impact Commercial – n/a available, by Commonwealth information of Minor level of Recreational – moderate competition with authorities to be mortality in the bycatch/byproduct IUU – significant exotic species and implemented locally fishery is required Minor TEP interactions (organised criminal water quality (discarded tackle) activity) limitations in most waters Salmonid Moderate - Yes No Overall – Moderate Overall – negligible Fully exploited Availability of Minor gear impact Commercial – n/a suitable waters Minor level of Recreational - negligible reduced due to bycatch/byproduct IUU - negligible drought Moderate TEP interactions (interactions through stocking fish and discarded tackle)
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Production (t) 1.3 Summary of report 10000 Value ($M 100
Commercial fisheries summary s 8000 80 In 2006/07, the total production from Victorian 6000 60 fisheries (combining coastal, bays and inlets and 4000 40 freshwater fisheries) was 5682 tonnes with a
Production tonne 2000 20 wholesale market value of $75 million. Wholesale value $M 0 0 Most of the commercial catch is generated from 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 coastal waters, which produced 4100 tonnes of Figure 1. Production and value of all Victorian seafood with a wholesale market value of $67 fisheries since 2002/03 million. The bay and inlet fisheries produced 1200 tonnes of seafood with a wholesale market value of Crustaceans Sharks $7 million. Victoria’s inland commercial fisheries 9% 1% including the removal of noxious carp, and the eel Echinoderms 1% and bait fisheries, are smaller and have been impacted by the ongoing drought. These fisheries produced 382 tonnes with a wholesale market Molluscs Scalefish value of $1 million. The recent catch and 34% 55% production value statistics for commercially harvested species are detailed in Appendix 2. 2006/07 In 2006/07, DPI issued a total of 816 commercial Commercial Production Volume fishery access licences in coastal marine waters Sharks (690), bay and inlets (96) and freshwater/bait (30). Scalefish 1% An additional number of permits (51) were issued Crustaceans 13% for other fishery related activities. In Victoria’s 23% coastal waters, classes of access licences included: Echinoderms abalone (71), rock lobster (132), giant crab (37), 0% scallop (91), inshore trawl (60), wrasse (27), purse seine (1), bait (7) and ocean general fisheries (266). Victoria’s commercial fisheries included the Molluscs harvest of more than 122 different species of 2006/07 63% molluscs (abalone, scallops, pipis, and Commercial Production Value periwinkles), crustaceans (rock lobsters, crabs and prawns), cephalopods (squid, octopus, and Figure 2. The percentage contribution of different cuttlefish), echinoderms (sea urchins and sea commercial fishing sectors to the total volume and value of Victorian fisheries production in cucumber), polychaetes (sand worms), teleosts 2006/07 (scale fish) and elasmobranchs (sharks, chimeras, skates and rays). Marine fisheries summaries Abalone fishery summary Over the past five years, the commercial fishery Blacklip abalone is the most valuable fishery and production has been between 5300 to 6500 tonnes accounts for the majority of the catch and with wholesale market value ranging between production value of molluscs. In 2006/07, black lip $72 million to $89 million (see Figure 1). In 2006/07, abalone production was 1216 tonnes with a the commercial catch weight consisted of marine wholesale value of $45.7 million. Over the last five scale fish (55%), molluscs (34%) and crustaceans years production has been between 1216 to 1460 (9%). Most of the catch value was attributed to tonnes with wholesale values ranging from molluscs (63%) and crustaceans (23%) with a $45.7 million to $60 million. smaller proportion related to scalefish (13%) (see Figure 2). The fishery is regulated by a quota management system with individual transferable quota (ITQ) units. The fishery is managed in three zones, with a set amount of ITQ units available in each zone. These cannot be transferred between zones. Each quota unit represents the right to take a proportion of the overall total allowable commercial catch
Fishery status report 2008 10
(TACC) for that specific zone. In the western and arrangements are compatible with those in central zones, the 2006/07 production decreased, Tasmania and South Australia. In 2006/07, there whereas in the eastern zone, production was were 85 western zone and 47 eastern zone access stable. Reductions in TACC were implemented in licences issued. The commercial catch is regulated consultation with the commercial fishing industry by a quota management system with ITQ units. In to manage reductions in available abalone stocks 2006-07 (quota year), the TACC was set at 450 caused through the combined impacts of the tonnes in the western zone and 60 tonnes in the abalone viral ganglioneuritis (AVG) disease and eastern zone. The total number of fishing pots that lower production capacity on some Victorian reefs. can be used in each zone is also capped. In 2006-07, 5147 pots were permitted in the western zone and The recent outbreak of AVG has impacted the 2021 pots in the eastern zone. Pots can be available stock biomass in the western and central transferred between zones. zones. In response, there have been changes to fishery management arrangements. In the western In the western zone, the total catch and catch rates zone, virus affected reefs have been closed to are decreasing, whereas in the eastern zone the commercial fishing and the legal minimum length total catch and catch rates are steady. Fishing effort (LML) for blacklip abalone has been increased in both zones is decreasing. The primary stock from 120 mm to 130 mm. In the central zone, 50 indicators are biomass estimates that are derived tonnes was removed from the TACC on a from a length structured model for the fishery. The precautionary basis. stock assessment for the western zone estimates that the spawning biomass is above the target and A key performance indicator for the fishery limit reference points and the available biomass is requires the ratio of biomass and annual catch of between the limit reference and the target the mature biomass to remain at or below the level reference points. The stock assessment for the estimated in 2000 (B2000) with a 70% confidence eastern zone estimates that the spawning biomass level (30% risk). is between the limit and target reference points The eastern zone biomass estimate for 2007/08 and the available biomass is between the limit and indicated a slight increase in stock abundance so target reference points. the TACC has remained constant for the last 5 There are concerns about the declining catches and years. catch rates in the western zone. The rate of stock The central zone biomass estimate for 2007/08 rebuilding is lower than expected. The indicated a reduction in the mature biomass so the management strategy for the western zone TACC has been reduced. includes a 15% reduction of the TACC to 380 tonnes for 2007–08. A further reduction to the The western zone biomass has been significantly TACC to 320 tonnes has also been implemented for reduced by AVG, prompting substantial TACC 2008/09. reductions in an attempt to conserve the resource. In this zone, the use of a biomass model has been The available and spawning biomass in the eastern limited as it could not be modified to zone is rebuilding at the anticipated rate, and accommodate a single large mortality event. In catches and catch rates are steady. Recent under response, this zone is being managed at the reef catch of the TACC in this zone is related to fishing level, and remaining TACC reflects the productive behaviour and not to stock status, and a small capacity of reefs open to fishing. increase of TACC from 60 to 66 tonnes was approved in 2007/08 fishing season in line with the Rock lobster fishery summary rebuilding of stocks. The TACC for the 2008/09 Rock lobster is the second most valuable fishery in quota year has also been set at 66 tonnes. Victoria and provides the majority of the catch and production value of crustaceans. In 2006/07, rock Giant crab fishery summary lobster production was 394 tonnes with a The giant crab fishery is linked to the commercial wholesale value of $15.6 million. Over the last five rock lobster fishery, and in 2006/07 it produced 23 years, production has been between 394 and 499 tonnes of product with a wholesale value of tonnes with wholesale values ranging from $0.8 million. Over the last five years production $13.8 million to $15.6 million. has been between 11 and 27 tonnes with wholesale values ranging from $0.2 million to $0.8 million. DPI is currently reviewing the Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan. Giant crab fishing takes place in deeper waters in the western rock lobster zone and management The Victorian fishery is managed in two zones arrangements were compatible with those in (western and eastern zones) and management
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Tasmania and South Australia. Thirty seven Giant assessments are difficult to apply in scallop Crab Fishery Access Licences were issued in fisheries, and no formal stock assessment exists. 2006/07, and the commercial catch is regulated by a Consequently, the fishery is conservatively quota management system with ITQ units. managed using pre-cautionary ESD principles to accommodate the natural variability in stock In 2006-07 the TACC was set at 25 tonnes. The total abundance. number of pots that can be used in the fishery is linked to the number permitted in the rock lobster The fishery is not opened unless the abundance of fishery. scallops in specific locations meets the agreed criteria for the average number of scallop meats Catch, effort and catch rates have been steady for per kilogram. If more than 20% of scallops in the the past three years, and available biomass has not catch are below the minimum size limit, the increased or decreased significantly in this time. scallop beds are closed to protect the stocks of The recent increase in the numbers of undersize juveniles until they grow to a suitable harvesting giant crabs reported indicates that recruitment is size. increasing and this should lead to rebuilding of the stocks over time. There have been no recent changes to the management arrangements. The Giant Crab Fishery Management Plan is currently 1600 tonnes live wt being reviewed in line with the review being 1400 val ue conducted in the rock lobster fishery. 1200 Scallop fishery summary 1000 The scallop fishery contributes approximately 5% 800 of Victoria’s commercial fishery value of 600 production. In 2006/07, scallop production was 603 400 tonnes with a wholesale value of $0.9 million. Over 200 Production (t) &Production value $,000 (t) the last five years production has been variable, 0 between 266 and 738 tonnes with wholesale values 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 ranging from $0.4 million to $1.1 million (see Figure 3). Figure 3. Scallop production (live weight) and market value ($,000) since 2002/03 Commercial fishing is mostly conducted by the Snapper fishery summary fishing fleets based at Lakes Entrance and Port Victoria currently has the largest recreational Welshpool. Over the past 14 years, the scallop catch from Lakes Entrance has varied between snapper fishery in Australia. DPI has estimated that recreational angers take about 80% of the total 8269 tonnes in 1993 to negligible or zero catches in Victorian snapper catch (by weight) through both 1995, 1998, and 1999. All vessels are fitted with a Vessel Monitoring System that is used to monitor boat and shore based angling. Targeted fishing effort increases from October to May as snapper the position of vessels on the water. The number of migrate into Victorian bays from Bass Strait. It is commercial scallop (ocean) fishery access licences is capped at 91 licences, but only 12 to 20 vessels also estimated that the total annual recreational catch of retained and discarded snapper is likely to are active in the fishery. exceed 1 million fish per annum, with more than Scallops abundance is known to be variable from half of all the snapper caught released after year to year, and the management arrangements capture, often as undersize fish. The principal have been developed with appropriate flexibility. method of regulating the recreational fisheries is The fishery operates under a quota management by indirect catch controls such as legal size limits system with ITQ units, and annual management and bag limits. decisions are made in consultation with industry The commercial fishery is smaller, but snapper has to determine when the fishery should open, and the TACC. The TACC has been capped at 1504 a high commercial value. Snapper was the sixth most valuable target species and contributed about tonnes (shell weight) for a number of years. Only 4% of the total value of Victorian commercial 42.8% of the TACC (643 tonnes) was taken in the 2006-07 quota year. The underutilisation of the fisheries production in 2006/07. Over the last four years, commercial production has been between 92 TACC is attributed to economic factors, and not and 115 tonnes with wholesale values ranging due to lack of available scallops. from $0.7 million to $0.8 million. In 2006/07, Scallop populations are unpredictable due to a commercial snapper production was 108 tonnes range of environmental factors. Traditional stock with a wholesale value of $0.8 million. Most of the
Fishery status report 2008 12
2006/07 Victorian commercial snapper catch (87%) bream caught by anglers is released after capture was taken in Port Phillip Bay. The most common (usually undersize fish). commercial fishing technique is long-lining. In 2006/07 commercial production of black bream There are as yet no structured management for Victoria was 58 tonnes with a wholesale market arrangements for Victorian finfish (including value of about $0.6 million. Most of the annual snapper) fisheries. Management arrangements in Victorian commercial production (77% to 88%) place for snapper involve monitoring commercial comes from the Gippsland Lakes, which is the only and recreational fishery trends and recruitment as remaining fishery targeting bream. Most of the a basis for deciding on ‘adaptive’ management commercial catch is taken with haul seines and arrangements to maintain fishing pressure at mesh nets. Black bream is an important species for sustainable levels. The principal management the commercial fishery in the Gippsland Lakes, methods are to limit fishing effort by limiting the contributing 14% of the catch weight and 32% of number of commercial fishing licences and the catch value in 2006/07. restricting commercial and recreational fishing The principal methods of regulating bream catches equipment, and to apply catch controls such as a are by limiting the number of commercial access legal size limit and recreational bag/possession licences, restricting fishing equipment, applying limits. Snapper are also caught as a byproduct in size limits and recreational catch (bag) limits. several Commonwealth fisheries off the Victorian Management arrangements have been adjusted to coast. maintain sustainable levels of fishing, in Changes to the Victorian snapper legal size limit accordance with trends in stock status. and recreational catch limits were introduced in Stock status is assessed through monitoring of October 2007 following the release of a discussion bream year class strength and recruitment paper by DPI for public comment. These changes patterns, and analysis of trends in the commercial were implemented to reflect changing stakeholder and recreational fisheries. Monitoring of bream views on responsible recreational snapper fishing fisheries in the Gippsland Lakes and periodic practices and to reduce the opportunities for illegal assessment of the bream stock has been conducted sale of fish. for a long period of time. The commercial fishery The recruitment of several strong year classes into has shown long-term cycles of high and low the Victorian western stock snapper fisheries over catches since records began in the early 1900s. In the last decade has led to increased commercial recent years, commercial black bream catches have and recreational catch rates. In Port Phillip Bay, been at historically low levels in comparison to the commercial snapper catch rates have more than annual production of 200 to 400 tonnes recorded in doubled since 2001/02 and production has risen the 1970s and 1980s. Persistent low recruitment, despite the continued decline in commercial reduced availability of bream in areas open to fishing effort. commercial fishing, increases in minimum size limits and lower fishing effort have all contributed Snapper stock assessments are conducted to reduced commercial production in recent years. regularly by DPI, and the presence of at least six strong year classes since 1994/95 indicates that the Access point creel surveys of recreational anglers Victorian western snapper stock and spawning fishing in the Gippsland Lakes have been biomass is increasing, and the high discard catch conducted annually since 1995, and have shown rates of undersize fish reported indicate further that retained catch rates of bream have also been strong year classes that will soon reach the legal declining for recreational anglers. size and help to maintain good snapper catches for Ageing of black bream and catches in the at least the next few years. Gippsland Lakes has shown that only two Black bream fishery summary relatively abundant year classes remain in the Black bream occur in all estuaries across Victoria population - fish spawned in 1989 and 1995. The and are a prime target species for recreational fishery is now mostly supported by the 1995 year- anglers fishing from river banks, jetties and boats. class, but there have been some positive signs in Bream angling occurs year round, but effort is the last few years – including increased numbers highest during spring and summer months when of undersize bream discarded by anglers and more people visit coastal regions. improving commercial catches and catch rates. Bream recruitment in the Gippsland Lakes remains The Victorian recreational retained catch of bream well below the levels observed in the 1980s, when in 2000-01 was estimated to be about 0.5 million in some years the abundance of juvenile fish fish, weighing 203 tonnes. A large proportion of
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(>15 cm) was more than ten times higher. The lack fishing effort (limiting the number of commercial of strong recruitment in recent years and the fishery licences and restricting commercial and consequent lack of any strong year classes in the recreational fishing equipment), and by applying Gippsland Lakes black bream population suggest indirect catch controls such as a legal minimum that substantial improvements in fishery trends are lengths and recreational bag/possession limits. unlikely in the short-term. The Port Phillip Bay and Corner Inlet commercial Unfavourable habitat and environmental fisheries are limited to 48 and 18 access licences, conditions, exacerbated by drought and poor respectively. Haul seines, mesh nets and hand water quality, are likely to have been the main lines are the main types of commercial fishing gear factors affecting bream spawning, survival of eggs, used to target King George whiting. Western Port larvae and small juveniles, and the strength of year bay was closed to commercial netting in December classes recruiting to the fisheries. Altered patterns 2007 in accordance with a Government policy of freshwater inflows and elevated nutrient inputs decision to create a recreational fishing haven. associated with bushfires and occasional severe The King George whiting commercial fisheries floods have altered habitat quality in the have shown long-term cycles of high and low Gippsland Lakes. catches that have fluctuated since records began in King George whiting fishery summary the early 1900s. Since the mid 1970s, whiting King George whiting is an important recreational catches have increased in Port Phillip Bay and and commercial species with stocks targeted in Corner Inlet. In contrast, there was a decrease in Port Phillip Bay, Western Port bay, Corner commercial whiting catches in Western Port bay Inlet/Nooramunga and in Bass Strait. It is that coincided with a major loss of seagrass beds in estimated that recreational anglers take about 60% the late 1970s and early 1980s. of the total Victorian King George whiting catch Periodic assessments of the King George whiting (by weight). Approximately 43% of the stock and fisheries have been undertaken by DPI. recreational catch is taken from Port Phillip Bay They have shown that the bay and inlet fisheries and 30% from Western Port bay. There is a are based on the catch of immature 2 and 3 year significant catch of undersize fish. old fish. The majority of older fish are thought to In 2006/07, commercial King George whiting be distributed in coastal (oceanic) waters. The production for Victoria was 162 tonnes with a variation of catch rates in the whiting fisheries is wholesale market value of $1.6 million. Over the attributed to fluctuating abundance of successive last five years, commercial production has been year classes recruiting to the fisheries, and the between 133 and 162 tonnes with wholesale values small number of whiting year classes which are ranging from $1.6 million to $2.1 million. King susceptible to fishing at any one time. All George whiting catch was the third most valuable available indicators suggest that the Victorian King commercial finfish species in Victoria, and George whiting stock is currently in a healthy contributed 6% of the total weight and 11% of the condition despite short-term fluctuations in total value to Victorian fisheries production in recruitment. There is a close ecological linkage 2006/07. Most of the commercial catch is taken in between the health of seagrass beds and fishery Corner Inlet (47%) and Port Phillip Bay (40%). productivity. There are no structured management Based on the relationship between the larval arrangements for the King George whiting settlement and subsequent whiting catches that fisheries. Management arrangements involve has been established by DPI researchers, it is monitoring commercial and recreational fishery anticipated that the high settlement of larval trends and recruitment as a basis for determining whiting in Port Phillip Bay detected in 2005 will ‘adaptive’ management arrangements to maintain provide for further strong recreational and fishing pressure at sustainable levels. Whiting commercial whiting catches from 2007-08. fisheries are managed primarily by controlling For more detailed information on these marine fisheries and other key Victorian fisheries please refer to the detailed status reports provided in Chapter 3.
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Inland Fisheries Eel fishery summary Victoria’s inland fisheries are predominantly Eel populations have declined dramatically over recreational fisheries based on Australia’s iconic the past decade, which is reflected by lower freshwater native fish, such as Murray cod and commercial production in 2006/07. The decline is golden perch, as well as introduced species of fish primarily attributed to the prolonged drought in including brown and rainbow trout, salmon, red south eastern Australia, and the reduction of fin perch and carp. Based on statistics collected suitable aquatic habitats available to eels. from recreational fishers in 2000-01, the catch of Recovery of the eel stocks will not occur until the freshwater fish from Victorian waters was drought breaks, and it may take many years before estimated at about 2 million fish with a total catch some lakes and swamps return to normal weight of 807 tonnes. The majority of the fish production. caught were introduced species: red fin perch A formal Management Plan exists for the fishery (51%, about 1 million fish) and carp (330,000 fish). that describes the commercial management Trout and salmon represented 19% of the Victorian arrangements for different sectors of the eel recreational catch in freshwater (346,000 fish). The fishery: wild harvest, stock enhanced waters, and most common native species caught and retained intensive aquaculture systems. Wild harvest is were: golden perch (142,000), Murray cod (12,000), based on fyke nets that are set by the 18 access Australian bass (75,000) and yabbies (370,000). licence holders in specified coastal rivers and Most commercial fishing in inland waters has now streams around Victoria. Stock enhancement ceased, except for the commercial inland fisheries involves stocking selected lakes and for eel, carp and bait, which produced 381 tonnes impoundments in western Victoria with elvers and in 2006/07 with a wholesale value of $1 million. small eels (snigs) for on-growing and recapture. There are a small number of intensive, Murray cod fishery summary recirculating eel aquaculture systems that rely on Murray cod are listed as ‘vulnerable’ under the the capture of “glass eels” from the wild which are Environmental Protection and Biodiversity on-grown in aquaculture facilities. Eels are also Conservation Act 1999, and ‘threatened’ under the culturally significant for indigenous communities Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. Given in Victoria. this conservation status, it is only by special order made by the Governor in Council that allows for Trout and salmon fisheries summary the recreational catch of Murray cod. The DPI The last estimate of annual recreational catch of continues to work with the Department of trout and salmon from Victorian waters was Sustainability and Environment (DSE) to 346,000 fish in 2000-01, with a catch weight of 173 undertake appropriate actions to ensure the tonnes. The majority of fishing takes place in the sustainable management of the species. north east and south west regions of Victoria. The trout and salmon fishery is supported by stocking Murray cod is iconic because of its cultural fish of varying sizes into impoundments significance to the indigenous community, its large throughout Victoria for the benefit of recreational size, and its premier angling qualities. The last anglers. survey of recreational fishing catch of Murray cod was conducted in 2000-01 which estimated an The fisheries are supported by stocking activities catch of 36,000 fish by Victorian anglers, with 67% and DPI usually stocks between 300,000 and of captured fish released. About 12,000 Murray 400,000 salmonids each year, using trout and cod were retained, with an estimated combined salmon produced by DPI. The majority of stocked weight of 28 tonnes. fish are ‘yearling’ trout (50-100 g). These fish take approximately 6 months (depending on In order to conserve the wild stocks of Murray cod environmental conditions) to reach a catchable size in Victorian waters and to support the recreational after stocking. In 2006/07, nearly 200,000 salmonids fishery, fry and fingerlings are produced by DPI were stocked into 77 different waters in: Gippsland and stocked into rivers and impoundments. In (10), the North East region (16), North West region 2006/07, more than 121,000 Murray cod were (8) and Port Phillip Bay region (43). stocked in 12 different locations around Victoria. The Murray cod stocking program was reduced in Evaluation of past stocking activities is an 2006/07 due to reduced stock availability important aspect of the stocking program and associated with the prolonged drought conditions several different methods are used including and low water availability. tagging studies, creel surveys, and netting surveys. A tagging study conducted at Eildon Pondage revealed that 36% of brown trout and 48% of
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rainbow trout were re-captured, mostly within the Marine aquaculture is based primarily on first months of release. A creel survey from Lake molluscan species with facilities producing blue Hume showed that 16% of brown trout caught by mussels and abalone. Abalone production has anglers were stocked fish that had been specially increased over the past five years. Blue mussel marked using fin clipping. production has declined over the same period. In 2006/07, abalone production was 121 tonnes with a Scientists from DPI are also investigating the farm gate value of $4.3 million. Blue mussel recovery of the recreational fishery after the production in 2006/07 was 824 tonnes with a farm 2006/07 bushfires in Victoria’s alpine region. Key gate value of $2.3 million. findings have indicated that the trout and salmon fisheries north of the Great Dividing Range have The Victorian Aquaculture Strategy and associated recovered better than those south of the Great action plan were released in April 2008. Dividing Range. Catchments south of the Divide need time to recover and DPI is working with 2000
other resource managers to improve habitat and ) 1500 monitor the recovery process. 1000 For more detailed information on these inland fisheries please refer to the detailed status reports provided in Production (t 500
Chapter 3. 0 Salmonids Abalone Mussels Eels Inland warmwater fish Aquaculture summary Figure 4 Annual aquaculture production (tonnes) The Victorian aquaculture industry is based on the in 2006/07 (Bars show the production range since culture of both freshwater and marine species. 2003/04) In 2006/07, the combined aquaculture production 14000 was 2561 tonnes with a farm gate value of 12000 $19 million (see Figure 4 and Figure 5). 10000 8000 Inland freshwater facilities produced more than 6000
60% of Victoria’s aquaculture production. In Value $,000 4000 2006/07, production of freshwater species, 2000 0 including salmonids, eels, Murray cod, Salmonids Abalone Mussels Eels Inland warmwater barramundi, aquarium fish and yabbies was 1616 fish tonnes with a farm gate value of $12 million. This included production of 1361 tonnes of salmonid Figure 5. Annual aquaculture production value species in 2006/07 with a farm gate value of ($, 000) in 2006/07 (Bars show the production range since 2003/04) $7 million, making salmonid aquaculture the most valuable aquaculture industry in Victoria. Over the For more detailed information on Victoria’s aquaculture past five years, the drought has impacted on production please refer to the detailed status reports freshwater aquaculture production and production provided in Chapter 4. in 2006/07 was lower than in the previous three years.
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2. Overview of fisheries in Victoria disease events. These can have direct impacts on 2.1 Management of fisheries stock abundance with fluctuations from year to resources in Victoria year. Human impacts on habitats and aquatic 2.1.1 Fisheries Victoria ecosystems increase incrementally with long-term urban development, land clearing, water Fisheries Victoria is a division within DPI that extraction, pollution and the introduction of manages Victoria’s fisheries resources by noxious species. Such impacts may result in developing and implementing policies and fisheries becoming ‘environmentally limited.’ projects and delivering a range of fisheries management services. In addition to these impacts, technological advances in fishing methods, changes in market The structure of Fisheries Victoria is divided into preferences, the impacts of climate change, rising four key branches: energy and fuel costs and global competition will 1. Fisheries Research Branch provide challenges for our fisheries resources in 2. Field Services Branch the longer term. Fisheries Victoria is monitoring 3. Policy and Licensing Branch the short and long-term impacts of such factors 4. Fisheries Management Branch. and preparing for future changes. Why manage our fisheries and aquatic resources? Vision of success History has shown that without effective Fisheries Victoria’s vision of success is to develop management and regulatory controls, fisheries and manage Victoria’s fisheries resources within a often become over-fished and aquatic habitats can framework of ecologically sustainable become degraded. This is known as the ‘tragedy of development (ESD), to ensure fish now and for the the commons’ whereby individuals will race to future. This vision is detailed in the Fisheries harvest an available stock before their competitors. Victoria Positioning Statement 2006 – 2010, but it Over-fishing can lead to long-term stock depletion can be summarised as: and have significant ecological impacts. The • Having fish in our waters declining catches usually result in lower profit • Being able to catch fish to eat margins for the fishing industry, reduced • Being able to catch fish to sell employment, and increased fish prices for the • community. Such factors can contribute to Being able to produce fish through economic hardship. aquaculture • Being able to buy locally caught fish. Fisheries resources are influenced by Having all these elements now, and for future environmental and human impacts. generations. Environmental changes include water quantity and quality, reduced freshwater flows associated with cycles of drought, impacts from bushfires and
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2.1.2 Commitment to Ecologically (f) to encourage the participation of resource Sustainable Development users and the community in fisheries All Australian governments have made a management. commitment to managing fisheries according to Subordinate legislation also plays an important the following ESD principles: role in the management of Victoria’s fisheries • Ensuring that fishing is carried out in a resources. Relevant documents include: biologically and ecologically sustainable • Fisheries Regulations 1998 (currently under manner review) • Ensuring that there is equity within and • Subordinate Legislation (Fisheries Regulations between generations regarding the use of fish 1998 - Extension of Operation) Regulations 2008 resources • Fisheries (Fees, Royalties and Levies) Regulations • Maximising economic and social benefits to 2008. the community from fisheries within the constraints of sustainable utilisation 2.1.4 Management plans and guidelines • Adopting a precautionary approach to Management Plans management, particularly for fisheries with Management plans are prepared for declared limited data fisheries and fisheries reserves, and may be • Ensuring that the processes and procedures prepared for declared noxious species. The involved in management of a fishery are purpose of a fishery management plan is to specify appropriate, transparent and inclusive. policies and strategies for the management of the fishery to which the plan applies on an ecologically The Victorian community expects Fisheries sustainable basis, having regard to relevant Victoria to manage the utilisation of fisheries commercial, recreational, traditional and non- resources in line with these principles and they consumptive uses. have been incorporated into the management of The minimum content requirements for our fisheries resources. management plans are specified in Part 3 of the 2.1.3 Legislation and Regulations Act, including: The basis for the management of Victoria’s • The plan must be consistent with the objectives fisheries resources is provided for under the of the Act and listed guidelines Fisheries Act 1995 (Vic). The objectives of the • The plan must include management objectives Fisheries Act 1995 (the Act) are— • The plan must specify the tools and other (a) to provide for the management, measures to be used to achieve the development and use of Victoria's management objectives fisheries, aquaculture industries and • The plan must provide guidelines in respect of associated aquatic biological resources in the issue of licences and permits and the an efficient, effective and ecologically renewal, variation or transfer of licences sustainable manner • The plan must as far as is known, identify (b) to protect and conserve fisheries resources, critical components of the ecosystem relevant habitats and ecosystems including the to the plan and current or potential threats to maintenance of aquatic ecological those components and existing or proposed processes and genetic diversity preventative measures (c) to promote sustainable commercial fishing • The plan must specify performance indicators, and viable aquaculture industries and targets and monitoring methods quality recreational fishing opportunities • The plan must identify biological, ecological, for the benefit of present and future social and economic factors relevant to the generations management of the fishery (d) to facilitate access to fisheries resources for commercial, recreational, traditional and In addition to this content, management plans can non-consumptive uses also specify the manner in which fishing capacity (e) to promote the commercial fishing is to be measured, the duration of the plan, the industry and to facilitate the procedures or conditions for review and other rationalisation and restructuring of the relevant matters. industry
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Declared management plans • Victorian Protocol for the Translocation of The following plans are declared for Victoria’s Aquatic Animals to Recirculating Aquaculture fisheries resources: Systems • Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management • Planning Guidelines for Land based Plan Aquaculture in Victoria • Bendigo Region Fisheries Management Plan • Guidelines for Environmental Baseline • Corangamite Fishery Management Plan Surveys and Ongoing Monitoring of • Eastern Port Phillip Bay Aquaculture Fisheries Aquaculture Fisheries Reserves in Port Phillip Reserves Management Plan and Western Port bay • Best Practice Environmental Management • Victorian Eel Fishery Management Plan Guidelines for the Salmonid Aquaculture • Flinders Aquaculture Fisheries Reserve Industry Management Plan • Best Practice Environmental Management • Geelong Arm Aquaculture Fisheries Reserves Guidelines for Recirculating Aquaculture Management Plan Systems • Giant Crab Fishery Management Plan • Guidelines for the Cadastral Survey of • Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan Victoria's Offshore Aquaculture Fisheries • Goulburn Eildon Fisheries Management Plan Reserves • Lake Tyers Fisheries Reserve Management • Abalone Aquaculture Biosecurity Protocol Plan Audit Guidelines. • Mallacoota Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 2.1.5 Consultative structures Co-management • North East Fishery Management Plan Co–management is recognised worldwide as an • Pinnace Channel Aquaculture Fisheries integral feature of contemporary fisheries Reserve Management Plan management. • Portland Aquaculture Fisheries Reserve Management Plan Co–management has been defined by DPI as “a continuum of management arrangements where • Victorian Abalone Fishery Management Plan responsibilities for resource management are • Victorian Rock Lobster Management Plan shared between the government and user groups.” • West Gippsland Fishery Management Plan. The continuum extends from centralised through to decentralised arrangements, and allows for Management plans in preparation The following plans are currently being prepared responsibilities for resource management to be or reviewed by DPI. shared between the government and user groups, and for the management approach to be adapted • Victorian Rock Lobster Management Plan to provide user groups with a greater involvement • Victorian Abalone Fishery Management Plan depending on the resources available and the issue • Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery at hand. Management Plan It also recognises that consultation plays an • Wimmera Fishery Management Plan. important role in the decision making process, and the Victorian Government has committed to Fisheries guidelines and protocols effectively engaging stakeholders and seeking In addition to management plans, the following community views when making decisions about guidelines and protocols are relevant to the the use and conservation of Victoria’s fisheries management of Victoria’s fisheries resources: resources. • Guidelines for Assessing Translocations of Live Aquatic Organisms in Victoria Given the broad level of interest in Victoria’s • Protocols for the Translocation of Fish in fisheries resources, particularly in relation to Victorian Inland Public Waters recreational fishing, there are often a large number of stakeholders and associated community values • Victorian Abalone Aquaculture Translocation that are difficult to identify, with the potential for Protocol such input to remain unreconciled. • Victorian Protocol for the Translocation of Eels • Victorian Protocol for the Translocation of Blue Under Victoria’s consultative framework, DPI Mussels targets consultation with stakeholder groups and representative bodies from different sectors on
Fishery status report 2008 19 relevant issues. This is to ensure they are informed • Prepare, publicise and distribute codes of about fisheries management issues and to practice that provide guidance to fishers on the encourage greater involvement in the decision best practice on relevant matters making process. • Publicise and distribute such codes of practice It should be noted that regardless of the co- that have been prepared by a recognised peak management arrangements adopted in Victoria’s body or a fishery committee fisheries, the Victorian Government retains the • Carry out other functions required by the Act decision making responsibility for managing (or any other Act). fisheries resources in the public interest. The Fisheries Committees The current co-management arrangements Four expertise-based Fishery Committees have recognise three co-management entities: been established under the workings of the FCC, 1. The Fisheries Co-Management Council and its namely: Fishery Committees (which provides 1. The Abalone Fishery Committee independent expertise based advice) 2. The Inland Fisheries Committee 2. Peak Bodies, including Seafood industry 3. The Marine and Estuarine Fisheries Committee Victoria (SIV), VRFish and the Victorian 4. The Rock Lobster and Giant Crab Fisheries National Parks Association (VNPA) (which Committee. represent the interests of the specific stakeholder sectors) The functions of the separate Fishery Committees 3. Government, (the Minister, Fisheries Victoria include: and other parts of DPI) • Advising the FCC on management relevant fisheries and the preparation of relevant The Fisheries Co-Management Council management plans The Fisheries Co-Management Council (FCC) is a • Advising the Minister in relation to Statutory Body established under the Act to development of proposed fisheries notices promote co-management of Victorian fisheries. • FCC members are appointed by the Government, Undertaking any other functions requested by and are chosen based on their expertise across the FCC or Minister. fields such as recreational fishing, aquaculture, Review of consultative arrangements commercial wild-fish harvesting, processing, The DPI has conducted a review of the Victorian marketing, environmental science, indigenous fisheries consultative arrangements and examined culture and fisheries management. the current statutory arrangements. Well-targeted, The functions of the FCC are to: fit-for-purpose engagement is critical to ensuring effective fisheries management decisions. The • Promote co-management of fisheries review investigated improvements to the current • Oversee the preparation of management plans system by developing a more effective and • Advise the Minister on state-wide priorities for efficient framework for fisheries stakeholder fisheries management, research, and matters engagement that meets the high expectations of relating to inter–government agreements Government and the broader community. • Advise the Minister generally on the Results of the review are provided on the Fisheries operation, resource needs and administration Victoria website of the Act and the achievement of the http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing. objectives • Provide advice on matters referred by the Scientific Assessment Groups Minister Fisheries and aquatic ecosystems are periodically • Promote investigation into and research, assessed by groups of scientists, stakeholders and education and training on any matter relating fishery managers at DPI workshops. Such to fisheries workshops are convened to share information and to inform resource management. • Advise the Minister on the introduction and issue of recreational fishery licences in marine The assessment process states the current waters and on the priorities for dispersing management objectives and issues. The funds obtained from such licences perspective, views and anecdotal information given by the commercial and recreational representatives are documented.
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Fishery Assessments 2.1.6 Regulation and enhancement of For specific management areas, such as Port Phillip recreational fishing Bay, assessments are conducted for all species and Recreational fishing licence all methods of fishing gears. The data are compiled A Recreational Fishing Licence (RFL) is required and analysed to provide an overview of the fishery for all forms of recreational fishing in Victoria's performance. The description of the fishery marine, estuarine and inland waters. Unless includes the annual catch by species, an exempt, an angler requires a RFL when taking, or assessment of the allocation for the commercial attempting to take, any species of fish by any and recreational sectors, and the trends in the method including line fishing, bait collection, catch, effort and catch rates of the main fishing gathering shellfish, yabby fishing, prawning and methods. spear fishing. Stock Assessments A number of exemptions exist to the requirement For priority species, such as abalone and rock to hold a RFL. Persons do not need a RFL to fish if lobster, specific stock assessments are conducted. they: The fishery and biological data from each • management area are analysed, compared and Are under 18 years of age usually incorporated into models that are used to • Are 70 years of age or over predict the status of the stock biomass relative to • Hold a specified concession card. sustainability indicators and internationally recommended levels of exploitation, as reflected in RFLs are sold through over 900 retail outlets and Management Plans. As new information is on-line through the Fisheries Victoria website www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing. received the models and assessment methods are revised and improved over time. During 2007/08, 234,577 licences were sold Ecosystem and Habitat Assessments including, 17,367 three-year licences, 140,501 one- year licences, 19,719 28-day licences, and 56,990 The sustainable harvest of fishery resources is dependent on maintaining the integrity of the two-day licences. The sale of these licences derived ecosystem and critical fish habitats. Effective revenue exceeding $4.65 million. This was a decrease of about $500,000 on the previous year’s management of fisheries requires adequate protection or enhancement of critical habitats and sales revenue and is mostly attributable to the prey species in order to sustain fisheries and purchasing of three-year licences (introduced in March 2006) in previous financial years. optimise production. The assessment process involves compiling a wide RFL trust account and recreational fishing grants variety of information on the health of aquatic program The RFL Trust Account was established under the ecosystems in each management area, such as Western Port bay. Within each ecosystem, the Fisheries Act 1995, and has been operating since location and geographical extent of different types 1 April 2001. All revenue derived from the sale of RFLs is paid into the Trust Account. Funds are of habitat (eg seagrass) are described and the ecological linkage to fisheries productivity (eg subsequently disbursed to projects through the King George whiting) is established. Recreational Fishing Grants Program, to improve recreational fishing in Victoria. Habitat Assessment Groups are established by DPI to review the status of marine and estuarine The DPI administers the annual Recreational habitats. They identify major threats to each Fishing Grants Program (RFGP) to fund projects in four categories including: habitat, and recommend actions to reduce the ecological risks. The information is used to 1. Recreational fisheries’ sustainability and complement fishery and stock assessments and habitat improvement (including fish stocking provides the basis for an ecosystem-based as applicable); management approach. 2. Recreational fishing access and improvements; 3. Recreational fisheries research; and 4. Recreational fisheries-related education, information and training.
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In the 2007/08 financial year, over $1.2 million of 5. Improved fishing opportunities and facilities revenue derived from the sale of RFLs was involving: approved for disbursement to 21 new RFGP • Installation of new fish cleaning tables projects. During this period, RFL revenue also across Victoria at key recreational fishing funded additional key items including: boat ramps and jetties • The second repayment of $1 million for an • Advance Appropriation of $4 million to fund Establishment of an adopt-a-stream grants the voluntary buy-back of bay and inlet program to encourage community groups Commercial Fishery Access Licences to take stewardship of their local rivers (completed in 2005) and streams to benefit key recreational fish habitat through activities such as clean up • Recreational fisheries field services days, native re-vegetation and removal of (compliance officers) pest plants. Dollar for dollar financial • The administration of the RFL and the RFGP support is provided • • The Victorian Recreational Fishing peak body Improved angler access programs such as (VRFish) updated access information through the Guide to Inland Angling Waters of • RFL sales commissions Victoria version 6 and on ground works to • RFL and RFGP-related community improve fisher access at high priority information. locations across the state • A detailed report on the disbursement of RFL Implementation of a trial artificial marine revenue from the RFL Trust Account for 2007/08 reefs program in Port Philip Bay to was tabled in Parliament in October 2008, and can determine the benefit of these reefs to be viewed on the DPI web site at recreational anglers www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing/feesatwork. • Identification and development of new Enhanced recreational fishing program fisheries such as a recreational trout cod In the 2006 election, the State Government fishery in Lake Kerford, a new recreational allocated $13.5 million over four years in a fishery in Devilbend Reservoir and others commitment to further enhance recreational identified at the annual Fisheries Regional fishing opportunities and facilities. The Enhanced Consultation Meetings Recreational Fishing Program incorporates the key 6. Review of membership of the Fisheries election commitments that are being delivered Revenue Allocation Committee to ensure the during the Government’s term. This program is best possible representation of recreational being led by DPI, and detailed information and fisher priorities in determining the updates on progress on these commitments can be expenditure of recreational fishing licence found at www.dpi.vic.gov.au/enhancedfishing. revenue The following projects are being delivered: 7. Development of a stream and river 1. Creation of a recreational fishing haven in classification model to designate waterways as Western Port by banning commercial netting “natives only”, “trout and salmonid only” or in the bay “mixed” fisheries. This model will inform stocking and fisheries management decisions
2. Continuation of the 13-FISH offence reporting in Victoria for the next ten years line with an increased emphasis on targeting inland fisheries crime 8. Expansion of the marine education programs through the Queenscliff Marine Discovery
3. Increased fish stocking into Victorian waters Centre. by 30% over four years for salmon, trout and native fish species 2.1.7 Indigenous fishing 4. The development of a new native fish The access to and use of fisheries resources and the production facility in northern Victoria health of sea country is an integral part of indigenous culture and linkage with the land. For indigenous people, cultural values are intertwined around traditional uses, spiritual connection, ancestral ties and respect for
Fishery status report 2008 22 waterways, land, sea and the resources they 2.1.8 Protected aquatic biota provide. Historically, indigenous people have Victorian and federal legislation protects utilised many fisheries resources for food and threatened and endangered species. The details of trading purposes. Stories passed down through the legislation are documented in the Flora and generations show the historical importance of the Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and Environment use of marine species, such as abalone, other Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. shellfish, crayfish, and inland species including Murray cod, golden perch, Murray spiny crayfish Under s.69 of the Fisheries Act 1995, any species of and eels. fish or aquatic invertebrate listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 is deemed to be In addition to these specific species, indigenous protected aquatic biota (see Table 1). people highlight the value of the land or “country” and the health of supporting ecosystems and In addition to the listed species, “syngnathids” habitats for these resources. (species in the taxonomic Family Syngnathidae - including all species of seahorses, seadragons and Indigenous (or ‘customary’) fishing is not currently pipefish) were also declared protected aquatic defined or explicitly recognised in Victorian biota on 6 August 1998. Other aquatic fauna that fisheries legislation, and non-commercial fishing are protected under Victorian and Federal by indigenous people is therefore treated as legislation includes some species of mammals, recreational fishing. The Fisheries Act 1995 does birds, molluscs and crustaceans. provide for the issue of permits to take fish for specified indigenous cultural ceremonies or events. Under s.71 of the Fisheries Act 1995, people are not The DPI has recognised the need to amend the Act permitted to take, injure, damage, destroy, possess, and Regulations to recognise indigenous fishing keep, display for reward, release into Victorian and has commenced development of an waters or sell any protected aquatic biota without Indigenous Fishing Strategy to inform the permit or unless otherwise authorised. necessary amendments. Key threatening processes and threat abatement The DPI is working with indigenous communities plans are described under the EPBC Act, and in a number of regional locations on resource use address such things as the incidental catch (or and management matters. The development of the bycatch) of seabirds during longline fishing Victorian Indigenous Fishing Strategy is a state- operations and the injury and fatality to vertebrate wide effort that involves working with Aboriginal marine life caused by ingestion of, or entanglement community representatives, appropriate in man-made debris. government agencies and other fisheries Actions to conserve and prevent injury or stakeholders to ensure there are policies and destruction of these protected species have been mechanisms in place to facilitate Indigenous incorporated into fishery management plans, interest and involvement in fishing. emergency response plans and codes of conduct. For example, the issue of whale entanglements in commercial rock lobster fishing gear has been addressed through an industry code of conduct.
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Table 1. Fish Species listed in December 2007 under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and the Environment Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 Common Name Scientific name Legislation Marine species Grey Nurse Shark# Carcharias taurus # FFG, EPBC# Great White Shark** Carcharodon carcharias ** FFG, EPBC** Southern Bluefin Tuna Thunnus maccoyii FFG
Freshwater species Australian Grayling** Prototroctes maraena ** FFG, EPBC** Australian Mudfish Neochanna cleaveri FFG Australian/Tasmanian Whitebait Lovettia sealii FFG Barred Galaxias* Galaxias fuscus FFG, EPBC* (previously Brown Galaxias) (previously Galaxias olidus var fuscus) Cox's Gudgeon Gobiomorphus coxii FFG, Dwarf Galaxias** Galaxiella pusilla ** FFG EPBC** Empire Gudgeon Hypseleotris compressa FFG Freshwater Catfish Tandanus tandanus FFG Freshwater Herring Potamalosa richmondia FFG Macquarie Perch* Macquaria australasica* FFG, EPBC* Murray Cod** Maccullochella peelii** FFG, EPBC** Murray-Darling Rainbowfish Melanotaenia fluviatilis FFG (previously Murray Rainbowfish) Murray Hardyhead** Craterocephalus fluviatilis** FFG, EPBC** Pale Mangrove Goby Mugilogobius paludis FFG Also known as Also known as Flatback Mangrove goby Mugilogobius platynotus Silver Perch Bidyanus bidyanus FFG Southern Purple-spotted Gudgeon Mogurnda adspersa FFG Trout Cod* Maccullochella macquariensis* FFG, EPBC* Unspecked Hardyhead Craterocephalus stercusmuscarum fulvus FFG Variegated Pygmy Perch** Nannoperca variegata** FFG, EPBC** (previously Ewens Pigmy Perch) Yarra Pygmy Perch** Edelia obscura** FFG, EPBC** Species listed as # ‘critically endangered’ , * ‘endangered’ and ** ‘vulnerable’ under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Codes of conduct have been adopted by the example, some fishers have assisted with the great commercial and recreational sectors which white shark tagging project and others recorded encourage fishers to avoid littering in order to sightings of whales and seabirds. The DPI also reduce wildlife entanglements with discarded introduced a Protected Species Action Plan in fishing gear. November 2007. Under the plan, some commercial fishers are required to report any interactions with The amendments to the Wildlife (Whale) Regulations protected species on daily catch logs. Fishers are 1998, set a number of standards for distance, speed provided with a Protected Species Identification and human behaviour near whales and dolphins Guide to assist them in doing this. that are applicable to both commercial and recreational fishers. These are based on the An amnesty has been established with DSE to biological needs of these animals and to meet allow fishers who accidentally interact with community expectations for their protection. protected wildlife to report these interactions without being prosecuted under the Victorian Many commercial fishers keep voluntary records Wildlife Act 1995 or the Flora and Fauna of their observations of marine wildlife and Guarantee Act 1998. This is similar to an participate in research to assist in the conservation agreement that holders of Commonwealth and management of protected species. For commercial fishing licences have with DEWHA.
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Number of Commercial Fishery Access Licences 2.2 Marine fisheries The number of commercial fishers has been 2.2.1 Overview steadily reducing since the 1960s as a result of The majority of Victorian commercial fish declining economic profitability and industry re- production is targeted toward the capture of high structuring. The number of access licences has value marine species from coastal waters. Marine been further reduced by recent government- aquaculture is also a rapidly growing sector, with funded buyouts. significant investment. All commercial fisheries in Victoria are managed In 2006/07, the Victorian commercial fisheries under a licensing/permit system that limits the production was 5682 tonnes, with a wholesale number of licences that can be issued. There were value of $75 million. The industry supplies both 786 commercial fishing licences issued for marine domestic and overseas markets, and substantial waters (effective 30 June 2008). These are divided additional value-adding is generated by seafood into the categories shown in Tables 2 and 3. processing facilities and retail sales outlets. In 2006/07, Victoria’s marine aquaculture production had a farm gate value of approximately $6.6 million.
Victorian products from marine fisheries and aquaculture also make a significant contribution to the economy, generating employment opportunities and export revenues.
2.2.2 Commercial fishing The commercial fisheries are primarily marine and based on more than 122 different species of molluscs (abalone, scallops, pipis, and Table 2. Bay and Inlet Fishery Access Licences periwinkles), crustaceans (rock lobster, crabs and prawns), cephalopods (squid, octopus, and Location / Fishery Type Number of cuttlefish), echinoderms (sea urchins and sea Licences cucumber), polychaetes (sand worms), and teleosts Corner Inlet 18 (scale fish) and elasmobranchs (sharks, chimeras, skates and rays). Gippsland Lakes 10 The two most valuable species are abalone and Gippsland Lakes Bait 10 southern rock lobster fishery, with an estimated Gippsland Lakes Mussel 2 value in 2006/07 of $46 million and $16 million, Dive respectively. The marine scalefish fishery, which is based on more than 75 species, produced 3183 Lake Tyers Bait 2 tonnes with a market value of $10 million in Mallacoota Bait 2 2006/07. Port Phillip Bay & 42 Commercial fishing gears Western Port bay The fishing methods and gear used in Victoria’s Port Phillip Bay Purse 1 commercial fisheries vary depending on the target Seine species: • Diving (abalone, sea urchin) Port Phillip Bay Mussel 1 • Pots and traps (lobster, giant crabs, finfish) Bait • Hook and line, including long lining (finfish) Sydenham Inlet Bait 2 • Beach and Danish seine netting (finfish) • Mesh-netting (finfish) Total Bay & Inlet 96 • Purse-seining (finfish) • Trawling (finfish, prawns) • Dredging (scallops).
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Table 3. Other Non-Bay and Inlet Fishery Access Victorian Coastal waters Licences The access licences allocated for non-bay and inlet Location / Type No. of coastal waters (690) include a number of access Fishery Licences licences that have been established based on specific target species, including: abalone fishery Abalone Western Zone 14 (73), rock lobster fishery (137), giant crab fishery Abalone Central Zone 34 (37), scallop fishery (91), and wrasse fishery (27). In addition, a number of multi species fisheries have Abalone Eastern Zone 23 been established based on the type of commercial Rock Lobster Western Zone 85 fishing gear that can be used, including: inshore trawl fishery (60), bait fishery (seven), purse seine Rock Lobster Eastern Zone 46 (one) and the ocean (general) access licence fishery (266). The ocean access fishery is the largest in Giant Crab 34 terms of the number of licence holders and the Bait General 7 most varied in terms of the permitted gear. The fishery occurs throughout Victorian coastal waters Ocean General 266 and a wide variety of species are caught. Ocean Purse Seine 1 Some of the specified coastal waters fisheries have Scallop Ocean 91 also been further divided into different management zones. The abalone fishery is divided Snowy River Bait 2 into the western, central and eastern zones, and the Trawl Inshore 60 rock lobster fishery is divided into the western and eastern zones. Wrasse Ocean 27 In addition to the coastal fisheries, a number of Sub-total 690 commercial access licences have been issued for bay and inlets fisheries (96). Total Marine 786 Port Phillip Bay / Western Port bay These two large bays situated centrally on the The banded morwong, sea urchin and jellyfish Victorian coast line offer a number of small fisheries are considered developing fisheries and harbours from which small commercial fishing are managed under a permit system. boats operate. These bays provide for multi–gear fisheries, including haul seines, mesh nets, and Geographical management units long lines. Western Port bay was closed to Victoria’s marine coastal waters are subdivided commercial netting in December 2007 in into several fisheries management areas that have accordance with a Government policy decision to been established for both historical and functional create a recreational fishing haven in that bay. reasons. Following the implementation of the Commercial fishers target more than 50 species Offshore Constitutional Settlement (OCS) in 1986, including scalefish, elasmobranchs invertebrates there was agreement between the Commonwealth and cephalopods. and the States to manage coastal fisheries as either a joint authority or under State or Commonwealth The most important scalefish species are: King control. George whiting, snapper, rock flathead, southern sea garfish, black bream, yellow–eye mullet, sea Victoria’s marine fisheries are generally defined as pike, flounder, flathead and silver trevally. those that occur within the first 20 nm of the Gummy shark, sand crabs and southern calamari Victorian coast, and include those focussed around are also a valuable component of the commercial our various bays and inlets. In addition, there are a catch. number of Commonwealth fisheries that occur within or immediately adjacent to Victoria’s area The Port Phillip Bay purse seine (one) and mussel of jurisdiction including: the southern bluefin tuna bait (one) fisheries are managed as separate fishery, the South-East Trawl fishery and Danish fisheries, based on the type of commercial fishing seine fishery, and part of the Bass Strait scallop gear that can be used by fishers. fishery. Gippsland Lakes The Gippsland Lakes include a network of lakes, wetlands and lagoons in eastern Victoria, covering an area of approximately 600 km2. The main lakes
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are Lake Wellington, Lake King and Lake Victoria. Fisheries reserves Major rivers flowing into Gippsland Lakes include As part of an election commitment made in 2002, the La Trobe, Thomson, Avon, Macalister, the Victorian Government established three Mitchell, Nicholson and Tambo. fisheries reserves in Gippsland to improve recreational fishing opportunities. These were: Three types of commercial fishing licences are • issued in the Gippsland Lakes. The general access Anderson Inlet licence (10) allows commercial fishers to target • Lake Tyres both estuarine and marine species predominantly • Mallacoota Inlet. using haul and seine nets. Commercial fishers The reserves are managed primarily for purposes holding bait licences (10) use a variety of fishing of maintaining or enhancing recreational fishing gear to collect fish and invertebrates for sale as opportunities. Commercial fishing is not permitted fishing bait. Mussel dive licences (two) allow within these reserves, other than that done for eels fishers to collect mussels for purposes other than or bait collection. human consumption. Management Plans were declared in 2006 and 2007 Corner Inlet for these three fisheries reserves, and outline the Corner Inlet is a large bay located near Wilsons objectives, strategies and performance measures Promontory in eastern Victoria. It consists of a for managing the reserves. complex network of mangroves, mud banks, seagrass beds, rocky areas and deeper channels. A Anderson Inlet Marine National Park is established in a small part Anderson Inlet is a small estuarine lagoon at the of the inlet, and a Ramsar site exists to protect mouth of the Tarwin River. It is located near migratory wading bird habitat. Inverloch, around 140 km south east of Melbourne. It was established as a fisheries reserve in July The general access commercial fishing licences (18) 2003. It is a popular recreational fishing location allows commercial fishers to use a range of gear to with both local residents and seasonal visitors. The target both estuarine and marine species in Corner peak angling period is between October and April Inlet. when weather conditions are most favourable. Snowy River Lake Tyers The Snowy River flows from the Snowy Lake Tyres is a small estuary situated Mountains near the New South Wales border and approximately 15 km east of Lakes Entrance. It discharges into the ocean near the town of Marlo was established as a fisheries reserve in January in south-eastern Victoria. Snowy River bait 2004. There are seasonal peaks in recreational licences (two) allow the collection of fish and fishing activity that coincide with summer and invertebrates in the lower estuarine regions of the school holiday periods. A survey conducted in river for sale as fishing bait. 1985 estimated that over two-thirds of recreational 2.2.3 Recreational fishing fishing effort in this region was done by visitors Victoria’s marine (and estuarine) recreational and tourists. fisheries are based on a large variety of fish species Mallacoota Inlet caught by both shore and boat based anglers. The Mallacoota Inlet is the eastern-most estuary in marine recreational fisheries extend to the limit of Victoria, located about 550 km east of Melbourne. the Australian Economic Zone or the 200nm limits. It is situated near the townships of Mallacoota and As such, state laws apply to these waters. Gipsy Point. It was established as a fisheries Recreational fishing provides an important reserve in January 2004. There are seasonal peaks contribution to the Victorian social and economic in recreational fishing activity that coincide with activities through community groups (local fishing holiday periods. clubs), organised fishing competitions and also through small businesses (tackle shops and fishing related tourism). A wide variety of angling techniques are used by recreational anglers, and fishing regulations have been changed over time to adapt to changes in recreational angling techniques and technological improvements.
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most seaward points on opposite banks where the 2.3 Inland fisheries water flows into the ocean, unless otherwise 2.3.1 Overview specified. Victoria’s inland waters range from fast, snow-fed The quality and availability of inland waters has a streams in the mountains, to lazy rivers and creeks very large impact on freshwater fish stocks that are flowing down to the sea. They include inland available for angling. Victoria’s inland waters are lakes, river systems and water storage managed under an integrated catchment impoundments that contain some of Australia’s management system established under the iconic freshwater recreational angling species such Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. as Murray cod, trout and golden perch, which support an important and growing regional Under this integrated management system, tourism industry. Victoria’s inland waters have been divided into ten catchment regions and a Catchment Management Inland waters Authority (CMA) is established for each region Inland waters are defined in the Fisheries (see Figure 6). Regulations as any waterway, channel, lagoon, billabong, reservoir, dam, or water storage under Catchment Management Authorities are the control of the Crown or a public authority or responsible for the sustainable development of any other waters declared by the Fisheries Victoria's water catchments, which requires the Regulations to be inland waters. Waters on private integration of ecological, economic and social property are not considered inland waters, but DPI objectives. They play an important role in the still manages translocations, fish stocking and framework involved in the sustainable aquaculture activities conducted on private management of Victoria's land and water property. resources and the delicate management of the inherent linkages between land and water use. The Inland waters include estuarine waters which form DPI maintains a close working relationship with the transitional zone between inland (freshwater) each of the CMAs. More information on CMAs is and marine (saltwater) waters. The boundary available from the DSE website dividing inland and marine waters is between the http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/cmas.
Figure 6. Catchment management areas in Victoria
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Inland fisheries Fund. The buy out process resulted in the cessation The DPI is responsible for managing inland of commercial net fishing in Victorian inland fisheries for native and introduced species, and waters after 31 August 2002. does this in consultation with a range of Number of Commercial Fishery Access Licences government and non-government organisations. All commercial fisheries in Victoria are managed The Murray River is part of NSW and not included under a licensing/permit system that limits the in the Victorian inland waters, except for Lake number of licences that can be issued. Only 30 Hume, which is managed by Victoria under an commercial fishing licences were issued for inland intergovernmental agreement. waters (effective 30 June 2008). Commercial Victorian fisheries are defined in a number of freshwater fisheries are now limited to eels (18), ways, which include by geographic locations, river bait species (12) and noxious species including basins and species. In an effort to integrate carp, which is managed under a permit system. catchment and fisheries management strategies, In 2006/07, freshwater fisheries production was 382 DPI has aligned its inland fisheries management tonnes with a wholesale market value of plans with the established catchment boundaries. $1 million. The majority of this production was This was to better align the planning and supplied to export markets. investment processes of all relevant agencies. In addition to catchment boundaries, DPI recognises 2.3.3 Recreational fishing that management of fisheries resources must also Victoria’s inland recreational fisheries are based on occur at both larger and smaller scales across Australia’s iconic freshwater native fish, such as catchment region boundaries. A number of Murray cod and golden perch, as well as management units have been identified where introduced species of fish including brown and similar species and ecological characteristics are rainbow trout, salmon, red fin perch and carp. found, and DPI manages such units on a state-wide In recognition that recreational fishing is a major basis. Fisheries have been defined into 32 separate social and economic contributor to provincial basins determined by hydrological factors. communities, the Victorian Government has The basins are: committed to boosting this popular past-time Avoca Millicent coast activity. Fishing is supplemented in many inland Barwon Mitchell waters by publicly-funded stocking of fish. Broken Mitta Mitta The DPI has produced a Guide to the Inland Bunyip Moorabool Angling Waters of Victoria, now in its fifth edition, Campaspe Otway to assist anglers to determine where they can go Corangamite Ovens fishing in Victoria’s inland waters, and what fish East Gippsland Portland species they are likely to encounter in the various Glenelg Snowy waterways. This guide is available on the DPI Goulburn South Gippsland East website http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/angling Hopkins South Gippsland West Kiewa Tambo Go Fishing in Victoria Program Latrobe Thomson The ‘Go Fishing in Victoria Program’ was Loddon north Upper Murray established under the Victorian State Loddon south Werribee Government’s Moving Forward Initiative to Mallee Wimmera enhance growth and opportunities in provincial Maribyrnong Yarra and regional Victoria. It has a budget of $3.2 million (over four years). It was established to improve recreational fishing facilities and 2.3.2 Commercial fishing infrastructure, and promotes opportunities for Earlier this decade the Victorian Government fishing as a family activity. Whilst not limited to made a policy decision to phase out commercial inland waters, the majority of the program is fishing in inland waters (with the exceptions of focussed around inland regions. eels, carp and bait species), in an effort to re–build The three key components of the program are: stocks, improve sustainability and to provide • enhanced recreational fishing opportunities. Establish Family Fishing Lakes (including Premier Lakes) – to provide enhanced fish This decision was implemented through a buy out stocking at locations that offer access for of Inland Commercial Access Licences using funds anglers of all ages and abilities (including sourced from Recreational Fishing Licence Trust children during the school holiday periods)
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• Establish Premier Rivers – to promote suitable particularly Murray cod, golden perch, trout and sites as favoured locations for developing and salmon, as well as noxious fish including carp. experienced anglers to fish for wild fish Research on ecosystem processes, aquatic habitats populations and water quality monitoring is also given a high • Conduct Family Fishing Events – to increase priority because of the links between the health of angler participation rates and to attract more fish populations and the aquatic habitats where people to go fishing and become regular they live. recreational anglers.
Further information on the Go Fishing Program is available on the DPI website http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/gofishing 2.4 Research and stock monitoring The research and monitoring of Victoria’s fisheries resources is undertaken by DPI. Research focuses on the delivery of robust scientific information and innovative research. It involves the development of new technologies, products and practices that: Marine Discovery Centre • 'secure' our fisheries resources Applied learning is also an important element in • 'share' our fisheries resources educating the community about fisheries resources. The Marine Discovery Centre and • 'grow' or develop the value of the resource, for research facilities at Queenscliff have purpose-built the benefit of the community. teaching laboratories to accommodate primary and The DPI also delivers innovative research and secondary school students, and offers educative science solutions, education and stock monitoring marine displays of live animals that are open to the to provide sustainable use and management of general public. natural aquatic resources worldwide. A series of wet laboratories at this facility also Research activities allow for scientific investigations to be undertaken on live aquatic animals. The DPI conducts a wide range of fisheries and aquatic research programs on marine, estuarine Climate Change and freshwater species and aquatic habitats. Current and future DPI research activities will also be contributing to a broader understanding the Research activities can provide valuable input into projects monitoring fisheries stocks. For example, impacts of climate change. the Central Ageing Facility at Queenscliff was Ensuring Victoria's recreational and commercial established to determine the ages of fish sampled fisheries and aquaculture businesses are able to from the wild. This can provide valuable scientific adapt to the challenges and opportunities posed by information on age structures of fish stocks, and climate change will be integral to ensuring provides useful scientific advice to resource continued sustainable development in the fisheries managers. and aquaculture sectors. Other recent studies conducted by DPI have The DPI research will position fisheries managers, provided information on bycatch and discard industries and other stakeholders to be better mortality for ecological risk assessments and informed, and better able to respond and adapt in evaluation of management arrangements such as the future. legal minimum lengths. 2.5 Compliance and fisheries Biological research and tagging studies have also provided insights into the genetics, diet, enforcement reproduction, growth and movement of fish, 2.5.1 Overview sharks and invertebrates in Victorian coastal The majority of people undertaking fishing waters. activities in Victoria do this in accordance with the Freshwater research has been focused on native fisheries regulations, but some individuals and introduced species that are stocked, continue to disregard the rules and regulations.
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Such actions can potentially put the management • Ensuring the Victorian public is better of Victoria’s fisheries resources at risk. informed and engaged in regard to fisheries compliance. Compliance with legislation and regulations is a cornerstone of fisheries management, and Fisheries The costs of delivering compliance services Victoria compliance staff are called upon to represent a significant component of Fisheries operate within a dynamic and increasingly Victoria’s budget, and a portion of these costs are complex enforcement environment. recovered from the commercial fishing industry under the Government’s Cost Recovery Policy. The introduction of indictable offences in the Fisheries Act 1995 in 2003 and the resulting increase Since compliance resources are not sufficient to in maximum penalty to 10 years imprisonment has deal with all incidences of non-compliance, it is proven to be important in supporting the important that available resources are used in the disruption of fisheries crime. As a key deterrence most effective and efficient manner possible. to illegal fishing, indictable offences have enabled Compliance practices undertaken by DPI staff more complex prosecutions resulting in higher have been recognised by other enforcement monetary penalties, terms of imprisonment and organisations around Australia, and some agencies prohibition orders. These measures combined with have now adopted compliance techniques the forfeiture of assets (i.e. vehicles, vessels, fishing developed in Victoria. equipment), are hitting fisheries criminals hard. Another recent initiative has seen DPI seeking Compliance Statistics compensation on behalf of the State from fisheries In 2006/07, 874 infringement notices were issued offenders who take large quantities of fish by authorised officers in relation to fisheries unlawfully. offences. In addition, 146 further case files were prosecuted through the Victorian justice system. Compliance powers are exercised in an These files related to a range of fisheries offences environment that includes monitoring, reporting and DPI has broken down these files by fishery and examination of DPI practices through a range where possible (see Figure 8). of government, administrative and court arenas. Performance is scrutinised by the Special In summary, abalone, snapper and rock lobster Investigations Monitor, the Ombudsman of were the three fisheries that generated the most Victoria, and internal and external auditors. prosecutions. Across all fisheries, a total of 1108 Partnership agencies also scrutinise our charges were laid against 206 individual offenders. performance through joint operations conducted under established memorandums of 2.5.2 Resources understanding. Approximately 65 Fisheries Officers are employed by DPI to undertake management duties and field Major compliance operations are involved work as part of the compliance framework. In activities that require a large amount of addition 12 Investigative Officers are employed to preparatory work before execution. In addition to undertake investigative work associated with preparation, successful investigations require planned operations run across Victoria. Fisheries additional work associated with prosecution of Officers are located across the state at stations in offenders. The investigation process is summarised both coastal and inland locations. in Figure 7, and an indication of resources committed by Fisheries Victoria during some recent By building strong relationships with partner operations is provided in Table 4. agencies, DPI has been able to utilise other existing resources and assets to assist with more complex The DPI compliance objectives include: investigations. To date, such costs have not been • Developing a fluid, flexible and dynamic attributed back to DPI, and are not included in cost compliance capacity recovery calculations. • Providing enhanced integration of DPI’s DPI has made considerable investment in compliance services across the state technologies to assist in surveillance and other • Facilitating better networks, staffing, aspects of fisheries compliance. Field officers are partnerships and training opportunities supported through a range of other areas by DPI • Facilitating effective communications to staff involved in intelligence gathering and engage and inform the workforce analysis, advocacy and education, training and development, legal support and offence management activities.
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Table 4. Examples of DPI resources committed to recent fisheries compliance operations and collaborations with other agencies
Operation Fish Nature of offence Locality Start date No. of Estimate of DPI Collaborating with Results name species (duration) staff human resources Officer Investigator hours hours Wave Abalone Trafficking State-wide September 15 191 576 TAS Police, VIC Offender convicted sentenced to 17 months imprisonment (9 priority species (locations 2007 Police month non-parole), vehicle forfeited. and breach of NSW/TAS) (1 month) control order Ballot Bass Unlicensed take Western January 2008 9 50 140 VIC Police Offender convicted and fined $4000, 6 months Yabbies for sale Port bay (2 months) imprisonment suspended for 2 years. Vessel / equipment forfeited. Beecham Murray Unlicensed take Lake April 2006 20 151 1912 VIC Police Four defendants convicted and fines issued totalled approx Cod for sale, illegal use Mokoan (28 months) (forensics) $7,000. In addition $14,000 in compensation was ordered by of commercial the court to be paid for the loss of the fish to the state. equipment Algebra Abalone Trafficking State-wide March 2007 41 400 6500 WA Police, VIC Principle offender convicted and fined $44,000 (including priority species (20 months) Police (criminal compensation) with 2.5 years imprisonment and a lifetime prosecution investigations unit), S.130 order. pending NSW Police, NSW Prosecution pending Fisheries One person extradited from WA and one from NSW. Eight individuals have been charged and three more to be charged on summons with trafficking offences. Mint Calamari Unlicensed take Queenscliff March 2008 30 110 500 VIC Police (technical Prosecution pending for sale (8 months) support), PrimeSafe Three search warrants conducted and eight commercial prosecution inspections. One person charged and bailed, three people pending to be charged on summons. Spirit Rock Excess lobster Portland May 2008 12 140 700 VIC Police (major Prosecution pending Lobster pots, false and (6 months) fraud and proceeds 33 fisheries charges have been laid. Victoria Police are misleading prosecution recovery squads) conducting a parallel investigation into fraud with support information, fraud pending from the Case Officer related matters. Chevron Bay/ Inlet False and Western April 2008 8 15 625 VIC Police, TAS Prosecution pending species misleading Port bay (7 months) DPIW, NSW 10 charges relating to providing false information, information, fraud prosecution Fisheries, Australian obstruction and the use of false documents will be laid. related matters. pending Tax Office Victoria Police are conducting a parallel investigation into fraud with support from the Case Officer
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EVALUATION AND REVIEW: seeking OUR PEOPLE: mandatory and continuous improvement through specialist training, their community education, and development capabilities and utilisation of our of new policies partnerships, risk investigative tools through assessments and work practices. strategic partnership agreements.
FILE MANAGEMENT: AUTHORISING statutory reporting, and ENVIRONMENT: intra- communication with Departmental policies and stakeholders. external monitoring. Fisheries Investigations
COURT: disclosure and presentation of evidence, INTELLIGENCE managing witnesses, GATHERING: Collaborate prosecuting and appeals with the community and processes. partner agencies.
OPERATIONS: Warrants obtained, ANALYSIS AND PLANNING: investigations undertaken, assets Potential operations identified seized, arrests, court orders and and reviewed through the State- brief of evidence compiled. wide Tasking and Co-ordination Committee.
Figure 7. Summary breakdown of the different elements involved in investigating fisheries crime.
Abalone 67
Not attributable 42
Snapper 15
Rock lobster 8
Salmonid 5
Fishery Black bream 5
King George whiting 2
Eel 1
Murray cod 1
0 1530456075 Prosecution files (2006/07)
Figure 8. Analysis of the 146 files prosecuted by the Victorian Government in 2006/07, by fishery
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In October 2007, a new functional model of 2.5.4 The ‘13FISH’ 24 hour reporting management was introduced into Fisheries phone line Victoria to allow all Fisheries Officers to report and Since its launch in 2003, the state-wide, 24-hour operate through a single line management reporting phone line 13FISH (call 13 3474) has structure. This has occurred for staff involved in assisted greatly with addressing illegal fishing in compliance functions, strategic intelligence, Victorian waters. More than 2,180 calls were investigations, as well as training and received in 2007/08. Information received from development, advocacy and education activities. 13FISH calls resulted in 233 intelligence reports This simplified administrative process has allowed being assembled. Sixty two infringement notices for more effective delivery, management and were issued and eight prosecutions were launched reporting of activities through the defined roles as a direct result of 13FISH calls. Information from and responsibilities of staff. the public has also been used to plan targeted 2.5.3 Compliance targets investigations and to focus other resources, such as The DPI has identified certain compliance issues it rotating targeted patrols across Victoria. will be targeting as future priorities. 2.5.5 Intelligence driven activities Intelligence reports have detected the following Many of those who break the law believe that they criminal trends: will not be detected because they know Fisheries • Constructing hidden apartments to conceal Officers’ whereabouts. Experience has shown that fish in vessels variations in inspections, and targeted activities • Using commercial fishing equipment without conducted by officers outside those situations licences considered “routine” (eg activities during both at night and the day, at sea or on land, and detailed • Unlicensed commercial take and sale of fish auditing of records and catch returns against other • Catching undersize fish available information) can change compliance • Recreational fishers exceeding daily catch rates in both the recreational and commercial limits fishing sectors. • Planned theft of fisheries resources involving offenders travelling to distant or remote areas The DPI compliance staff balance routine activities of the state. with operations and tactical patrols so as to address identified risks to fisheries resources. DPI will be monitoring and acting on these Resource capabilities allow large numbers of staff priorities in coming months and encourages to be brought together at short notice to facilitate members of the public to be on the look out for detailed investigations. potential illegal activity, and to report any suspect behaviour by calling 13FISH (call 13 3474). The majority of fisheries enforcement efforts conducted in Victoria are now conducted using an ‘intelligence driven’ approach. This approach was initially developed for major and complex compliance investigations. In recent years, the
approach has been extended into the day-to-day tactical response and planned compliance activities and operations. This approach allows the
focussing of limited resources to provide improved effectiveness and efficiency. The intelligence driven approach has led to the targeting of illegal operators in the catching, processing and marketing sectors. The DPI has also introduced a new Strategic Intelligence Unit, to focus compliance activities on high risk areas where the most threat or damage to fisheries resource occurs. The use of intelligence in the field is now reaching new levels, and assisting to maximise the effectiveness of our compliance activities.
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2.6 Aquaculture overview The Victorian aquaculture industry provides a sustainable supply of seafood, and is based on the culture of both freshwater and marine species. Inland freshwater aquaculture facilities produce eels, salmonids (trout), Murray cod, barramundi, aquarium fish, yabby and other fish. Coastal marine aquaculture facilities produce blue mussels and abalone. In 2006/07, the combined aquaculture production was 2561 tonnes with a farm gate value of $20 million. More than 60% of Victoria’s aquaculture production is based on freshwater finfish. In 2006/07, the aquaculture production of freshwater finfish was 1616 tonnes with a farm gate value of $12 million. Over the past five years, finfish aquaculture production has decreased due to the impact of the prolonged drought. Figure 9. Location of aquaculture fisheries Marine aquaculture is based primarily on reserves within Port Phillip Bay and Western molluscs. The production of abalone has increased Port bay over the past five years. Blue mussel production has declined over the same period. In 2006/07, Management plans are declared for each abalone production was 121 tonnes with a farm aquaculture fisheries reserve, and they specify gate value of $4.3 million. Blue mussel production strategies, polices and operational rules. in 2006/07 was 824 tonnes with a farm gate value Aquaculture licence conditions prescribed under of $2.3 million. the Fisheries Regulations reflect the requirements stipulated under the management plans. 2.6.1 Production areas Offshore marine aquaculture occurs within the 2.6.2 Victorian Aquaculture Strategy aquaculture fisheries reserves declared under The Victorian Aquaculture Strategy and associated section 88 of the Fisheries Act 1995. The location of action plan was released on 4 April 2008, with a these reserves is shown in Figure 9. vision to grow the value of the Victorian aquaculture industry to $60 million by 2015. The Pinnace Channel, Clifton Springs, Grassy Point, Mount Martha and Dromana aquaculture The strategy was developed with advice from an fisheries reserves are located in Port Phillip Bay expertise-based panel that included scientific, local and the Flinders aquaculture fisheries reserve is in community, environmental, industry, financial and Western Port bay. The primary use for these sites governmental advice. Six strategic objectives, with is for the growout of mussels for human twenty-four actions are to be implemented. By consumption, but grow out of other shellfish is implementing this strategy, it is anticipated that also permitted. The Kirk Point-Werribee, Bates advances in production technologies, new capital Point and Beaumaris aquaculture fisheries reserves investment, regional economic growth and growth are located in Port Phillip Bay and are primarily in high-value seafood production will occur. used for collection of wild mussel spat or for production of other shellfish.
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3. Fishery specific reports Marine fisheries
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3.1 Rock Lobster Fishery
Status – Fully Exploited Fishing methods Commercial 3.1.1 Description of the fishery Catch is only permitted by using baited Target species commercial rock lobster pots. Target catch consists almost exclusively of Recreational southern rock lobster (Jasus edwardsii) but small quantities of eastern rock lobster (Jasus Catch permitted using a gloved hand (by diving (Sagmariasus) verreauxi) are taken in eastern using snorkel, SCUBA or hookah), or by use of up to two recreational hoop nets. Victoria. Prohibited species Management arrangements employed in the See Section 2.1.8 on ‘protected aquatic biota’. fishery The management arrangements for the fishery are The take of abalone, giant crab, jelly fish, scallop outlined in the Fisheries Regulations and the Rock and sea urchin are prohibited for commercial rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan (DPI 2003). The lobster fishing licences under the Fisheries management plan contains performance Regulations. indicators, reference and trigger points to which the fishery is assessed. It also details management Fishing area(s) actions if trigger points are reached. The commercial fishery is divided into eastern and western zones at longitude 143° 40’E, near Apollo Minimum size restrictions (measured by carapace Bay. The eastern zone (EZ) extends east to the length) – females 105 mm, males 110 mm and a NSW border and south to 39° 12’S. The western closed season (females 1 June to 15 November, zone (WZ) extends west to the South Australian males 15 September to 15 November) apply to both border and south to 40°S. Approximately 85% of the recreational and commercial fishing sectors. the annual catch comes from the WZ. Commercial arrangements Access is limited by a capped number of licences, (in 2006-07 there were WZ 85 licences, EZ 46 licences). Commercial catch is regulated by a quota management system with individual transferable quota (ITQ) units. In 2006-07 total allowable commercial catch (TACC) was set at 450 tonnes in the WZ and 60 tonnes in the EZ. There is a cap on the total number of pots that can be used in each zone. In 2006-07 5147 pots were permitted in the WZ and 2021 pots in the EZ. Pots are transferable within each zone. There are controls on the overall dimensions of pots and the number and size of escape gaps.
Figure 10. The Victorian Lobster Fishery
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Recreational arrangements In addition to the landed catch, the impacts of Unless exempt (see section 2.1.6), a RFL is required fishing mortality caused by octopus predation of to take rock lobster, and a daily bag limit of 2 lobsters in pots, and the number of undersize lobsters and a total possession limit of 4 lobsters lobsters returned to the water should also be applies to all recreational fishers. To reduce considered. Based on the results of an onboard incentives for illegal commercial sale, recreational observer program during the 2004–05 to 2007–08 catch must be marked by clipping tails within 5 quota years, 5.8% and 4.0% of the rock lobsters minutes of landing. caught in the EZ and WZ respectively were dead and not retained. Allocation between sectors Under the Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan, A proportion of the catch consists of undersize the recreational fishery is nominally allocated 10% lobsters. In the EZ and WZ, 20.5% and 41.7% and 5% of the TACC in the EZ and WZ respectively, were undersize and returned to the respectively. The recreational catch is set as a water. trigger (reference) point to review the recreational The retained commercial catch represents 73.7% management arrangements, although as there is and 54.3% of the number of rock lobsters caught in currently no reliable estimate of recreational catch the EZ and WZ, respectively. These figures are for it is not known if the trigger has been exceeded. the numbers of rock lobster, not weight, because it Fishery accreditation is not practical to weigh the discards at sea. The The management arrangements for the rock lobster percentage of retained rock lobsters by weight fishery are accredited under the Commonwealth would be higher than the above figures because EPBC Act and the fishery has been granted an the retained fish are larger. exemption from the export control provisions for a Incidental commercial catch period of 5 years from March 2004. A progress The take of rock lobsters in other commercial report on the assessment recommendations is Victorian fisheries is negligible. provided in Table 6. Recreational catch 3.1.2. Catch data Unknown in 2006/07. Total catch of target species As no reliable estimate of the recreational catch is The last state-wide estimate of recreational catch available, the total catch is unknown. was conducted as part of The National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Survey in Commercial catch of target species 2000/01 (Henry and Lyle 2003). Between May 2000 For the 2006–07 (quota year) the landed to April 2001, the total recreational take of rock commercial catch was 382.2 tonnes (state wide). lobster in Victoria was estimated at 51,228 lobsters, This consisted of: weighing approximately 61.5 tonnes, but this 328.8 tonnes in the WZ (73% of TACC) estimate is not considered to be reliable because the sampling method used was not specifically 53.4 tonnes in the EZ (89% of TACC) designed for estimating the catch of rock lobsters.
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Catch trends Effort trends Historical catch is shown in Figure 11. Historical fishing effort is shown in Figure 11. Fishing effort is decreasing in both zones. WZ catch trend – decreasing Catch rates EZ catch trend – steady Historical catch rates are shown in Figure 11. WZ catch rate trend – decreasing EZ catch rate trend – steady
Figure 11. Reported rock lobster catch (kg), effort (potlifts) and catch rate (kg/potlift) from the western and eastern zones over licensing year. The vertical dotted line indicates the introduction of quota management.
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Total catch of non-target byproduct and bycatch Around 70% of bycatch (mainly crustaceans) was species returned to the water alive. The majority of bony A total of 44 bycatch/byproduct species were fish caught are usually kept as commercial recorded during three years of the observer byproduct, for personal use or for bait. These program in the WZ and 22 species in the EZ species included: pink (banded) ling, jackass (Hobday et al 2007). morwong, southern conger eel, striped trumpeter, southern rock cod, and red gurnard. Retained byproduct is reported in daily catch logs, Spatial issues but the data is considered unreliable in its current In recent years there has been a strong market form. The catch rates of byproduct reported in log preference for dark red coloured lobsters in China. books are lower than those recorded by onboard As a result, processors have lowered prices for the observers. lighter coloured lobsters that are predominantly The overall level of bycatch and byproduct in the found in deeper offshore waters. Consequently, Victorian rock lobster fishery is considered to be fishing effort has been concentrated on shallower very low compared to other fishing methods, and inshore reefs where darker red lobster occur, similar to other pot fisheries. The most common leading to concerns about potential over fishing in species of bycatch in both zones is hermit crabs shallow coastal waters. and the catch rate for this species is 0.088 and 0.053 Previous assessments for the fishery have focussed per potlift. The catch of the main bycatch and over whole zones, even though it is known that byproduct species is summarised in Table 5. there is significant variation in the biology and fishery performance within zones. This was addressed in 2006-07, through a project entitled Table 5. Catch rates of main bycatch and byproduct species associated with the western “Spatial modelling and assessment of the Victorian and eastern fishing zones in the Victorian Southern Rock Lobster (Jasus edwardsii) fishery” commercial rock lobster fishery (Hobday and Punt 2006). WESTERN ZONE % of total No. per 3.1.3 Fisheries Management bycatch thousand Bycatch species Recent management changes potlifts A zone known as the “paddock” (adjacent to Apollo Bay) where a 50 fishing pot limit per Hermit crab 58 88.57 commercial fishing vessel was applied has now Velvet crab 11 16.74 been phased out. Leatherjacket 7.8 11.91 Due to concerns regarding low catch rates in the WZ, industry requested that commercial fishing in Octopus 7.6 11.63 this zone be suspended over June/July 2007 (and Wrasse 2.6 3.93 subsequently in June/July 2008). The DPI undertook these closures at the request of industry Port Jackson shark 2.5 3.90 by issuing a fishery notice. Based on the commercial returns from the 2006-07 EASTERN ZONE % of total No. per quota year, the WZ TACC was reviewed for the Bycatch species bycatch thousand 2007-08 quota year and was reduced to 380 tonnes potlifts to rebuild lobster stocks. A further reduction to the TACC to 320 tonnes has also been implemented for Hermit crab 34.0 52.29 2008-09. Leather jacket 33.0 50.44 In addition to these changes, the 2003 Rock Lobster Draughtboard shark 12.0 19.0 Fishery Management Plan is currently being reviewed. Wrasse 7.5 11.61 Consultation processes Port Jackson shark 3.8 5.86 There is an annual stock assessment workshop Snapper 34.0 4.93 (open to licence holders and other stakeholder groups) that updates the catch and effort data and the modelling for the fishery and reports against the performance measures and reference points in the management plan.
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A TACC setting forum is then held to consider the Western Zone Routine Inspections outcomes from the stock assessment and provide There were 297 routine rock lobster inspections recommendations to DPI on the TACC (and other undertaken in the western zone during 2006/07 relevant management controls) for the upcoming (representing 3.6% of the 8,142 total landings). quota period. There were 29 offences were detected, giving a compliance rate of 90.2%. This was an An annual Management Workshop is held for improvement from an 86% compliance rate in licence holders and other stakeholders to discuss 2005/06. operational and other issues relating to the fishery with DPI staff. Eastern Zone Routine Inspections There were 113 routine inspections in the eastern Performance of the fishery zone (representing 12.5% of the 906 total landings). The performance measures, reference points and There were 23 offences detected, giving a management triggers are outlined in the Rock compliance rate of 79.6%, down from 86% in Lobster Fishery Management Plan. 2005/06. WZ Performance Recreational Fishery Inspections The TACC was set at 450 tonnes for the 2006–07 The total number of fishing trips is not known so quota year, but only 73% was caught. In addition the inspection rate is unknown, but 57 relevant the CPUE declined from 0.55 kg/potlift to offences were detected in 2006/07 across the 0.47 kg/potlift. This declining CPUE triggered a regions (46 in Southwest, 7 in Port Phillip and 4 in review of the TACC in the WZ, which was Gippsland). Based on the number of inspections subsequently reduced to 380 tonnes in 2007/08. A conducted on recreational anglers, the Southwest further reduction to the TACC to 320 tonnes has compliance rate was 79% (compared to 89% in also been implemented for 2008/09. 2005/06), Port Phillip 92% (compared to 95% in EZ Performance 2005/06) and Gippsland 95% (compared to 100% in The TACC was set at 60 tonnes for the 2006–07 2005/06). quota year, but only 89% was caught. CPUE Targeted Operations increased slightly from 0.41 kg/potlift to Operations conducted in recent times have 0.42 kg/potlift. The uncaught TACC was attributed resulted in the detection of a range of offences in to non-resource related issues, such as quota held the commercial fishing sector, including over on inactive licences. The TACC was subsequently potting, fishing in prohibited areas and increased to 66 tonnes in 2007-08 because of the administrative deficiencies in record keeping acceptable rate of increase in biomass. appropriate records. For example, in December Fisheries compliance 2006 fisheries officers working in conjunction with Victoria’s rock lobster and abalone fisheries share Parks Victoria staff, detected a commercial many common fishing grounds, and rock lobster operator illegally fishing inside the Cape Howe and abalone fishers are regularly inspected Marine National Park. collectively during tactical and planned intensive Regular operations and surveillance activities are operations. Regular inspections of commercial undertaken to protect the integrity of the rock operators are conducted at sea, at the point of lobster quota management system. Operation landing, and at the fish receiver. Border IV was undertaken in April 2007, in The medium to high compliance risks identified in conjunction with compliance staff in South the risk assessment for the commercial fishery in Australia. A commercial fisher that held licences in 2007 were: both South Australia and Victoria was detected • Failure to report or misreporting in the quota fishing in Victorian waters, but had not recorded management system the details in the required Daily Catch Records. Fisheries Officers used GPS plotter data to show • Misreporting commercial catch in daily catch that the offender had been fishing in Victoria with logs baited pots on the day in question. The offender • Misreporting commercial catches near the was found guilty of providing false and Victorian and South Australian border. misleading information and failing to report catch details and was fined. This case was used as a The Rock Lobster Compliance Strategy defines catalyst to reform management of fishing on the the optimum (target) compliance rate as greater Victorian/South Australian border. than 90%.
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Cross-jurisdictional management arrangements developed a Protected Species Action Plan There are major commercial southern rock lobster (November 2007) for monitoring and reporting fisheries in Victoria, South Australia and interactions with protected species. Tasmania. These fisheries are managed by the The DSE has agreed to an amnesty to allow rock States, under Offshore Constitutional Settlement lobster fishers who accidentally interact with (OCS) arrangements with the Commonwealth. protected wildlife to report the interaction without Victorian rock lobster licence holders must land being prosecuted under the Victorian Wildlife Act their catch in a designated Victorian port, with the 1995 or the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1998. exception that licence holders may apply for an This is similar to an agreement that authorisation to land their Victorian catch at Port Commonwealth commercial fishing licence MacDonnell, (South Australia) or Eden (NSW). At holders have with the Australian Government present, Victorian licence holders cannot land their Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage catch in Tasmanian ports. and the Arts (DEWHA). In 2006-07, there were 21 Victorian licence holders 3.1.4 Research and Monitoring who are authorised to land at Port MacDonnell. Research completed These fishers live in Port MacDonnell and travel A spatial modelling project was conducted to into Victoria to fish. The main issue associated address spatial issues and enhance assessment of with this practise is that South Australia has a the Victorian rock lobster fishery at a sub-zone lower minimum size than Victoria, so there is an level (Hobday and Punt 2006). opportunity for Victorian licence holders from Port MacDonnell to take lobsters at the South A study entitled “Monitoring of by-catch and Australian minimum size from Victorian waters interactions with threatened, endangered and and sell them in South Australia. This has been protected species in the Victorian southern rock identified as a priority risk for compliance in the lobster and giant crab fisheries” (Hobday, et al Rock Lobster Fishery Risk Assessment. 2007) was conducted using onboard observers to meet the export accreditation requirements under Compliance issues were detected near the South the EPBC Act. Australian border, involving commercial fishers holding both Victorian and South Australian Monitoring programs licences. The majority of these fishers operate from Commercial catch and effort is monitored using Port MacDonnell and were previously able to fish daily catch logs completed by all licence holders. in both States on the same day. Recently, Victoria On-board observers are also used to monitor and South Australia introduced legislation to stop bycatch, interactions with protected species and dual licence holders working in more than one lobster discard rates. jurisdiction on one trip. Independent fixed site surveys are conducted Management review processes annually to monitor stock levels for stock The Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan is to assessment purposes. In addition, puerulus (larval be reviewed prior to its expiry, although the stage) settlement is also monitored as an early Minister can amend the plan at any time if indicator of future recruitment and for stock required. This review process, and the preparation assessment purposes. of a new plan, is being conducted in consultation Collaborative research with all major stakeholder groups. Victoria contributes to an ongoing FRDC program A Rock Lobster Fishery Management Advisory with Tasmania looking into spatial management Team (RL FMAT) has been established within DPI options in the fishery, including translocation of to advise fishery managers on issues relating to the stock from deep to shallow water and from slow to rock lobster fishery. fast growing areas. Threat abatement and recovery plans Future research and monitoring A protected Species Action Plan has been Victoria is planning to participate in broad developed by DPI (see below). regional climate change studies that will be relevant to the rock lobster fishery. In addition, Domestic and international agreements Victoria will retain the on-going commitment to It is a Commonwealth Government requirement the existing stock monitoring program and will that all interactions with protected species are update the fishery stock assessment. reported in any fishery that has export accreditation under the EPBC Act. The DPI has
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3.1.5 Status of target stock lowest in the history of the fishery. Modelling Stock assessments shows that the rate of stock rebuilding is “very The rock lobster fishery is assessed and stock low.” assessments are updated annually (Hobday and Eastern Zone Morison 2006). The primary stock indicators are Available and spawning biomass is rebuilding at a biomass estimates that are derived from a length satisfactory rate. Catches and catch rates are structured model for the fishery. steady. The TACC is still under caught, but Data from the latest stock assessment (in anecdotal evidence suggests that the shortfall is preparation) suggests the following: due to fishery operational issues rather than low stock abundance. Western Zone Spawning Biomass The stock assessment estimates that the spawning Stock recovery strategies biomass is above the target and limit reference The stock recovery strategy for the western zone is points. for a 15% reduction of the TACC to 380 tonnes for the 2007–08 quota period. A further 15% reduction • 100% probability of remaining above the limit of the TACC was also implemented for the 2008–09 reference point over the next five years quota period. • 99% probability of remaining above the target Stocks are recovering at an acceptable rate in the reference point over the next five years. eastern zone, and this was reflected in the increase Western Zone Available Biomass in TACC from 60 to 66 tonnes in the 2007-08 The stock assessment estimates that the available fishing season. biomass is between the limit reference and the 3.1.6 Protected species target reference points. Interactions with protected species • 84% probability of remaining above the limit During the three years of the observer program reference point over the next five years from 2004/05 to 2006/07, the following interactions • 2% probability of reaching the target reference were recorded with protected species. point within five years. • One cormorant was caught dead in a pot in the Eastern Zone Spawning Biomass EZ. The stock assessment estimates that the spawning • Five seahorses (Hippocampus sp) were caught biomass is between the limit and target reference in pots in the WZ in depths of 6 to 37 m - all points. were released alive. • 100% probability of remaining above the limit There has also been several recent whale reference point over the next 5 years entanglements associated with the fishery. • 20% probability of reaching the target Interaction reduction strategies reference point within five years. The commercial fishing peak body Seafood Eastern Zone Available Biomass Industry Victoria (SIV), has implemented a Code The stock assessment estimates that the available of Practice for Reducing Whale Entanglements in biomass is between the limit and target reference the fishery. The code was prepared with the points. assistance of DPI, DSE and SeaNet, and has been promoted by the Fisheries Co-Management • 100% probability of remaining above the limit Council. reference point over the next five years • 2% probability of reaching the target reference The DPI introduced a Protected Species Action point within five years. Plan in November 2007. Under the plan, fishers are required to reporting any interactions with Resource issues protected species on daily catch logs. The DPI has Western Zone agreed to provide regular summaries to DEWHA. The TACC remains significantly under caught. The estimated spawning biomass remains well above Licence holders have been provided with a copy of the target reference point and is high by accepted the Action Plan and a Protected Species standards. There are concerns about the declining Identification Guide. catches and catch rates as the CPUE is now the
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3.1.7 Ecosystem effects including the • Translocation of marine pests by the fishery effects of fishing (moderate risk) • Ecological risk assessments Effects of practices in other fisheries (moderate An Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) was risk). conducted in 2005 (Jenkins et al 2005). Fishery impacts on the ecosystem A list of threats was developed and assessed at a No impacts of fishing were assessed at a risk level workshop comprising research and management that required a management response. staff and other fishery stakeholders, using the Ecological impact reduction strategies likelihood and consequence criteria developed by None required at this time. Fletcher et al (2001). External (non fishing) impacts on the ecosystem Risks assessed as moderate or higher are generally and critical fish habitats considered to require a management response. Rock lobsters have an extended planktonic larval Four threats were considered to be of moderate or stage and can spend upwards of two years drifting higher risk to reef habitat: in ocean currents. The processes driving rock • The change to lobster habitat through climate lobster recruitment and larval (puerulus) change (extreme risk) settlement in Victorian waters are not well • Disposal of offshore dredging material understood. (moderate risk) Climatic factors such as wind, ocean • Increased turbidity/sedimentation from coastal currents/upwellings and larval dispersal are development (moderate risk) thought to play a role. In the future, climate • Introduction of marine pests (moderate risk). change may impact on some or all of these factors and has been identified as a key risk for this Four threats were considered to be of moderate or fishery. higher risk to the reef ecosystem: • A decline in lobster abundance and associated A study on key rock lobster habitats is being reduction of predation leading to ecosystem conducted by DPI to identify ecological threats to change (moderate risk) the resource. • Oil spills (moderate risk)
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3.1.8 Social and economic values of Fishery governance fishing and fishery governance issues Target catch/effort range Social benefits Commercial catch and effort is controlled by The social data that is available for the fishery is limiting the number of licences and through the limited to the basic licence information and quota management system. employment estimates. Participation in the recreational fishing sector is Commercial fishery not limited (other than by requirement for non- There are 131 access licences in the fishery. It is exempt persons to have a valid recreational fishing estimated that between 90 to 100 boats operate in licence) but bag and possession limits apply to the fishery. Some licence holders lease out their recreational fishers. quota and some boats have two licences operating New management initiatives from them. It is estimated that approximately 160 - A new fishery management plan is currently in 180 people are directly employed by the rock preparation. lobster industry. References The onshore lobster processing industry also DPI (2003). Rock lobster fishery management plan, employs a number of full or part-time people, but 2003. Compiled by the Rock Lobster and Giant no employment data is available for this sector. Crab Fishery Management Plan Steering Recreational fishery Committee. Fisheries Victoria Management Report It is known that a small proportion of the Victorian Series, No.1. recreational fishing sector actively target rock Fletcher, W et al (2001). ‘Risk Assessment Process – lobsters. Activities associated with recreational Wild Capture Fisheries” SCFA – FRDC ESD fishing for rock lobsters are thought to provide Project report. significant social benefits to this community. Henry, G.W. and Lyle, J.M. eds (2003) The Economic benefits National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing No formal economic monitoring is routinely Survey. FRDC Project No. 99/158. NSW Fisheries conducted in the fishery, and economic data is Final Report Series No. 48. NSW Fisheries, limited. The gross value of commercial production Cronulla, NSW. in 2005/06 was $14.48 million. Hobday, D.K. and Punt, A.E. (2006). Spatial Recreational fishing activities, generate economic modelling and assessment of the Victorian benefits, but the impact or proportion of such Southern Rock Lobster (Jasus edwardsii) fishery. benefits attributable specifically to rock lobster Final report to Fisheries Research and fishing is unknown. Development Corporation Project No. 2004/037. A financial analysis of the western zone fishery Primary Industries Research Victoria, Queenscliff. was recently conducted as part of a proposal for Hobday, D. and Morison, A. (2006). Victorian government assistance to restructure the fishery Fisheries Assessment Report, Rock Lobster 2006. (unpublished data). The study measured operator Fisheries Victoria Assessment Report Series No. 51. profitability and economic rent generated by the DPI, Melbourne. fishery, but did not extend into measuring other economic benefits for the community. Hobday, D.K., Reilly, D.J., Flint,R. (2007). Monitoring of by-catch and interactions with threatened, endangered and protected species in the Victorian southern rock lobster and giant crab fisheries. Fisheries Victoria Research Report Series No. 39 (in prep). Jenkins G.P, Morris L.C, Blake, S (2005). Ecological risk assessment of the Victorian rock lobster fishery. Fisheries Victoria Research Report Series No. 28. DPI, Melbourne.
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Table 6. Progress in implementing rock lobster fishery assessment recommendations
Recommendation Progress up to June 2007
1. DPI to inform DEWHA of any future amendments to Ongoing the Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan, related Plan is under review but no changes to the plan currently management documents or managerial commitments made require notification. in the submission.
2. DPI to develop formal collaborative arrangements and In progress pursue complementary management arrangements with The DPI continues to pursue complementary management other Australian jurisdictions responsible for managing arrangements with other jurisdictions, underpinned by southern rock lobster fisheries to ensure that all removals regular communication between Victorian, South Australia and other relevant impacts on the stock are considered as and Tasmanian Officers. A tri-State meeting with managers part of the stock assessment process. and researchers was held in Melbourne in 2006 and it was agreed that this would be an on-going forum.
3. DPI to refine the estimates of all components of non- Ongoing commercial catch in the fishery to ensure reliable estimates A suitable method has not yet been developed. There are of all removals are obtained on a regular basis and are significant issues regarding development of cost-effective included in the annual stock assessment process and sampling techniques. management of the fishery. Consideration should be given to conducting further periodic surveys or other data The DPI applied to the FRAC for funding for a process to collection and analysis measures to enhance the estimate the recreational catch of rock lobster but was assessments of recreational, illegal and indigenous catch in unsuccessful. Discussions are currently underway with the fishery. VRFish, the recreational peak body.
4. DPI and the Victorian industry to work with their South Completed Australian counterparts to investigate and adopt Victoria and South Australia introduced complementary appropriate measures to address quota avoidance, legislation for single jurisdiction fishing. Dual licence misreporting of catches and other illegal activities in waters holders can now only work in one State during any fishing near the Victorian-South Australian border. These trip and they can not have pots on the water in one State measures should be built into the Compliance Strategy while they are fishing in the other. required under the Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan.
5. DPI to conduct compliance risk assessment to determine In progress whether compliance and enforcement capabilities with Compliance Risk Assessment process has commenced and respect to area closures are adequate. The Compliance will be implemented during 2006/07. Strategy is to be amended to address any deficiencies identified through the risk assessment. The only closed areas are MPAs, which are not currently included in the Rock Lobster compliance strategy. DSE is developing a broad compliance strategy for all MPAs in consultation with DPI.
6. DPI to review the appropriateness of the performance Completed measures used to monitor the status of the rock lobster This is provided for in the Rock Lobster fishery management stock, especially that relating to the limit reference point in plan. the eastern zone, as part of the review of the Rock Lobster Fishery Management Plan commencing in 2007. DPI to Spawning biomass in the eastern zone is currently above the continue to conduct an annual assessment of the status of limit reference point. the eastern zone in relation to the spawning biomass limit reference point and if a downward trend in the spawning biomass is identified, management actions to rectify will be implemented immediately.
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Recommendation Progress up to June 2007
7. DPI to implement a monitoring program to collect data In progress on all byproduct and bycatch species. DPI to use this data Currently conducting a three year onboard observer program to validate byproduct data collected on daily catch records. to quantify bycatch and byproduct and monitor interactions If the ecological risk assessment identifies any bycatch with protected wildlife and fish species. species as high risk, DPI to develop and implement, in conjunction with industry, specific monitoring of these A formal risk assessment will be conducted at the conclusion species. of the program. A protected species interaction reporting form was introduced in April 2007. All interactions must now be reported. DPI has committed to providing DEWHA with summary reports.
8. DPI to review the current performance measures and In progress management triggers for byproduct species to ensure they Provided for in the Rock Lobster Management Plan. are suitably precautionary, based upon the best available scientific data and contain clear timeframes and defined Data from the observer program and subsequent risk management actions. DPI to develop performance measures assessment will inform this review. and management triggers, for all bycatch species identified as high risk in the ecological risk assessment and all remaining byproduct species, that are based on the best available scientific information.
9. DPI to introduce mandatory structured reporting of all Completed interactions between the rock lobster fishery and The DPI is currently negotiating with DSE on a process for endangered, threatened or protected species prior to the requiring bycatch reporting for protected species which will 2005 fishing season. not expose fishers to prosecution under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act and Wildlife Act.
10. DPI and industry to monitor the extent of the In progress interactions between the rock lobster fishery and fur seals. If Reliant on results of risk assessment and/or data from the monitoring and/or ecological risk assessment identifies logbooks (see comment above). seals as a high risk, DPI to establish trigger and reference points within 2 years. DPI and industry to develop and implement appropriate mitigation measures to minimise these interactions as appropriate.
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3.2 Giant Crab Fishery
Status – Fully Exploited Management arrangements employed in the fishery 3.2.1 Description of the fishery The management arrangements for the giant crab Target species fishery are outlined in the Fisheries Regulations 1998 The target species is giant crab (Pseudocarcinus and the Giant Crab Fishery Management Plan (DPI gigas). 2003). The management plan contains performance indicators, reference and trigger points by which Prohibited species the fishery is assessed. It also details management See Section 2.1.8 on ‘protected aquatic biota’. actions if trigger points are reached. Under the commercial licence arrangements, the A Giant Crab Fishery Access Licence (GCFAL) is taking of rock lobster, abalone, jelly fish, scallop required to take giant crab. Commercial effort and and sea urchin is prohibited. access to the fishery is restricted by limiting the Fishing area(s) number of licences in the fishery. In 2006-07 there Giant crab fishing takes place in deeper waters in were 37 licences. the western rock lobster zone (see Figure 1). This The fishery is linked to the commercial rock lobster zone extends west from longitude 143° 40’E, near fishery, and a GCFAL can only be operated in Apollo Bay to the South Australian border and conjunction with a western zone rock lobster south to 40°S. licence. The same boat, pots and operator must be Although giant crabs are known to occur in small used on linked licences fishing for both rock numbers in the eastern rock lobster zone, there is lobster and giant crab. no commercial fishery in this area. Following a Ministerial Direction in 2001, DPI has the ability to issue permits to harvest giant crab in the eastern zone, but there has been little commercial interest. Two permits have been issued but no fishing has taken place to date. The commercial catch is regulated by a quota management system with ITQ units. In 2006-07 the TACC was set at 25 tonnes. The minimum size for crabs is 150 mm (carapace length) and a closed season applies to female crabs between 1 June to 15 November, and male crabs between 15 September to 15 November. Figure 12. Victorian Giant Crab Fishery Regulations also apply to the overall size Fishing methods dimensions of lobster pots and the size and Commercial number of escape gaps. The total number of rock Giant crabs can only be taken using commercial lobster pots that can be used in the western zone is rock lobster pots. capped (5147 pots in 2006-07). Recreational Allocation between sectors There is no recreational fishery for giant crabs in The fishery is entirely commercial. Victoria.
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Fishery accreditation Recreational catch The management arrangements for the giant crab None fishery are accredited under the Commonwealth Commercial catch and effort trends EPBC Act and the fishery operates as a Wildlife Catch, effort and catch rates have been steady for Trade Operation (WTO). The fishery was the past three years, see Figure 13. The catch rates reassessed in February 2007 and a further WTO are between the target and limit reference points, was approved until March 2010. A progress report see Figure 14. on the assessment recommendations is provided in Table 8. Total catch of non-target byproduct and bycatch species 3.2.2 Catch data A total of 19 bycatch/byproduct species were Total catch of target species recorded on giant crab fishing trips during the For the 2006–07 quota year the landed commercial onboard observer program. catch was 21.8 tonnes which was 87% of the TACC. Retained byproduct is also reported in giant crab During a three-year onboard observer program daily catch logs. The catch rates of byproduct covering the 2004–05 to 2006–-07 quota periods, reported in log books are lower than those over 12,000 giant crabs were measured. Of these recorded by onboard observers. 71% of females and 51% of males were undersize and returned to the water alive (Hobday et al The overall level of bycatch and byproduct in the 2007). giant crab fishery is considered to be very low compared to other commercial fishing methods, Predation of giants crabs associated with fishing is and is similar to that from other pot fisheries. very low. Observers have only reported two giant Almost all (98%) of the bycatch was returned to the crabs landed dead, which were discarded. water alive. The remaining 2%, comprising mainly Commercial catch of target species red cod, morwong, leather jacket and whiptail was See above retained as commercial byproduct for use as bait. Incidental commercial catch The most common species of bycatch is hermit The incidental take of giant crab in other crabs (95% of the total bycatch), followed by commercial Victorian fisheries is not permitted draught board sharks (2%). The catch of bycatch under the giant crab quota management system. and byproduct species is summarised in Table 7. During the three year observer program in the Table 7. Catch rates of the main bycatch and byproduct species associated with the Victorian fishery only five giant crabs were taken as bycatch commercial giant crab fishery by rock lobster fishers who did not have a GCFAL, and these were returned to the water alive. The Bycatch Species % of total No. per giant crab and rock lobster fisheries are generally bycatch thousand separated by depth, with little overlap. In recent potlifts years there has been anecdotal reports of increased Hermit crab 95 660.1 interaction with undersize giant crabs in shallower waters. Shark, draughtboard 2 11.6 There is no reported bycatch of giant crabs in other Cod, unspecified <1 3.7 Victorian commercial fisheries. Trawlers operating in Commonwealth trawl fisheries off the Victorian Morwong <1 3.4 coast occasionally take small numbers of giant Leatherjacket <1 2.4 crabs as bycatch. Whiptail <1 2.0
Spatial issues None
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Figure 13. Total giant crab catch (kg), targeted effort (targeted potlifts) and catch rate (kg per 24hr potlift) from the western zone for licensing seasons 1990/91 to 2006/07 (April – March).
Ca t c h Rat e ( Kg/Pot l i f t / Day) 2.0 Ca t ch Ra t e > 1000 (kg)
1.5
1.0 Target 50% of peak
0.5 Limit Av. 98/99-00/01
Trigger 0.0 80% of limit 1990 -91 1991 -92 1992 -93 1993 -94 1994 -95 1995 -96 1996 -97 1997 -98 1998 -99 1999 -00 2000 -01 2001 -02 2002 -03 2003 -04 2004 -05 2005 -06 2006 -07 Fishing Season Note – The limit reference point was determined by averaging catch rates for the period between 1998/99 to 2000/01. The dashed horizontal line is the catch per unit of effort trigger point (80% of the limit reference point). Figure 14. Giant crab catch rate (kg per 24 hour potlift) of fishers landing more than 1 tonne of giant crab in a fishing season.
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3.2.3 Fisheries Management that recruitment to the fishery is increasing. It is Recent management changes anticipated that the available biomass will rebuild The have been no changes to the management over time. arrangements for the giant crab fishery since the Fisheries compliance 2003 Management Plan was declared. The 2003 From a compliance viewpoint, the rock lobster and Plan is currently being reviewed and a new giant crab fisheries are treated as a single fishery. management plan is due in late 2008. A Compliance Strategy for the Victorian Rock Consultation processes Lobster and Giant Crab Fisheries has been Stakeholder consultation is closely linked to developed (DPI, unpublished). The strategy processes used in the rock lobster fishery. A stock includes performance indicators and measures for assessment group (SAG) has been established compliance. including stakeholder representatives. At the Routine Inspections annual stock assessment workshop the catch and During 2006-07, there were 297 routine inspections effort data for the fishery is updated and reports conducted in the western zone of the rock lobster against the performance measures and reference fishery, and no offences relating to giant crab were points in the management plan. detected during this period. A TACC setting forum is then held to consider the Targeted Operations outcomes from the stock assessment and provides The risk assessment process and intelligence recommendations on the TACC (and other network has indicated that this fishery is currently relevant management controls) for the upcoming of low compliance risk, and as such, no relevant quota period. operations were conducted during the reporting An annual management workshop is held between period. DPI will continue to monitor the situation fishery staff, licence holders and other and may conduct further targeted compliance stakeholders to discuss operational issues. activities to validate this assessment. Performance of the fishery Cross-jurisdictional management arrangements The performance measures, reference points and There are commercial giant crab fisheries in management triggers are detailed in the Giant Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. These Crab Fishery Management Plan. fisheries are managed by the States, under the OCS arrangements with the Commonwealth. The TACC for 2006–07 was 25 tonnes, but only 87% was caught. Most of the uncaught quota was Victorian giant crab licence holders must land their held by small quota holders who did not attempt catch in designated Victorian ports, with the to catch their quota, and who chose not to make exception that licence holders may apply for an this quota available to other fishers. authorisation to land their catch from Victorian waters at Port MacDonnell (South Australia) or Although there are 37 licences in the fishery, giant Eden (NSW). At present, Victorian licence holders crabs were only landed on 19 of the 37 licences cannot land their catch in Tasmanian ports. during 2006–07. Of the 19 active licences, only nine were used to target giant crabs, with the Tagging studies have shown that the movement of remaining 10 used to land small quantities of giant giant crabs is generally in a north westerly crabs as byproduct of rock lobster fishing (rock direction from Tasmania into Victoria. The states lobster fishers without a GCFAL cannot retain any have previously agreed on a consistent size limit giant crabs). Less than five fishers landed more for giant crab, and it is important that fishery than 1 tonne of giant crab, suggesting that only a management arrangements in Victoria and small number of licence/quota holders are actively Tasmania continue to consider any targeting giant crab. interdependencies. Catch, effort and CPUE have been stable for the There was a cross jurisdictional issue concerning past three years. Currently there are no biomass Commonwealth trawlers damaging giant crab estimates available for the giant crab fishery. habitat, but this issue has diminished in recent However, it appears that the available biomass has years as trawlers have moved away from the giant not increased or decreased significantly based on crab grounds. the stability of catch and effort in recent years. Management review processes Increased numbers of undersize giant crabs have The Giant Crab Fishery Management Plan has a also been reported in recent years. This suggests five year duration, and is currently being reviewed. The Minister can also amend the plan at
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any other time if required. The review process, Commonwealth commercial fishing licences have and the preparation of a new plan, is conducted in with DEWHA. consultation with all major stakeholder groups. 3.2.4 Research and Monitoring The RL FMAT established within DPI provides Research completed advice primarily on the rock lobster fishery, but Aside from the annual stock assessments, no also provides advice on the management of the additional research projects focussed on giant giant crab fishery. crabs have been completed recently. Threat abatement and recovery plans Monitoring programs A Protected Species Action Plan (DPI 2007) has Commercial catch and effort is monitored using been developed. daily catch logs completed by all licence holders. Domestic and international agreements On-board observers are used to monitor bycatch It is a Commonwealth Government requirement and validate logbook data. that all interactions with protected species are A study entitled “Monitoring of bycatch and reported in any fishery that has export interactions with threatened, endangered and accreditation under the EPBC Act. DPI has protected species in the Victorian southern rock developed a Protected Species Action Plan lobster and giant crab fisheries” (Hobday et al in (November 2007) for monitoring and reporting preparation) was conducted using onboard interactions with protected species. observers during the three years from 2004/05 to The DSE has provided an amnesty to allow giant 2006/07. During the study 4,993 potlifts targeting crab fishers who accidentally interact with giant crabs were observed, which represented protected wildlife to report the interaction without 14.3% of total effort during this period. being prosecuted under the Victorian Wildlife Act Collaborative research 1995 or the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1998. Victoria is collaborating with Tasmania on a FRDC This is similar to an agreement that holders of project to develop a length structured model for the giant crab fishery that will provide biomass estimates.
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Future research and monitoring vicinity of the boat, even though there was no Victoria will continue the on-going commitments physical contact with the boat or gear. to the stock monitoring program and annual Albatross and other bird species in the “petrels, updates of the fishery stock assessment. Victoria is prions and shearwaters” group were frequently also planning to participate in broad regional observed during giant crab fishing trips, and were climate change studies that will be relevant to the sighted on more than 80% of fishing days. The rock lobster and giant crab fisheries. petrels, prions and shearwaters group were the 3.2.5 Status of target stock most abundant in numbers. Stock assessments Dolphins were the most common mammal, and Giant crab fishery stock assessments are updated were sighted on 59% of days fished. annually (Hobday and Morison 2008). The primary stock indicator is CPUE, standardised to a Interaction reduction strategies 24 hour-potlift to account for different soak times. The commercial fishing peak body (SIV) has The CPUE for those fishers who landed more than implemented a code of practice for reducing whale 1 tonne was similar to the previous year – 0.58 entanglements in the fishery. The code was kg/24 hour-potlift compared to 0.54 kg/24hr-potlift. prepared with the assistance of DPI, DSE and Given the small number of operators, CPUE SeaNet, and has been promoted by the Fisheries volatility is expected and this is allowed for in Co-Management Council. management decision making. The DPI introduced a Protected Species Action The management plan establishes a limit reference Plan (November 2007). Under the plan, fishers are point for catch rates (determined by averaging required to reporting any interactions with CPUE for the period between 1998/99 to 2000/01 - protected species on daily catch logs. Licence the three year period prior to the introduction of holders have been provided with a copy of the quota management). There is also a target Action Plan and a Protected Species Identification reference point of 50% of the peak CPUE between Guide. 1990/01 and 2000/01, the period from the start of Summaries of any reported interactions are the fishery until quota management was provided to DEWHA on a regular basis. introduced. These are illustrated in Figure 14. Resource issues 3.2.7 Ecosystem effects including the Fisheries management strategies have been effects of fishing employed to allow stock levels to rebuild. Only Ecological risk assessments 87% of the TACC was caught during the 2006–07 An ERA has not been conducted. quota year, but this is not attributed to resource It is anticipated that information published from abundance issues. the latest onboard observer program (Hobday etal There are a large amount of latent fishing licences in prep) will provide information to facilitate an that could potentially be reactivated in the fishery, ERA in the future if required. but this does not have sustainability implications Fishery impacts on the ecosystem for the fishery due to the quota management The impacts of fishing have not been formally system that is in place, and the setting of a assessed. sustainable TACC. There are a low number of participants in the Stock recovery strategies fishery and an associated low amount of fishing The TACC has been set to allow for moderate effort. This commercial pot fishery results in stock recovery. contact with limited parts of the seabed in 3.2.6 Protected species Victorian waters, at depths generally exceeding Interactions with protected species 150 m depth. Four interactions with protected species were Commercial pot fishing is generally understood to recorded during the observer program (2004/05 to have lower impacts on the ecosystem, compared to 2006/07). Two robust pipefish (Solegnathus some other commercial fishing techniques. robustus) and two seahorses (Hippocampus sp.) were captured in giant crab pots set in about 90 m of It is expected that the impacts of the fishery on the water. All were returned to the water alive. ecosystem is expected to be relatively low. Onboard observers were also asked to record Ecological impact reduction strategies “sightings” of marine mammals and birds in the None.
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External (non fishing) impacts on the ecosystem Fishery governance and critical fish habitats Target catch/effort range Many crustaceans, including giant crabs, have Catch and effort in the commercial fishery is many planktonic larval stages which develop over controlled by the TACC and quota management a long period of time. These larvae drift for months system. in ocean currents and become widely dispersed. The processes that influence the supply of larvae Although the number of licences is capped, more and determine larval settlement and recruitment than half the licences are currently inactive. of juvenile giant crabs in Victorian waters are not New management initiatives understood. It is thought that climatic factors such A new fishery management plan is currently in as wind, ocean currents and upwelling may have a preparation, and a revised draft is expected to be significant influence. released by DPI in late 2008. 3.2.8 Social and economic values of References fishing and fishery governance issues DPI (2003). Giant crab fishery management plan, Social benefits 2003. Compiled by the Rock Lobster and Giant There is no formal economic or social monitoring Crab Fishery Management Plan Steering for the fishery, so social and economic data is Committee. Fisheries Victoria Management Report limited to licence information and wholesale Series, No.2. DPI, Melbourne. market values. DPI (2007). The Protected Species Action Plan. DPI, The gross value of giant crab production in 2006/07 Melbourne. was approximately $0.75 million. Hobday, D. and Morison, A. (2008). Victorian The giant crab fishery offers a diversification of Giant Crab Fishery Assessment 2006. Fisheries catch for western zone rock lobster fishers who Victoria Assessment Report Series No. 52. DPI, have access to a GCFAL and ITQ units. Melbourne. The fishery results in employment opportunities Hobday, D.K., Reilly, D.J., Flint,R. (in preparation). for fishers, although of the 37 giant crab licences Monitoring of by-catch and interactions with issued, only nine boats specifically target giant threatened, endangered and protected species in crabs in western Victoria, and fewer than five the Victorian southern rock lobster and giant crab boats spend a significant part of the season fishing fisheries. Fisheries Victoria Research Report Series for giant crabs. No. 39. Giant crabs are understood to provide an important sideline product for a small number of processors that also handle rock lobsters, but no data is currently available.
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Table 8. Progress in implementing Giant crab fishery assessment recommendations
Recommendations Progress as of June 2007
1. By the end of 2007, Fisheries Victoria to Not completed conduct an ecological risk assessment (ERA) for An ERA for the Victorian Giant Crab fishery is yet to be conducted. the fishery. Fisheries Victoria to develop An important source of information for the ERA will be the results of appropriate management responses to any high the three year onboard observer program. The final report for this risks identified. project is due to be completed in early 2008.
2. Fisheries Victoria, in collaboration with On-going industry, to encourage the adoption of programs Interactions with protected species have been assessed and are that minimise protected species interactions and considered to be negligible. Only four interactions were recorded in pot loss. Fisheries Victoria to develop and three years by onboard observers. In all cases the protected species implement an education program and report were returned to the water alive. interactions under the EPBC Act. The DPI introduced an over-arching Protected Species Action Plan in November 2007. A reporting form has been included in log books for commercial fishers to report interactions with protected species. DPI has agreed to provide regular summaries of reported interactions to DEWHA. Licence holders have also been provided with copies of the plan and Protected Species Identification Guide.
3. Fisheries Victoria to continue to actively On-going develop the length structured model for the A length-structured model for giant crabs is being developed under a VGCF and review model predictions to ensure Tasmanian FRDC project. Victoria is collaborating with Tasmania on TACC levels continue to permit significant stock this project. The model is still in the developmental stage and it is rebuilding for the giant crab stock. likely to be a few years before it can be used for stock assessment purposes. Further work is required for the Victorian fishery, including updating growth data from Victorian tag recaptures.
4. Fisheries Victoria, in collaboration with other In-progress jurisdictions, to develop and conduct research The DPI’s Fisheries Research Branch (FRB) staff are in regular contact into the growth and population dynamics of with colleagues in Tasmania and South Australia. Given the small giant crab in Victoria. Once information catch and low number of participants in the fishery, giant crab becomes available, Fisheries Victoria should use research is allocated limited resources. Progress on research into the it to develop the stock assessment model and, growth and population dynamics of giant crab in Victoria is expected where appropriate, biological performance to be slow. measures and indicators to ensure the sustainable management of the fishery.
5. Fisheries Victoria to monitor the status of the On-going target species in relation to performance The fishery is assessed annually. None of the performance indictors indicators. Within 3 months of becoming aware specified in the Victorian Giant Crab Fishery Management Plan were of a performance indicator being triggered, triggered. Fisheries Victoria to develop a clear timetable for the implementation of appropriate management responses.
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3.3 Abalone Fishery
Status – Fully Exploited Venus Bay) where the eastern boundary is a line running due west from the most north-western 3.3.1. Description of the fishery part of Arch Rock to the seaward limit of State Target species waters. Target catch consists of blacklip abalone (Haliotis Fishing methods rubra) and greenlip abalone (Haliotis vaevigata). Commercial Prohibited species Catch is permitted using commercial abalone See Section 2.1.8 on ‘protected aquatic biota’. diving equipment. Commercial divers predominately use surface supply air (hookah Commercial fishers may only take abalone. system) from small, high speed fishing boats. Relevant no take species for recreational fishers include ‘syngnathids’ (pipe fish, sea dragons and To protect undersize abalone from potential sea horses). damage, divers must use a blunt instrument to remove abalone from the reef, and are not Fishing area(s) permitted to use knives, screwdrivers or any sharp Commercial fishery instrument that could damage the abalone. The commercial fishery is divided into three zones. The eastern zone includes all Victorian waters east Recreational of longitude 148° East (Lakes Entrance). The Catch is permitted using diving equipment. western zone includes all Victorian waters west of Recreational fishers typically use dive gear similar longitude 142° 31‘ East (Hopkins River mouth). to commercial fishers, but a mixture of hookah The central zone includes all Victorian waters systems, scuba diving equipment and snorkel (free between 142° 31‘ East and 148° East (see Figure 15). diving) are used. Recreational fishing is conducted both from the shore and recreational fishing vessels. Management arrangements employed in the fishery The management arrangements for the fishery are outlined in the Fisheries Regulations and the Abalone Fisheries Management Plan (NRE 2002). Persons are not permitted to fish for abalone in: • the inter-tidal zone (waters less than two Figure 15. Victorian commercial abalone fishery meters deep) between Thompson Creek at map Breamlea and Arch Rock at Venus Bay (including Port Phillip and Western Port) Recreational fishery • Marine National Parks and Marine Recreational fishing occurs in all costal waters, but Sanctuaries. a Central Victorian Waters zone exists between longitude 143° 27’ 36” East (mouth of the Aire The take of greenlip abalone in Port Phillip Bay is River near Cape Otway) and 145° 53’ 35” East, 38° also banned (for both recreational and commercial 50’ 19” South (north-western part of Arch Rock in fishers).
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Commercial fishery Commercial processing The commercial fishing quota and licensing period To enhance compliance under the quota runs between 1 April and 31 March each year. The management system, a Fish Receiver Abalone commercial fishery is managed under a quota Licence (FRAL) is required to process abalone in management system. An Abalone Fishery Access Victoria. Most of the commercial processors are Licence (AFAL) is required to take abalone for sale located in Melbourne and other coastal centres or to use or possess commercial abalone such as Mallacoota and Port Fairy. FRAL holders equipment and licences must be renewed can receive abalone from Victorian commercial annually. Commercial effort and access to the divers as well as interstate abalone and fishery is restricted by limiting the number of aquaculture product. commercial fishing licences to 71 (23 in the eastern Recreational arrangements zone, 34 in the central zone and 14 in the western A RFL is required to take abalone in the zone). recreational fishery (some exemptions apply). Quota units Recreational fishing is also subject to a range of In addition to an AFAL, the quota management additional input and output controls. In all parts of system requires commercial fishers to hold ITQ Victoria the recreational bag limit for abalone is units to take commercial quantities of abalone. A five, and only two of the five can be greenlip set amount of quota units are available in each abalone. . commercial fishing zone and cannot be transferred There is a permanent ban on the taking of all between zones. Each quota unit represents the abalone species from Central Victorian Waters, right to take a proportion of the overall quota for except for 60 nominated days each year. that specific zone. There are separate quota units for blacklip and greenlip abalone. Greenlip A range of size limits are in place to protect abalone quota units have only been allocated in the breeding stocks, and recreational divers must: western and central fishing zones as the eastern • Carry a measuring device when fishing for zone does not have a viable commercial greenlip abalone abalone fishery. • Not shuck abalone (remove the shell), or be in The Fisheries Act 1995 was amended in 2006 to possession of shucked abalone, or land provide for the separation of abalone quota units shucked abalone, in, under or on Victorian from the AFAL which came into effect prior to the waters. Abalone can only be shucked at the 2006-07 fishing season. Previously, quota units place of consumption were evenly disbursed between licence holders • Only take abalone between sunrise and sunset and unused (unfished) quota units could be (i.e. daylight hours) transferred to other AFAL holders temporarily within a given quota period. Quota units can now Allocation between sectors be permanently transferred to other AFAL licence There is no formal allocation between the fishing holders or to external investors that do not hold an sectors. Allocation is currently influenced through AFAL. AFAL holders are still required to hold a recreational bag limits and access restrictions. minimum of 5 blacklip abalone quota units at all Fishery accreditation times. These quota units can still be temporarily The management arrangements for the abalone transferred if not utilised. fishery are accredited under the Commonwealth Investors (quota holders without an AFAL) can EPBC Act and the fishery has been granted an contract nominated operators to harvest the export exemption until August 2008. A progress abalone on their behalf. report on the assessment recommendations is provided in Table 10. Total Allowable Catch Quota units entitle the operator to take a certain percentage of the TACC. The TACC is determined annually for blacklip and greenlip abalone stocks in each commercial fishing zone, and the process used is outlined in the Abalone Fisheries Management Plan (NRE 2002). The annual TACC for each zone is applied to the quota units in that zone to determine the available weight of catch that can be taken by AFAL licence holders for the fishing season.
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3.3.2. Catch data The combined TACC for the state over the last 5 Total catch of target species quota years are shown in Figure 16, incorporating As no reliable estimate of the recreational catch is a further reduction in the current 2008-09 quota available, the total catch is unknown. year. Commercial catch of target species The 2007-08 (quota year) TACC of 1174.2 tonnes Commercial abalone TACC for pervious 5 quota seasons was fully caught. The breakdown of the TACC into fishing zones is outlined in Table 9. 1600 1400
Table 9. Abalone fishery TACC 2007-08 1200
(quota year) in tonnes 1000
800
Zone Blacklip Greenlip Tonnes Western 110 4.2 600 400 Central 570 0 200 0 Eastern 490 0 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 Season
TOTAL 1170 4.2 Figure 16. Reductions to the total abalone fishery Incidental commercial catch TACC over the past five quota years The take of abalone in other commercial Victorian Effort trend fisheries is not permitted. Unknown Recreational catch Issues regarding the non-standardised recording of There is no reliable estimate of the recreational effort in log books have resulted in fishing effort catch of abalone in 2006/07. DPI considers data being unreliable. Effort is not used to manage recreational catch to be low compared to the the abalone fishery. commercial catch. The recreational catch was greatest in the central zone due to the proximity of Catch rates this area to the large population in Melbourne. Unknown Recent changes to fishing regulations have Due to problems with standardisation of reported restricted this catch fishing effort, an assessment of catch rates is not The last estimate of recreational catch of abalone possible. In addition, the voluntary adoption of was undertaken between May 2000 and April 2001 larger minimum size limits imposed by in the National Recreational and Indigenous commercial divers is likely to have biased and Fishing Survey (Henry and Lyle 2003). This skewed catch rate trends. Catch rates are not used estimate was 10,355 animals, weighing 3.1 tonnes. to manage the abalone fishery. The low number of recreational abalone fishers Total catch of non-target byproduct and bycatch incorporated into the survey design means this species estimate is not reliable. Due to the selective harvesting methods used in Commercial catch trend the abalone fishery, there is no bycatch or Western Zone – Decreasing byproduct species recorded. Central Zone – Decreasing Spatial issues The serial depletion of abalone stocks in the central Eastern Zone – Stable and western zones has prompted a shift toward The decreasing catch trends have led to reductions finer-scale spatial management and the in the TACC in the western and central zones, development of regions within established fishing which were implemented in consultation with the zones. commercial fishing industry to manage reductions Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and Codes in abalone stocks caused through the combined of Practice (COPs) have been developed, with impacts of disease and recent lower production fishing zones being separated into individually capacity on some reef structures in comparison to recognised reef codes. Through a continuation of their historical productive capacities. voluntary and regulated measures, each reef code has been allocated its own quota and an appropriate legal minimum length (LML).
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It is expected that management of the fishery will A commercial permit has been developed to allow become even more spatially focussed, allowing divers to harvest abalone from Discovery Bay and more refined and responsive management over Julia reef to encourage divers to fish traditionally time. Regulation of the LMLs is required at under–utilised fishing grounds. present. Illegal catch Abalone viral ganglioneuritis (AVG) Regulations were changed for the central Victorian The recent outbreak of AVG has impacted the waters in 2005 to reduce illegal commercial take of stock biomass in the western and central zones. abalone by thieves posing as recreational fishers. The disease causes inflammation of the nervous The changes included a 60 day per year tissue, resulting in curling of the foot and swelling recreational fishing season in Central Victorian of the mouth, and often results in mortality and Waters. increased exposure to predation. Recreational fishery The disease was found in infected populations of In 2006, the state-wide daily bag limit was reduced wild abalone in the western zone on reefs near to five abalone per day. This lower limit was Port Fairy in May 2006, and has been responsible introduced to manage increased recreational for significant mortalities amongst abalone fishing pressure in waters around the state. populations in the southwest region. The disease Consultation processes has spread to the east and west direction, and is Under Victoria’s current statutory consultative now impacting on the central fishing zone. At the arrangements, a number of consultative time of writing, the virus has been confirmed as far requirements regarding the abalone fishery are east as White Cliffs near Johanna, and west as far stipulated in the Fisheries Act 1995, and the as Discovery Bay Marine Park. Victorian Abalone Fishery Management Plan 3.3.3 Fisheries Management (NRE 2002). Recent management changes The Fisheries Co-Management Council (FCC) and Commercial fishery the Abalone Fisheries Committee provide A trial central zone greenlip abalone fishery has expertise based advice on issues relating to the been established for the 2008-09 fishing season, setting of TACC. with an initial TACC of 3.4 tonnes (100 kg per unit). Commercial divers have voluntarily Formal consultation with the FCC and the Abalone increased the minimum legal length of greenlip Fisheries Committee is required in setting the abalone to 145 mm. TACC, establishing Fisheries Notices, and in making changes to other Regulations and levies. Changes to fishery management arrangements have been put in place in response to the abalone Advice regarding abalone management decisions virus. In the western zone, virus affected reefs is also obtained from a number of other sources. have been closed to commercial fishing, the LML The DPI has established an Abalone Fishery for blacklip abalone has been increased from 120 Management Advisory Team (AbFMAT) including mm to 130 mm. A further area between The Crags key Fisheries Victoria field staff, the senior abalone and Killarney has also been closed to both research scientist, and fishery managers. The recreational and commercial abalone fishers. abalone AbFMAT provides advice to the Executive Director of Fisheries Victoria on management The TACC in the central zone in 2007-08 was strategies for the fishery. reduced by 50 tonnes at the request of industry, in anticipation of the impacts from AVG. The Abalone Fisheries Assessment Group (ABFAG) was formed to bring scientists, resource In consultation with the Victorian Abalone Divers users and fishery managers together to consider Association, DPI is currently developing an technical and scientific information, to produce an undersize abalone permit for Cape Liptrap. A annual Abalone Fishery Assessment Report and to similar permit has been in place for Julia Reef in provide other relevant scientific and technical the western zone that is currently in its third advice relevant to the management of the abalone season of operation. Such permits can reduce fishery. commercial fishing pressure in some areas by allowing commercial divers to access abalone In addition, DPI regularly liaises with the relevant below the regulated LML in areas where abalone peak bodies and other industry associations, are known to grow slowly. recreational dive clubs/associations, commercial licence and quota unit holders and other interested parties. The DPI has established a number of
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MOUs with the commercial industry to reduce the The Abalone Fishery Committee of the FCC need to introduce further formal regulations. The considers and reports on each triggered reef code. MOUs have proven to be an effective mechanism Recently the Committee recommended a TACC to allow for appropriate distribution of commercial reduction in the central zone to account for reef fishing effort across reef structures and have codes on the Mornington Peninsula that have not encouraged greater stewardship by the reached traditional harvest levels and remain commercial industry. below trigger points. Performance of the fishery The AVG outbreak has also prompted substantial The performance measures, reference points and reef code triggering as commercial fishing effort is management triggers are outlined in the Abalone distributed away from reef codes with confirmed Fishery Management Plan (NRE 2002). AVG outbreaks, which has resulted in substantial reductions in TACC. Biomass indicators A key performance indicator includes the Fisheries compliance requirement for mature biomass and annual catch The abalone fishery is one of the most intensively of the mature biomass to remain at the level managed fisheries in Australia. It receives the estimated in 2000 (B2000) with a 70% confidence highest level of compliance attention in Victoria, level (30% risk). and most of the compliance work done is now intelligence based. The most common criminal The eastern zone biomass estimate for the 2007-08 offence detected is unlicensed take for commercial season was above B2000 and indicated a slight sale, and this will continue to be the number one increase in stock abundance. As a result the TACC priority for compliance staff into the future. has remained constant in the eastern zone for the last five years. The medium to high compliance risks identified in the risk assessment for the abalone fishery are: The central zone biomass estimate for the 2007-08 • season indicates a reduction in the mature biomass Large-scale organised illegal harvest leading to from B2000 that was attributed to a combination of reduction in stock abundance impacts from the AVG virus in the western end of • Multiple tripping by poachers posing as the central zone and recent reduced catches on the recreational fishers leading to reduction in Mornington Peninsula. As a result TACC has been stock abundance. reduced over the last two quota periods. Routine Inspections The modelling approach for the TACC setting Fisheries Officers have regular contact with process cannot be used to manage stocks following commercial fishers during the course of fishing for the large, one off mortality event associated with and landing harvested abalone, and inspect AVG in the western zone. The TACC setting around 30,000 recreational anglers each year in process has been changed to a reef-by-reef based Victoria (some of these contacts include approach, until further research is conducted to inspections of recreational divers involved in validate an alternative approach. The remaining fishing for abalone). Routine contacts provide western zone TACC reflects the productive valuable intelligence, which supplements other capacity of the reef structures unaffected by AVG. intelligence gathering activities. This can lead to tactical patrols and targeted operations against Reef code triggers persons believed to be involved in ongoing illegal A key trigger point relevant to the performance of activity. the fishery requires annual catch for reef codes to fall between the known extremes of the catch Targeted Operations range (within upper and lower limit of catches) of Tactical patrols and targeted operations that detect those reported between 1988 and 2000. The trigger illegal fishing often result in vessel and vehicle points for a number of reef codes have been seizures, as well as forfeiture of diving gear and reached in all zones of the fishery. fishing equipment. Penalties imposed by courts have been substantial in some instances. The DPI, in consultation with industry, has encouraged the distribution of fishing effort across The DPI estimates that more than 40% of tactical reef complexes across the fishing zones. The compliance work conducted by fisheries officers in introduction of DIVERWEB (a web-based coastal regions (including covert and uniformed importation tool) has given divers the ability to patrols) is connected with compliance in the track abalone catches in real time against catch abalone fishery. Examples of successful activities caps for each reef code.
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conducted in 2006/07 included operations 3.3.4. Research and Monitoring codenamed Wave and Algebra. Research completed Operation Wave targeted a NSW based abalone The Victorian abalone stocks are among a small thief who had prior convictions in four number of worldwide stocks that consistently jurisdictions. He was subject to a court imposed yield sustainable commercial harvests. control order not to take or possess abalone. Previous assessments for the fishery have focussed Following the successful operation, he was on developing long-term stable abundance indices convicted of trafficking abalone and sentenced to that have been estimated using fishery- 17 months imprisonment, and his car was independent surveys together with long-term forfeited. commercial harvest data controlled by a steady Operation Algebra targeted a NSW based abalone TACC. thief who was arrested at Williamstown. He spent Monitoring programs 13 months on remand and pleaded guilty to Commercial catch and effort is monitored using trafficking abalone. He was convicted and daily catch logs completed by all AFAL holders. sentenced to 30 months imprisonment and ordered Under the quota management system, divers to pay $44,000 in compensation. The court also report the weight, origin, and other relevant details imposed a lifetime order restricting him from of their catch, which provides up-to-date being in proximity of marine waters and information to monitor the status of abalone stocks possessing abalone. at each reef code. This information is essential to Cross-jurisdictional management arrangements ensure that fishing effort is distributed evenly There are commercial abalone fisheries in Victoria, across each zone. South Australia, New South Wales and Tasmania, Independent monitoring of abalone stocks is and cross-jurisdictional management undertaken annually by DPI at approximately 200 arrangements that have been put in place to survey sites along the Victorian coastline. The accommodate the different jurisdictions. current abalone fishery monitoring program is also Joint enforcement and compliance operations are being adapted to analyse and provide an held between fisheries officers across jurisdictions indication of AVG impact. Abalone samples are and Victorian Officers can be authorised to operate being collected across the state to be tested using between adjoining State’s waters. the AVG polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnostic test currently being developed (see Victoria permits the receiving of abalone landed in below). other jurisdictions, which is managed under the FRAL. Collaborative research A number of collaborative research projects are Boat-launching and lending permits in South currently being undertaken, with the majority Australia were recently revoked as a management investigating the recent outbreak of AVG. response to the AVG disease outbreak in Victoria. The DPI and the Australian Animal Health Management review processes Laboratory have collaborated to develop a A review of the existing Abalone Fishery diagnostic PCR test. Management Plan in 2007 is currently being conducted (DPI 2007). Industry and DPI are also co-investing in a FRDC project investigating the recovery of abalone stocks Threat abatement and recovery plans post-virus in south-west Victoria. The project aims Not applicable to asses the status of stocks that have been closed Domestic and international agreements to commercial and recreational fishing to facilitate It is a Commonwealth Government requirement stock rebuilding and provide a risk based decision that all interactions with protected species are matrix to inform future management decisions, reported in any fishery that has export including the setting of TACCs. accreditation under the EPBC Act. The DPI Industry, FRDC, DPI and Melbourne University introduced a Protected Species Action Plan are also contributing to a project investigating fine (November 2007) for monitoring and reporting scale spatial management options in collaboration interactions with protected species. with New South Wales and South Australia.
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The FRDC and DPI are co-funding a research When a trigger reference point is reached the project to investigate the ecological effects of Abalone Fishery Committee reviews the situation abalone fishing. and recommends actions in the form of: • Future research and monitoring closely observing the triggered reef for another The majority of future research is focussing on fishing year investigating AVG. A national approach and work • investigating the stock status plan is being prepared for AVG related research • adjust the TACC and/or LML to restore the and management, and is focussing on four priority mature biomass areas: • Other actions as appropriate to achieve • Epidemiology of the disease recovery. • Stock sustainability to ensure abalone now and Area closures (both voluntary and regulated) have in the future also been used in the central and western zone to • Biosecurity and reducing the risk of spread allow stocks to rebuild. This strategy has been • Communication to increase community, widely used in instances where stocks have been stakeholder and inter-government affected by AVG. understanding and awareness. 3.3.6. Protected species 3.3.5. Status of target stock Interactions with protected species Stock assessments No known interactions. Stock assessments are completed annually for each of the three zones and these are used as the basis Interaction reduction strategies for setting the TACC. Not required. The 2007/08 abalone stock assessment (not 3.3.7. Ecosystem effects including the published) modelled estimates of performance of effects of fishing current mature biomass (Bcurrent year /B2000) and Ecological risk assessments expected long range mature biomass (B2021/B2000). An ERA has been completed for the abalone The modelling included estimated values for fishery in 2002 (DPI unpublished document). The recreational and illegal unreported and risk assessment highlighted that the highest risk to unregulated (IUU) catches. the fishery was serial depletion of both greenlip and blacklip abalone. The impacts of the abalone virus has resulted in modelling of the western zone stocks being The identified risks were considered by the unreliable. Victorian Abalone Fishery Management Plan Steering Committee and appropriate management Resource issues actions are being developed for the revised The recent outbreak of AVG has highlighted the Abalone Fishery Management Plan. importance of abalone health for stocks across Australia. Harvesting strategies have been Fishery impacts on the ecosystem developed in areas where AVG has been Impacts are minimal because abalone fishing does confirmed to allow the stocks to recover from the not result in bycatch and only generates limited impacts of disease. These strategies include physical habitat damage. increased size limits, TACC reductions and permit To keep damage to the ecosystem at a minimum, fishing arrangements. divers are encouraged to spread fishing effort over Serial depletion of localised abalone population multiple reefs and to comply with the LMLs to has been a concern for the productivity of abalone protect maturing stocks. fishing in all three fishing zones. Reef closures and increases in size limits have been used, and have Ecological impact reduction strategies included both voluntarily and regulated No formal strategies are required. restrictions to distribute effort and reduce fishing External (non fishing) impacts on the ecosystem pressure in areas of risk. and critical fish habitats Stock recovery strategies The impact of AVG has been highlighted elsewhere in this report. A number of stock recovery strategies are currently in place for the abalone fishery. Non-fishing factors influencing the recruitment and settlement of juvenile abalone in Victorian waters are not well understood, but climatic
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factors influencing water temperature, as well as gross State product was between $81 and $104 wind, ocean currents/upwellings that affect larval million. The industry contributed a total of 1,100 dispersal are thought to play a role. direct and indirect employment positions (equating to 835 fulltime equivalent positions). 3.3.8. Social and economic values of fishing and fishery governance issues Recreational fishing generates economic benefits Social benefits (i.e. use of boats, purchasing of fishing equipment Only limited social data is available. and tourism), but the proportion of such benefits attributable specifically to abalone diving is Commercial unknown. In 2006/07, there were 71 Abalone Fishery Access Licence holders, with 64 active divers. The fishery Fishery governance also supports local coastal towns and directly Target catch/effort range employs deckhands and crew who assist Fishery catch and effort in the commercial fishery commercial divers. In addition 15 licensed abalone is controlled by the limited number of access receiving businesses operate as part of the onshore licences and through the quota management processing industry (see further details in system. economic analysis). Participation in the recreational fishing sector is Recreational not limited (other than by requirement for non- Compared to the wider recreational fishing exempt persons to have a valid Recreational community in Victoria, only a small number of Fishing Licence). Size limits, closures and bag and recreational fishers engage in recreational diving possession limits also apply. for abalone. Recent changes in recreational abalone New management initiatives fishing regulations reduced the number of days The DPI is currently preparing a revised Abalone available for the recreational harvest of abalone in Fishery Management Plan. the central zone to 60 days per year. This impacted on recreational fishers, but these measures were References required to ensure the sustainable management of Department of Natural Resources and the abalone fishery in Victoria. Environment. (2002). Victorian Abalone Fishery Management Plan. Melbourne. Economic benefits The wholesale market value of abalone for the DPI (2004). The economic impact of the Victorian 2006-07 fishing season was $46 million, abalone harvesting and processing industry: 2001 – representing 25% of Australia’s total abalone wild 02. Economic Impact Report no 1. DPI, Melbourne. catch. The majority of commercially caught DPI (2007). Review of the Victorian Abalone abalone is exported. Fishery Management Plan. DPI, Melbourne. A formal analysis of the economic impact of the Henry, G.W. and Lyle, J.M. eds (2003). The Victorian abalone harvesting and processing National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing industries was conducted in 2001-02 (DPI 2004). Survey. FRDC Project No. 99/158. NSW Fisheries This report determined that the annual Final Report Series No. 48. NSW Fisheries, contribution of the abalone fishery to Victorian Cronulla, NSW.
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Table 10. Progress in implementing abalone fishery assessment recommendations
Recommendations Progress as at June 2008
Accredited until 30 July 2008
1. Fisheries Victoria should inform Environment Ongoing Australia (now known as the Australian The most recent significant changes were to recreational abalone Government Department of the Environment, fishing regulations in September 2005, with the creation of a Water, Heritage and the Arts- DEWHA) of any recreational fishing closure in central Victorian waters (open 60 future changes to the management regime of the days/year) and a bag limit reduction for central Victorian waters from Victorian Abalone Fishery. 10 to 5. Also an area closure for greenlip abalone was introduced in Port Phillip Bay. A state wide reduction to the bag limit from 10 to 5 was introduced on 1 September 2006. Management changes to reduce the impact of AVG have included area closures, reduced TACC, increases in size limits and the introduction of Biosecurity protocols. COPs and MOUs have been used to guide commercial diver’s behaviour and to reduce the risk of serial depletion across the fishery. 2. Abalone Fishery Committee to report on the Ongoing performance of the fishery against fishery This report summarises the annual abalone fishery assessment report. objectives, performance indicators and reference The 2007/08 abalone stock assessment modelled estimates of points as part of the annual Fishery Assessment performance of current mature biomass (Bcurrent year /B2000) and expected Report process. long range mature biomass (B2021/B2000).
3. Fisheries Victoria to consult with other fishery In progress agencies on the development and implementation All State abalone fishery managers attended an informal national of appropriate biological parameters and reference workshop in May 2005. DPI hosted 3 national abalone health points for abalone harvesting, and pursue with scientific forums aimed at discussing option for abalone health and these agencies a national process for developing, management across Australia. adopting and reviewing these indicators, along Victoria has developed a national ‘length based’ stock assessment with periodic review of respective abalone stock model for use by other States to promote complimentary data assessment processes. collection and modelling. A FRDC project on industry-based reef assessments will complement zonal assessments conducted by the States. Revision of current reference points for abalone harvesting is being undertaken as part of the management plan review process. DPI will engage the other abalone producing States to identify consistent and appropriate triggers. 4. Abalone Fishery Committee to give priority to Complete defining the target biomass to produce the The DPI defines BMSY as part of the annual fishery assessment and ecologically sustainable yield from the fishery reporting process. within 3 years and review this estimate within the context of the annual stock assessment process.
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Recommendations Progress as at June 2008
Accredited until 30 July 2008
5. Fisheries Victoria to ensure reliable growth Ongoing data across the various regions of the fishery is Further DPI FRB tagging work is planned for the next 3 years. In obtained as a high priority to ensure the addition, the current FRDC project is assessing the fecundity of effectiveness of existing management controls abalone throughout Victorian waters. and continued sustainability of abalone stocks. The introduction of undersize permits for commercial operators in the western and central zones has allowed access to under utilised abalone stock and may help to relieve commercial fishing pressure in traditional fishing areas. The DPI has provided commercial permit access to the western zone operators for underutilised reef codes in order to relieve pressure in traditional fishing areas and determine abalone populations across the western zone. All three commercial zones utilised abalone data loggers to determine catch composition of abalone. This information is used extensively to determine appropriate size limit for each area.
6. Fisheries Victoria to investigate and establish, Ongoing over the next 3 years, appropriate decision rules, Through the use of co-operative tools such as industry-government relevant to the regional-scale or sub-zonal MOUs, DPI has significantly improved spatial management in the management, to prevent the potential serial fishery. depletion of abalone stocks. Industry has led increased self-management with zonal reef assessments, higher voluntary size limits and voluntary reef closures. FRDC has funded a project on industry-based reef assessments to address this recommendation. In addition FRDC has funded a reef scale modelling project to determine harvesting or rebuilding levels for reef structures affected by AVG. The DPI has developed a website for divers to view real time catches on reefs to encourage dispersion of fishing effort. Fisheries Notices and permits have been issued in the central and western zones to distribute fishing effort to under–utilised reef complexes, aimed at reducing the risk of serial depletion in heavily fished regions. Revised decision rules and a management response to deal with disease and large mortality events are being developed as part of the revision of the abalone fishery management plan that is due in March 2009. 7. Fisheries Victoria to review within 3 years the Complete effectiveness of beach weighing measures The abalone assessment report was provided to the AbFAG in 2004. currently being implemented, including any Outcomes suggested no major implications for the stock assessment implications for the stock assessment process. arising from the introduction of beach weighing.
8. Fisheries Victoria to take actions to improve Ongoing the reliability of illegal catch estimates and Significant measures have been taken to reduce IUU fishing, establish and implement measures to achieve the including enhancing compliance resources and amending legislation reduction targets set out in the Victorian Abalone to make trafficking in commercial quantities an indictable offence. Fishery Compliance Strategy. The operational capacity for field staff has also been improved. Compliance strategy targets have been achieved for western and eastern zones. It is expected that the implementation of changes to
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Recommendations Progress as at June 2008
Accredited until 30 July 2008 recreational abalone fishing regulations (reducing recreational fishing access in central zone to 60 days/year) and additional bag limit reductions will enhance compliance in the Central zone. The DPI is also reviewing the current recreational arrangements through the VAFMP review. The new arrangement will be aimed at providing broader protection for abalone stocks. The DPI’s IUU fishing monitoring program is considered best practice, but ongoing difficulties remain regarding measuring trends over time. A national docketing system for abalone exports has been implemented and a new system of tracking the domestic and international transport of abalone has been implemented to assist in the monitoring of IUU fishing. 9. Fisheries Victoria, within 12 months, to assess Complete. the extent of take and level of recreational abalone The outcomes from a review of the recreational fishery were fishing, with an emphasis on greenlip abalone announced in May 2005. impacts, and implement additional management Changes to recreational abalone fishing regulations in September measures where necessary. 2005 resulted in restricted recreational fishing access to central Victorian waters (60 days/year) and a bag limit reduction in central waters from 10 to 5. A closure was also introduced for greenlip abalone in Port Phillip Bay. A state wide reduction to the recreational abalone bag limit from 10 to 5 was introduced on 1 September 2006. 10. Fisheries Victoria to ensure a full risk Complete assessment on the ecological implications, No new reseeding has occurred since 2003. including disease and genetic impacts, of Future reseeding is to be assessed in line with DPI’s translocation artificial stock enhancement of abalone in policy. A specific translocation protocol has been developed Victorian reefs is completed before any reseeding specifically for abalone aquaculture licence holders. program is undertaken. A workshop to investigate options to rebuild the abalone stocks affected by AVG was held in late 2007. The outcome of the workshop highlighted the need for a risk based approach to any reseeding or rebuilding proposals. Future studies including cost benefit analysis have been proposed prior to undertaking any stock rebuilding proposal. 11. The Abalone Fishery Committee to give In progress priority to the development of decision rules A desktop study was completed in 2004. Further research supported based on an identified list of indicator species to by FRDC is being undertaken by DPI FRB with industry collaboration provide the basis for monitoring and responding to develop decision rules, based on indicator species, as the basis for to ecosystem changes. monitoring and responding to ecosystem changes. The DPI’s FRB is currently undertaking field trials to investigate ecosystem changes associated with the removal of abalone from reef structures.
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3.4 Scallop Fishery
Status – Under Exploited undersize scallops are returned to the water as quickly as practicable. 3.4.1 Description of the fishery Target species Recreational Target catch consists of scallops (Pecten fumatus). The ocean scallop fishery is unsuitable for recreational fishing but there is a small recreational Prohibited species scallop fishery in Port Phillip Bay. Recreational See Section 2.1.8 on ‘protected aquatic biota’. fishers use dive gear (hookah systems and scuba diving equipment) in waters generally between 10 Relevant no take species include ‘syngnathids’ to 15 metres to harvest scallops from the sea floor. (pipe fish, sea dragons and sea horses). In addition the commercial take of abalone, giant crab, jelly Fishery management fish, rock lobster, sea urchin are prohibited whilst The abundance of scallops in the fishery varies fishing under a commercial scallop fishing licence. from year to year, and the management arrangements are adaptable to accommodate the Fishing area(s) variability. The management arrangements are The current scallop fishery boundaries were settled outlined in the Statement of Management in the OCS arrangements between the Arrangements for the Victorian Commercial Commonwealth and Victoria in June 1986. Scallop Fishery (DPI, unpublished). The Victorian fishery runs 20 nautical miles out Commercial fishery from the Victorian coast line. Large portions of A Scallop (Ocean) Fishery Access Licence is Victorian waters are not suitable for commercial required to participate in the commercial fishery. scallop fishing, and the majority of commercial The number of commercial access licences is fishing is conducted on scallop aggregations capped at 91 licences. (referred to as ‘beds’) in eastern Victoria. These are accessed from the ports of Lakes Entrance and Port Fishing is directed to locations that are thought to Welshpool. contain sufficient quantities of quality scallops. Commercial scallop fishing is not permitted in When open, the fishery is managed using a quota Victorian bays or inlets. management system. Consultation is undertaken between representatives and fishery experts in Fishing methods deciding if the fishery should be opened, and the Commercial TACC. Information from previous on board Commercial fishing for scallops is by dredging observer trips and commercial surveys is also where vessels tow a single dredge which is considered. dragged along the seabed. Dredges are deployed from the rear of the vessel, and are up to 4.5 metres Once a fishing season is determined, each licence wide. A tooth-bar or ‘scrapper’ bar on the bottom holder is given an equal share of the TACC. of the mouth of the dredge deflects scallops from Transfer of quota between licence holders occurs the seafloor where they are retained in the dredge during the season, and this is recorded on a DPI baskets. database. The dredge basket contents are retrieved and Additional input controls have also been put in tipped onto a sorting table on board the vessel. place to enhance sustainability. A minimum shell The catch is then sorted immediately and width of 80 mm has been established to ensure
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scallops achieve two spawning events prior to A summary of commercial catch over the last five being fished. financial years is provided in Table 11. To protect juveniles, fishing areas may also be Incidental commercial catch closed if more than 20% of scallops in the catch are Due to the specialised fishing methods required to below the minimum size limit. harvest commercial quantities of scallops, the take of scallops in other commercial Victorian fisheries To ensure quality of product and to enhance is considered negligible. commercial returns, the fishery may be closed if the average number of scallop meats per kilogram Recreational catch is above 100 meats. In such situations, the fishery is Unknown in 2006/07. No reliable estimate is closed until the quality of scallops improves. This available. is achieved through an industry Code of Practice. Table 11. Victorian scallop catch from Lakes All commercial scallop vessels are fitted with a Entrance region VMS to allow for spatial monitoring and to assist Year Meat weight* Shell weight in compliance. (tonnes) (tonnes) Commercial processing 2002/03 70 777 To enhance compliance under the quota management system, a Fish Receiver’s (Scallop) 2003/04 27 305 Licence is required to process commercial quantities of scallops. All scallops taken in the 2004/05 24 266 Victorian scallop fishery are processed in Victoria. 2005/06 66 738
In 2008 some commercial scallop fishers were 2006/07 54 603 issued with general permits to process and sell scallops to the public once their catch has been *meat weight is an approximation based on a conversion weighed off. calculation of 9% of shell weight. Recreational fishery Catch trend A recreational fishing licence is required to Variable recreationally fish for scallops and a daily bag limit The fishery suffers from high natural variability. of 100 scallops applies to recreational fishers. Historical catch figures have seen Victorian scallop Fishery accreditation production range from almost no annual The management arrangements for the scallop production to as high as 10,900 tonnes (1419 tonnes fishery are accredited under the Commonwealth meat weight) in 1993. These figures exclude EPBC Act and the fishery has been granted WTO commercial production from Port Phillip Bay, but approval for a period of three years from January may have included some scallop production from 2006. A progress report on the assessment Commonwealth waters (Coleman et al 1997). Table recommendations is provided in Table 12. 11 demonstrates the ongoing variability in commercial catch in recent times. 3.4.2 Catch data Total catch of target species Effort trend As no reliable estimate of the recreational catch is Variable available, the total catch is unknown. Effort is dependant on market values, the quality Commercial catch of target species of scallops in the fishery and weather conditions. The TACC has been capped at 1504 tonnes (135 Despite over 90 commercial licences being issued, generally only 12 to 20 vessels are active in the tonnes meat weight*) for a number of years. For the 2006-07 quota year (April 2006 to March 2007) fishery in any year. Many Victorian fishers hold the catch was 643 tonnes (58 tonnes meat weight*), licences in other fishing jurisdictions of the Bass Strait scallop fishery (i.e. the Commonwealth and which represented 42.8% of the TACC. Tasmanian jurisdictions). Fishing effort can be The DPI has determined that the TACC was not affected if fishers concentrate their effort in the fully exploited primarily due to unfavourable Tasmanian or the Commonwealth Bass Strait economic conditions in the fishery. Some licence scallop fishing zones. Processors often influence holders chose not to fish or lease out their allocated where scallop fishing occurs due to demand for quota. Low harvest rates are not an indication of quality scallops. low stock abundance.
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Catch rates 3.4.3 Fisheries Management Variable Recent management changes Like effort trends, catch rates also vary. The DPI The only recent change to the scallop fishery is the uses data collected from logbook and Catch introduction of a permit to allow commercial Disposal Record (CDR) books to gain relevant fishers to process scallops once catches have been information, including area fished, number of weighed off, and sale to members of the public at hauls per hour, dredging hours, bottom type and the wharf. To date six permits have been issued. water depth. Time spent fishing, searching and Consultation process meat and shell weight contributes to determine The commercial management arrangements for the catch per unit effort. fishery are reviewed annually in consultation with Total catch of non-target byproduct and bycatch industry representatives and other fishery experts. species The DPI are currently reviewing the consultative A total of 44 bycatch/byproduct species were process and hope to introduce an annual recorded during a survey in 2002 (Coleman et al Management Workshop where licence holders and 2002). other stakeholders will be able to meet with DPI to The main catch of non-targeted species includes: discuss operational and other issues relating to • rays management of the fishery. • doughboy scallops Performance of the fishery • hermit crabs Performance indicators and measures, for the • spider crabs scallop fishery include compliance with the QMS, • star fish minimum length requirements, and ensuring • sponges. fishing practices are consistent with the established Fishers must report retained byproduct in daily policies on trashing/discard rates and meats per catch logs. The catch rates of byproduct reported kilogram. Fisheries management decisions and in log books have been lower than those recorded fishery performance is currently monitored using by onboard observers. commercial logbooks returns. There are concerns regarding the reliability of commercial log book Most of the bycatch is returned to the water alive. data as there is currently no observer program in Catch of other fish species in scallop dredges is place and on-board monitoring has proven to be limited under regulations to 10 kilograms per problematic. fishing trip. Bony fish are often retained as commercial byproduct or for personal use. There are difficulties associated with implementing performance indicators and Spatial issues measures in this fishery because of the historically A large percentage of the Victorian fishing zone is high stock and catch variability. not suitable for fishing due to low scallops abundance or unsuitable ground (e.g. rocky reef). Little is known about stocks in the west of the state It is estimated that less than 5% of the available because no commercial fishing activity has Victorian sea bed is actually fished. occurred there in the last 12 years. Spatial management practises have been adopted In recognition of these issues, DPI is currently in the commercial fishery to protect juvenile reviewing the current performance monitoring scallop aggregations and to maximise commercial system to investigate potential enhancements. returns. Fisheries compliance The use of VMS allows DPI to monitor spatial Medium to high compliance risks identified for the management arrangements and assists with quota management system include: compliance activities. • Fishers not recording commercial catch in catch and disposal records Under a COP developed by DPI and commercial • fishers, when juvenile beds of scallops are Fishers deliberately under-reporting the true identified, GPS co-ordinates are used to establish catch • spatial zones that are not fished. Fishers could deliberately record incorrect (smaller) weights of catch in their disposal In addition to this, a number of marine parks and records sanctuaries are closed to scallop fishing. • Possible collusion with fish receivers and processors to dispose of unreported catch.
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Commercial scallop fishers and receivers are In total, twelve scallop fishers were charged under required to submit logbook returns on a monthly Operation Jamboree and there were eight basis.. prosecutions. Daily catch and disposal records are inspected and Cross-jurisdictional management arrangements audited by DPI staff to ensure compliance. In The Bass Strait scallop fishery entails a series of addition to this, fishing operations are observed cross jurisdictional arrangements between the from land, sea and air. Operations are conducted Commonwealth, Victorian and Tasmanian to ensure that fishing activity observed governments. Under the current arrangements DPI corresponds with fishing activity recorded in Daily is responsible for managing the fishery in the Catch Logs and Catch Disposal Records. Victorian fishing zone, but regularly engages fisheries managers in Tasmania and the Routine Inspections Commonwealth to ensure that management Fisheries Officers inspect around 30,000 arrangements across jurisdictions are broadly recreational anglers each year in Victoria, (some of understood. The DPI is a permanent observer on these contacts include inspections of recreational the Commonwealth Scallop Management divers involved in fishing for scallops). Routine Advisory Committee (Scallop MAC). contacts provide valuable intelligence, which supplements other intelligence gathering activities. Management review processes This can lead to tactical patrols and targeted The scallop fishery management arrangements are operations against persons believed to be involved reviewed by DPI annually. The review and in ongoing illegal activity. preparation of new management arrangements are conducted in consultation with all major Inspections of commercial fishers are also stakeholder groups. undertaken randomly by compliance staff at the point of landing or processing to check catch and Both SIV and DPI recently conducted three scallop disposal records, and to verify catch weights under strategic planning workshops during 2007/08. The the QMS. Checks are also conducted to ensure that workshops resulted in some management changes, landings are not occurring outside specified including processing on board their vessels at commercial ports. wharf once weighed off and addressing mislabelling of product. Targeted Operations There was one targeted operation conducted in The DPI and SIV have highlighted further 2006/07. Operation Jamboree was undertaken management issues relating to permanent transfer targeting the Victorian scallop industry, based on of quota, developing harvest strategies and an audit of logbook and catch disposal records tolerance limits for undersize scallops as priorities that need to be addressed. The need for a scallop A series of inspections were carried out at fish receiver’s licence will also be re-evaluated. processing establishments in Melbourne and Port Welshpool and on vessels around Lakes Entrance. Threat abatement and recovery plans Documents associated with the take, No formal stock recovery plans exist, but the transportation, processing and sale of scallops current management strategies aim to manage and were reviewed. protect juvenile beds of scallops to enhance sustainability. A total of 2958 kg of scallops in the shell were seized, as well as a commercial scallop fishing Domestic and international agreements vessel and associated commercial fishing The boundaries of the Bass Strait scallop fishery equipment. were established through the OCS in June 1986. An offender was convicted and fined for engaging 3.4.4 Research and Monitoring in a commercial scallop fishing enterprise without Research completed a valid licence, and was given a pecuniary penalty Research has been conducted by trained observers for profits derived from the illegal take of 5.5 on selected fishing vessels. This has been focused tonnes of scallops. on scallop beds close to Lakes Entrance and Port An associated company that acted as a scallop Welshpool. processing plant was also fined for not having an Monitoring of bycatch was undertaken during the appropriate licence to commercially buy and sell 2006 fishing season in the Victorian Ocean Zone scallops. scallop fishery. Two cruises were undertaken, and 170 shots were monitored for catch, bycatch or
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length frequency. Seven different bycatch 3.4.6 Protected species species/groups were observed, with dead shell and Interactions with protected species pumpkin sponge making up the greatest An investigation was undertaken in 2002 to proportion of the catch. The only fish species monitor bycatch and interactions with threatened, observed was the sparsely spotted stingaree. endangered and protected species in the fishery Length frequencies were measured from 1941 (Coleman 2004). scallops caught in 35 shots over the two cruises. Scallops less than 80 mm were discarded which No interaction with protected species has been comprised 2.1% to 4.1% of the scallop catch. recorded in the Victorian fishery. A single case has been recorded in the Tasmanian jurisdiction of the Monitoring programs Bass Strait Scallop Fishery where a Syngnathid The DPI has undertaken some monitoring of the was recorded commercial bycatch. fishery, including on-board monitoring of scallop size and discard rates. Current monitoring is Interaction reduction strategies limited to wharf and processing facility inspections It is a Commonwealth Government requirement of catch, as well as monitoring catch and effort that all interactions with protected species are data provided by commercial scallop licence reported in any fishery that has export holders through logbooks. accreditation under the EPBC Act. The DPI has developed a Protected Species Action Plan On-board monitoring and data collection has (November 2007) for monitoring and reporting historically been difficult to schedule in this fishery interactions with protected species. because this work is easily affected by poor weather conditions, and there are safety concerns The DSE has agreed to an amnesty to allow scallop for staff crossing the bar at Lakes Entrance. fishers who accidentally interact with protected wildlife to report the interaction without being Future collaborative research prosecuted under the Victorian Wildlife Act 1995 or Victoria will be contributing to a FRDC project the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1998. This is with Tasmania and Commonwealth looking into similar to an agreement that holders of enhancing spatial management options in the Commonwealth commercial fishing licences have fishery. This has included discussions with with DEWHA. researchers in the Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute to arrange for spatial surveys. Under the Action Plan, fishers are required to report any interactions with protected species on 3.4.5 Status of target stock daily catch logs, and these reports are used by DPI Stock assessments to provide regular summaries to DEWHA. It is difficult to apply traditional stock assessment Licence holders have been provided with a copy of techniques in the management of scallop fisheries. the Action Plan and a Protected Species Given limited investments, it has not yet been Identification Guide. possible to conduct a stock assessment for the fishery. 3.4.7. Ecosystem effects including the Resource issues effects of fishing Scallop populations can vary in accordance with a Ecological risk assessments range of environmental factors. A risk assessment of the scallop fishery was conducted in 2007 (DPI unpublished). Only a small The DPI does not currently carry out any regular number of risks were determined to be significant assessment of scallop populations in the fishery. enough to require a management response. The Attempts to do this have been made around Lakes following risks were identified: Entrance, but were not considered successful • (Coleman et al 1997). Removal and damage to benthic biota and substrate by use of dredge. Stock recovery strategies • Effect of fishery on scallop populations from No formal strategy is in place. The fishery is harvesting for sale because of inadequate managed to accommodate natural variability in governance and management arrangements. stock abundance.
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• Impact on Port Phillip Bay fishery from processors are predominantly located in siltation associated with channel deepening Melbourne and Geelong. project and coastal development,(sewerage, Recreational toxic algal blooms) No reliable estimate of the amount of recreational Fishery impacts on the ecosystem catch or the number of recreational divers that fish Commercial scallop fishing is conducted using for scallops is available so the social benefits dredge equipment on coarse sandy bottoms. cannot be determined. It is known that scuba Scallop dredging is a non- selective fishing diving operators in Port Phillip Bay offer periodic method, and can impact on the substrate and scallop fishing expeditions as part of their business associated biota in fishing areas. operations. Ecological impact reduction strategies Economic benefits No formal impact reduction strategies are in place. No formal economic monitoring has been Whilst dredging can potentially occur over a large conducted and only limited financial data is region, ecological impacts are reduced because available for the fishery. An economic assessment dredging is generally limited by commercial of the fishery is currently being undertaken by SIV. returns, to small regions where there are known to Gross value of commercial production in 2006/07 be high abundances of scallops. Catch is also was $908,000. In addition to the value of sorted on board commercial fishing vessels and commercial catch, activities carried out under bycatch is returned to the water as soon as these licences provide employment, household practicable. income and other economic impact benefits to local External (non fishing) impact on the ecosystem communities, but the levels and impacts have not and critical fish habitats been quantified. Little is known about the correlations between environmental conditions and scallop growth, Fishery governance condition, reproduction and settlement. Scallops Target catch/effort range have a planktonic larval stage before settlement Fishery catch and effort in the commercial fishery onto the substrate in adult form. Environmental is controlled under the quota management system conditions (such as wind, tide, currents, etc) may and by limiting entry to the fishery. impact on recruitment in the fishery. It is known Participation in the recreational fishing sector is that scallops experience natural variances in not limited, other than by requirement for non- abundance and mortality, and are naturally exempt persons to have a valid Recreational vulnerable to predation from a range of other Fishing Licence. Daily bag and possession limits marine species. The introduction and presence of apply to all recreational fishers. exotic species are likely to impact scallop populations through predation and increased New management initiatives competition for food and habitat. Management arrangements are being reviewed and are expected in the first half of 2009. 3.4.8 Social and economic values of The DPI is developing a formal harvest strategy for fishing and fishery governance issues the fishery, which will be mindful of similar Social benefits initiatives being conducted in the Commonwealth Only limited data is available to assess the social and Tasmanian Bass Strait scallop fishing zones. impacts of the fishery. The harvest strategy will aim to provide a clear Commercial fishery assessment and management framework Ninety-one commercial fishing licences are issued for the commercial fishery. in the fishery, with approximately 10 to 20 boats References operating when the fishery is open (some licence Coleman N. (2002) Fisheries Victoria Research holders lease out their quota to other vessels and Report Series-Bycatch monitoring for the Victorian some vessels hold multiple licences). This provides Ocean Zone scallop fishery in 2002. direct employment of fishers and crew, and for associated vessel maintenance industries. The Coleman N., Walker T., Peters B. (1997). Fisheries fishery also employees people in the scallop Assessment Report Series – Scallop 1996. Report processing and transport sector. Most of the Number 10. Natural Resources and Environment, Melbourne.
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Table 12. Progress in implementing scallop fishery assessment recommendations
Recommendations Progress as of 30 June 2007
1. DPI to inform DEH of any material Complete change to the Victorian Scallop Fishery’s There has been no major change to the management arrangements for statement of management arrangements the fishery. Licence conditions have been amended to improve the quota that could affect the criteria on which EPBC management and reporting arrangements, including: Act decisions are based, within three months of that change being made. • A prohibition on completing the Catch Disposal Record (CDR) book greater than 20 minutes after unloading; • A requirement that the CDR book is completed prior to the scallops leaving the place of landings; • A prohibition on an operator from using a CDR book issued to another licence holder; and • A prohibition on an operator from using a CDR book from leaving the vicinity of the vessel during the scallop season.
2. By the end of June 2007, DPI to develop In progress/Ongoing fishery specific objectives linked to performance indicators and performance Specific performance indicators are being developed for the target measures for target, byproduct and species as a part of the development of the harvest strategy. No such protected species and impacts on the indicators currently exist with respect to scallop fishing impacts on the ecosystem. DPI to monitor the status of the ecosystem. fishery in relation to the performance Under the Protected Species Action Plan, commercial fishers must report measures once developed. Within 3 months interactions with protected species. A form was included in commercial of becoming aware of a performance measure log books at the start of the 2007 scallop season to facilitate this. The not being met, DPI to finalise a clear Action Plan outlines management actions to be undertaken should there timetable for the implementation of be any unacceptable fisheries impacts on protected species. appropriate management responses. Summary information on scallop fishery interactions with protected species will be provided to DEWHA on a quarterly basis, as proposed under the draft MOU between DEWHA and DPI. Performance indicators and measures, include compliance with the TACC, minimum size limits, and trashing/discard rates and meats per kilogram policies. Management of illegal, unreported and unregulated catch is also addressed based on intelligence received and regional priorities. Very little by-product is taken in the scallop fishery. Doughboy scallops are able to be taken in the Victorian zone; however, no substantial take has been recorded to date. (In 1999 10 kg and in 2000 26 kg of doughboy scallops was reported).
3. DPI to complete a compliance risk Complete assessment for the Victorian Scallop Fishery The DPI has completed a risk assessment for the fishery, which included for the end of June 2006 and implement a an assessment of compliance risks. Areas considered high risk continue risk-based compliance strategy by September to be addressed through appropriate mitigation strategies, including a 2007 taking into account risks associated mix of enforcement and education activities. with non-compliance with: The DPI in conjunction with industry are currently involved in a • Minimum size limits; • Quota limits; and strategic planning process to address issues including minimum size, • Area and fishery closures fishery closures and quota limits.
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Recommendations Progress as of 30 June 2007
4. From 2006, DPI to report publicly on the Complete status of the fishery on an annual basis, Status reports for all Victorian commercial fisheries are provided in the including explicit reporting against each FCC annual report. This status report is the first in a series of planned performance measure once developed. annual status reports that use a more detailed reporting style.
5. DPI to work with the relevant In progress/Ongoing jurisdictions to actively pursue consistent The DPI is continuing to pursue complementary management and/or complementary management arrangements with other jurisdictions, through regular communication arrangements for the commercial scallop with Commonwealth and Tasmanian Officers. DPI is exploring stock off south-east Australia, where complimentary research and management arrangements for the Bass appropriate. Strait fishery. Victorian fisheries managers have met with the other jurisdictions in relation to sharing research, compliance strategies and fisheries management, including harvest strategies. The result was that the Commonwealth and Victoria agreed to work together to assist in achieving mutual management arrangements.
6. Within two years, DPI to review the Complete current logbook recording requirements and DPI conducted a review in 2007 that highlighted limitations with ensure that a robust and reliable mechanism reporting of discarded target species. Reporting arrangements for for recording byproduct species and byproduct species were also considered and licence holders are required discarded target species is included. to accurately report all byproduct species under the Fisheries Regulations. Education programs are also implemented by DPI staff and include port visits to inform fishers of key requirements prior to the start (and during) the quota year. Limited independent observer surveys have been carried out in the fishery to also verify reporting records. Surveys have been problematic in recent times due to affects of poor weather conditions, safety concerns, and limitations on available scientists and technicians to undertake the work. DPI will continue to review reporting arrangements in the fishery with a view to ensuring cost effective systems are in place for target byproduct and bycatch species. Furthermore, DPI will continue to work to reduce problems associated with the use of observer programs, and future inclusion of observers in accordance with the annual fishery risk assessment process.
7. DPI to develop a research strategy for the In progress fishery that identifies research information No targeted research strategy has been established with the exception of needs and priorities to meet the aiming to developing a harvest strategy for the fishery in 2009. DPI is management information, stock assessment participating in a FRDC funded project with Tasmania and the and performance measurement needs of the Commonwealth, looking into enhancing spatial management options in fishery. In the interim, DPI to use the the fishery. DPI has also entered into discussions with researchers in the results of relevant research in adjacent Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute to conduct surveys in the scallop fisheries to assess the Victorian zone. appropriateness of current management arrangements. Funds have been set aside to conduct surveys to locate juvenile beds of scallops since 2002. Surveys are dependent on conditions i.e. weather, availability of vessels and research technicians. Surveys are not conducted in years where there is no fishing conducted.
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Recommendations Progress as of 30 June 2007
8. DPI to use current and relevant In progress information to perform an assessment of Due to the difficulties in obtaining accurate biomass estimates, DPI sets scallop stocks in Victoria for the purpose of a conservative TACC based on historical catch information. determining the TACC for each fishery season. DPI uses data collected from logbook and CDRs to gain relevant information, including area fished, number of hauls per hour, dredging hours, bottom type, and water depth. As noted above, traditional stock assessment methods used to estimate biomass for the purposes of setting TACC can not be applied to scallop in cost effective manner, Alternate TACC setting methodologies are required to ensure stock protection and sustainable management. The new harvest strategy being developed will provide a more transparent mechanism for setting TACC’s. It is anticipated that the outcomes will allow future spatial closures to be based on stock abundance indicators. .
9. DPI to review the harvesting strategy Ongoing employed in the Victorian Scallop Fishery to Information regarding maintaining spatially managed beds in southeast ensure that it is adequately precautionary in Australia is reviewed by Fisheries Victoria on a regular basis through terms of spatial management. DPI should commercial logbooks and the industry COP. Fisheries Victoria strongly consider the available scientific information supports the exchange of information between all jurisdictions. regarding maintaining spatially distributed scallop beds and the impacts of fishing on Fisheries Victoria is currently involved in strategic workshops with the southeast Australian scallop stock. DPI industry to address a number of issues, including a transparent harvest to also take into account the cumulative strategy. impacts of fishing on the entire scallop stock The Victorian Government has proclaimed a number of marine parks targeted in southeast Australia as relevant which are closed to commercial and recreational fishing. These information becomes available. measures are likely to compliment spatial management in the fishery. Please also refer to the response to recommendation seven (above) on the collaborative FRDC research proposal.
10. Within two years, DPI to develop a Complete means of identifying and protecting areas of Industry implemented a COP for the 2007 scallop fishing season aimed juvenile scallop beds to ensure that at protecting juvenile scallop beds. Under the Industry COP, once sufficient spawning biomass is retained. juvenile beds are discovered, industry provides the location/co-ordinates to a leadership committee who authorises to survey the same site with an independent observer (scientist, technician or a different skipper) to confirm the location and size of the juvenile beds. Once the committee receives confirmation, it relays the information to DPI. DPI then informs all licence holders of the GPS co-ordinates and these areas are subject to voluntary closures. A VMS can be used to monitor the effectiveness of the COP.
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Recommendations Progress as of 30 June 2007
11. DPI to develop a system for the In Progress/Ongoing collection and monitoring of information on In 2006/2007 surveys were conducted by on-board observers to monitor bycatch in the Victorian Scallop Fishery and plot juvenile beds of scallops and bycatch and wildlife interactions. sufficient to enable identification of long- Due to poor weather conditions and availability of vessels only one trip term trends in bycatch. was undertaken. Shots were monitored for catch, by-catch and length frequency. Different species/groups were identified from dredges sampled. All by-catch species identified have a wide distribution along the southern and eastern coasts of Australia and it is unlikely that these species will be threatened as a result of scallop fishing in the Victorian zone. No protected or threatened species were caught on the trip. A comprehensive by-catch report titled “bycatch monitoring for the Victorian Ocean Zone scallop fishery” was conducted by Noel Coleman.
12. Within 12 months, DPI to develop and Complete implement an education program for fishers to promote the importance of protected An education program has been implemented as part of the Protected species protection and accurate incident Species Action Plan (established November 2007) to report interaction reporting. with protected species in logbooks. This included documented information supplied to licence holders, associations and peak bodies. Documentation provided to licence holders included a frequently asked questions summary paper.
13. Should new information determine that Ongoing the fishery is having significant interactions No new information has become available since the Wildlife Trade with any endangered, threatened or Operation (WTO) was issued. protected species, DPI to appropriate measures to mitigate those interactions. Measures should be implemented within 12 months of the information becoming available.
14. DPI to review the current management Ongoing regime within the Victorian Scallop Fishery The DPI has identified a number of risks which have been assessed and to ensure that it takes account of ecosystem rated accordingly. Moderate to high rated risks are being addressed as impacts, in particular: priorities and DPI is applying appropriate mitigation measures. • High risk impacts of fishing identified through ecological risk assessments relevant The DPI also liaises regularly with the Tasmanian and AFMA scallop to the fishery; fisheries managers. • Important juvenile/ spawning/ refuge Management measures to minimise the fishery’s impacts on the grounds identified by byproduct and ecosystem include: protected species; and • The impacts of fishing on benthic • closing fishing in areas where juvenile beds of scallops are detected habitats. through an Industry COP, During the review DPI is to liaise with the • monitoring commercial fishing compliance with fishery closures Tasmanian Department of Primary through a vessel monitoring system. Industries, Water and the Environment and the Australian Fisheries Management The DPI will continue to monitor ecological risks and will consider Authority and consider information relating management arrangement changes in order to address any to the risk assessment of their respective environmental or ecosystem issues should they arise. fisheries.
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3.5 Snapper Fishery
Status – Environmentally Limited Commercial – Victorian Coastal Waters In the multi-species, multi-method Victorian 3.5.1. Description of the fisheries Ocean Fishery snapper is a target species using Target species hand lines (limit of six lines and three hooks per Target catch consists of snapper (Pagrus auratus) line for each licence) and long lines (200 hook limit per licence). Prohibited species See Section 2.1.8 on ‘protected aquatic biota’. Incidental snapper catches are taken from coastal waters using drop lines, fish traps, haul seines, Relevant no take species include great white shark mesh nets and troll lines in the Ocean Fishery; (Carcharodon carcharias). using lobster pots in the Rock Lobster Fishery; Fishing area(s) using a purse seine net in the Ocean Purse Seine Commercial Fishery; and using a trawl net in the Victorian The main commercial fishing locations are PPB Inshore Trawl Fishery. Byproduct catches of and Victorian coastal waters. Small commercial snapper are also taken by Commonwealth fishery snapper catches come from Corner Inlet and have licence holders in coastal waters adjacent to previously come from Western Port bay. The Victoria using trawl, gillnet, long line and trap majority (71% - 87%) of the Victorian commercial fishing methods. catch is taken in PPB. Recreational Recreational Virtually all catch is taken by angling using rod Port Phillip Bay is the primary recreational fishing and reels or by hand lines in marine and estuarine location. It is estimated that approximately 60% of waters. A small proportion is taken by spear the total State recreational catch comes from PPB. fishing. Additional catch is taken from Western Port bay A large majority of recreational snapper angling is and coastal waters adjacent to Lakes Entrance, from boats (including charter fishing boats). Boat Corner Inlet, Phillip Island, Torquay, angling generally yields higher success rates due Warrnambool and Portland. to increased mobility and access to offshore Fishing methods waters. Shore-based snapper angling is popular in Commercial – Port Phillip Bay some locations around PPB and on the open Approximately two-thirds of the total commercial coastline. Daytime anglers mainly catch small snapper catch from PPB is taken using long lines snapper, whereas anglers fishing between dusk (200 hook limit per licence). In addition catch is and dawn catch most of the larger fish. taken using haul seine nets (maximum length 460 Management arrangements employed in the metres) and mesh nets (maximum mesh size 130 fishery mm; maximum length 2500 metres per licence). As of 1 October 2007, all snapper fishing in Commercial – Other Bays/Inlets Victorian waters is subject to a legal minimum Snapper is targeted with hand lines, droplines and length of 28 cm (total length). long lines in Western Port bay (1000 hook limit per Commercial arrangements licence). Incidental catches are also taken by haul Commercial snapper catches occur as a component seine nets and mesh nets used in Corner Inlet and of a number of defined Victorian finfish fisheries, the Gippsland Lakes. All other Victorian bays and most of which involve targeting of multiple species inlets are closed to commercial fishing for snapper using a variety of fishing methods and equipment. and other finfish.
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The relatively small commercial value and Commonwealth arrangements complexity of management arrangements means Under the OCS with the Commonwealth, fisheries that it is not cost effective or practicable to manage arrangements for commercial snapper fishing in the snapper fisheries using direct output (catch) waters adjacent to Victoria is managed under the controls such as annual TACCs and ITQ units. The provisions of State fisheries legislation, except for fisheries are managed primarily using input by-catch taken and landed under some types of (effort) controls (including limited entry Commonwealth fishing entitlements. Operators in commercial licensing, restrictions on fishing the non-trawl (gillnet, hook and trap) sector of the equipment and methods, and closed areas/seasons) Commonwealth Southern & Eastern Scalefish and and indirect catch controls such as legal size limits. Shark Fishery (SESSF) are subject to a 50 kg trip Controls are intended to protect fish stocks from limit for snapper. No trip limits are applied to the excessive fishing pressure and to minimise trawl and Danish seine operators fishing in the undesirable interactions between commercial SESSF due to the relatively unselective nature of fishing operations and other users of public these fishing methods and the need to avoid waters, particularly recreational fishers. potential dumping of fish at sea. The two defined Victorian commercial finfish Increased Victorian landings of snapper by fisheries that produce the largest snapper catches Commonwealth trawl and Danish seine operators are the Western Port/Port Phillip Bay (WP/PPB) in recent years are of concern. Victoria is Fishery and the Ocean Fishery. There are 48 investigating options to address this issue with the transferable WP/PPB Fishery Access Licences that Commonwealth. permit use of a variety of commercial fishing Allocation between sectors equipment to catch and sell a variety of finfish The Victorian Government has endorsed a species including snapper. Gear includes long fisheries resource allocation decision framework lines and hand lines, but haul seines and mesh nets developed by the Fisheries Co-management can only be used in PPB following the closure of Council (FCC 2004). Formal commercial and Western Port bay to commercial netting in recreational catch sharing targets are yet to be set December 2007. This decision was in accordance for snapper. with a Victorian Government policy decision to create a recreational fishing haven in that bay. There are 287 Ocean Fishery Access Licences that permit use of a variety of commercial fishing equipment (including long lines, haul seines, mesh nets and hand lines) to catch and sell a variety of finfish species from Victorian coastal waters other than bays and inlets. There is substantial latent effort in this fishery and these licences are non- transferable as part of a licence reduction strategy.
Recreational arrangements Unless exempt (see section 2.1.6), recreational fishers require a RFL to take snapper in Victorian waters. All individual recreational fishers are subject to restrictions including a daily bag limit and possession limit of 10 snapper per person (including a maximum of 3 fish measuring 40 cm or more in length). Snapper must be landed in a whole or carcass form. There are also limits on the amount and type of recreational fishing gear that can be used. These controls are intended to protect snapper stocks, encourage responsible recreational fishing behaviour and minimise the illegal sale of fish by unlicensed persons.
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Data collected in 2000-01 indicated that Commonwealth licence holders also reported a recreational fishers took approximately 80% of the catch of 53 tonnes in the 2006 calendar year. Most total snapper catch (by weight). The predominance of this catch was taken by trawling in coastal of the recreational catch would have been even waters adjacent to central and western Victoria. greater if measured by numbers of fish, because Incidental commercial catch recreational catches contain a higher proportion of Due to the nature of these fisheries, targeted and smaller fish (<40 cm total length). incidental commercial catches of snapper are not It is likely that the predominance of recreational reported separately and have been incorporated catch has been maintained, and possibly increased, into overall commercial catch data. since 2001 given the reported decline in targeted Recreational catch commercial snapper fishing effort and the Estimated to be greater than 332 tonnes. excellent recreational snapper fishing seasons experienced since 2005. The only comprehensive state-wide estimate of Victorian recreational snapper catches was from Studies of the net economic and social value of the National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing recreational and commercial uses of snapper and Survey in 2000-01 (Henry and Lyle 2003). In the 12 other key Victorian marine and estuarine finfish months from May 2000 to April 2001 the estimated species were commissioned by DPI in 2005. The total retained recreational snapper catch from economic study found that the marginal net Victorian waters was about 475,000 fish, at an current value of additional commercial catch, sale estimated weight of 332 tonnes. Approximately and consumption of filleted snapper was about 63% (208 tonnes) of this catch came from PPB, 10% less than the marginal net current value of while a majority of the remainder (34%) came from additional recreational catch and use of snapper, Victorian coastal waters. but any small net community benefit achieved by re-allocating catch shares away from commercial Catch trends fishing may be outweighed by the costs of Commercial - Increasing implementing such a re-allocation (Hundloe et al. The total annual Victorian commercial snapper 2006). catches have increased from 50-60 tonnes in the mid-1990s to 90-115 tonnes in the last three years. The social valuation study found that the The state-wide catch trends are primarily a proportion of Victorians who preferred gaining reflection of catch trends in PPB, where catches access to or benefit from public snapper resources have increased from 35-45 tonnes in the mid-1990s through commercial catch and sale was to 75-95 tonnes in the last four years. Recent significantly larger than the proportion that catches are still much lower than peak annual preferred the benefit from recreational snapper catches (in excess of 200 tonnes) taken in the late fishing (Quantum Market Research 2005). The 1970s and early 1980s (see Figure 17). social study indicated a substantial community preference to increase the commercial share of the Catches of snapper by Commonwealth fishery total snapper catch from 20% to around 60%. licence holders in waters adjacent to Victoria were steady at 5 – 7 tonnes from 1997 to 2003, but have Fishery accreditation risen sharply to more than 50 tonnes in 2005 and Not applicable. 2006 with most catch taken by trawlers working in 3.5.2. Catch data waters adjacent to central and western Victoria. Total catch of target species The DPI is monitoring this issue in light of the OCS Estimated to be greater than 440 tonnes. arrangements. • Commercial catch (108 tonnes) Recreational - Unknown No recent state-wide or regional estimates of total • Recreational catch (estimated to be greater annual recreational snapper catches are available than 332 tonnes). other than from the 2000/01 National Recreational Commercial catch of target species and Indigenous Fishing Survey. Available The details of snapper catches from Victorian- monitoring data and anecdotal reports suggest licensed commercial fisheries are provided in that since 2005 anglers in PPB and Western Port Table 13. bay have experienced the best snapper fishing for decades.
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Table 13. Victorian Commercial Snapper catches in 2006/07
Main Fishing Wholesale Market Commercial Catch Fishery/Area/ Stock Catch (Kg) Targeted Effort Trend Method(s) Value ($) Trend
Victorian Coastal Waters
Unknown - data not Ocean Fishery Hand line; long line 8,820 65,093 Steady yet analysed
n/a - incidental Rock Lobster Fishery Lobster pot 2,398 18,210 n/a - incidental catch catch
Vic Inshore Trawl n/a - incidental Trawl Net 0 0 n/a - incidental catch Fishery catch
Ocean Purse Seine n/a - incidental Purse seine net 187 1,424 n/a - incidental catch Fishery catch
SUBTOTAL All Gears 11,405 84,727
Victorian Bays and Inlets
Long line; haul seine; Port Phillip Bay 94,684 707,587 Declining Increasing mesh net
PPB Purse Seine n/a - incidental Purse seine net 0 0 n/a - incidental catch Fishery catch
Western Port bay Haul seine net 1,132 9,004 Declining Variable but steady
Haul seine net; mesh n/a - incidental Corner Inlet 992 7,348 n/a - incidental catch net catch
n/a - incidental Gippsland Lakes Haul seine net 13 97 n/a - incidental catch catch
n/a (closed to comm. Other Inlets/Estuaries 0 0 n/a n/a Fishing)
SUBTOTAL All Gears 96,821 724,036
TOTAL All Gears 108,226 808,763
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Port Phillip Bay - Commercial Snapper Catches 1914 - 2007
300
T O 200 N N E S
100
0 1912 1917 1922 1927 1932 1937 1942 1947 1952 1957 1962 67/68 72/73 77/78 82/83 87/88 92/93 97/98 02/03 07/08 YEAR
Figure 17. Annual commercial snapper catches from Port Phillip Bay.
180 Catch 1200 150 Effort Catch Rate 1000 120 800
90 600
60 400
30 200 Effort (Hook Lifts x 1000) (kg/500hook lifts) (kg/500hook Catch Catch (t) / Rate
0 0 78/79 82/83 86/87 90/91 94/95 98/99 02/03 06/07 Fiscal Year
Figure 18. Commercial fishing effort, snapper catch and snapper catch rates using long lines in Port Phillip Bay from 1978/79 to 2006/07.
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Effort trends Recreational - Increasing Commercial - Declining Analysis of data from all anglers interviewed in Long line and haul seine effort in PPB has been PPB and Western Port bay surveys in recent years declining since the 1970s (Figure 2). Effort data has shown variable but relatively stable snapper from the Ocean Fishery has not been analysed. catch rates with no clear trends. Analysis of interview data from only the more experienced Recreational Effort – Unknown snapper anglers reveals significant recent increases No current formal information is available on in snapper catch rates in both PPB and Western recreational fishing effort but anecdotal evidence Port bay (Figure 19). High discard catch rates from boat launching facilities and charter fishing indicate the strong 2000/01 and 2003/04 year services suggest a substantial increase in boat- classes are growing large enough to be caught by based recreational fishing in PPB and Western Port recreational angling equipment before reaching the bay since 2005, with much of it aimed at snapper. legal minimum length for retained catch. It is therefore likely that recreational fishing effort has increased recently. Total catch of non-target byproduct and bycatch species Catch rate trends Snapper is only one of many species targeted or The recruitment of several strong year classes of caught using a variety of fishing methods in western stock snapper into the fisheries over the Victoria’s commercial and recreational marine last decade has lead to increases in both retained finfish fisheries (see Appendix 2). and discard (undersize) catch rates in the commercial and recreational sectors. When targeting snapper other commonly encountered species include gummy shark, Commercial – Increasing barracouta, flathead, silver trevally, wrasse, Snapper catch rates for commercial fishers long Australian salmon, squid, King George whiting, lining in PPB were relatively stable (20 to 40 kg per sweep, leatherjacket, blue warehou, sea pike and 200 hooks lifted) from the late 1970s to the early trumpeter. 2000s, but have more than doubled since 2001/02 (Figure 18). This has produced an increase in total No detailed analysis of commercial catch and snapper catch despite continued decline in long effort data has been undertaken to quantify line effort. These trends are a good indication of a byproduct catches in commercial fisheries that higher abundance of snapper in PPB in recent target snapper. No data are available on non- years. retained by-catch in either the commercial or recreational snapper fisheries.
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3 Kept
2.5
2
1.5
1 Fish per angler trip
0.5
0 1998/99 1999/00 2000/01 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06
season
3 Released
2.5
2
1.5
1 Fish per angler trip
0.5
0 1998/99 1999/00 2000/01 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06
season Figure 19. Retained (top) and discarded (bottom) snapper catch rates (± 2 s.e.) for avid (fished more than 5 days per year) boat anglers targeting snapper in Western Port bay since 1998/99.
Spatial issues 3.5.3. Fisheries Management Port Phillip Bay has always been the single largest Recent management changes component of Victorian commercial and In October 2007 the legal minimum length for recreational snapper fisheries. snapper fishing was increased from 27 cm to 28 cm The snapper fisheries east and west of Wilsons total length. This change was introduced to reflect Promontory are based on separate snapper stocks changing stakeholder views on the minimum and are treated as separate management units. acceptable size of snapper. Tagging studies indicate that snapper east of At the same time the daily bag and possession Wilsons Promontory are part of a larger snapper limits for recreational snapper fishing in Victorian stock distributed up the east coast through NSW waters were changed from 10 fish including a and southern Queensland waters. Victorian maximum of three fish measuring 50 cm or more catches from the eastern snapper stock are much in length, to 10 fish including a maximum of three smaller than those from the western stock. fish measuring 40 cm or more. These new limits The productivity and ecological requirements of were introduced in response to concerns expressed eastern snapper are unknown. The lack of by recreational fishers that the previous limits sheltered marine embayments (equivalent to PPB) were too generous, and are intended to minimise east of Wilsons Promontory may result in wasteful keeping (and killing) of snapper. They Gippsland waters being less productive as snapper also reduce opportunities for people to accumulate spawning and nursery habitats. commercial quantities of snapper for illegal sale.
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A Fisheries Notice was introduced in October 2007 Routine Inspections to clarify the legitimacy of commercial long line Snapper accounts for a considerable proportion of “team fishing” in PPB. Western Port bay was table fish landed by Victorian anglers. Fisheries closed to commercial net fishing in December 2007 Officers inspect around 30,000 recreational anglers in accordance with a 2006 Government election each year, and many of those inspections relate to commitment to create a recreational fishing haven commonly caught species (such as snapper). in that bay. Because of the high community demand for locally caught table fish in Victoria, some recreational Consultation processes anglers have chosen to illegally sell their catch to Under the existing legislative consultative various retail outlets. Inspections of the bay and arrangements for Victorian fisheries, both inlet commercial fishers are also undertaken stakeholders and/or the Department may propose randomly by compliance staff to inspect catch and changes to fishery management arrangements. The ensure commercial fishers are compliant with recent changes to the legal minimum length and to licence conditions. the recreational catch limits for snapper fishing in 2007 were initiated by fishery stakeholders, and all Targeted Operations stakeholders were given an opportunity to The DPI has conducted numerous tactical patrols comment on a discussion paper released by the and gathered intelligence to deter the illegal Department (DPI 2007). commercial sale of table fish in Victoria. In turn, a number of targeted operations have been Performance of the fishery conducted in recent years, and these have resulted There are as yet no structured management in vessel and vehicle seizures, as well as forfeiture arrangements for Victorian finfish (including of fishing gear and other related equipment. snapper) fisheries in PPB or in Victorian coastal Penalties imposed by the courts have been waters, and thus no specific management substantial in some instances, particularly where objectives, performance indicators, reference compliance staff have been able to prove the intent points or management responses have been of offenders to break fisheries regulations by way agreed. of fish secured in secret compartments and the Informal management arrangements are in place like. for snapper which involve monitoring commercial There were a number of targeted patrols and and recreational fishery trends and fishery operations conducted in 2006/07 investigating the recruitment patterns (western snapper stock only) take of undersize snapper and exceeding daily as a basis for determining ‘adaptive’ management catch limits. Port Phillip Bay was the primary site arrangements to maintain fishing pressure at for these investigations, and evidence of persons sustainable levels. concealing illegally taken fish under the floors of Other informal arrangements for snapper fisheries their boats and in anchor wells was detected. include: These discoveries resulted in prosecution of the • On-going engagement with stakeholders to offenders who had their boats forfeited and heavy determine the desirability and feasibility of monetary penalties imposed. changes to snapper fishery management Cross-jurisdictional fishery management arrangements to address economic and social Under the Australian OCS arrangements, snapper objectives and to improve governance; and fishing in Victorian waters and Commonwealth • Determination of critical habitat and waters adjacent to Victoria is managed under the environment requirements for production of provisions of state fisheries legislation (except for snapper fishery resources, and use of this by-catch taken and landed under some types of information to advocate protection of essential Commonwealth fishing entitlements). fisheries habitat. There are no formal arrangements between Fisheries compliance Victoria and adjacent states for multi-jurisdictional The illegal and unreported catch and sale of management of snapper fisheries, but informal commercial quantities of snapper has been discussions are held from time to time to identified as the major compliance risk to snapper investigate options for making snapper fishery stocks. This activity can have adverse impacts on management arrangements as consistent as both the economic viability of the legitimate possible across jurisdictions. commercial fishing industry and on the availability of fish to legitimate recreational anglers.
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Management review processes Commercial catch and effort is monitored in all There is no formal review mechanism in place. Victorian snapper fisheries through a mandatory Management arrangements are reviewed on an as logbook reporting program. In addition, catch needs basis in consultation with stakeholders. sampling is undertaken to determine the size and age structure of targeted commercial snapper Threat abatement and recovery plans catches (western stock only). Not required. Seasonal access point creel surveys in PPB and Domestic and international agreements Western Port bay provide information on No formal agreements in place. recreational snapper fishing catch rates (retained 3.5.4. Research and Monitoring and discarded) and on the size and age Research completed composition of retained snapper catches (western Genetic and tagging studies have been conducted stock only) (Conron and Coutin 1998). to determine movement patterns and stock The volunteer angler diary program provides a structure of snapper in Victorian waters (Coutin et time series information on snapper catch rates (an al 2003). index of abundance) and on the size and age Biological studies (life history stages, reproductive composition of both legal size and pre-recruit characteristics, growth, mortality) of the western (undersize) snapper in PPB (western stock only) snapper stock have been completed to determine (Conron and Kirwin 2000). the productivity and to assess the impact of Collaborative research various levels of fishing pressure (Coutin et al. No current projects. 2003). Future research and monitoring In addition, the environmental conditions The following projects have been identified as coinciding with successful spawning, juvenile future research priorities to facilitate improved survival and recruitment of strong year classes of assessment or management of Victorian snapper western stock snapper to fisheries have been fisheries: investigated (Hamer 1998). Such studies provide a • Identify critical habitat and environment first step towards identifying critical habitat and conditions that determine successful environment requirements to maintain production spawning, larval survival and post-larval of snapper fisheries resources, thus allowing more settlement of snapper in PPB to enable more effective advocacy for protection of fish habitats to effective fish habitat protection advocacy maintain fishery values. • Determine the release survival of larger (>40 Recent modelling suggests that much of the annual cm) snapper to assess the impact of new variation in snapper spawning success and recreational snapper catch limits on total subsequent year class strength is correlated with fishing-related mortality fluctuations in environmental factors such as water • Develop and seek stakeholder agreement on a temperature, the frequency of westerly winds and formal snapper stock assessment approach seasonal river flows into PPB. and on harvest strategies for commercial and Tagging and otolith microchemistry studies have recreational snapper fisheries. been conducted to determine snapper movement patterns between bays/inlets and open coastal 3.5.5. Status of target stock waters and to identify important spawning and Stock assessments nursery areas for each stock (Hamer 2003). These The most recent formal assessment of Victorian snapper stocks was conducted by DPI in June 2008. studies have identified PPB as by far the most important nursery area and source of recruitment Summaries of the current status of Victorian for the western snapper stock. The results are snapper stocks are provided below. inconclusive for the eastern snapper stock. Western stock status summary Monitoring programs The monitoring data indicate that there has been Annual fishery-independent surveys of larval and successful reproduction in the western Victorian snapper stock and subsequent recruitment of small juvenile snapper are conducted in PPB to determine the relative abundance of pre-recruit strong year classes to the fisheries in a number of year classes and to predict patterns of recruitment years since the early 1990s. Data from otter board and beam trawl surveys of juvenile snapper to the western snapper stocks. abundance in PPB indicate strong year classes spawned in 2000/01, 2003/04 and 2004/05.
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Analysis of the age structure of recreational 2006/07. Two successive years of poor recruitment snapper catches from PPB during the 2006/07 does not cause any immediate concern over the season confirms the presence of the strong 2000/01 longer term reproductive capacity of the western and 2003/04 year classes (most of the 2004/05 year Victorian snapper stock, but will likely result in class were still below the legal minimum length), reduced recreational discard rates of undersize but also indicates the presence of stronger than snapper, followed by lower retained catch rates of average year classes spawned in 1997/98, 1995/96 smaller “pinkie’ snapper. and 1994/95 (see Figure 20). Eastern stock status summary The presence of at least six strong year classes Little biological or fisheries data are available to since 1994/95 indicates the biomass has probably facilitate an assessment of the status of the eastern been increasing since the mid 1990s which is Victorian snapper stock. Available data indicate consistent with the observed increases in catches that commercial catches from the eastern snapper and catch rates since the early 2000s. Such trends stock are much lower than those from the western are complicated by uncertainty due to movement stock (approximately 5% of the total Victorian of snapper between PPB and open coastal waters, commercial catch). and the effects of their seasonal schooling Resource issues behaviours. All available indicators suggest that the western Analysis of length and age compositions from stock is currently in a healthy condition and commercial and recreational catches of western fishing-related mortality is comparatively low. stock snapper reveals a relatively high proportion There is uncertainty regarding the productivity of large fish and a wide range of age classes. This and population dynamics of the eastern snapper indicates that the total (fishing plus natural) stock, and the effects of current levels of mortality rate for adult snapper in this stock is recreational and commercial fishing pressure are low. unknown. Recent trawl surveys in PPB have indicated Stock recovery strategies relatively poor reproductive success in 2005/06 and Not required.
Age Composition of PPB Retained Recreational Snapper Catch - 2006/2007 30 03/04 Year Class 00/01 Year Class 25 97/98 Year Class 20 95/96 Year Class % 15 94/95 Year Class 10
5
0 123456789101112131415 Age (years)
Figure 20. Age composition of snapper caught and retained by anglers in Port Phillip Bay in 2006/07 (n = 528).
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3.5.6. Protected species Fishery impacts on the ecosystem Interactions with protected species The impacts of all types of snapper fishing Unknown methods on marine habitats and environment are low provided that the equipment is used properly. There are likely to be low frequency interactions between commercial and recreational line fishing The impact of seine netting practices on by-catch practices and protected bird and shark species. species (unmarketable and undersize) are low if There is also the potential for entanglement of a appropriate equipment, fishing methods and fish range of protected species with inappropriately handling methods are used. No data is available discarded recreational fishing tackle. The impact on by-catch from long lines, hand lines or mesh of such interactions is not currently considered nets. significant enough to warrant a specific There is potential for entanglement of a range of management response. species with inappropriately discarded fishing Interaction reduction strategies tackle. No specific strategies in place. Ecological impact reduction strategies 3.5.7. Ecosystem effects including the In recognition of the potential ecological risks associated with commercial fishing, the Victorian effects of fishing Bay and Inlet Fisheries Association developed an Ecological risk assessments Environmental Management System in 2005. This ESD-based risk assessments were carried out in document provides guidance on appropriate 2007 for the PPB and Corner Inlet finfish fisheries commercial fishing practices in Victorian bays and (including snapper) using the fishery component inlets, and aims to ensure sustainable catches of tree analysis and risk assessment method seafood, and to also minimise unfavourable described in Fletcher et al. 2002. impacts of fishing on bycatch species, fish habitat, Relevant risks related to snapper fishing identified water quality and other wildlife. in the PPB assessment included: Research has shown that the use of square mesh in • A need to better understand the the wings of haul seines reduces meshing of habitat/environmental requirements that undersize fish (particularly King George whiting) support production of snapper. This will assist by up to 90% (DPI unpublished data). There has in making appropriate adaptive fishery been widespread voluntary adoption of this new management decisions and facilitate more net configuration by bay and inlet commercial effective advocacy for protection of critical fish fishers. habitats. External (non fishing) impacts on the ecosystem • A clear government policy on the allocation of and critical fish habitats snapper (and other key finfish species) to assist Available evidence suggests that habitat and overcome uncertainty regarding the future of environment conditions during spawning, larval the commercial fishing industry and to and early juvenile phases of the snapper life cycle expedite the development of Fishery are the most important factors in determining the Management Plans for the larger bay/inlet strength of successive year classes and therefore fisheries. the abundance of fish entering the fisheries. Earlier • A need to develop and obtain stakeholder research suggests that annual variation in snapper agreement on the stock assessment approach spawning success and subsequent year class and ‘adaptive’ fishery management strength in PPB is correlated with fluctuations in arrangements for snapper, including identified environmental factors such as water temperature, data requirements, fishery performance the frequency of westerly winds and seasonal river indicators, limit/trigger reference points and flows into the top end of PPB. agreed management responses. • A need to improve the assessment and More recent research suggests that in PPB factors monitoring of recreational snapper fisheries affecting the survival of pelagic snapper larvae are (particularly for the eastern snapper stock). the most critical in determining subsequent year class strength of snapper. The specific environmental factors and the ecological processes involved are still not clear.
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3.5.8. Social and economic values of Recreational fishing activities generate significant fishing and fishery governance issues economic impact benefits, but the proportion of Social benefits such benefits attributable specifically to snapper Access to or benefit from the use of public snapper fishing is unknown. resources is known to provide significant social Fishery governance value across a number of Victorian communities. Target catch/effort range For example, a market research study (Quantum As yet, there is no structured management Market Research 2005) found that more than 80% approach for Victorian finfish (including snapper) of Victorians had some type of interest in the use fisheries in PPB, Western Port bay or other coastal of snapper resources. waters. There are no specific agreed management Recreational Fishing objectives, performance indicators, reference As outlined in Chapter 2, recreational fishing is a points or management responses for these popular and important outdoor recreational fisheries. activity in Victoria. It is recognised that snapper is New management initiatives one of the key species targeted by recreational Addressing the priority risks that were identified anglers. The proportion of recreational fishers that from recent risk assessments Victorian marine and target and/or catch snapper in any given year is estuarine finfish fisheries (including snapper) will significant but no recent quantitative estimate is be given priority in the development of fisheries available. management work programs and budgets in Commercial Fishing coming years. Commercial catches of snapper and other key References marine and estuarine finfish in Victorian waters Conron S., and Coutin PC. (1995) A pilot survey of provide a small but valuable source of high quality the recreational snapper fishery of Port Phillip Bay fresh local fish for Victorian consumers through 1994/95. Progress report No.1. Department of sale at fish markets and other seafood retail outlets Conservation and Natural Resources, Victorian (including restaurants). In addition, commercial Fisheries Research Institute. catching, processing and marketing of snapper (and other key finfish species) provides small but Conron S., and Coutin PC. (1998) The recreational significant social benefits through provision of snapper catch from Port Phillip Bay: a pilot survey direct and indirect employment in regional coastal of the boat-based fishery 1994/95. Department of communities. Natural Resources and Environment, Marine and Freshwater Resources Institute, Internal Report Economic benefits No. 11. The wholesale market value of Victorian commercial snapper catches in 2006/07 was Conron S.D., and Kirwin M. (2000) Initial results approximately $808,000. from a voluntary angler diary program in Victoria. Marine and Freshwater Resources Institute, There are approximately 350 Fishery Access Internal Report No. No. 167, Queenscliff, Victoria. Licence holders permitted to conduct commercial snapper fishing in Victorian waters. Activities Coutin P.C., Cashmore S., Sivakumuran KP. (2003) carried out under these licences provide Assessment of the snapper fishery in Victoria. employment, household income and other Marine and Freshwater Resources Institute, FRDC economic impact benefits to local communities. Final Report No. Project 97/127, Queenscliff. These licences also permit catch and sale of a DPI (2007). Victorian Recreational Snapper variety of other finfish species, so the economic Fisheries. Discussion Paper – Issues and future values attributable specifically to catch and sale of management options. Fisheries Victoria snapper are difficult to distinguish. Management Report Series Report No 46. An economic valuation study commissioned by Melbourne, Victoria. the Department in 2005 found that the marginal FCC (2004) Sharing/allocation of wild fish net value of additional commercial catch, sale and resources among competing interest/user groups: consumption of snapper in fresh fillet form was Policy options and a decision framework. about 10% less than the marginal net value of Fisheries Co-management Council. Parkville, additional recreational catch and use of snapper. Victoria. This equated to $18.35/ commercial fish compared with $20.30/ recreational fish (Hundloe et al. 2006).
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Fletcher, W.J., Chesson, J., Fisher, M., Sainsbury, Henry, G.W. and Lyle, J.M. Eds. (2003) The K.J., Hundloe, T., Smith, A.D.M. and B. Whitworth National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing (2002) National ESD Reporting Framework for Survey. FRDC Project No. 99/158. NSW Fisheries Australian Fisheries: The ‘How To’ Guide for Wild Final Report Series No. 48. NSW Fisheries, Capture Fisheries. FRDC Project No. 2000/145. Cronulla, NSW. Canberra. Hundloe T., Blamey R., McPhee D., Hand T. and Hamer P, Jenkins, G. and Welsford, D. (1998) Bartlett N. (2006) Victorian Bay & Inlet Fisheries Sampling of newly-settled snapper, Pagrus Resource Allocation - Valuation Study. Marsden auratus, and identification of preferred habitats in Jacob Associates, Financial & Economic Port Phillip Bay - a pilot study. Marine and Consultants. Camberwell, Victoria. Freshwater Resources Institute, Fisheries Research Quantum Market Research (2005). Community and Development Corporation Report No. 96/279. Preferences for Alternative Uses of Key Victorian Hamer P.A, Jenkins, G.P. and Gillanders, B.M. Fish Resources. Quantum Market Research. Albert (2003) Otolith chemistry of juvenile snapper, Park, Victoria. Pagrus auratus, in Victorian waters: natural chemical tags and their temporal variation. Marine Ecology Progress Series 263, 261-273.
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3.6 Black Bream Fishery
Status – Environmentally Limited length 732 m) and mesh nets (maximum length 2200 m). 3.6.1. Description of the fisheries Target species Incidental catches of bream are taken using haul Target catch consists of black bream seine nets and mesh nets in PPB and Corner Inlet and this method was used in Western Port bay (Acanthopagrus butcheri), with small quantities of yellowfin bream (Acanthopagrus australis) taken in until netting was closed in December 2007. All east Gippsland estuaries. other Victorian bays, inlets and estuaries are closed to commercial fishing for bream and other finfish. Prohibited species See Section 2.1.8 on ‘protected aquatic biota’. Recreational Virtually all catch is taken by angling using rod There are no relevant no take species. and reel or a hand line. A small portion of catch is taken by spear fishing. Fishing area(s) Commercial Bream angling is done both from boats and the The only remaining targeted commercial bream shore. Boat-based angling predominates in larger, fishery in Victoria is in the Gippsland Lakes (GL). more open estuarine waters, and in estuaries Small targeted bream catches were historically where shore access is restricted. Shore-based taken from Mallacoota Inlet, Lake Tyers and bream angling is popular in riverine sections of Tamboon Inlet, but these estuaries were closed to estuaries. commercial fishing between 2000 and 2003. Management arrangements employed in the Since 2003 the GL fishery has produced between fishery 74% and 88% of the total annual Victorian All bream fishing in all Victorian waters (other commercial bream catch. Small by-product catches than in the GL) is subject to a legal minimum of bream are taken in PPB and Corner length of 26 cm (total length). The recreational and Inlet/Nooramunga. commercial legal minimum length for the GL and inflowing tributaries was raised to 28 cm in 2003 to Recreational provide additional protection from fishing Recreational fishing for bream occurs in most pressure for the declining bream stock. Victorian estuaries throughout the year. Fishing effort is highest during warmer months when Commercial arrangements there is an influx of tourists and visitors to coastal Commercial bream catches occur as a component locations. The largest recreational fishery is the GL of the multi-species commercial finfish fisheries which produces between 30% and 50% of the total established for GL, Corner Inlet and Western Port recreational bream catch in Victoria. Smaller but bay/PPB. It is not cost effective or practical to significant recreational bream fisheries occur in manage these fisheries using direct output (catch) Mallacoota Inlet, Sydenham Inlet, the Snowy River controls such as TACCs and ITQ units. These estuary, Lake Tyers, the Yarra/Maribrynong River fisheries are managed primarily through input estuary, the Hopkins River estuary and the (effort) controls (including limited entry licensing, Glenelg River estuary. restrictions on fishing equipment and methods, and closed areas/seasons) and indirect catch Fishing methods controls such as legal size limits. These controls Commercial are intended to either protect fish stocks from Virtually all of the commercial bream catch is excessive fishing pressure or to minimise taken using haul seine nets in the GL (maximum
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undesirable interactions between commercial A social valuation study found that the proportion fishing operations and other users of public waters of Victorians who preferred gaining access to or (particularly recreational fishers). benefit from public bream resources through commercial catch and sale was slightly larger than A maximum of ten transferable GL Fishery Access the proportion who preferred access or benefit Licences can be issued to authorise the use of from recreational bream fishing (Quantum Market commercial fishing equipment (including haul Research 2005). The study indicated a community seines, mesh nets and prawn stake nets) to catch preference to increase the commercial share of the and sell a variety of finfish and invertebrate total Victorian bream catch from about 20% to species including bream. more than 50%. Small amounts of bream catches also occur as a Fishery Accreditation byproduct of commercial fisheries in other bays an Not applicable. inlets in Victoria, including Corner Inlet (18 licences) and PPB/Western Port bay (42 licences). 3.6.2. Catch data Recreational arrangements Total catch of target species Unless exempt (see section 2.1.6), a RFL is required The DPI estimates that the catch is unlikely to be to fish for and catch bream in Victorian waters. In greater than 260 tonnes. addition to the legal minimum length limits (see Commercial catch for 2006/07 was 58 tonnes. above), a daily bag and possession limit of 10 bream per person exists. Bream must be landed in Recreational catch is estimated to be no greater whole or carcass form. than 200 tonnes (due to recent decline in GL fishery). Allocation between sectors The Victorian Government has endorsed a Commercial catch of target species fisheries resource allocation decision framework See Table 14. developed by the Fisheries Co-management Incidental commercial catch Council (FCC 2004). Formal Due to the nature of these fisheries, incidental commercial/recreational catch sharing targets are catch data is incorporated into the commercial yet to be established for bream. catch (see Table 14). Data collected in 2000-01 indicated that Recreational catch recreational fishers took approximately 53% of the It is estimated that recreational catch is no greater total annual Victorian retained catch (by weight) of than 200 tonnes. bream. The only comprehensive state-wide estimate of Since 2001 the recreational proportion of the total Victorian recreational bream catches was from the Victorian bream catch is estimated to have National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing increased to approximately 80%. This is due to a Survey (NRIFS) in 2000-01 (Henry and Lyle 2003). substantial decline in GL commercial bream In the 12 months from May 2000 to April 2001, the catches since 2003, and to the closure of targeted estimated total retained recreational bream catch commercial bream fisheries in Mallacoota Inlet, from Victorian waters was about 507,000 fish at an Tamboon Inlet and Lake Tyers. estimated weight of 203 tonnes. Approximately An economic study conducted in 2005 found that 50% of this catch came from the Gippsland Lakes, the marginal net current value of additional with all other estuaries each contributing 10% or commercial catch, sale and consumption of filleted less. bream was about 11% less than the marginal net The NRIFS also estimated that nearly two-thirds of current value of additional recreational catch and all bream caught by recreational fishers in use of bream. It was also suggested that net Victorian waters were discarded as undersize or community benefit achieved by re-allocating catch released. The estimated release rate in the GL was shares away from commercial fishing may be about 50%, but varied between 30% and 90% in outweighed by the costs of implementing such a other estuaries. re-allocation (Hundloe et al. 2006).
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Table 14. Victorian Commercial Bream Catches in 2006/07
Main Fishing Wholesale Targeted Effort Fishery/Area/ Stock Catch (Kg) Commercial Catch Trend Method(s) Market Value ($) Trend
Victorian Coastal Waters
Haul seine net, mesh n/a - incidental Ocean Fishery 0 0 n/a - incidental catch net; hand line catch
Vic Inshore Trawl n/a - incidental Trawl Net 0 0 n/a - incidental catch Fishery catch
Ocean Purse Seine n/a - incidental Purse seine net 0 0 n/a - incidental catch Fishery catch
SUBTOTAL All Gears 0 0
Victorian Bays and Inlets
Haul seine net; mesh n/a - incidental Increasing over last 8 years, Port Phillip Bay 7,352 80,091 net catch but still minor
PPB Purse Seine n/a - incidental Purse seine net 0 0 n/a - incidental catch Fishery catch
n/a - incidental Haul seine net; mesh Western Port bay 25 200 catch (netting n/a - incidental catch net closed Dec 2007)
Haul seine net; mesh n/a - incidental Corner Inlet 2,204 21,620 n/a - incidental catch net catch
Haul seine net; mesh Increasing since 2003, but Gippsland Lakes 48,797 526,358 Decreasing net still low
Other n/a (closed to comm. 0 0 n/a n/a Inlets/Estuaries fishing)
SUBTOTAL All Gears 58,378 628,269
TOTAL All Gears 58,378 628,269 All Waters
Catch trends 2000s. This trend is primarily a reflection of Commercial Catch - low but increasing declining catches in the GL and the closure of The 2006/07 commercial bream catch was slightly targeted commercial bream fisheries in Mallacoota higher than catches for the previous three years, Inlet, Tamboon Inlet and Lake Tyers in the early but was still low compared with historical catch 2000s. levels. Preliminary information indicates that in The historical commercial bream catch records 2007/08 a further significant improvement in from the GL show declines in the 1920s, and commercial bream catches is anticipated following increases up to record catch levels in the 1960s (see significant floods in the GL in June/July 2007. Figure 21). These trends coincided with the loss Victorian annual commercial bream catches and subsequent recovery of seagrass beds in the declined significantly from 200-270 tonnes in the two main lagoons of the estuary - King Lake and late 1980s to a low of 42-43 tonnes in the mid Victoria Lake.
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Gippsland Lakes (& Lake Tyers) - Annual Commercial Bream Catches
500
400 T o n 300 n e s 200
100
0 1911 1919 1927 1935 1943 1951 1959 67/68 75/76 83/84 91/92 99/00 07/08 Year
Figure 21. Annual commercial bream catches from the Gippsland Lakes (including Lake Tyers) – 1914 to 2007.
Commercial catches fell sharply in the mid 1970s Recreational Effort - Unknown following a request by commercial fishers for the No formal information is available since 2000/01. commercial minimum size limit to be increased for Annual effort trends vary from estuary to estuary marketing reasons. depending on angler perceptions of the quality of fishing in each estuary. The declining catch trend since the late 1980s is thought to be partly due to declining bream Catch rate trends abundance and partly due to persistent Catch rate trends determined from the commercial distributions of bream in parts of the GL estuary and recreational sectors are thought to be an that are closed to commercial fishing. indicator of bream abundance – or the availability of bream in fished areas. Fluctuations in bream Recreational Catch - Unknown catch rates in each estuary tend to reflect annual No recent state-wide estimates of total annual fluctuations in spawning success and recreational bream catches are available other than larval/juvenile survival, and the strength of year from the 2000/01 National Recreational and classes recruiting to the fisheries several years Indigenous Fishing Survey. Available monitoring later. data and anecdotal reports suggest that recreational bream catch trends are different in Commercial (Gippsland Lakes) - Low each estuary and are primarily a reflection of Since 2002/03 GL commercial bream catch rates fluctuations in bream abundance in each estuary. have been at their lowest level for at least 25 years. Effort trends Commercial catch rates in the GL using both mesh Commercial Effort - Declining. nets and haul seines have shown substantial Mesh net and haul seine effort in the GL has been fluctuations (see Figure 22), with peaks at irregular steadily declining since the mid 1990s (see Figure intervals that are thought to coincide with the 22), primarily due to retirements from the fishery recruitment of one or more strong year classes to and a reduction in licence numbers from buy- the fishery. Haul seine and mesh net catch rate backs conducted in 1999 and 2005. Commercial fluctuations appear to be similar to fluctuations in bream fishing effort has also been reduced by the catches but independent of effort trends, closure of the Mallacoota Inlet, Tamboon Inlet and suggesting that bream abundance (or availability Lake Tyers fisheries. in fished areas) is the primary factor determining catch rates.
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Recreational - Variable Total catch of non-target byproduct and bycatch Analysis of data from access point surveys of GL species anglers in recent years has shown fluctuating Bream is only one of a number of species targeted bream catch rates (see Figure 23) with peaks that or caught using a variety of fishing methods in are thought to coincide with the recruitment of Victoria’s commercial and recreational estuarine more abundant year classes to the fishery. finfish fisheries. Other commonly encountered species include mullet, flathead, garfish, silver Peaks in discarded bream catch rates precede trevally, Australian salmon, whiting, tailor, peaks in retained catch rates as more abundant luderick, estuary perch, and mulloway. year classes approach the legal minimum length and are then recruited into the fishery. Retained No detailed analysis of commercial catch and bream catch rates in the GL have remained steady effort data has been undertaken to quantify by- at a relatively low level since the early 2000s. product catches in targeted commercial bream fisheries. No data are available on non-retained by- Information obtained from volunteer angler diary catch in either the commercial or recreational programs in a number of Victorian estuaries bream fisheries. indicates that trends in bream catch rates vary both between estuaries and from year to year within Spatial issues each estuary. A long time series of data from a Black bream are primarily an estuarine resident single angler diarist targeting bream in Sydenham species and populations in most estuaries are self Inlet (see Figure 24) shows a clear link between sustaining. This means that bream population catch rates and recruitment of strong bream year trends and the effects of fishing need to be classes to the fishery. Increases in catch rates monitored, assessed and managed separately for coincide with high proportions of small (< 24 cm each estuary. length) bream in the total catch, whereas declines Fluctuations in the abundance of black bream year in catch rates coincide with low proportions of classes recruiting to fisheries in the GL and other small bream in total catches over several years. Victorian estuaries are likely to be determined primarily by habitat and environment conditions in each estuary that affect spawning, egg and larval survival, settlement of small juveniles, survival and growth of bream to a size where they enter the fisheries.
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250 Catch 4000 Ef f o r t Catch rate 200 3000
150
2000
100
1000 (kg/2km net lifted) (kg/2km
50 net lifted) Effort (kms Catch (t) / Rate
0 0 78/79 82/83 86/87 90/91 94/95 98/99 02/03 06/07 Financial year
200 Catch 1800 Effort
Catch rate 1500 150
1200
100 900 (kg/shot)
600 Effort (shots) 50 Catch (t) / Catch Rate 300
0 0 78/79 82/83 86/87 90/91 94/95 98/99 02/03 06/07 Financial year
Figure 22. Commercial bream fishing effort, catch and catch rates in the Gippsland Lakes using mesh nets (top) and haul seine nets (bottom).
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1 )
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
Catch rate (fish angler per hour 0 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007* Year
1.2 ) 1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2 Catch rate (fish angler per hour 0 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007* Year
Figure 23. Retained (top) and discarded (bottom) bream catch rates (± 2 s.e.) for shore-based recreational anglers targeting bream in the Gippsland Lakes.
Bream Research Angler Catch Rates - Sydenham Inlet
25 100 90 20 80 70 15 60 50 10 40 30
Catch Rate (Bream/Day) 5 20 % of Trip Catch <24 cm TL cm <24 Catch of% Trip 10 0 0 Jan-72 Mar-75 Feb-77 Feb-79 Apr-82 Apr-85 Feb-87 Apr-95 Feb-97 Apr-05 Nov-73 Nov-80 Nov-83 Nov-89 Nov-91 Nov-93 Nov-98 Nov-00 Nov-03 Nov-07 May-02 Trip Date
Catch Rate % <24 cm
Figure 24. Bream catch rates for a research recreational angler targeting bream in Sydenham Inlet, East Gippsland.
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3.6.3. Fisheries Management performance indicators, reference points or Recent management changes management responses have been agreed. Bream fishing in Victoria has been managed Informal management arrangements are in place primarily through the introduction and for bream fisheries which involve monitoring subsequent revision of size limits for recreational commercial fishery trends (GL), recreational and commercial bream fishing, as well as fishery trends (GL and several other estuaries) and recreational bag/possession limits and equipment fishery recruitment patterns (GL and several other restrictions for commercial fishers. estuaries) as a basis for ‘adaptive’ management Size limits decisions to maintain fishing pressure at Following a trial brought about due to concerns sustainable levels. over persistent poor recruitment and consequent Other informal arrangements for bream fisheries low adult bream stocks in the GL, a minimum include: length of 26 cm was applied to commercial and • recreational bream fishing throughout the State in on-going engagement with stakeholders to determine the desirability and feasibility of 1997. In 2003 the minimum length was raised to 28 cm in the GL, to protect stocks. The current review changes to bream fishery management of all Victorian fisheries regulations includes a arrangements to address economic and social objectives and to improve governance, and proposal to apply a minimum length of 28 cm to • all bream fishing state-wide. refinement of our understanding of critical habitat and environment requirements for Bag/possession limits production of bream fishery resources, and use In 2001 the daily bag and possession limits for of this information to advocate protection of bream were simplified to 10 bream per person. A essential fisheries habitat and to assess the five fish per person bag limit was introduced for potential impacts of climate change. the GL in 2003, as part of a suite of interim measures to protect diminished bream stocks Fisheries compliance between 2003 and 2004. The current DPI review of The illegal and unreported catch and sale of bream Victorian fisheries regulations includes a proposal has been identified as a risk to bream stocks and to reintroduce a reduced bag and possession limits can impact on the legitimate GL commercial for recreational bream fishing to 5 fish per person. fishery. Commercial fishing Routine Inspections Targeted commercial bream fisheries in Mallacoota Black bream accounts for a considerable Inlet, Tamboon Inlet and Lake Tyers were closed proportion of table fish landed by Victorian following voluntary licence buy-backs conducted recreational anglers. Fisheries Officers inspect since 2000. around 30,000 recreational anglers each year, and many of those inspections relate to commonly The remaining commercial licences in the GL caught species (such as black bream). Because of fishery have also been reduced by about 70% since the high community demand for locally caught 2000. table fish in Victoria, some recreational anglers Consultation processes have chosen to illegally sell their catch to various Under the existing co-management framework, retail outlets. Inspections of the bay and inlet changes to fishery management arrangements can commercial fishers are also undertaken randomly be proposed by both DPI and external by compliance staff to inspect catch and ensure stakeholders. commercial fishers are compliant with licence conditions. Stakeholder Reference Groups can (and have been) be established to monitor and advise DPI on Targeted Operations implementation of the recreational fishery The DPI has conducted numerous tactical patrols management plans declared for the Anderson and gathered intelligence to deter the illegal Inlet, Mallacoota Inlet and Lake Tyers Fisheries commercial sale of table fish in Victoria. In turn, a Reserves. number of targeted operations have been conducted in recent years, and these have resulted Performance of the fishery in vessel and vehicle seizures, as well as forfeiture There are as yet no structured management of fishing gear and other related equipment. arrangements for fisheries in the GL or other Substantial penalties have been imposed by the Victorian estuaries (except for the three fisheries courts in some instances, particularly where reserves). No specific management objectives, compliance staff have been able to prove the intent
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of offenders to break fisheries regulations by way Management review processes of fish secured in secret compartments and the Fishery management plans for the Anderson Inlet, like. In 2006/07 more than 200 infringement notices Mallacoota Inlet and Lake Tyers Fisheries Reserves were issued in relation to keeping undersize bream require reviews of management arrangements or exceeding recreational fishing bag limits. during the lifespan of each plan. There are no formal review mechanisms in place for finfish Patrols focussing on the GL and the Patterson, fisheries in other Victorian estuaries, but Werribee and Maribyrnong Rivers flowing into arrangements are reviewed on an as needs basis in PPB have uncovered individuals or groups consultation with stakeholders. involved in illegal fishing activities. For example, Operation Spartan was conducted in November Threat abatement and recovery plans 2006 based on information received via the 13FISH None required. reporting hotline. Following covert surveillance of Domestic and international agreements an isolated stretch of the Maribyrnong River, a None. man was found to be in possession of unlicensed commercial fishing equipment and over 120 kg of 3.6.4. Research and Monitoring black bream. He was charged and received a four Research completed month jail sentence, suspended for two years. His Extensive biological and ecological studies on fishing boat and equipment were confiscated and black bream (stock structure, life history stages, he was fined $500, plus court costs. reproductive characteristics, larval distribution, Cross-jurisdictional management arrangements environmental tolerances, diet, growth, mortality, There are no OCS fisheries arrangements in place adult movement) have been carried out in Victoria, for this estuarine species, and no formal Western Australia, NSW and Tasmania over the arrangements exist between Victoria and adjacent last 45 years. states for multi-jurisdictional management of Black bream is a relatively long lived species with bream fisheries. Informal inter-state fisheries a maximum age of 37 years recorded to date. It discussions are held from time to time to ensure has been established that black bream are estuarine management arrangements are as consistent as residents, although larger juvenile and adult possible across jurisdictions. bream can tolerate a wide range of salinities from full seawater to almost freshwater.
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Black bream spawn in spring/early summer Future research and monitoring months, with October/ November usually being The following projects have been identified as the peak spawning period in the GL. Successful future research and monitoring priorities to spawning, hatching of eggs and survival of larvae facilitate improved assessment or management of is thought to be dependent on the availability of Victorian bream fisheries: water with suitable temperature, salinity and • Establishment or improvement of recreational dissolved oxygen characteristics, and the bream fishery monitoring programs in the GL availability of planktonic food. and other Victorian estuaries Successful survival and growth of juvenile black • Ongoing or periodic monitoring of bream bream is thought to be influenced by the amount discard and release survival rates in both and distribution of seagrass habitat (and other recreational and commercial bream fisheries to types of suitable settlement habitat), food facilitate improved estimates of total fishing- availability and the ability to avoid predators such related mortality as cormorants (birds). • Develop and implement an effective and Recent research has indicated that the majority of comprehensive fishery-independent method for monitoring black bream pre-recruit year bream released after capture survive (Conron et al. 2004; Grixti et al. 2008). class strength in the GL • Further develop understanding of the critical Monitoring programs habitat and environment conditions that Catch and effort data is collected from commercial determine successful spawning, larval survival fishers through the logbook program, and and post-larval settlement and growth of black summary data is published annually (DPI 2008). bream in the GL and other Victorian estuaries, In addition, catch sampling is undertaken to to enable more effective fish habitat protection determine the size structure of targeted advocacy and to facilitate assessment of the commercial bream catches in the GL. potential effects of climate change on bream Seasonal access point creel surveys in the GL have production provided a time series of information since the mid • Develop and seek stakeholder agreement on a 1990s on recreational bream fishing catch rates formal stock assessment approach and on (retained and discarded) and on the size harvest strategies for commercial and composition of retained bream catches (Conron recreational bream fisheries in the GL. and Bills 2000). Otoliths obtained from sampling of recreational catches have provided information 3.6.5. Status of target stock on the age structure of the GL bream population. Stock assessments The first formal assessment of the status of the GL The volunteer angler diary program provides time black bream stock was conducted in the 1940s series information on catch rates (an index of (Butcher 1945), with additional studies conducted abundance) and on the size composition of both in the early 1960s and the 1990s (MacDonald legal size and pre-recruit (undersize) black bream 1997a; Coutin et al. 1997; Coutin 2000; Cashmore et in Mallacoota Inlet, Sydenham Inlet, Lake Tyers, al. 2000). the GL, and the Hopkins and Glenelg River estuaries (Conron and Kirwin 2000). Formal assessments of other Victorian bream fisheries include Mallacoota Inlet in 1994, 2001 and From the mid 1990s until 2006 an annual research 2006, and Lake Tyers in 1994, 2001 and 2007 haul seine survey of small juvenile black bream (MacDonald 1997b; MacDonald et al. 1997; DPI was conducted in parts of the GL to determine the unpublished data). relative abundance of pre-recruit year classes and to predict patterns of recruitment to the GL bream Annual summaries of the status of Victorian bream fisheries. This survey was discontinued in 2006 stocks have also been provided by the Fisheries because of increasing problems with the sampling Co-management Council up until 2007. efficiency of the seine net, and DPI is working on For estuaries outside the GL, available information the development of a more effective and indicates substantial short-term fluctuations in comprehensive bream recruitment monitoring year class strength and patterns of recruitment to method. fisheries (for example see Figure 24). There is no Collaborative research evidence of persistent declines in bream No current projects. abundance that could be attributed to the effects of fishing.
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Commercial bream catches and catch rates have Relevant risks related to bream fishing identified declined substantially since the mid 1980s (see in these assessments included: Figure 21 and Figure 22) and available evidence • A need to more clearly identify habitat and from recruitment monitoring indicates that all GL environment conditions that are essential for bream year classes spawned since 1990 have been successful reproduction, survival and growth significantly less abundant than the last strong of bream in the GL and in smaller riverine year classes spawned in 1987 and 1989. estuaries. This trend is thought to be primarily due to • A need to better understand the potential changing habitat and environment conditions impacts of climate change and the direct affecting the productive capacity of the GL. Bream impacts of local human development activities fishery management arrangements in the estuary on essential bream habitat and therefore on have been reviewed and adjusted to ensure that production of bream stocks. This will assist in fishing pressure was maintained at sustainable developing climate change adaptation levels. strategies, and/or will facilitate more effective advocacy for protection of critical fish habitats. Resource issues • A clear government policy on the allocation of Appropriate habitat and environmental conditions are required to support the successful bream (and other key finfish species) to assist reproduction, survival and growth of black bream. overcome uncertainty regarding the future of the commercial fishing industry and to The majority of the issues are focussed on the potential impacts of climate change (eg. reduced expedite the development of a Fishery freshwater inflow to estuaries) and local human Management Plan for the GL. • development activities around the GL impacting A need to develop and obtain stakeholder on estuarine habitat and environment conditions agreement on a stock assessment approach (eg. increased nutrient and sediment inputs). and ‘adaptive’ fishery management arrangements for the GL bream fisheries, Stock recovery strategies including identified data requirements, fishery Legal minimum lengths are predominantly used to performance indicators, limit/trigger reference ensure that fishing pressure on diminishing bream points and agreed management responses. stocks is maintained at sustainable levels. • A need to improve the assessment and 3.6.6. Protected species monitoring of Victorian recreational bream Interactions with protected species fisheries – particularly those which are subject Unknown to a declared Fishery Management Plan (Mallacoota Inlet, Lake Tyers, Glenelg- There is the potential for low frequency Hopkins region estuaries). interactions with protected bird and seal species associated with recreational line fishing and Fishery impacts on the ecosystem commercial haul seine and mesh net practices. In The impacts of line fishing, mesh netting and most addition, the inappropriate disposal of recreational types of haul seining on marine habitats and fishing tackle can result in animal entanglement. environment are low provided that the equipment is used properly. Interaction reduction strategies No risks have been identified as being sufficient to The impact of seine netting practices on by-catch require a management response. species (unmarketable and undersize) are low if appropriate equipment, fishing methods and fish 3.6.7. Ecosystem effects including the handling methods are used. effects of fishing Significant numbers of undersize bream are caught Ecological Risk Assessments and discarded by anglers in Victorian estuaries. Since 2005, risk assessments have been carried out Recent research (Conron et al. 2004; Grixti et al. for the recreational and commercial finfish 2008) on the survival of released line-caught bream fisheries in the GL, and for the recreational-only suggests that the short-term survival of undersize finfish fisheries in Mallacoota Inlet and Lake Tyers bream released by anglers in the GL is about 85%. (DPI, unpublished). The analyses are conducted using the fishery component tree analysis and Significant numbers of undersize bream are also risk assessment method described in Fletcher discarded from commercial mesh nets in the GL. et al. 2002. Research indicates that, if handled properly, a short-term survival of more than 90% (DPI 2006).
Fishery status report 2008 100
Ecological impact reduction strategies Commercial Fishing No formal strategies are in place for bream fishing, Commercial catches of bream and other key but in recognition of the potential ecological risks marine and estuarine finfish in Victorian waters associated with commercial fishing, the Victorian provide a small but valuable source of high quality Bay and Inlet Fisheries Association developed an fresh local fish for Victorian consumers. In Environmental Management System in 2005. This addition, commercial catching, processing and document provides guidance on appropriate marketing of bream (and other key finfish species) commercial fishing practices in Victorian bays and provides social benefits through provision of direct inlets, and aims to ensure sustainable catches of and indirect employment in regional coastal seafood, and to also minimise unfavourable communities. impacts of fishing on bycatch species, fish habitat, Economic benefits water quality and other wildlife. The wholesale market value of Victorian External (non fishing) impacts on the ecosystem commercial bream catches in 2006/07 was and critical fish habitats approximately $628,000. Successful spawning, larval survival, settlement There are 10 Fishery Access Licences that permit and growth of juvenile black bream, is primarily targeted commercial bream fishing in the dependant on the quantity and quality of suitable Gippsland Lakes, and licence holders in Port habitat and environmental conditions available in Phillip Bay and Corner Inlet/Nooramunga also each estuary. take by-product catches of bream. Because these Potential human impacts on critical bream habitat licences also permit catch and sale of a variety of that need to be monitored include reduction of other finfish species, the economic values freshwater inflows, excessive nutrient inputs with attributable specifically to catch and sale of bream associated algal blooms, excessive sediment inputs are difficult to distinguish. from catchment erosion, and physical disturbance An economic valuation study commissioned by from activities such as recreational boating and DPI in 2005 found that the marginal net value of foreshore development/modification. additional commercial catch, sale and The potential impacts of climate change on habitat consumption of bream in fresh fillet form was and environmental factors underpinning the about 12% less than the marginal net value of production and strength of year classes entering additional recreational catch and use of bream. the bream fisheries is uncertain. This equated to $14.90/ commercial fish compared with $16.80/ recreational fish (Hundloe et al. 2006). 3.6.8. Social and economic values of fishing and fishery governance issues Recreational fishing activities (as a whole) generate Social benefits significant economic benefits, but the proportion of Access to or benefit from the use of public black such benefits attributable specifically to bream fishing is unknown. bream resources is known to provide significant social value across a number of Victorian Fishery governance communities. A market research study (Quantum Target catch/effort range Market Research 2005) found that about 60% of Management plans have been declared for Victorians had some type of interest in use of Mallacoota Inlet, Lake Tyers and the minor bream resources. estuaries of the Glenelg-Hopkins region. There are Recreational Fishing no structured management arrangements in place Recreational fishing is a popular and important for other Victorian estuarine finfish fisheries. The outdoor recreational activity in Victoria, and black existing management plans for the fishery reserves bream is one of the key species targeted by specify management objectives, but do not yet recreational anglers. The proportion of recreational specify performance indicators, reference points or fishers that target and/or catch bream in any given management responses for these fisheries. year is significant but no quantitative estimate is New management initiatives available. Addressing the priority risks that were identified from recent risk assessments of Victorian marine and estuarine finfish fisheries (including bream) will be given priority in the development of fisheries management work programs and budgets in coming years.
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References FCC (2007). Fisheries Co-management Council Butcher, A.D. (1945). Conservation of the bream Victoria, Annual Report 2006-07. Fisheries Co- fishery. Fisheries and Game Department, Victoria. management Council: Parkville Victoria. Fisheries Pamphlet No. 1. Fletcher, W.J., Chesson, J., Fisher, M., Sainsbury, Cashmore, S., Conron, S. and Knuckey, I. (Eds.) K.J., Hundloe, T., Smith, A.D.M. and B. Whitworth (2000). Black bream – 1998. Compiled by the Bay (2002) National ESD Reporting Framework for & Inlet Fisheries and Stock Assessment Group. Australian Fisheries: The ‘How To’ Guide for Wild Fisheries Victoria Assessment Report No. 24. Capture Fisheries. FRDC Project No. 2000/145. (Marine and Freshwater Resources Institute: Canberra, Australia. Queenscliff). Grixti, D., Conron, S.D., Morison, A. and Jones, Conron, S and Bills, G. (2000). A survey of the P.L. (2008). Estimating post-release survival and recreational shoreline fishery for black bream, the influential factors for recreationally caught Acanthopagrus butcheri, in the Gippsland Lakes Black bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri) in the 1995 and 1996. Glenelg River, south eastern Australia. Fisheries research 92(2-3): 303-313. Conron, S.D. and Kirwin, M. (2000). Initial results from a voluntary angler diary program in Victoria. Henry, G.W. and Lyle, J.M. Eds. (2003). The Marine and Freshwater Resources Institute, National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Internal Report No. No. 167, Queenscliff, Victoria. Survey. FRDC Project No. 99/158. NSW Fisheries Final Report Series No. 48. NSW Fisheries, Conron, S., Grixti, D. and Morison, A. (2004). Cronulla, NSW. Assessment ofmortality of undersize snapper and black bream caught and released by recreational Hundloe T., Blamey R., McPhee D., Hand T. and anglers. Primary Industries research Victoria, Bartlett N. (2006) Victorian Bay & Inlet Fisheries Queenscliff. Internal Report. Resource Allocation - Valuation Study. Marsden Jacob Associates, Financial & Economic Coutin, P. (Ed.) (2000). Black bream – 1997. Consultants. Camberwell, Victoria. Compiled by the Bay & Inlet Fisheries and Stock Assessment Group. Fisheries Victoria Assessment MacDonald, C.M. (Ed.) (1997a). Gippsland Lakes Report No. 18. (Marine and Freshwater Resources fin fisheries and black bream stocks – 1994. Institute: Queenscliff). Compiled by the Bay & Inlet Fisheries and Stock Assessment Group. Fisheries Victoria Assessment Coutin, P., Walker, S. and Morison, A. (Eds.) Report No. 4. East Melbourne. (1997). Black bream – 1996. Compiled by the Bay & Inlet Fisheries and Stock Assessment Group. MacDonald, C.M. (Ed.) (1997b). Lake Tyers fin Fisheries Victoria Assessment Report No. 14. fisheries – 1994. Fisheries Victoria Assessment (Fisheries Victoria: East Melbourne). Report No. 1. (Fisheries Victoria: East Melbourne). DPI (2006). Undersize black bream released from MacDonald, C.M., Winstanley, R.H. and Hall, D.N. mesh nets survive well. Fisheries Notes No 0594. (Eds.) (1997). Mallacoota Inlet commercial fin Department of Primary Industries, Queenscliff. fishery – 1994. Fisheries Victoria Assessment Report No. 4. (Fisheries Victoria: East Melbourne). DPI (2008). Fisheries Victoria Commercial Fish Production Information Bulletin 2007. Fisheries Quantum Market Research (2005). Community Victoria, Queenscliff. Preferences for Alternative Uses of Key Victorian Fish Resources. Quantum Market Research. FCC (2004). Sharing/allocation of wild fish Victoria. resources among competing interest/user groups: Policy options and a decision framework. Fisheries Co-management Council. Parkville, Victoria.
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3.7 King George Whiting Fishery
Status – Environmentally Limited occasionally taken using hand lines. Incidental catches are taken using squid jigs, long lines and 3.7.1. Description of the fisheries purse seines. Target species Target catch consists of King George whiting Western Port bay was closed to commercial net fishing from December 2007, but commercial line (Sillaginodes punctatus) fishing has been allowed to continue. Prohibited species See Section 2.1.8 on ‘protected aquatic biota’. Commercial – Other Bays/Inlets Small targeted or incidental catches of King There are no relevant no take species. George whiting are taken using haul seine nets and mesh nets in the GL. All other Victorian bays Fishing area(s) and inlets are closed to commercial fishing for Commercial whiting and other finfish. The main commercial fishing locations are PPB, Corner Inlet/ Nooramunga and Western Port bay. Commercial – Victorian Coastal Waters Small commercial whiting catches also come from In the multi-species, multi-gear Victorian Ocean Victorian coastal waters and from other Fishery, whiting is a minor target species taken inlets/estuaries. using haul seine nets (maximum length 650 metres), mesh nets (maximum length 2000 metres) Recreational and hand lines (limit of six lines and three hooks Port Phillip Bay and Western Port bay are the per line for each licence). Incidental catches are primary recreational fishing locations. It is also taken in the Victorian Inshore Trawl Fishery estimated that approximately 70% - 75% of the and in the Ocean Purse Seine Fishery. total Victorian recreational whiting catch comes from these two bays. Corner Inlet supports a Byproduct catches of King George whiting are significant regional recreational whiting fishery, taken by Commonwealth fishery licence holders in and additional catch is taken from the lower coastal waters adjacent to Victoria, mainly using reaches of GL and from coastal waters of central Danish seine fishing methods. and western Victoria. Recreational Fishing methods Virtually all catch is taken by angling using rod Commercial – Port Phillip Bay, Corner Inlet and and reel or a hand line (limit of four lines per Western Port bay person in marine waters and two hooks per line). Nearly all of the total commercial whiting catch A small portion of catch is taken by spear fishing. from these bays and inlets has been taken using haul seine nets (maximum length 460 metres in Most whiting angling is done from boats, including charter fishing boats, reflecting the PPB; 650 metres in Corner Inlet) and mesh nets (maximum length 2500 metres in PPB; 1650 metres higher angling success rates associated with in Corner Inlet). Annual seine net catches of mobility and access to offshore waters. Shore- based angling for whiting is conducted in some whiting have generally been larger than mesh net catches. Small targeted catches of whiting are locations around PPB, in the GL and along the open coast.
Fishery status report 2008 103
Management arrangements employed in the Commonwealth arrangements fishery Under the existing OCS fisheries arrangements, All King George whiting fishing in Victorian commercial King George whiting fishing in waters waters is subject to a legal minimum length of 27 adjacent to Victoria is managed under the cm (total length). provisions of State fisheries legislation, except for by-catch taken and landed under Commonwealth Commercial arrangements trawl and Danish seine fishing entitlements. Commercial King George whiting catches occur as Operators with Commonwealth non-trawl fishing a component of a number of defined Victorian entitlements are subject to a 0 kg trip limit for King finfish fisheries, most of which involve targeting of George whiting. There is no equivalent limit for multiple species using a variety of fishing methods Commonwealth trawl and Danish seine operators and equipment. It is not cost effective or practical because of the relatively unselective nature of to manage these finfish fisheries using direct these fishing methods and the need to avoid fish output (catch) controls such as annual TACCs and being dumped at sea. ITQ units. These fisheries are managed primarily using input (effort) controls (including limited Allocation between sectors entry licensing, restrictions on fishing equipment The Victorian Government has endorsed a and methods, and closed areas/seasons) and fisheries resource allocation decision framework indirect catch controls such as legal size limits. developed by the Fisheries Co-management Most of these controls are intended either to Council (FCC 2004). Formal protect fish stocks from excessive fishing pressure commercial/recreational catch sharing targets are or to minimise undesirable interactions between yet to be set for King George whiting. commercial fishing operations and other users of Data collected in 2000-01 indicated that public waters, particularly recreational fishers. recreational fishers took approximately 61% of the The two defined Victorian commercial finfish total annual Victorian retained catch (by weight) of fisheries that produce the largest King George King George whiting. whiting catches are the Western Port bay/PPB It is likely that the predominance of recreational Fishery and the Corner Inlet Fishery. There are 48 catch has been at least maintained since 2001 given transferable Western Port bay/PPB Fishery Access the reported decline in commercial fishing effort in Licences and 18 transferable Corner Inlet Fishery PPB and Corner Inlet, the closure of Western Port Access Licences that permit use of a variety of bay to commercial netting, and the continuation of commercial fishing equipment (including haul steady or improving recreational whiting fishing seines, mesh nets and hand lines) to catch and sell seasons in PPB and Western Port bay. a variety of finfish species including King George whiting. Western Port bay was closed to Studies of the net economic and social value of commercial netting in December 2007 in recreational and commercial uses of King George accordance with a Government policy decision to whiting and other key Victorian marine and create a recreational fishing haven in that bay. estuarine finfish species were commissioned by DPI in 2005. The economic study found that the Recreational arrangements marginal net current value of additional Unless exempt (see section 2.1.6), recreational commercial catch, sale and consumption of filleted fishers require a RFL to take King George whiting King George whiting was about 15% less than the in Victorian waters. All individual fishers are marginal net current value of additional subject to a range of restrictions, including a daily recreational catch and use of whiting, but that any bag limit and possession limit of 20 whiting per small net community benefit achieved by re- person and a requirement to land whiting in whole allocating catch shares away from commercial or carcass form. fishing may be outweighed by the costs of In addition, some areas are closed to fishing (e.g. implementing such a re-allocation (Hundloe et al. Marine Parks/Sanctuaries) and there are limits on 2006). the amount and type of recreational fishing gear The social valuation study found that the permitted. These controls have been introduced proportion of Victorians who preferred gaining either for stock protection reasons or for access to or benefit from public King George cultural/ethical reasons to define and encourage whiting resources through commercial catch and responsible recreational fishing behaviour, or to sale was significantly larger than the proportion prevent the illegal and unlicensed sale of fish. who preferred access or benefit from recreational whiting fishing (Quantum Market Research 2005).
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The social study indicated a substantial It is probable that the current recreational catch is community preference to increase the commercial greater than 215 tonnes, but a lack of reliable share of the total King George whiting catch from recreational fishing data make such estimations less than 40% to more than 60%. difficult. Fishery Accreditation Not applicable. Commercial catch of target species See Table 15. 3.7.2. Catch data Information on commercial whiting catches by Total catch of target species Commonwealth fishery licence holders in waters The DPI estimates that the catch is likely to be adjacent to the Victorian coast line is not currently greater than 380 tonnes. available. Victorian commercial catch for 2006/07 was 166 Incidental commercial catch tonnes. See Table 15.
Table 15. King George whiting commercial catch in 2006/07
Fishing Catch Wholesale Market Commercial Catch Fishery/Area/ Stock Targeted Effort Trend Methods (tonnes) Value ($,000) Trend
Victorian Coastal Waters
Haul seine net, mesh Unknown - data not yet Ocean Fishery 3.7 48.8 Steady net; hand line analysed
Vic Inshore Trawl n/a - incidental Trawl Net 0 0 n/a - incidental catch Fishery catch
Ocean Purse Seine n/a - incidental Purse seine net 0 0.2 n/a - incidental catch Fishery catch
SUBTOTAL All Gears 3.7 49.0
Victorian Bays and Inlets
Haul seine net; mesh Port Phillip Bay 65.2 860.9 Declining Variable but steady net
PPB Purse Seine n/a - incidental Purse seine net 0 0 n/a - incidental catch Fishery catch
Haul seine net; mesh Declining (netting Western Port bay 13.9 186.9 Variable but steady net closed Dec 2007)
Haul seine net; mesh Corner Inlet 80.0 1,047.5 Variable but steady Variable but steady net
Increasing, but still Increasing, but still Gippsland Lakes Haul seine net 3.0 37.4 minor minor
Other n/a (closed to comm. 0 0 n/a n/a Inlets/Estuaries fishing)
SUBTOTAL All Gears 162.0 2,132.7
TOTAL All Gears 165.7 2,181.8
Fishery status report 2008 105
Recreational catch display shorter term cyclic fluctuations with peaks The DPI estimates that the current recreational at intervals of between 5 and 12 years. Some of catch is now greater than 215 tonnes. these peaks occur at the same time in PPB, Corner Inlet and Western Port bay (see Figure 25). The only comprehensive state-wide estimate of Victorian recreational King George whiting catches All three bay/inlet commercial whiting fisheries was from the National Recreational and displayed gradually declining catches from 1914 to Indigenous Fishing Survey in 2000-01 (Henry and the 1950s, and then gradually increasing catches Lyle 2003). Between May 2000 to April 2001, the up until the mid-1970s. Since the mid 1970s estimated retained recreational in Victoria was whiting catches have continued to increase in PPB about 975,000 fish, at an estimated weight of 215 and Corner Inlet, but have declined in WPB (see tonnes. Approximately 43% of this catch came Figure 25). The downturn in whiting catches in from PPB, 30% from Western Port bay and 20% Western Port bay coincides with a reported major from central and western Victorian coastal waters. loss of seagrass beds in that bay in the late 1970s The survey also estimated that approximately and early 1980s. 300,000 whiting, or 24% of the total Victorian Recreational Catch - Unknown recreational catch, was discarded as undersize or No recent state-wide or regional estimates of total released. annual recreational King George whiting catches Catch trends are available other than from the 2000-01 National Commercial Catch - Variable Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Survey. Over the last 20 years total annual Victorian Available monitoring data and anecdotal reports commercial King George whiting catches have suggest that recreational whiting catches in PPB fluctuated within the range of 100 to 270 tonnes and Western Port bay have fluctuated in a similar with no obvious long-term trend. Annual catches manner to commercial catches. in PPB, Corner Inlet and Western Port bay all
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Port Phillip Bay - Commercial King George Whiting Catches
150
120
T O 90 N N E 60 S
30
0 1911 1919 1927 1935 1943 1951 1959 67/68 75/76 83/84 91/92 99/00 07/08 YEAR
Corner Inlet/Nooramunga - Commercial King George Whiting Catches
120
90 T O N 60 N E S 30
0 1911 1919 1927 1935 1943 1951 1959 67/68 75/76 83/84 91/92 99/00 07/08 YEAR
Western Port bay - Commercial King George Whiting Catches
60 Beginning of reported seagrass decline
45
T O N 30 N E S
15
0 1911 1919 1927 1935 1943 1951 1959 67/68 75/76 83/84 91/92 99/00 07/08 YEAR
Figure 25. Annual commercial King George whiting catches from Port Phillip Bay, Corner Inlet/Nooramunga and Western Port bay since 1914.
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Effort trends been decreasing since 2000 (see Figure 26). Effort Commercial Effort - Declining in PPB and Western data from the Ocean Fishery have not yet been Port bay; Variable in Corner Inlet. analysed. Mesh net and haul seine effort in PPB and Western Recreational Effort - Unknown Port bay shows short-term fluctuations but has No formal information is available since 2000-01. also been gradually declining since the late 1970s Anecdotal evidence from boat launching facilities (see Figure 25). Commercial netting was removed and charter fishing services suggests a substantial from Western Port bay in December 2007. Mesh increase in boat-based recreational fishing in PPB net effort in Corner Inlet also shows a long-term and Western Port bay since 2005. declining trend, but haul seine effort was increasing in the 1980s and 1990s and has only a) Mesh nets
Cat ch ( t onnes) Cat ch r at e ( kg/ day) Ef f or t ( days) 40 --40 1500
30 --30
1000 or t f atch f C 20 --20 E Catch rate Catch
500
10 --10
0 80 / 81 85/ 86 90/ 91 95 / 96 00 / 01 F i nanc i a l year b) Haul seine ,, , ,,,,,,
Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/shot) Effort (shots) 100--40 5000
80- 4000 -30
60- 3000 Effort Catch -20 Catch rate 40- 2000
-10 20- 1000
0 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 05/06 Financial year
Figure 26. Commercial fishing effort, King George whiting catch and whiting catch rates using mesh nets (top) and haul seine nets (bottom) in Port Phillip Bay since 1978/79.
Fishery status report 2008 108
a) Mesh nets
Cat ch ( t onnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Ef f or t ( days) 15 --40 1500
-30
10 - 1000 t r o f atch f C -20 E Catch rate Catch
5- 500
-10
0 80 / 81 85 / 86 90/ 91 95 / 96 00 / 01 Financ i a l year b) Haul seine
Cat ch ( t onnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Ef f or t ( days) 150 --80 2500
2000 -60
100 - t
1500 r o f atch f C -40 E atch rate atch C
1000 50 -
-20 500
0 80 / 81 85 / 86 90/ 91 95 / 96 00 / 01 Financ i a l year
Figure 27. Commercial fishing effort, King George whiting catch and whiting catch rates using mesh nets (top) and haul seine nets (bottom) in Corner Inlet/Nooramunga since 1978/79.
Catch rate trends (see Figure 26 and Figure 27). Haul seine and Catch rate trends determined from the commercial mesh net catch rate fluctuations appear to be and recreational sectors are thought to be an similar to fluctuations in catches but independent indicator of whiting abundance (or at least the of effort trends, suggesting that whiting availability of whiting in fished areas). abundance is the primary factor determining catch Fluctuations in catch rates reflect annual rates. Over the last few years commercial whiting fluctuations in successful settlement of post-larvae catch rates have been increasing in PPB but in the major bays and inlets, and the strength of declining in Corner Inlet. recruitment to fisheries several years later. Recreational - Variable Commercial – Variable Analysis of data from all boat-based anglers Whiting catch rates for commercial fishers using interviewed in PPB and Western Port bay surveys both mesh nets and haul seines have shown cyclic in recent years has shown variable but relatively fluctuations with peaks at intervals of 4 to 12 years
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stable whiting catch rates with no clear Performance of the fishery correlations with recruitment patterns. There are as yet no structured management arrangements for Victorian finfish (including Total catch of non-target byproduct and bycatch whiting) fisheries in PPB, Western Port bay, species Corner Inlet or in Victorian coastal waters, and King George whiting is only one of a number of thus no specific management objectives, species targeted or caught using a variety of performance indicators, reference points or fishing methods in Victoria’s commercial and management responses have been agreed. recreational marine finfish fisheries. Other species encountered include mullet, flathead, garfish, Informal management arrangements are in place skates and rays, silver trevally, Australian salmon, for whiting fisheries which involve monitoring leatherjacket, calamari and other squid, snapper, commercial fishery trends (all fisheries), blue warehou, sweep, sea pike, and rock whiting. recreational fishery trends (Western Port bay and PPB only) and fishery recruitment patterns (PPB No detailed analysis of commercial catch and only) as a basis for determining ‘adaptive’ effort data has been undertaken to quantify management arrangements to maintain fishing byproduct catches in targeted commercial whiting pressure at sustainable levels. fisheries. No data are available on non-retained by- catch in either the commercial or recreational Other informal arrangements for whiting fisheries whiting fisheries. include: • Spatial issues On-going engagement with stakeholders to Port Phillip Bay, Corner Inlet/ Nooramunga and determine the desirability and feasibility of Western Port bay have for many years supported changes to whiting fishery management the largest Victorian commercial and recreational arrangements to address economic and social King George whiting fisheries. The fisheries in objectives and to improve governance these bays/inlets are based on juvenile and sub- • Refinement of our understanding of critical adult fish which move out into open coastal waters habitat and environment requirements for to spawn. production of whiting fishery resources, and use of this information to advocate protection The small juvenile whiting that settle in PPB and of essential fisheries habitat and to assess the Western Port bay are most likely to have been potential impacts of climate change. spawned in coastal waters west of Cape Otway. These spawning grounds probably also supply Fisheries compliance juvenile whiting to Corner Inlet/ Nooramunga, but The illegal and unreported catch and sale of King it is possible that this inlet may also be supplied George whiting has been identified as a risk to from other whiting spawning grounds in central or whiting stocks and to the legitimate commercial eastern Bass Strait. fishery. 3.7.3. Fisheries Management Routine Inspections Recent management changes King George whiting accounts for a considerable Western Port bay was closed to commercial net proportion of the table fish landed by Victorian fishing in December 2007 in accordance with a recreational anglers. Fisheries Officers inspect 2006 Government election commitment create a around 30,000 recreational anglers each year, and recreational fishing haven in this bay. many of those inspections relate to commonly caught species (such as King George whiting). There have been no changes to the King George Because of the high community demand for locally whiting minimum size limit (27 cm total length) or caught table fish in Victoria, some recreational recreational catch limits (daily bag/possession limit anglers have chosen to illegally sell their catch to of 20 fish per person) recently. various retail outlets. Inspections of the bay and Consultation processes inlet commercial fishers are also undertaken Under the existing co-management framework for randomly by compliance staff to inspect catch and ensure commercial fishers are compliant with Victorian fisheries, both stakeholders and/or DPI may propose changes to fishery management licence conditions. arrangements. There are no processes that are Targeted Operations specific to particular fisheries or species. The DPI has conducted numerous tactical patrols and gathered intelligence to deter the illegal commercial sale of table fish in Victoria. In turn, a number of targeted operations have been
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conducted in recent years, and these have resulted shallow marine seagrass habitats as juveniles. By in vessel and vehicle seizures, as well as forfeiture the time whiting reach 4 years old (about 40 cm in of fishing gear and other related equipment. length) most have moved out of bays/inlets into Penalties imposed by the courts have been deeper coastal waters, and are thus no longer substantial in some instances, particularly where available to the main Victorian whiting fisheries. compliance staff have been able to prove the intent Modelling and ageing studies suggests that of offenders to break fisheries regulations by way whiting stocks in PPB and Western Port bay are of fish secured in secret compartments and the likely derived from autumn/early winter spawning like. Examples of offences involving whiting in coastal waters between west Victoria and detected during tactical patrols in 2006/07 include Kangaroo Island in South Australia. in June 2006, where a man was found to be in Environmental conditions are thought impact on possession of 29 undersized whiting near spawning success, survival and growth of larvae, Mornington. He was convicted and fined $1000. In and the number of 3-5 month fish that January 2007, officers detected a man using an subsequently arrive at PPB and Western Port bay. unlicensed net, to catch a variety of fish including Modelling around Corner Inlet suggest that King George whiting. This offender was convicted juvenile fish may also come from spawning and was also fined $1000, and his fishing grounds in central and eastern Bass Strait. equipment was forfeited. Subsequent survival and growth of juvenile Cross-jurisdictional management arrangements whiting is influenced by the amount and Under the OCS arrangements with the distribution of seagrass habitats, but larger Commonwealth, fishing for King George whiting juvenile whiting appear to be less dependent on in Victorian and adjacent Commonwealth waters is seagrass for shelter. Seagrass ecosystems provide a managed under the provisions of state fisheries primary source of food for whiting throughout legislation (except for by-catch taken and landed their juvenile phase. under Commonwealth trawl and Danish seine fishing entitlements). Ageing studies (Smith and MacDonald 1997) indicate that whiting caught by anglers consist There are no formal arrangements between almost entirely of fish from 1+ to 4+ years old, with Victoria and adjacent states for multi-jurisdictional 2+ and 3+ fish dominating catches. management of whiting fisheries, but informal discussions are held from time to time to Recent research on the survival of released investigate options for making whiting fishery snapper taken by whiting anglers in PPB suggests management arrangements as consistent as that the short-term survival of undersize snapper possible across jurisdictions. released is more than 90%. Management review processes Monitoring programs There is no formal review mechanism in place. Annual fishery-independent surveys of newly Management arrangements are reviewed on an as settled juvenile whiting are conducted in PPB to needs basis in consultation with stakeholders. determine the relative abundance of pre-recruit year classes and to predict patterns of recruitment Threat abatement and recovery plans to the PPB whiting fisheries. There are no Not required equivalent surveys in Western Port bay or Corner Domestic and international agreements Inlet. None Commercial catch and effort in all Victorian 3.7.4. Research and Monitoring whiting fisheries is monitored through a Research completed mandatory logbook reporting program. In Extensive biological and ecological studies (life addition, catch sampling is undertaken to history stages, reproductive characteristics, larval determine the size structure of targeted transport, post-larval settlement, growth, commercial whiting catches in PPB and Corner mortality, adult movement) of King George Inlet. Ageing of whiting otoliths ceased in 2004 whiting have been carried out in Victoria and due to budget constraints. South Australia, and to a lesser extent Western Seasonal access point creel surveys in PPB and Australia, over the last 15 years (summarised in Western Port bay provide information on DPI 2002, 2007a, 2007b). recreational whiting fishing catch rates (retained This body of work has established that King and discarded) and on the size composition of George whiting are associated primarily with retained whiting catches.
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The volunteer angler diary program provides time the strong settlements in 1997 and 2001. Given this series information on catch rates (an index of pattern, it is anticipated that the strong settlement abundance) and on the size composition of both of whiting in PPB in the spring of 2005 will lead to legal size and pre-recruit (undersize) whiting in improved recreational and commercial whiting PPB and Western Port bay (Conron and Kirwin catches from 2007-08. 2000). Commercial and recreational catches of King Collaborative research George whiting in PPB, Western Port bay and No current projects. Corner Inlet are dominated by two year classes - 2+ and 3+ years of age - together with smaller Future research and monitoring numbers of 1+ and 4+ fish. Given the small number The following projects have been identified as of whiting year classes susceptible to fishing at any future research and monitoring priorities to one time, fishery catches and catch rates are likely facilitate improved assessment or management of to vary substantially from year to year, and the Victorian whiting fisheries: recruitment of any single strong year class will • Determination of the survival rate of whiting only have a short-term (2-3 years) impact on the caught and released using hook and line fisheries. methods Both the 1996 and 2006 whiting assessments found • Establishment of a recreational whiting fishery monitoring program for Corner no evidence in any Victorian bay/inlet of persistent declines in fishery catches or catch rates that could Inlet/Nooramunga be attributed to the impacts of fishing on whiting • Investigate the potential effects of climate stocks. change on whiting spawning in coastal waters of western Victoria, and on the delivery of There is some evidence to suggest that longer term whiting larvae to the entrances of PPB and trends in commercial whiting catches in PPB and Western Port bay Western Port bay are linked with the overall • Develop and seek stakeholder agreement on a abundance of seagrass beds in these bays. If this is formal King George whiting stock assessment true then recent declines in seagrass in Corner Inlet approach and on harvest strategies for and the southern part of PPB may lead to a commercial and recreational whiting fisheries. downward trend in whiting catches. 3.7.5. Status of target stock Resource issues All available indicators suggest that the Victorian Stock assessments King George whiting stock is currently in a healthy Formal assessments of the status of the Victorian condition despite short-term fluctuations in the King George whiting stock were conducted by the strength of year classes settling in PPB, Western Department in March 1996 (Smith and MacDonald Port bay and Corner Inlet. 1997) and June 2006 (DPI unpublished data). Annual summaries of the status of the Victorian The main concerns for the future of Victorian whiting stock have previously been provided by whiting fisheries are: (i) the potential impacts of the FCC (FCC 2007). climate change on spawning success in coastal waters and the delivery of whiting larvae to the Monitoring of the settlement of post-larval whiting entrances of the important bays and inlets; and (ii) in PPB since 1996 has revealed strong year classes the potential impacts of climate change and/or settling in 1997, 2001 and 2005 (Figure 28). local human development activities on seagrass Although no data are available, it is thought that a beds in PPB, Western Port bay and Corner Inlet, similar pattern of fluctuations in settlement has and therefore on the successful settlement, survival occurred in Western Port bay. No whiting and growth of juvenile whiting. settlement data are available for Corner Inlet. Stock recovery strategies Examination of annual commercial whiting catches No specific strategies in place. in PPB and Western Port bay (see Figure 25) reveals peaks in catches occurring 2-4 years after
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KGW settlement in Port Phillip Bay
200
150
100
50 Average number/site Average 0 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 Year
Figure 28. Monitoring of spring (Aug-Nov) settlement of small juvenile King George whiting at eight sites in Port Phillip Bay since 1996.
3.7.6. Protected species impacts of local human development activities Interactions with protected species on the quantity and quality of seagrass in PPB, Unknown, but possible low frequency interactions WPB and CI, and thus on the settlement, between protected bird, seal and shark species and survival and growth of whiting This will assist recreational line fishing and commercial haul seine in developing climate change adaptation and mesh net operations. In addition, there is the strategies, and/or will facilitate more effective potential for entanglement of a range of protected advocacy for protection of critical fish habitats. species with inappropriately discarded • A clear government policy on the allocation of recreational fishing tackle. King George whiting (and other key finfish species) to remove uncertainty regarding the Interaction reduction strategies future of the commercial fishing industry and No risks have been identified as being sufficient to to expedite the development of Fishery require a management response. Management Plans for the larger bay/inlet 3.7.7. Ecosystem effects including the fisheries. effects of fishing • A need to develop and obtain stakeholder Ecological Risk Assessments agreement on the stock assessment approach ESD-based risk assessments were carried out in and ‘adaptive’ fishery management 2007 for the PPB, Western Port bay and Corner arrangements for King George whiting, Inlet finfish fisheries (including King George including identified data requirements, fishery whiting) using the fishery component tree analysis performance indicators, limit/trigger reference and risk assessment method described in points and agreed management responses. Fletcher et al. 2002. • A need to improve the assessment and monitoring of recreational whiting fisheries Relevant risks related to whiting fishing identified (particularly in Corner Inlet/Nooramunga). in these assessments included: • A need to better understand the potential Fishery impacts on the ecosystem impacts of climate change on coastal spawning The impacts of line fishing, mesh netting and most types of haul seining on marine habitats and and delivery of whiting larvae to sheltered bay/inlet settlement habitats This will assist in environment are low provided that the equipment developing strategies to adapt to the impacts is used properly. of climate change on fisheries. The impact of seine netting practices on by-catch • A need to better understand the potential species (unmarketable and undersize) are low if impacts of climate change and the direct appropriate equipment, fishing methods and fish
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handling methods are used. No data are available on 3.7.8. Social and economic values of by-catch from long lines, hand lines or mesh nets. fishing and fishery governance issues Significant numbers of undersize snapper are Social benefits caught and discarded by anglers targeting King Access to or benefit from the use of public King George whiting in PPB, but research has shown George whiting resources is known to provide that more than 90% of undersize snapper released significant social value across a number of survive in the short-term. Victorian communities. For example, a market research study (Quantum Market Research 2005) Ecological impact reduction strategies found that about 80% of Victorians had some type Research conducted by DPI has shown that the use of interest in use of whiting resources. of square mesh in the wings of commercial haul seines reduces meshing of undersize fish Recreational Fishing (particularly King George whiting) by up to 90% As outlined in Chapter 2, recreational fishing is a (DPI unpublished data). There has been popular and important outdoor recreational widespread voluntary adoption of this new net activity in Victoria. It is recognised that King configuration by bay and inlet commercial fishers. George whiting is one of the key species targeted by recreational anglers. The proportion of In recognition of the potential ecological risks recreational fishers that target and/or catch associated with commercial fishing, the Victorian whiting in any given year is significant but no Bay and Inlet Fisheries Association developed an quantitative estimate is available. Environmental Management System in 2005. This document provides guidance on appropriate Commercial Fishing commercial fishing practices in Victorian bays and Commercial catches of whiting and other key inlets, and aims to ensure sustainable catches of marine and estuarine finfish in Victorian waters seafood, and to also minimise unfavourable provide a small but valuable source of high quality impacts of fishing on bycatch species, fish habitat, fresh local fish for Victorian consumers through water quality and other wildlife. sale at fish markets and other seafood retail outlets. In addition, commercial catching, External (non fishing) impacts on the ecosystem processing and marketing of whiting (and other and critical fish habitats fish species) provides small but significant social Non fishing issues such as regional climatic and benefits through provision of direct and indirect oceanographic factors may affect spawning success employment in regional coastal communities. in open coastal waters and the transport of larval whiting to the entrances of the major bays/inlets. In Economic benefits addition, habitat and environment conditions in The wholesale market value of Victorian each bay/inlet can affect settlement, survival and commercial King George whiting catches in growth of whiting to a size where they enter the 2006/07 was approximately $2.2 million. fisheries. Whiting are primarily dependant on the There are approximately 350 Fishery Access quantity and quality of seagrass habitat available Licences that permit targeted commercial whiting in large bays/inlets such as PPB, Western Port bay fishing in Victorian waters, providing and Corner Inlet, and the potential impacts of employment, household incomes and other climate change on the environmental factors needs economic impact benefits to local communities. further investigation. These licences also permit catch and sale of a Human impacts on sea grass habitats can include variety of other finfish species, and the economic excessive nutrient inputs with associated algal values attributable specifically to whiting are blooms, excessive sediment inputs from catchment difficult to distinguish. erosion, and physical disturbance from activities An economic valuation study commissioned by such as recreational boating, foreshore DPI in 2005 found that the marginal net value of development/modification and shipping channel additional commercial catch, sale and maintenance. consumption of King George whiting in fresh fillet form was about 15% less than the marginal net value of additional recreational catch and use of snapper. This equated to $9.50/ commercial fish compared with $11.20/ recreational fish (Hundloe et al. 2006).
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Recreational fishing activities, generate significant DPI (2007b). Fish and seagrass – determining the economic benefits, but the proportion of such links that drive fisheries production in Corner benefits attributable specifically to whiting fishing Inlet. Fisheries Notes No 0600. Victorian is unknown. Department of Primary Industries, Queenscliff. Fishery governance FCC (2004). Sharing/allocation of wild fish Target catch/effort range resources among competing interest/user groups: As yet, there are no structured management Policy options and a decision framework. arrangements for Victorian finfish (including Fisheries Co-management Council. Parkville, whiting) fisheries. There are no specific agreed Victoria. management objectives, performance indicators, FCC (2007). Fisheries Co-management Council reference points or management responses for Victoria, Annual Report 2006-07. Fisheries Co- these fisheries. management Council: Parkville Victoria. New management initiatives Fletcher, W.J., Chesson, J., Fisher, M., Sainsbury, Addressing the priority risks that were identified K.J., Hundloe, T., Smith, A.D.M. and B. Whitworth from recent risk assessments of Victorian marine (2002) National ESD Reporting Framework for and estuarine finfish fisheries (including whiting) Australian Fisheries: The ‘How To’ Guide for Wild will be given priority in the development of Capture Fisheries. FRDC Project No. 2000/145. fisheries management work programs and budgets Canberra, Australia. in coming years. Henry, G.W. and Lyle, J.M. Eds. (2003) The References National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Conron, S.D. and Kirwin, M. (2000). Initial results Survey. FRDC Project No. 99/158. NSW Fisheries from a voluntary angler diary program in Victoria. Final Report Series No. 48. NSW Fisheries, Marine and Freshwater Resources Institute, Cronulla, NSW. Internal Report No. No. 167, Queenscliff, Victoria. Hundloe T., Blamey R., McPhee D., Hand T. and Coutin, P.C., Conron, S. and MacDonald, C.M. Bartlett N. (2006) Victorian Bay & Inlet Fisheries (1995). The daytime recreational fishery in Port Resource Allocation - Valuation Study. Marsden Phillip Bay 1989-94. Department of Conservation Jacob Associates, Financial & Economic and Natural Resources, Victorian Fisheries Consultants. Camberwell, Victoria. Research Institute. Quantum Market Research (2005). Community DPI (2002). Identifying important food sources for Preferences for Alternative Uses of Key Victorian fish in Western Port bay. Fisheries Notes No 0526. Fish Resources. Quantum Market Research. Albert Victorian Department of Primary Industries, Park, Victoria. Queenscliff. Smith, D.C. and MacDonald, C.M. (Eds.) (1997). DPI (2007a). Predicting King George whiting King George whiting – 1996. Compiled by the Bay catches in Victorian bays and inlets. Fisheries & Inlet Fisheries and Stock Assessment Group. Notes No 0591. Victorian Department of Primary Fisheries Victoria Assessment Report No. 15. Industries, Queenscliff. Fisheries Victoria, East Melbourne.
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3.8 Sea Urchin Fishery
Status – Under Exploited Management arrangements employed in the fishery 3.8.1. Description of the fishery Modern fisheries management continues to move Target species away from single-species approaches towards a Two of the six species of sea urchins that occur in broader consideration of fisheries in an ecosystem Victoria are commercially targeted: black (long context. The management arrangements for the spine) sea urchins (Centrostephanus rodgersii) and fishery are outlined in the Fisheries Regulations 1998 white sea urchins (Heliocidaris erythrogramma), and the conditions on the permit. which are also known as purple sea urchins. Persons are not permitted to fish for sea urchins in: Prohibited species • the inter-tidal zone (waters less than 2m deep) See Section 2.1.8 on ‘protected aquatic biota’. between Thompson Creek at Breamlea and Unless authorised, the take of rock lobster, giant Arch Rock at Venus Bay (including PPB and grab, jelly fish, scallop and abalone during Western Port bay) commercial harvest of sea urchins is prohibited. • Marine National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries. Fishing area(s) Commercial fishery Commercial arrangements The fishery is divided into two zones. The eastern The sea urchin fishery was declared a Developing zone includes the coastal waters east of Lakes Fishery by a Ministerial Direction in 1998 and is Entrance to the NSW boarder (primarily managed under a permit system. Commercial Mallacoota); the other zone is in PPB. fishers wanting to harvest sea urchins for sale must have a general permit. The nature of the fishery is Recreational fishery that it provides a supplementary source of income Recreational fishing can occur all along the to commercial abalone fishers, with the majority of Victorian coast. the fishers operating in the eastern zone also Fishing methods authorised to dive in the abalone fishery around The edible parts of the sea urchin are the egg East Gippsland. masses (roe) which is harvested from inside the Up to 24 permits have been issued in the fishery at animal. Sea urchin roe is a prized delicacy in some any one time, but only 11 permits are currently in Asian and Polynesian cultures, and the urchins are operation. Permits are issued for a period of time typically harvested seasonally when the roe is in between 1 to 3 years. Permit conditions specify the best condition. fishing areas and permitted fishing methods. Only Commercial three of the 11 permits allow fishing within the This is a dive fishery, and fishers use both surface PPB zone. Under the permit system, conditions supplied (hookah) and compressed air diving may be amended by the Secretary. The DPI is equipment. Fishers use long metal tongs or gloved taking a precautionary approach to the hands to remove urchins from the reef. management of this developmental fishery and applications for new permits in recent years have Recreational been rejected in light of the pending review of Urchins are harvested using methods similar to management arrangements. those used in the commercial fishery but techniques include snorkelling and scuba diving. The Eastern Victorian Sea Urchin Divers Association (EVSUDA) represents the majority of
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the permit holders and has established a voluntary Recreational catch COP in the eastern fishing zone. The COP Negligible. specifies measures to promote good resource The last National Recreational and Indigenous management practices by permit holders. Fishing Survey conducted in 2001 (Henry & Lyle, Permit holders are required to meet a minimum 2003) reported no recreational sea urchin catch in harvest level of 3000 kg/year to retain their permit. Victoria but DPI officers have anecdotal evidence The DPI estimates that divers would need to work of low levels of recreational sea urchin harvest for approximately 20 days per year to meet the from Victorian coastal waters. The majority of licence condition (based on assumed average catch recreational catch is thought to occur in the waters rate of 150 kg per day). This condition is in place around PPB. to reduce latent effort and to ensure that Catch trend management decisions can be made on an Steady appropriate level of fishery dependant (catch) information. Commercial catch has varied between 44 and 63 tonnes for the years 2000 to 2007. To assist with monitoring and compliance activities, fishers are also required to report their Effort trend intent to undertake fishing activity to DPI prior to Decreasing undertaking fishing trips. The number of permits issued has declined in Recreational arrangements recent years. Logbook data suggests that A RFL is required to take sea urchins (exemptions remaining permit holders fish on average 116 days apply). A daily catch limit of 20 urchins applies to per year in PPB and 135 days per year around recreational fishers. Urchins must be landed Mallacoota. whole, and the removal of roe or soft tissues prior to landing is prohibited. Catch rates Due to the nature of the fishery (similar in nature Allocation between sectors to the abalone fishery), CPUE is not recorded as it There is no formal allocation between the fishing does not provide a robust indicator of biomass. sectors. Total catch of non-target byproduct and bycatch Fishery accreditation species The management arrangements are accredited There is no significant bycatch or any byproduct under the Commonwealth Environment Protection species retained. and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999. The DEWHA assessed the fishery and declared the Spatial issues fishery as an approved WTO under section 303FN Sea urchins are known to aggregate on certain reef complexes and there is a potential risk of serial of the EPBC Act in December 2005 until December 2008. depletion of sea urchins in areas subject to repetitive fishing pressure. 3.8.2. Catch data This risk is managed by DPI by using input Total catch of target species controls such as: As no estimate of the recreational catch is available • the total catch is unknown. Low commercial fishing effort through limited permit entry policy Commercial catch of target species • Conservative catch reference points The total commercial catch (live weight) in 2006/07 • Hand collection only was 44 tonnes (see Table 16 and Table 17). The live • weight is determined using an established No fishing in fisheries reserves and marine conversion factor. protected areas. Incidental commercial catch DPI monitors commercial fishing through a system There was no reported catch of sea urchins in any where fishers must provide prior notification of other Victorian commercial fisheries. Such catch is their intent to fish before undertaking their trips. considered negligible.
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Table 16. Sea urchin harvest from eastern Victoria (live weight, tonnes) Species 00/01 01/02 02/03 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07 Black sea urchin 21 22 37 20 25 13 19 White sea urchin 12 7 8 9 12 7 12 Total 33 t 29 t 45 t 29 t 37 t 20 t 31 t
Table 17. Sea urchin harvest from Port Phillip Bay (live weight, tonnes) Species 00/01 01/02 02/03 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07 Black sea urchin 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 White sea urchin 16 19 12 31 18 18 13 Total 16 t 19 t 12 t 31 t 18 t 18 t 13 t
3.8.3. Fisheries Management Fisheries compliance Recent management changes There is no formal compliance strategy for the sea There have been no substantive changes to urchin fishery. management arrangements in the last 12 months. Routine Inspections Minor amendments were made in early 2007 to Fisheries Officers inspect around 30,000 catch and effort reporting and pre-fishing recreational anglers each year in Victoria, (a small notification reports. number of these contacts include inspections of recreational divers involved in fishing for sea Consultation processes urchins). Management arrangements are reviewed annually in consultation with industry. Compliance activities in the commercial are undertaken in an opportunistic manner and on a Given the developmental nature of the fishery and needs basis as determined by surveillance the small number of participants, consultation activities and other gathered intelligence. This is with the urchin industry occurs via informal supplemented by the commercial fishing activity structures. In general terms, consultation on reports that are made by permit holders. significant management issues for the urchin fishery will be through meetings with permit Targeted Operations holders for PPB and representatives from the The risk assessment process and intelligence EVSUDA. network has indicated that this fishery is currently of low compliance risk, and as such, no relevant Performance of the fishery operations were conducted during the reporting Blount and Worthington (2003) suggest that period. The DPI will continue to monitor the annual catch of up to 5% of the unexploited situation and may conduct further targeted biomass of H. erythrogramma and C. rodgersii is compliance activities to validate this assessment. sustainable. In PPB, the total biomass of white urchin was estimated as 9,100 tonnes. In eastern Cross-jurisdictional management arrangements Victoria, the total biomass of the black urchin was Commercial sea urchin fisheries exist in New estimated as 3,300 tonnes compared to 1,500 South Wales and Tasmania, but there is no need tonnes for the white urchin (Blount & Worthington for formal cross-jurisdictional management 2003). arrangements. A reference point of 5% of the unexploited biomass Management review processes for the sea urchin fishery is in place. Catches Commercial catch is monitored through catch remain within the target range. Commercial returns recorded in commercial log books. catches are monitored annually by DPI to ensure Under the management strategy for this fishery, a the fishery is managed consistent with ESD noticeable increase or decrease in total catch across principles. the fishery will trigger a review of the management measures in consultation with the
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fishing industry. This has not been required to date 3.8.6. Protected species given the current level of catch (and effort) in Interactions with protected species relation to the trigger points. There are no recorded interactions with protected Domestic and international agreements aquatic biota. It is a Commonwealth Government requirement Interaction reduction strategies that all interactions with protected species are Due to the selective harvesting methods used in reported in any fishery that has export this dive fishery, no specific risks have been accreditation under the EPBC Act. identified that require a management response. 3.8.4. Research and Monitoring It is a Commonwealth Government requirement Research completed that all interactions with protected species are Previous studies have collected information on reported in fisheries accredited under the EPBC Act. density, biomass and roe quality of sea urchins in The DPI developed a Protected Species Action PPB and eastern Victoria (Worthington & Blount, Plan (November 2007) for monitoring and 2003). Information collected included an estimate reporting interactions with protected species that of species density based on surveying fixed sites in was introduced in 2008. Under the plan, fishers each region and combining this with existing are required to report any interactions with information to derive biomass estimates for each protected species on daily catch logs, and these species. reports are used by DPI to provide regular Monitoring programs summaries to DEWHA. Commercial fishers record catches in logbook Permit holders have been provided with a copy of provided by DPI and submit these forms on a the Actions Plan and a Protected Species monthly basis. Identification Guide. Sea urchin stocks are also monitored as part of the abalone stock assessments, where divers note the 3.8.7. Ecosystem effects including the prevalence of sea urchins and other key organisms. effects of fishing Ecological risk assessments Collaborative research A risk assessment was conducted in 2007 (DPI, No collaborative research projects or programs are unpublished). Risks assessed as moderate or high currently in place. are considered to require a management response. Future research and monitoring The following two threats were identified: There are no planned research projects or • Effect on the eastern sea urchin population programs currently proposed for this fishery, but from serial depletion further survey work will be considered as part of • Effect on Port Phillip Bay sea urchin the review of management arrangements proposed population from serial depletion. to be conducted by DPI. Under current management arrangements and 3.8.5. Status of target stock harvest levels it is believed these the level of Stock assessments residual risk has been reduced to appropriate Incidental data on sea urchin abundance is levels. collected at specific sites as part of the annual fishery independent surveys for Victorian abalone Fishery impacts on the ecosystem communities. This information is considered by The selective harvesting practices used in the DPI scientists as part of the annual review of fishery have minimal impacts on substrate and abalone stocks and reef ecosystems. associated biota. Resource issues Ecological impact reduction strategies No current resource issues have been identified. The DPI is working to ensure harvest levels are The catch of sea urchins is estimated between 1 to maintained at safe levels, and do not exceed 5% of the unexploited biomass and this falls within trigger points. The Eastern Zone Abalone Industry the sustainable harvest level. Association is currently proposing research be conducted to investigate reef habitats dominated Stock recovery strategies by sea urchins in recognition of their potential to Not applicable. substantially modify the algal community such that it no longer provides suitable habitat for abalone
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This proposal is supported by DPI due to the Fishery governance benefits it may provide to managing the abalone Target catch/effort range and sea urchin fisheries consistent with ecosystem The fishery is classified as a developmental fishery based fisheries management principles. and only limited historical catch data is available. External (non-fishing) impacts on the ecosystem A harvest strategy has been implemented to and critical fish habitats restrict annual catch to fewer than 5% of the None identified. unexploited biomass. Trigger points are also in place to maintain the sustainability of the resource. 3.8.8. Social and economic values of Catch and effort is regulated through limiting the fishing and fishery governance issues number of commercial permits issued and through Social benefits a voluntary minimum size limit in the eastern Only limited social data is available for this zone. A bag limit is also in place in the recreational developing fishery. fishery. Commercial The DPI has concerns over some of the data gaps Eleven general fishing permits exist in the fishery. in the fishery and as a precaution, is not currently Usually one permit holder would own and operate accepting any new commercial permit applications a boat with assistance from one deck hand. The until a more thorough assessment of the fishery is fishery therefore provides a small amount of direct completed. employment for such commercial operators. New management initiatives Processing can be undertaken on land but the Electronic catch reporting for commercial permit majority of processing is done by fishers on board holders is proposed to be trialled in 2010. their vessels (at sea). The DPI is proposing to review the management Recreational arrangements within the next 2 years. The review Sea urchin roe is considered to be a delicacy in will focus on future research, spatial management, some Asian and Polynesian communities and may compliance and governance aspects of the fishery, have cultural significance. including cost recovery. Economic benefits In assessing the management arrangements, DPI No formal economic monitoring is undertaken for will also be seeking to strengthen management this fishery and only limited economic data is arrangements associated with identified risks available. including: The gross value of commercial production in • Processing product at sea 2005/06 was $1.05 million and $0.91 million in • Increasing confidence in how the sea urchin 2006/07. catch is calculated. The fishery provides a supplementary source of References income for some abalone divers in the East Henry, G.W. and Lyle, J.M. Eds. (2003) The Gippsland region. National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Survey. FRDC Project No. 99/158. NSW Fisheries Final Report Series No. 48. NSW Fisheries, Cronulla, NSW. Worthington, D and Blunt, C. (2003) Research to develop and manage the sea urchin fisheries of NSW and eastern Victoria. NSW Fisheries Final Report Series No. 56. FRDC Project No. 1999/128.
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Table 18. Progress in implementing sea urchin fishery assessment recommendations
Recommendation Progress as of 30 June 2008
1. Fisheries Victoria to advise DEWHA of any Ongoing material change to the Victorian sea urchin No changes to the management arrangements requiring Fishery’s management arrangements that could notification to date. effect the criteria on which EPBC decisions are based, within 3 months of that change being made.
2. Within 18 months Fisheries Victoria to develop a Ongoing fishery specific objective linked to performance No specific performance measure for the ecosystem exists and indicators and performance measures for impacts measures have focused on the target species to date. on the ecosystem. In Port Phillip Bay, the total biomass of white urchin was estimated as 9,100 tonnes. In eastern Victoria, the total biomass of the black urchin was estimated as 3,300 tonnes compared to 1,500 tonnes for the white urchin, (Blount & Worthington 2003). The findings from Blount and Worthington (2003) suggest that annual catches of 1 to 5% of the unexploited biomass of white and black urchin should be sustainable. Fisheries Victoria and industry has considered these findings and has decided to implement a 5% reference point for both black and white urchins. Please also see material under “Performance of the fishery”
3. Fisheries Victoria to monitor the status of the Ongoing target species and ecosystem of the fishery in Any noticeable increase or decrease in total catch across the fishery relation to the reference points. Within three triggers an informal review of management measures in months of becoming aware of a reference point consultation with industry. This has not been required to date. being triggered Fisheries Victoria to finalise a clear timetable for the implementation of appropriate management responses. Under sections 67 and 152 of the Fisheries Act 1995, Victorian fisheries can be closed quickly on a spatial, temporal or gear – specific basis by ‘Fisheries Notice.’
4. Fisheries Victoria to develop and implement a In progress and ongoing robust system to validate commercial logbook Routine inspections of logbooks completed by permit holders are reporting of catch and effort in the fishery within 2 conducted by DPI to validate the quality of data. years. Fisheries Victoria is also in the process of building a new catch and effort recording system for commercial licence and permit holders. A component of the new system will provide for permit holders to enter their catch data into a secure database accessed through the internet. In time, it is envisaged that entering personal catch data directly into the new on-line system will replace the requirement to send in returns from the Departmental logbook each month to Fisheries Victoria.
5. Fisheries Victoria to continue to develop and In progress implement research strategies to address key gaps As a part of the review of the fishery, DPI will conduct a risk in the knowledge of sea urchin biology and assessment for the fishery; which will amongst other things, ecological community. Should new information include current knowledge gaps and research priorities. lead to the realisation that current take is unsustainable, or is having harmful effects on the target species or on the wider ecological Please see section 4 under monitoring programs. community, Fisheries Victoria should implement strategies to address these issues.
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Recommendation Progress as of 30 June 2008
6. Within 18 months, Fisheries Victoria to develop In progress and ongoing a process to improve estimates of recreational and Recreational and indigenous fishing trends are being monitored Indigenous take and factor these into management through routine field staff observations/inspections. This process is arrangements. based largely in the Port Phillip Bay region as anecdotal reports indicate that the indigenous or recreational take of urchins in East Gippsland is negligible or nil.
7. Within 2 years Fisheries Victoria to develop and Complete implement finer scale data collection and reporting Finer scale data collection and reporting systems have been and management measures to mitigate the risk of implemented in commercial logbooks. The need for finer scale localised and serial depletion of sea urchins in the spatial management has been mitigated by highly conservative fishery. trigger reference points and current catch levels. The proposed online catch reporting system has potential to provide more real time catch monitoring for the industry and managers. This provides a possible tool to encourage the more planned distribution of fishing effort by commercial divers should this be required in future.
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Inland fisheries
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3.9 Eel Fishery
Status – Fully Exploited Management arrangements employed in the fishery 3.9.1 Description of the fishery The management arrangements for the fishery are Target species outlined in the Fisheries Regulations and the Eel Target species are shortfinned eel (Anguilla Fishery Management Plan (DPI 2002). australis) and longfinned eel (A. reinhardtii). No legal minimum lengths or closed seasons are Prohibited species applied to eel fishing in Victoria. See Section 2.1.8 on ‘protected aquatic biota’. Commercial arrangements Commercial eel fishers are only permitted to take Commercial arrangements vary within the fishery. shortfinned and longfinned eels, as well as carp, tench and roach. All other species must be Management arrangements cover the wild harvest; stock enhanced waters and intensive aquaculture returned to the water. sectors. Fishing area(s) The fishery focuses on harvesting eel stocks in Wild harvest fishery There are no individual catch quotas or a total Victorian coastal river basins south of the Great Dividing Range. Shortfinned eels are found across allowable catch for the wild harvest fishery. The the state, but longfinned eels are only found in life history of eels make it impossible to conduct traditional stock assessments and set a TACC for eastern Victoria. the fishery. Fishing methods Commercial The fishery is managed solely by input controls. An Eel Fishery Access Licence (EFAL) is required Commercial fishers are only permitted to use fyke nets to take eels. to take eels for sale or to use commercial eel fishing equipment in coastal rivers and streams. The Recreational maximum number of EFALs is capped at 18. The Recreational fishers can take eels by angling with a number, dimensions and mesh sizes of fyke nets rod and reel, or hand lines. that can be used by commercial fishers is also restricted. Indigenous/customary Traditional owners (aboriginal communities) are known to have harvested and utilised eel resources in western Victoria since before colonial settlement. Aboriginal people continue to take eels for personal and customary uses in Victoria.
Historically, Traditional Owners are known to have constructed a sophisticated series of channels and networks across waterways in western Victoria using earthen embankments and stone weirs to guide migrating eels into fish traps. Spears are also used by Traditional Owners to harvest eels.
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The key strategy to ensure sustainability in the wild under permit using modified (fine mesh) fyke Victorian eel fishery is to limit the number of nets. These glass eels are transferred to waters that are open to commercial fishing. Only aquaculture facilities where they are grown in about half of the coastal rivers and streams across tanks to market size. Victoria are open to commercial eel fishing. A Both species of eels can be grown in intensive number of waters were closed because of concerns aquaculture facilities. about bycatch of aquatic mammals–particularly platypus–and water birds, and because of potential Recreational arrangements conflict with recreational fishers. The majority of Unless exempt (see section 2.1.6), recreational rivers and streams open to eel fishing are only fishers require a RFL to take eels in Victorian open in the lower and estuarine reaches. waters. There is a daily bag/possession limit of 10 eels (all species). To reduce fishing pressure, individual waterways are generally allocated to a singe EFAL, but some Customary arrangements larger waters are shared by more than one licence. The DPI can issue permits to aboriginal Some fishers also have limited access to wildlife communities for cultural and ceremonial purposes, reserves and lakes and swamps on Crown land to facilitate customary fishing practises undertaken under a permit system. outside the recreational fishing regulatory framework. Stock enhanced fishery Stock enhancement involves stocking selected Allocation between sectors lakes and impoundments in western Victoria with There is no formal allocation between the fishing elvers and small eel (snigs) for on-growing and sectors. recapture. Historically, a significant component of commercial eel production in Victoria came from Fishery accreditation this method of fishing, but the prolonged drought The management arrangements for the eel fishery are accredited under the Commonwealth EPBC in western Victoria has severely impacted on this form of fishing. Act and the fishery has been granted an exemption from the export control provisions for a period of 5 Translocation of eels for stock enhancement years from May 2004. purposes is conducted under an approved protocol for the eel fishery (McKinnon 2006) in 3.9.2 Catch data accordance with the Guidelines for Assessing Total catch of target species Translocations of Live Aquatic Organisms in As no reliable estimate of the recreational catch Victoria (DPI 2003). (including customary catch) of eels is available, the total catch is unknown. Only shortfinned eels are translocated for stock enhancement, and any stocking must be Commercial catch of target species authorised under an Aquaculture (Crown Land – The total wild catch of eels in 2006/07 was 70.1 Eels) Licence (CLE). No additional food is added to tonnes, comprising 49 tonnes of shortfinned eels the water, with the small eels feeding on natural and 21.1 tonnes of longfinned eels. foods found in selected lakes. The DPI’s confidentiality policy for catch and Twelve CLEs have been issued to people or effort data prevents public disclosure of data that companies who also hold an EFAL. Most CLEs are relates to less than five licence holders. The currently held in abeyance due to the continuing production of eels from either stock enhanced drought. waters or intensive aquaculture cannot be reported. Intensive Aquaculture A small number of Aquaculture (Private Land – Incidental commercial catch Eels) Licences have been issued for eel aquaculture There was no reported catch of eels in any other in intensive recirculating systems. Victorian commercial fisheries during 2006/07. At present the life cycle for eels has not been Recreational catch closed for production in aquaculture. Juvenile Unknown in 2006/07 stock for intensive aquaculture operations is There is no reliable estimate available. harvested from the wild and on-grown. In Victoria EFAL holders take “glass eels” from the
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Catch trend Decreasing The results of the bycatch risk assessment showed This is attributed to low stock levels due to the that the fishery has a low ecological impact on all effects of extended drought in Victoria. forms of bycatch typically encountered in the fishery. Effort trend Decreasing 3.9.3 Fisheries Management There are no current effort figures reported for the Recent Management Changes fishery but anecdotal reports suggest effort is There have been no changes to the policies and decreasing due to the effects of extended drought. strategies contained in the 2002 management plan. A number of changes have been made to the Catch rates licensing arrangements for the fishery over the Unknown past 12 months including: Total catch of non-target byproduct and bycatch • Specific waters that are allocated to an EFAL species may be transferred between licences. This A total of 54 bycatch species were recorded during allows holders with multiple licences to a three-year bycatch monitoring program rearrange their allocated waters to optimise conducted by DPI (DPI in prep). In general, efficiency. bycatch mortality rates were very low, with most • bycatch being released alive. CLE holders may apply for permits to retain carp, tench and roach that are taken during eel The program involved independent monitoring of harvesting operations. This brings CLEs into commercial eel catches in the field and over 1300 line with EFALs net days were monitored across a range of fishing • locations. Some lower reaches of streams that feed CLE waters have been added to the licence. These Bycatch varies considerably across different areas had previously been fished under permit. waterways around the State. The most common bycatch species were: Consultation processes Most active licence holders belong to the Victorian • common galaxiid Eel Fishermen’s Association (VEFA), which is • yellow eye mullet affiliated with the commercial peak body (SIV). • gudgeon spp The VEFA normally meet quarterly and DPI staff • Australian smelt regularly attend the meetings to discuss issues. • redfin.
Pygmy perch were a recorded bycatch species of potential conservation significance, but were only encountered in very small numbers at two sites in Victoria.
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Performance of the fishery coast where they metamorphose into glass eels and Production from the eel fishery is highly variable swim into coastal bays and estuaries. and depends on many factors including The respective distribution of both eel species is environmental conditions, habitat and fishing extensive and there is considerable overlap. pressure. Shortfinned eels are distributed from subtropical Traditional stock assessment techniques are not Queensland to western Victoria, Tasmania and applicable for eel fisheries. There are no biomass New Zealand. Longfinned eels are found from far estimates for the State or for any individual water north Queensland to eastern Victoria and in small basins. numbers in New Zealand. The management plan proposed that a trigger Despite their widespread distribution, eels spend point be set at a 20% reduction in the mean catch most of their life in freshwater sections of coastal for the preceding three years. If the trigger was river basins, so each State and New Zealand reached, a formal review of the fishery would be manages their eel fisheries separately. triggered. No cross jurisdictional management or compliance Between 1979 and 2002 commercial eel catch has issues have been identified. varied between 125 and 450 tonnes, but the catch Management review processes is now 70 tonnes. Although the specified trigger The Eel Fishery Management Plan (DPI 2002) is was reached several years ago, there has been no due to be reviewed. This review process, and the formal review of the fishery. It is agreed by both preparation of a new management plan, will be industry and government that the primary reason conducted in consultation with stakeholder for this decline is the prolonged drought in groups. Victoria, particularly in western Victoria. The Minister has the ability to amend a Fisheries compliance management plan at any time if required, but this There is no formal compliance strategy for the eel has not been necessary. fishery and data on inspection and compliance rates for the fishery have not been analysed. Threat abatement and recovery plans Not required Routine Inspections Almost all routine inspections relating to the eel Domestic and international agreements fishery are conducted on the commercial sector. It is a Commonwealth Government requirement Operators report waters being worked and that all interactions with protected species are inspections are conducted at random. Recreational reported in any fishery that has export fishers are inspected opportunistically, but very accreditation under the EPBC Act. DPI has few of the 30,000 recreational anglers inspected developed a Protected Species Action Plan each year in Victoria would be involved in (November 2007) for monitoring and reporting targeted eel fishing. interactions with protected species. Targeted Operations 3.9.4 Research and Monitoring The intelligence network has indicated that this Research completed fishery is currently of low compliance risk, and as None currently being conducted. such, no relevant operations were conducted during the reporting period. DPI will continue to Monitoring programs monitor the situation and may conduct further Catch and effort in the wild fishery is monitored targeted compliance activities to validate this using daily catch logs completed by all EFAL assessment. holders. Cross-jurisdictional management Catch and effort data for the stock enhanced There are commercial eel fisheries in Queensland, fishery is also provided in daily catch logs by CLE NSW, Victoria, Tasmania and New Zealand. holders. It is thought that there is a single genetic stock for Production from intensive aquaculture facilities is each species. Spawning of both species is thought reported bi-annually through the aquaculture to occur in marine waters in the vicinity of the production form. Coral Sea, but no precise spawning location has Collaborative research been identified for either species. Larvae are None transported southwards along the east Australian
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Future research and monitoring The DPI and the commercial eel fishers have held No research projects for the eel fishery are discussions to determine ways to assist the fishery currently planned. to recover when the drought breaks. This could include stockings elvers and small eels into Commercial fishers have applied to the FRDC for Victorian waterways, possibly using eel stocks funding to investigate improved bycatch reduction from other States. Any such proposal will require devices in fyke nets. further consideration and assessment under the Victoria is planning to participate in broad guidelines for assessing translocations of live regional climate change studies that will be aquatic organisms in Victoria (DPI 2003) before relevant to the eel fishery proceeding. 3.9.5 Status of target stock 3.9.6 Protected species Stock assessments Interactions with protected species Traditional fishery stock assessment techniques are During the three year bycatch monitoring program not applicable for eel fisheries due to the discrete (DPI in prep), pygmy perch were the only aquatic nature of eel populations and lack of data on the species of potential conservation significance reproductive biology of the species. recorded. A total of three mortalities were recorded across two locations. There is no evidence of stock structure within eel populations and it is assumed that eel populations Five bycatch species of protected fauna were also consist of a single genetic stock for each species. recorded; Australasian grebe, coot, cormorant, Fishery independent monitoring of glass eels in water rat and eastern snake-neck tortoise. The south eastern Australia (Gooley et al 1999) found mortality rates for protected species associated that recruitment of glass eels is not significantly with commercial eel fishing in Victoria are different between rivers which are commercially presented in Table 19. fished and those which are not. Interaction reduction strategies The sustainability of the eel harvesting is Bycatch reduction devices (BRDs) are commonly dependent on allowing the escape of a sufficient used in commercial fyke nets and include the numbers of spawning eels from coastal rivers to addition of escape tubes (a short piece of 40 mm marine waters to allow migration to the spawning diameter PVC tubing sewn into the mesh of the grounds. The key strategy to ensure sustainability fyke net near the cod end, to allow small eels and in the Victorian eel fishery is to limit the number of fish to escape. Plastic grids can also be added to waters that are open to commercial fishing. The the entry funnel of the net to prevent the entry of management arrangements in the fishery have aquatic fauna and larger fish. closed about half of Victoria major coastal rivers to Although commonly used by commercial fishers, eel fishing. A significant number of catchments BRDs are not compulsory in all waters. Permit are not fished at all. Escapement from fished conditions for commercial fishing conducted in waters, when combined with escapement from wildlife reserves usually include a requirement to stocks in closed waters, is considered sufficient. include BRDs. Resource issues A draft Code of Conduct for the management of Eel populations vary significantly due to a range of bycatch in the eel fishery has been prepared environmental and habitat factors. (McKinnon 2007). Eel populations have declined dramatically over the past decade, which is reflected in the lower 3.9.7 Ecosystem effects including the commercial production. This is primarily effects of fishing attributed to the prolonged drought in south Ecological risk assessments eastern Australia which has reduced suitable There has not been a full ecological risk assessment aquatic habitats available to eel species. The conducted for the Victorian Eel Fishery. This is decline is not considered to be due to fishing. primarily because there has been very little fishing conducted in recent years. Stock recovery strategies Stock recovery in the Victorian eel fishery will not Fishery impacts on the ecosystem occur until the drought breaks. Even following the Not assessed. end of the drought, DPI expects that it will be Ecological impact reduction strategies many years before some lakes and swamps return No formal strategies in place. to normal production.
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External (non fishing) impacts on the ecosystem and impact on life and breeding cycles. In and critical fish habitats addition, drought and associated reduced flows External (non fishing) influences are thought to have significantly reduced available habitat and play a large role on critical fish habitats for eels. the quality of some remaining aquatic habitats. Issues such as the regulation of water flows and The presence of introduced (noxious) pest species the construction of barriers (ie dams and weirs) such as European carp can also affect the fishery as can limit the passage of fish up and down streams these species can compete for food and habitat.
Table 19. Mortality of protected species associated with commercial eel fishing in Victoria Water Protect Species No.dead Mortality rate (net days per mortality)
Merri River Pygmy perch 2 60.0
Lake Purrumbete Pygmy perch 1 124.0
Lake Wellington Water rat 4 42.5
Lake Wellington Tortoise 3 56.7
Lake King Tortoise 2 11.0
Lake Colac Cormorant 1 43.0
Foster (dam) Cormorant 1 65.0
Foster (dam) Australian grebe 1 65.0
Lake Purrumbete Australian grebe 1 124.0 Lake Wellington Coot 1 170.0
3.9.8 Social and economic values of New management initiatives fishing and fishery governance issues A review of the policies and strategies will Economic and Social benefits commence in 2008/09 with a review of the Eel Only limited economic and social data is available Fishery Management Plan. for the eel fishery. There is no formal monitoring References of economic or financial indicators in the fishery. DPI (2003) Guidelines for assessing translocations During good seasons in the past the fishery of live aquatic organisms in Victoria. provided employment for up to 70 people in the DPI (in prep) Monitoring of Bycatch in the catching and processing sector, which can provide Victorian Eel Fishery. Fisheries Victoria significant economic benefit for regional Management Report Series. communities. Most of the catch has historically been exported to Europe, providing export income DPI (2002). Victorian eel fishery management plan. for the State. Compiled by the Eel Fishery Management Plan Steering Committee. DPI, Melbourne. Due to the decline in eel stocks, there are very few people currently employed full time in the fishery. McKinnon, L.J. (2006) Victorian Protocol for the Translocation of Eels. Fisheries Victoria Fishery governance Management Report Series No 27. Melbourne. Target catch/effort range McKinnon, L.J. (2007) Draft Code of Conduct for Fishery catch and effort in the commercial fishery the management of Bycatch in the Victorian Eel is controlled in the main by limiting entry and Fishery. Fisheries Victoria Management Report limited waters open to fishing. Series. Participation in the recreational fishing sector is not limited (other than by requirement for non- exempt persons to have a valid Recreational Fishing Licence) but a bag limits apply.
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Table 20. Progress in implementing eel fishery assessment recommendations
Recommendation Progress
1. DPI to inform the Australian Government Ongoing Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage No changes to the plan requiring notification to date. and the Arts- DEWHA) of any future amendments to the Eel Fishery Management Plan or managerial commitments made in the submission.
2. DPI to investigate the feasibility and need for This matter was considered by the Australian and New Zealand Eel research to test the panmixia assumption in Reference Group in December 2005 Anguilla australis. Should the Australian study on The longfinned eel study at Southern Cross University had some A. reinhardtii determine that eel stocks harvested preliminary results, but was not continued. There was some in the fishery are not panmictic, DPI to develop evidence of possible stock structure, but only on a broad regional and implement management measures to ensure scale, (not at a State level) and certainly not at catchment level. that catchment fidelity is adequately taken into account and that objectives can still be achieved. The group concluded that the results of the longfinned study do not justify a similar shortfinned study. Victoria will consider this matter again if further eel studies are conducted.
3. DPI to collect information on the recreational Not completed and indigenous harvest of eels to ensure that all The DPI does not consider that traditional stock assessment removals of eels are accounted for in the overall modelling where all fisheries removals are accounted for to be management of the fishery. appropriate for the eel fishery due to the discrete nature of eel populations in individual non-connected catchments and because eels are understood to form a single spawning stock in Marine waters. Information on recreational catch is obtained through general recreational fishing surveys, but no specific information is currently being collected on Indigenous or recreational catch of eels. Based on information from general recreational fishing surveys, DPI considers that Indigenous and recreational catch of eels is not significant.
4. To control the level of harvest and the potential Not completed impacts on bycatch species and the ecosystem in There was virtually no commercial glass eel fishing during the the glass eel sector, DPI to develop and implement three year by-catch study because of the impact of drought and within the life of the Victorian Eel Fishery researchers were unable to collect independent bycatch data to be Management Plan (by July 2007) a precautionary used in a risk assessment. management strategy for this sector. The strategy is to be reviewable and include performance As the drought has continued during this period, there is currently measures linked to defined management triggers no glass eel fishing and the commitments with respect to the glass and responses. It should also include mechanisms eel component of the fishery cannot be met. to enable ongoing monitoring of the fishery and take into account the impact of environmental conditions on the fishery.
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Recommendation Progress
5. DPI to develop and implement a strategy to In-progress monitor and minimize the impact on bycatch and See comments in recommendation 4 (above) regarding recent lack protected species of the glass eel sector of the of glass eel fishing. fishery. DPI to develop a robust system for validating bycatch data in the adult and glass eel The DPI introduced a Protected Species Action Plan for marine sectors of the fishery. DPI to also develop and fisheries (November 2007). The reporting form included in catch implement an education program to complement and effort log books allows fishers to report any protected species the recent introduction of bycatch reporting interactions. It is planned that this form will be modified for use in requirements on logbooks in an effort to enhance the eel fishery, and DPI will provide DEWHA with regular data reliability. summaries of reported interactions once this system is implemented.
6. In the process of conducting a risk assessment of On-going the adult eel fishery, DPI to investigate the A bycatch risk assessment for the fishery has been conducted. (DPI potential impact of fyke nets on air-breathing 2007) No medium or high risks to air-breathing bycatch were bycatch. Where the likelihood of capture is medium identified. or high risk, DPI to require all fishers operating in those waters to create an opportunity for air The DPI is scheduled to conduct a risk assessment for the eel breathing animals to breathe/escape. fishery in the last half of 2008.
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3.10 Murray Cod Fishery
Status – Environmentally Limited Fishery management The Victorian Murray cod recreational fishery is 3.10.1. Description of the fishery supported by an annual stocking of Murray cod Target species fry and fingerlings into rivers and impoundments Murray Cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii) throughout Victoria. Prohibited species Commercial fishery management See Section 2.1.8 on ‘protected aquatic biota’. Commercial fishing for Murray cod is not permitted in Victoria. Relevant no take species include: • Trout cod (Maccullochella macquariensis) Recreational fishery management • Macquarie perch (Macquaria australasica) – in Unless exempt (see section 2.1.6), a RFL is required all Victorian waters except Lake Dartmouth to fish for and take Murray cod. The minimum the Yarra River and the Upper Coliban legal size is 50 cm and a bag/possession limit of 2 Reservoir and their tributaries fish (of which no more than one fish may be equal • Australian grayling (Prototroctes maraena). to or exceed 75 cm in length). The bag and size limit regulations for Murray cod are currently Fishing area(s) under review. Fishing for Murray cod occurs in inland waters north of the Great Dividing Range and in a small Anglers are permitted to fish using up to two lines, section of the Yarra River. Fishing for this species with a maximum of two hooks attached is done in impoundments such as Lake Eildon, (regulations also under review). A closed season Lake Hume and Cairn Curran Reservoir, and applies to all inland waters, effective 1 September riverine systems including the Goulburn, Ovens, to 30 November inclusive, during which time Yarra, Lindsay and Loddon Rivers. recreational take of Murray cod is not permitted. Victorian anglers spend significant periods of time Allocation between sectors fishing for Murray cod on the Murray River, which The fishery is considered fully recreational. No lies on the border between NSW and Victoria. It is commercial take is permitted. important to note that fishing conducted on the Fishery accreditation Murray River (with the exception of fishing on Not applicable. Lake Hume) comes under the jurisdiction of NSW. The Murray River (with the exception of Lake 3.10.2. Catch data Hume) is not considered in this report. Stocking of target species Stocking regimes are revised annually. A number Fishing methods of factors are considered in planning stocking Murray cod is one of Australia’s premier including cost, angler demand, expected returns freshwater angling species. Recreational methods and environmental suitability. vary but the majority of cod fishing is done using reel and line or hand reels. Baits including bardi The suitability of waters to receive Murray cod is grubs, freshwater yabbies and garden worms have determined using a number of criteria. These been known to produce results, and Murray cod include: will also take a variety of lures. Some fishing • Is the waterway in the natural range of the equipment is prohibited in inland waters (such as species? spear guns and mesh nets) and cannot be used to • Will the catchment manager provide authority take Murray cod. to stock fish?
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• Are translocation protocols and approvals in • Production of Murray cod fry at the Snobs place? Creek fish production facility was below • Will there be a clear public benefit in stocking average the water? • Stocks in the commercial aquaculture sector were also low and the Department was unable The stocking results for 2006/07 are provided in to source other stock at a cost effective price to Table 21. make up the shortfall in numbers. Table 21. The number of Murray cod stocked by location during 2006/07 Total catch of target species See recreational catch (below). Location Expected Actual stocking stocking Recreational catch Avoca River 10000 - Unknown for 2006/07, but estimated to be in excess of 27 tonnes. Buffalo Lake 1000 - The last state-wide estimate of recreational catch of Cairn Curran Res. 10000 - Murray cod in Victoria was measured as part of Campaspe River 20000 5200 the National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Survey (Henry and Lyle 2003). The study Charm Lake 500 5000 estimated that a total of approximately 36,000 Murray cod were caught by Victorian anglers Cudgewa Creek 5000 5000 (with approximately 67% of captured fish being Cullulleraine Lake 10000 - released). The estimated weight of fish retained by anglers was 27 tonnes (Park et al 2005) although it Eildon Lake 50000 7700 is not known what percentage of these fish were Expedition Pass Res. - - captured by Victorian anglers fishing within the NSW jurisdiction. Goulburn River 50000 32000 Preliminary results from recreational fishing creel Greens Lake 1000 - surveys conducted by DPI on reaches of the Gunbower Creek 20000 20000 Goulburn, Ovens and Murray rivers (DPI unpublished data) have estimated an annual Harrietville Dredge Hole 200 - recreational catch in excess of 80,000 Murray cod Kangaroo Lake 1000 10995 during the 2006-07 fishing season, with the majority of fish released alive to the water (harvest Little Murray River 10000 10000 rate estimates varied between 10-13%). The Loddon River 20000 800 majority of this catch was attributed to the Murray River (Yarrawonga to Torrumbarry), which is Mitta Mitta River 10000 10000 within the NSW jurisdiction. Mollison Creek 1000 - Catch trend Pyramid Creek 10000 10000 No reliable estimate is available.
Reedy Lake 500 5000 Effort trend No reliable estimate is available. Waranga Res. 20000 - Catch rates TOTAL 250,200 121,695 No reliable estimate is available. Total catch of non-target byproduct and bycatch species A combination of factors contributed to the lower- Recreational fishers targeting Murray cod often than-average Murray cod stocking figures from make incidental catches of other fish species (such 2006/07. as trout cod, golden perch, redfin perch and • The number of waters bodies available for European carp). The recreational catch of other stocking were reduced by unfavourable (non Murray cod) species is also controlled under environmental conditions (primarily drought) Victoria’s recreational fishing regulations. • Unfavourable environmental conditions Spatial issues affecting other water bodies resulted in a Murray cod occur over the entire Murray Darling reduction of the number of fish stocked Basin (MDB). There are anecdotal reports of
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localised increases and decreases in populations. convicted of illegal commercial take, including Fish have also been translocated (introduced) into potential jail terms. other waterways and a population has been Routine Inspections established in the Yarra River. Inland rivers, streams and fishing impoundments Stocking is believed to play a role in assisting the are subject to regular routine patrols. Fisheries localised recovery of fish stocks, but such impacts Officers inspect around 30,000 recreational anglers have not been quantified. Other positive and each year in Victoria, and a number of contacts negative influences such as environmental flows, made in inland waters include inspections of drought, the presence of noxious species and the recreational fishers targeting native fish species, removal and restoration of fish habitat can also including Murray cod. impact on localised populations. Targeted Operations 3.10.3. Fisheries Management The DPI has devoted significant resources into Recent management changes investigation and surveillance of illegal fishing The DPI is currently reviewing the regulations for activity in northern Victoria (with a primary focus recreational catch of Murray cod. Under the new on Murray cod). Tactical patrols and targeted regulations it is proposed that the minimum legal operations that detect illegal fishing often result in size for Murray cod will be increased to 60 cm, and vessel and vehicle seizures, as well as forfeiture of a maximum size limit will be applied so that no fishing gear and associated equipment. Substantial fish may be retained equal to or in excess of 100 cm penalties have been imposed by courts in some in length. This is consistent with NSW and South instances. Australian legislation and provides increased There was one targeted operation conducted in protection for breeding stocks. 2006/07. The operation named Operation Beecham A paper outlining proposed management was conducted in May 2007, targeting persons outcomes and initiatives that will be used in thought to be involved in the use of commercial determining management arrangements for the fishing equipment to catch Murray cod and golden Murray cod Fishery was also recently released perch in Lake Mokoan. The operation resulted in (DPI 2008). three men and one woman being charged with the use of prohibited equipment and taking undersize Consultation processes fish, exceeding the catch limit and dealing in Consultation meetings (CONS) are held annually property reasonably suspected of being proceeds in February to review stocking programs. of crime. After entering guilty pleas, they were Attendees comprise representatives from Fisheries fined a total of $3,000, and ordered to pay costs of Victoria, the Victorian Recreational Fishing peak nearly $3,000 and compensation totalling more body (VRFish), DSE, Catchment Management than $14,000. The court also placed one defendant Authorities and Water Managers. on a 5 year control order. Further stakeholder consultation on the Operation Ballot was also related to Operation management of Murray cod resources is done on Beecham. It targeted another person involved in an as needs basis using the standard fisheries co- illegal collection of bait species. A man was management framework. apprehended with over 3,000 Bass Yabbies in Performance of the fishery Western Port bay. It is believed he was supplying There are no specific performance criteria to assess bait for the use on long lines to catch Murray cod. in this fishery. He was fined $4,000 and sentenced to 6 months imprisonment. His vessel was forfeited. Fisheries compliance The DPI has detected an increase in the illegal take Cross-jurisdictional management arrangements of native fish in recent years, with some operations Research and fishery management projects are specifically targeting Murray cod. The increased conducted across the Murray-Darling Basin, targeting of native fish has included the use of requiring cooperation between authorities across prohibited commercial fishing equipment, and the relevant states. selling of illegal catch for monetary gain. NSW and South Australia recently changed their To further discourage the illegal commercial take regulations concerning Murray cod. Both states of Murray cod, it is planned to list the species as a will have a minimum legal length of 60 cm. South “Priority Species” under fisheries legislation. This Australia has a maximum size of 100 cm, and NSW will provide greater penalties for persons permits the take of one fish over 100 cm.
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The DPI is participating in a Murray Cod 3.10.4. Research and Monitoring Taskforce preparing the draft Murray cod National Research completed Recovery Plan. The Plan outlines a number of Relevant research projects used in managing the strategies for recovery that aim to result in self- fishery include: sustaining populations of Murray cod managed for • conservation, fishing and culture. Modelling management scenarios for Murray cod populations in the Mullaroo Creek. (Todd Management review processes & Koehn 2007). Recent reviews that are relevant to the • How can recreational angling regulations help management arrangement for the Murray cod meet the multiple objectives for the fishery include: management of Murray cod populations. • an ongoing review of bag and size limits for (Nicol et al 2004) recreational fishing as part of a larger • Genetic technologies for the management of regulation review process being conducted by natural Murray cod populations (DPI 2007) DPI • a Murray cod Management Arrangements Monitoring programs paper (DPI 2008) that includes a series of No formal biological monitoring program for proposed management outcomes. Murray cod is in place. Threat abatement and recovery plans Recreational angler creel surveys were A National Recovery Plan for Murray cod is being implemented in 2007 to determine the levels of prepared by the Murray Cod Taskforce angler harvest within defined regions across the (comprising representatives from the recreational basin (Goulburn, Ovens, Loddon and Murray fishing, indigenous, aquaculture and conservation Rivers). sectors, along with other scientific experts). The Plan is expected to be finalised in 2008/09.
Domestic and international agreements The National Recovery Plan is being drafted (see above).
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Current and planned research and monitoring Stock recovery strategies Research and monitoring projects for this fishery The DPI continues to work with DSE to ensure are jointly funded through DPI, the FRDC and appropriate actions are taken to ensure the Recreational Fishing Grant Program (RFL licence conservation of the species and that measures are revenue). in place to protect Murray cod resources. The planned introduction of 60 cm LML and a Further research projects currently being maximum size limit to assist in protecting the undertaken for this fishery, include: larger breeding fish (100 cm and over) will play an • Investigation of the sustainability of important role in assisting the recovery of Murray recreational fisheries for Murray cod, with DPI cod stocks. to commence in 2007/08 Stocking programs also play an important role in • Additional Murray cod creel surveys to determine the levels of angler harvest within supplementing naturally occurring Murray cod defined regions across the basin targeting populations to improve access for recreational fishers to Murray cod. Loddon River and Murray river (Torrumbarry to the South Australian border) with DPI to Well integrated management based on commence in 2007/08 collaborated information exchange and • Investigation of the survival rates of hooked consolidated decision-making between different and released Murray cod with DPI to stakeholder groups, different jurisdictions and commence in 2007/08. research across the MDB will ultimately generate more effective and efficient fisheries management 3.10.5. Status of target stock strategies for the Murray cod fishery, delivering Stock assessments greater public value. Not commenced. 3.10.6. Protected species Recruitment from existing wild populations is Interactions with protected species unknown. Although largely untested, the stocking Trout cod are regularly caught by recreational of juvenile fish is believed to play a role in anglers as by-catch species when fishing for determining recreational fishing populations of Murray cod in the Ovens and Murray Rivers. Murray cod in Victoria. Trout cod are listed as ‘endangered’ under the Resource issues Commonwealth Environment Protection and Murray cod resources are listed as ‘vulnerable’ Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and ‘threatened’ under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. A Conservation Act 1999, and ‘threatened’ under the person is not permitted to remove (take) protected Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. The aquatic biota (including trout cod) without a DSE Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna permit. in Victoria – 2007 lists Murray cod as A recent DPI creel survey demonstrated that trout “endangered” (DSE 2007). cod are now reasonably abundant in the Murray Given this conservation status, it is by special River between Barmah and Yarrawonga (DPI, order made by the Governor in Council that allows unpublished data). In addition, anecdotal reports for the recreational catch of Murray cod. from recreational fishers suggests that trout cod populations are recovering in some river systems The Murray cod fishery (and the species) faces such as the Ovens and Goulbourn Rivers, challenges that include the potential impacts from presumably due to recent stockings performed by climate change and other environmental and DPI (on behalf of DSE). Further research is habitat changes, increased recreational fishing required to verify the extent of recovery. pressure, illegal harvest and pressure from introduced species. It will be important that future Interaction reduction strategies stocking and management regimes are refined Anglers that unintentionally hook protected appropriately to allow for continued stock species (such as trout cod) are required to return recovery and ongoing recreational fishing them to the water with the least possible injury opportunities. and damage. Anecdotal evidence indicates strong recent recruitment to the fishery.
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3.10.7. Ecosystem effects including the the carrying capacity of water bodies which may effects of fishing result in the termination of fish stocking activities, Ecological risk assessments reduced fish passage and reduced spawning. It can Fisheries managers utilise risk assessment also lead to the aggregation of fish in water bodies of reduced size which can increase ease of capture processes to determine the likelihood and consequences of the impacts of ecological and fishing pressure (illegally and legally). processes may have on fisheries resources. Risk The removal of large woody habitat from rivers based policies and management strategies are then (de-snagging) is also considered a detriment to developed. Murray cod sustainability. Fishery impacts on the ecosystem Climate change will present challenges (e.g. Recreational fishing practices for Murray cod can reduced water quality and quantity and increased cause localised ecosystem impacts (such as incidents of fish death events) and opportunities harming non-target species and pollution of the (e.g. new fisheries as a result of a change in aquatic environment), but the majority of such geographic distribution of fish populations and risks are not considered to be sufficient to warrant longer spawning seasons). The most vulnerable a management response. fish will be those that are unable to cross barriers for important life cycles and low thermal tolerance. Murray cod are top-order or apex aquatic predators within their ecosystem. 3.10.8. Social and economic values of Ecological impact reduction strategies fishing and fishery governance issues Stocking fish in Victorian public waters is Social benefits undertaken in accordance with the DPI guidelines Murray cod have provided an important food (DPI 2003) and protocols (DPI 2005) for the source for indigenous people. They also continue translocation of fish in Victorian inland public to play an important role in Aboriginal mythology waters. and culture and some indigenous persons link the Murray cod with the formation of the Murray External (non fishing) impacts on the ecosystem River (Rowland 2005). and critical fish habitats Current drought conditions have significantly The fishery is currently managed in accordance impacted inland fisheries resources. The resultant with an ESD framework. This includes meeting reduced flows, increased water temperatures and community environmental, social and economic prolonged dry seasons can lead to a reduction in values of the fishery.
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Murray cod are known to be an iconic inland References angling species in Victoria, and the social and DPI (2008). Victorian Murray Cod Fishery – economic values of the fishery are considered to be Management Arrangements. Fisheries Victoria high, although further research is needed to Management Report Series No. 62. DPI, provide an accurate estimate of these figures. Melbourne. Detailed information on the current recreational DPI (2003). Guidelines for the translocation of live take of Murray cod is needed to assist fisheries aquatic organisms in Victoria. Completed by the managers to estimate the social and economic Victorian Aquatic Organisms Translocation contribution Murray cod makes to the Victorian Guidelines Steering Committee. community, and in targeting further recovery of DPI (2005). Protocols for the Translocation of Fish the iconic species using scientific evidence and in Victorian Inland Public Waters. Fisheries compelling economic and social investment Victoria Management Report Series No. 24. DPI, arguments. Melbourne. Economic benefits DPI (2007). Genetic technologies for the Unknown - but Murray cod are thought to be a management of natural Murray cod populations significant contributor to the overall economic Technical note 20. DPI, Melbourne. benefits associated with recreational fishing in Victoria. The last national recreational fishing DSE (2007). Advisory List of Threatened survey estimated recreational fishing expenditure Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria - 2007. Department of for all species (marine and inland) in Victoria was Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne. approximately $400 million (Henry and Lyle 2003). Henry G.W. and Lyle J.M. (eds) (2003). The Fishery governance National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Target catch/effort range Survey. NSW Fisheries Final Report Series No 48. Not applicable [FRDC Project 99/158]. New management initiatives Park T., Murphy J. and Reid D. (2005). The It is anticipated that the results from the current recreational fishery for Murray cod in the Murray DPI regulatory review will commence in early Darling Basin – Results from the National 2009. Recreational and Indigenous Fish Survey. Taken from: Lintermans, M. and Phillips B. (eds) (2005). In addition, proposed management outcomes and Management of Murray cod in the Murray Darling initiatives from the Murray cod Management Basin workshop (June 2004). Murray Darling Basin Arrangements paper (DPI 2008) include: Commission, Canberra. • Adopt evidence and risk-based approach Nicol S., Todd C., Koehn J. and Lieschke J. (2004). when investing resources into future How can recreational angling regulations help adaptation to climate change meet the multiple objectives for the management • The DPI advocating Murray cod habitat and of Murray cod populations. Taken from: review stocking guidelines to other natural Lintermans, M. and Phillips B. (eds) (2005). resource management agencies to ensure a Management of Murray cod in the Murray Darling clear and transparent process for prioritising Basin workshop (June 2004). Murray Darling Basin waters when responding to changes in Commission, Canberra. environmental conditions • Amend the Fisheries Act 1995 to list Murray Rowland S. (2005). Overview of the history, cod as a priority species, making it an fishery, biology and aquaculture of Murray cod. indictable offence to commercially target Taken from: Lintermans, M. and Phillips B. (eds) Murray cod (2005). Management of Murray cod in the Murray Darling Basin workshop (June 2004). Murray • Identify and prioritise information needs and Darling Basin Commission, Canberra. invest in research • Evaluate stocking contributions to the Murray Todd C. and Koehn J. (2007). Modelling cod fishery management scenarios for Murray cod • Seek investment in further research to better populations in the Mullaroo Creek. Arthur Rylah understand the level of fishing related Institute for Environmental Research Client Report mortality. to Mallee Catchment Management Authority. The Department of Sustainability and Environment.
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3.11 Salmonid Fishery
Status – Fully Exploited Fishery management The Victorian salmonid recreational fishery is 3.11.1 Description of the fishery supported by an annual stocking program. Target species Salmonids of varying sizes are stocked mainly into • Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) impoundments throughout Victoria for the benefit • Brown trout (Salmo trutta) of recreational anglers. Impoundment populations • Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tschawytscha) of salmonids are generally unable to breed, hence the need for stocking. Prohibited species See Section 2.1.8 on ‘protected aquatic biota’. Recreational fishery management Unless exempt (see section 2.1.6) a RFL is required Relevant no take species for recreational anglers to fish for and take salmonids in Victoria. Varying include: bag and size limits apply to different waters • Trout cod (Maccullochella macquariensis) throughout Victoria. • Macquarie perch (Macquaria australasica) – in all Victorian waters except Lake Dartmouth the Yarra River and the Upper Coliban Reservoir and their tributaries
• Australian grayling (Prototroctes maraena).
Fishing area(s) Fishing for salmonid species occur throughout the state, but are mostly conducted in rivers and bodies of water that have suitable (cooler) temperatures. The majority of fishing takes place in the states north east and south west.
Fishing methods Commercial Commercial fishing for salmonid species is not permitted in Victoria.
Recreational Recreational fishers can take salmonids by angling with rod and line, or by hand lines. Salmonids are among Australia’s premier freshwater angling species and fishing methods include use of baited hooks, lures and fly fishing. Some fishing equipment is prohibited in inland waters (such as spear guns and nets) and cannot be used to take salmonids.
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Family Fishing Lakes: Bag/possession limit of 5 3.11.2 Catch data salmonids per day Stocking of target species Stocked lakes and impoundments: Annual stocking programs are guided by Bag/possession limit of 10 salmonids per day of outcomes from CONS meetings. These meetings which no more than 5 may be under 30 cm. determine the species, numbers and locations for stocking of salmonid and native fish. The process Unlisted lakes and impoundments: also reviews the success of previous stocking Bag/possession limit of 10 salmonids per day. arrangements, determines stock assessment and All rivers: Bag/possession limit of 5 salmonids of research requirements for the following twelve which no more than 2 fish may be greater than months and discusses other related recreational 35 cm. fisheries management issues. The recreational salmonid fishing regulations are On average, DPI releases between 300,000 and being reviewed in 2008 as part of the wider 400,000 salmonids each year. Trout and other Regulation Review process. It has been proposed salmonids are produced at the Government fish to simplify the existing bag and size limit production facility at Snobs Creek. The stocking regulations and move to a statewide results for 2007 are provided in Table 22. bag/possession limit of 5 salmonids of which no The majority of salmonid stockings undertaken by more than 2 fish may be greater than 35 cm. DPI are done using ‘yearling’ trout (50-100g). A closed season applies to the taking of salmonids These fish take approximately 6 months in inland rivers and streams as well as Lake (depending on environmental conditions) to reach Wendouree during the winter months. The a catchable size after stocking. exception to this is sections of rivers designated For most stockings in lakes and streams the sea-run trout rivers – the specified sections of following conditions should be satisfied: waters that contain populations of sea-run brown • Authority to stock as been provided by the trout are listed below. relevant resource manager Aire River – downstream of the Great Ocean Road • Suitable receiving waters exist for species to be Bridge stocked • Avon River – downstream of the Stratford Railway Stock assessments determine self-sustaining Bridge populations do no exist or should be augmented for recreational fishing purposes Ford River – downstream of the Great Ocean Road • The translocation is in accordance with Bridge translocation protocols (DPI 2005b) Gellibrand River – downstream of the Great Ocean • The increased public value outweighs the cost Road Bridge of stocking as evidenced through angler visitation and demand. Hopkins River – downstream of Hopkins Falls Stocking of any new waters must be first approved Merri River – downstream of the Bromfield Weir by the Translocation Evaluation Panel. Mitchell River – downstream of Princes Highway In addition to the general stocking of lakes and Bridge at Bairnsdale streams, the Family Fishing Lakes program and Moyne River – downstream of the Toolong Bridge the Go Fishing in Victoria initiative stock ready-to- catch advanced yearling (150 – 200 gram) rainbow Tambo River – downstream of the Bruthen Road trout and ‘Premier’ (1 kg or larger) rainbow trout Bridge. into selected waters. The primary purpose of these The closed season starts at midnight on the initiatives is to provide a recreational fishing Monday of the Queens Birthday long weekend in experience for junior anglers, families and anglers June and runs until midnight on the first Friday in with restricted mobility. The waters stocked under September. this program are close to populated areas and generally have good angler access. Allocation between sectors The fishery is considered fully recreational. No commercial take is permitted. Fishery Accreditation Not applicable.
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Table 22. The number of salmonids stocked by Location Expected Actual stocking location during 2006/07 stocking rates
Mt. Beauty Pondage 1,000 BT 1,000 BT Table key RT = rainbow trout CS = chinook salmon 1,500 RT 1,500 RT BT = brown trout DA = drought affected Ryans Creek 500 BT Nil (DA)
Sambell Lake 1,000 RT 1,000 RT Location Expected Actual stocking North West stocking rates Barker’s Creek Res. 5,000 BT 3,600 BT Gippsland Goldfields Res. 200 BT Nil (DA) Blue Rock Lake 15,000 BT 5,300 BT Kennington Res. 780 RT 780 RT Glenmaggie Reservoir 2,000 RT Nil (Fire/flood) Lauriston Res. 7,500 BT Nil (DA) Guthridge Lake 250 RT 250 RT Malmsbury Res. 4,000 BT Nil (DA) Guyatt Lake 250 RT 250 RT St. Arnaud Old 200 RT 200 RT Heyfield Racecourse 400 RT 400 RT Swimming Pool
Hyland Lake 2,250 RT 2,850 RT Talbot Res. 1,000 BT Nil (DA)
Macalister River 2,000 BT Tom Thumb Lake 200 RT 200 RT
7,000 RT 2,000 RT Port Phillip
Morwell Lake 2,000 RT 1,500 RT Berwick Springs Estate 1,000 RT 1,000 RT
Narracan Lake 7,000 BT 3,200 BT Bannockburn Lagoon 400 RT 300 RT
3,000 RT 3,000 RT Bostock Res. 4,000 BT Nil (DA)
Tarwin River 1,000 RT 1000 RT 1,000 RT
North East Casey Fields 800 RT 1,200 RT Allans Flat Dredge 500 RT 500 RT Caulfield Racecourse 400 RT 400 RT Hole Dam
Anderson Lake 300 RT 300 RT Darlingford Lake 500 RT 500 RT
Arboretum Dam 400 RT 450 RT Emerald Lake 1,900 RT 1,900 RT
Banimboola Lake 2,000 BT 2,000 RT Hanging Rock Lake 900 RT 600 RT
5,000 RT 5,000 RT Jack Roper Res. 750 RT 750 RT
Cummins Res. Lake 400 RT Nil (DA) Karkarook Lake 2,000 RT 2,000 RT
Eildon Lake 3,300 BT Lethbridge Lake 400 RT Nil (DA)
10,000 RT 17,588 RT Lillydale Lake 2,800 RT 2,350 RT
Eildon Pondage 700 BT 773 BT Nursery Res. 500 BT
4,580 RT 4,189 RT 500 RT 500 RT
Fosters Dam 200 RT 125 RT Rowville Lakes 1,700 RT 1,500 RT
Golf Course Dam 200 RT 200 RT Roxburgh Park Lakes 400 RT 400 RT
Hollands Creek 1,000 BT Nil (DA) Seagull Lake 2,100 RT 2,100 RT Hume Lake 50,000 BT Nil BT (DA) St Augustines Water 600 RT 600 RT 10,000 RT 10,000 RT Hole
Marysville Lake 700 RT 700 RT Yarrambat Park Lake 850 RT 850 RT
Mooroopna Rec. Res. 200 RT 200 RT Lake
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Location Expected Actual stocking Location Expected Actual stocking stocking rates stocking rates
South West Hopkins River 2,000 BT 2,000 BT
Alexandra Lake 400 RT 400 RT Jack Emmett Lagoon 300 RT 300 RT
Aringa Res. 500 BT 500 BT Jubilee Lake 400 RT 400 RT (Daylesford) 1,000 RT 1,000 RT Jubilee Lake (Skipton) 250 RT 250 RT Beaufort Lake 1,000 BT 200 BT Konongwootong Res. 2,000 BT 2,000 BT 1,000 RT 800 RT 1,000 RT 1,000 RT Bellfield Res. 5,000 RT 5,000 RT Merri River 7,300 BT 4,970 BT Bullarto Res. 500 BT 500 BT Mount Emu Creek 3,600 BT 3,600 BT 500 RT 500 RT Moyne River 1,000 BT 700 BT Bullen Merri Lake 5,000 BT 5,000 BT Navan Lake 800 RT 800 RT 10,000 RT 10,000 RT Newlyn Res. 4,000 BT Nil (DA) 15,000 CS Nil CS (no production) Nursery Res. 500 RT 500 RT
Calembeen Lake 400 RT 400 RT Pertobe Lake 200 RT 400 RT
Cartcarrong Lake 500 BT Nil (DA) Police Paddock Dam 300 RT 300 RT
500 RT Purrumbete Lake 20,000 BT 10,806 BT
Cato Lake 600 RT 600 RT 20,000 RT 20,000 RT
Cobden Lake 200 RT 200 RT 5,000 CS Nil CS (no production) Colbrook Res. 200 BT 200 BT Quarry St. Res. 200 RT 200 RT Coleraine Lagoon 500 RT 450 RT Rabl Park Lake 300 RT 300 RT Cosgrove Res. 1,000 BT Nil (DA) Rocklands Res. 5,000 BT Nil (DA) 1,000 RT St Georges Lake 1,000 BT 1,000 BT Dean Res. 500 BT 500 BT 1,000 RT 1,000 RT 500 RT 500 RT Tea Tree Lake 400 RT 400 RT Dunkeld Arboretum 400 RT Nil (DA) Victoria Lakes 800 RT 800 RT Elingamite Lake 2,000 BT 500 BT Wartook Lake 5,000 BT 2,900 BT 1,000 RT 500 RT 5,000 RT 5,000 RT Esmond Lake 400 RT 400 RT Watonga Drive 200 RT Nil (DA) Ess Lagoon 1,000 RT 1,000 RT West Barwon Dam 3,000 RT 3,000 RT Gillear Lake 1,000 BT 1000 BT Wombat Res. 1,000 BT 1,000 BT 1,000 RT 1000 RT 1,000 RT 1,000RT Glenlyon Dam 200 RT 200 RT Wuriboluc Res. 6,000 BT 2,900 BT Gong Gong Res. Suspended DA 2,000 RT 2,000 RT Haddon Res. 200 RT 200 RT (All species) Hamilton Lake 2,000 BT 2,000 BT TOTALS 343,260 197,326 3,000 RT 3,400 RT
Hepburn Lagoon 5,000 BT Nil (DA)
5,000 RT
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A combination of factors contributed to the lower- Effort trend than-average salmonid stocking figures from 2007. Unknown • Eighteen water bodies were unavailable for There is insufficient recreational fishing data stocking due to unfavourable environmental available to determine a trend. conditions (primarily drought) • Catch rates Unfavourable environmental conditions Unknown affecting other water bodies resulted in a reduction of the number of fish stocked Total catch of non-target byproduct and bycatch • No Chinook salmon were available for 2007 species stockings due to a shortfall in production and Unknown a need to protect broodstock reserves. Recreational fishers targeting salmonids make Further information on stocking is available in the incidental catches of other fish species including, CONS report (DPI 2008). redfin and European carp. The recreational catch of other (non salmonid) species is also controlled A trial breeding program was undertaken in 2007 under existing fisheries regulations. to test the capacity of the facility to respond to improved environmental conditions. The test Spatial issues proved successful and led to an additional 270,000 Positive and negative non-fishing influences such rainbow trout (which were not included in the as water temperature, bushfire events, drought total 2007 stocking figures) that were stocked into and the removal and restoration of fish habitat can selected waters as fry (~3-5g). The stock locations have an impact on localised populations. of these additional trout fry were Lake Stakeholder feedback indicates a shift in fishing Glenmaggie, Lake Eildon, Eildon Pondage and effort away from waters affected by drought to Lake Bellfield. those less impacted, and it is understood that such water bodies are experiencing higher fishing Total catch of target species pressure. Estimated to be less than 173 tonnes. Stocking plays a significant role in the Commercial catch of target species maintenance of the recreational salmonid fishery Not applicable. in Victorian inland waters. Salmonids stocks are Incidental commercial catch self-supporting in Victoria’s cooler rivers and Not applicable. streams where suitable food and habitat are available. Recreational catch Catch in 2006/07 is estimated to be less than 173 tonnes. The last reliable estimate of recreational catch of salmonid fish in Victoria was measured as part of the National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Survey (Henry and Lyle 2003). The survey estimated that the annual Victorian harvest of salmonids in 2001 was approximately 173 tonnes. Due to reduced productivity in Victorian waterways associated with environmental limitations from prolonged drought, DPI estimates that current catch levels are below 2001 levels. Catch trend Unknown
There is insufficient recreational fishing data available to determine a trend. Anecdotal information suggests that a higher proportion of recreational angers are practising catch and release of salmonids.
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3.11.3 Fisheries Management Fishery Officers have noted that recreational Recent management changes anglers generally have demonstrated a high level Fisheries Victoria is currently reviewing the of compliance with relevant fishing regulations. Fisheries Regulations. The review process has Routine Inspections proposed changes to the salmonid regulations to Inland rivers, streams and fishing impoundments achieve a greater level of consistency in are subject to regular routine patrols. Fisheries bag/possession and size limits to avoid Officers inspect around 30,000 recreational anglers recreational angler confusion. each year in Victoria, and a number of contacts The CONS process is also under review with a made in inland waters include inspections of proposal to move from annual stocking strategies, recreational fishers targeting salmonid species. to five to ten year stocking plans. The five or ten Targeted Operations year plans will include base-line information on The intelligence network has indicated that this fishing access, stocking history, prior research, fishery is currently of low compliance risk, and as depth, surface area, capacity, water chemistry, such, no relevant operations were conducted water management regimes and other recreational during the reporting period. DPI will continue to usage. It is proposed that the plans will include monitor the situation and may conduct further programmed monitoring of both recreational and targeted compliance activities to validate this non-recreational species to determine the assessment. effectiveness of stocking programs. Returns to anglers, participation rates, satisfaction levels, as Cross-jurisdictional management arrangements well as social and economic benefits are proposed There are recreational salmonid fisheries in parts to be monitored under the program. of NSW, Tasmania and South Australia, but no need for cross jurisdictional management Fisheries Victoria has also worked with arrangements has been identified. representatives from the recreational fishing community to create a Draft Stream Classification Fishing conducted on the Murray River (with the Model (DPI 2008). When finalised, the model will exception of fishing on Lake Hume) comes under be used to classify rivers and streams throughout the jurisdiction of NSW. The Murray River (with Victoria as either ‘salmonid-only’, ‘native-only’ or the exception of Lake Hume) is not considered in ‘mixed’ fisheries. This series of agreements will this report. help determine how streams and rivers are stocked Management review processes with fish in the future In addition to the periodic review of recreational The classification of streams will assist in the fishing regulations, there is an annual review of promotion of inland waterways and stocking arrangements, research requirements and communication of DPIs regional management management strategies through the CONS process. objectives. Stocking plans are also continually reviewed and Consultation processes subject to change to accommodate variations in The CONS meetings are held each year in environmental conditions. February and March, with representatives from Threat abatement and recovery plans Fisheries Victoria, VRFish, DSE, Catchment Two policies have been developed and available Management Authorities and other Water on the DPI external website: Managers attending. • Responding to the impacts of drought and its Further stakeholder consultation is done on a consequences on inland recreational fisheries needs basis using the standard fisheries co- • Fish stocking for recreational purposes. management framework. A current fish production risk assessment has Performance of the fishery identified threats and mitigation measures, with There are no specific performance criteria to assess mitigation measures set in place and production of in this fishery. Standard Operating Procedures are also active. Fisheries compliance Domestic and international agreements No significant compliance issues have been None identified for the recreational salmonid fishery.
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3.11.4 Research and Monitoring Research planned Research completed Planned research projects include: The following recent research projects are relevant • Stock assessment of upper Kiewa River to the management of the salmonid fishery: • Stock assessment of Karkarook Lake • Goulburn River Trout Fishery: Behaviour of • Stock assessment and study of related stocked and resident trout (Brown 2007) salmonid migration in Narracan Lake • Goulburn River trout fishery: estimates of • Recovery of recreational fisheries in bushfire catch, effort, angler-satisfaction and affected regions expenditure (Brown & Gason 2007) • Socio-economic study of alpine recreational • Goulburn River trout fishery: monitoring and fisheries assessment (Brown 2008) • Stock assessment of Blue Rock Lake • Brown trout residence in response to riparian habitat manipulation (Douglas & Stoessal 3.11.5 Status of target stock 2007) Stock assessments • Eildon Pondage Creel Survey. (DPI– in Fisheries Victoria are mid-way through a 3-year publication) project “supporting the recovery of the recreational fishing industry in bushfire damaged • Fishing for Trends in Victorian Trout Streams: areas” after the 2006/07 bushfires in Victoria’s Stock Assessments in the Goulburn, Howqua, alpine region. Key recreational fishing species Jamieson, Ovens, King, Kiewa and Yarra identified in that region included trout, freshwater Rivers (Brown 2000) • crayfish and blackfish. Initial results are due to be Toolondo Reservoir Fisheries Assessments July released at the beginning of the 2008/09 financial 1998 - December 2000, including a Review of year. Key findings indicate that salmonid fisheries Brown Trout Growth, Condition and Stocking north of the Great Dividing Range recovered better Density Since 1989 (Brown and Hall 2001) than those south of the Divide. Catchments south • The effect of irrigation flows on trout of the Divide need time to recover whilst DPI movement in the Goulburn River (Douglas works with other resource managers to improve 2003) habitat and monitor recovery. A behavioural study • Lake Wendouree Fisheries Assessment indicated that the chief motivator to bring anglers (Douglas and Hall 2004) back to the region is the prospect of good fishing • Effects of Bushfires in Summer 2003 on the opportunities. A next step in the project is to Salmonids in North-East Streams (Pomorin conduct a social/economic study and develop a 2004) promotion and communication strategy for the • Macalister River Creel Survey (Stoessel 2008). area Monitoring programs Eildon Pondage creel survey: Nearly 6,000 trout Stock assessments to determine species are stocked annually into Eildon Pondage. Most composition, abundance and condition are fish are 2 and 3-year-old trout, weighing between determined through the annual CONS process. 1-4 kg each. A tagging study and creel survey were used to benchmark pre-existing conditions within Assessments from 2007 include: this water body. Results suggest that anglers • Rocklands Reservoir fishing the pondage were of a variety of ages, with • Tullaroop Reservoir approximately 23% of interviewed anglers exempt from holding a recreational angling licence (i.e. <18 • Purrumbete Lake • and >70 years of age). Anglers were mostly male Bullen Merri Lake and the majority of anglers were inexperienced • Narracan Lake (claimed to fish less than once per month). Almost • Cairn Curran Reservoir 13% claimed to fish the pondage more than three • Lake Wartook times per month. The most common methods of • Lake Hume. angling were bait, then combined bait and lure fishing, then lure only. Fly fishing was the least Collaborative research popular method (2% of the interviewed anglers). Research for the salmonid fishery is funded Of the 6555 tagged trout stocked into the pondage, through money provided by - Fisheries Victoria 36% of brown trout and 48% of rainbow trout were and the Recreational Fishing Grant Program. re-captured during the survey period. Most tagged fish were caught within the first months of release.
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Anglers came from a range of locations to fish the availability to recreational anglers in these water pondage with 395 different postcodes from six bodies. states recorded from interviewed anglers. Stock recovery strategies Lake Hume creel survey: All of the 50,000 brown No recovery strategies are in place, but please see trout yearlings stocked into the lake in 2004 and information on stocking in section 3.11.2. 2005 were fin-clipped to differentiate them from naturally recruited ‘wild’ fish. An additional 3.11.6 Protected species 10,000 rainbow trout stocked by the Future Fish Interactions with protected species Foundation (funded under the RFGP) were also Salmonids are predatory species and can impact fin-clipped prior to release. Fish population on other aquatic biota present in the same surveys were conducted twice a year between 2004 waterways. and 2006 to determine the species composition and relative abundance in the lake. Six species of fish Protected aquatic biota species may also be caught were recorded, with carp accounting for nearly on occasion by recreational anglers as by-catch half the total number of fish caught in the netting when targeting salmonids. The protected species surveys. In descending numeric order then came most commonly encountered by salmonid anglers redfin, golden perch, brown trout, goldfish, carp- include: goldfish hybrids and Murray cod. Forty four • Macquarie perch brown trout were recorded and 22% of these were • Australian grayling fin-clipped. The largest trout was 505 mm in length (average length 357 mm) and 1.7 kg in weight Anglers are not permitted to remove (take) (average weight 566 grams). The creel survey of protected aquatic biota without a permit. angler catch showed a catch of 477 brown trout Interaction reduction strategies and 16% of these were fin-clipped. The remainder Stocking fish in Victorian public waters is were wild-bred trout. undertaken in accordance with the DPI Tullaroop Reservoir stock assessment: An translocation guidelines (DPI 2003) and protocols assessment was conducted in December 2007. Five (DPI 2005b) for the translocation of fish in thousand fin clipped brown trout stocked in 2004 Victorian inland public waters. Salmonid fish and again in 2005 to determine the contribution cannot be stocked into waters where there is stocking has towards the fish population. The reasonable evidence that the released fish may survey sampled a total of 12 brown trout and eight constitute an unacceptable risk to threatened or redfin. 50% of the brown trout were fin clipped. protected species or communities. The average length of brown trout was 564 mm Angling restrictions apply to protected aquatic and average weight was 2444 grams. biota, and in most cases no take is permitted. Initial stock assessments in Narracan Lake failed to Anglers that unintentionally hook no-take species capture any trout in netting surveys. More are required to immediately return them to the recently, stocked salmonids have been fin clipped, water with the least possible injury and damage. and surveys of inflowing streams have located a 3.11.7 Ecosystem effects including the small number of stocked trout residing in the Narracan creek upstream of the Lake. effects of fishing Ecological Risk Assessments A netting survey of Blue Rock Lake was The DPI has developed translocation guidelines conducted in February 2007 to determine species (DPI 2003) and protocols (DPI 2005b) to assess the composition and provide baseline data for brown risk associated with translocations of salmonids trout and Australian bass stocks. (and other aquatic species). Resource issues Fishery impacts on the ecosystem The fishery faces challenges from non fishing- The introduction of salmonid species to Australian impacts which are discussed in Section 3.11.7. waters for recreational angling purposes has In addition, natural recruitment is limited in a impacted on populations of native fish through number of waterways (mainly impoundments) predation (particularly smaller native baitfish because such waterways are outside the natural species). spawning range of salmonid species. As fish cannot access suitable spawning grounds in a large Ecological impact reduction strategies number of waterways around the state, stocking DPI is actively managing the impacts of fish plays an important role in determining resource stocking, and salmonid fish are not stocked into
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waters that contain species listed under the Flora which can lead to direct mortality. Indirect impacts and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. The ecological may include short to medium changes to water impact of salmonid stocking is managed through quality and changes to the riparian and in-stream the translocation guidelines (DPI 2003) and habitats. protocols (DPI 2005b) which evaluate the potential impacts on listed species and communities. 3.11.8 Social and economic values of fishing and fishery governance issues External (non fishing) impacts on the ecosystem Social impacts and critical fish habitats Salmonids are a highly valued inland angling External factors that may impact on the critical fish species in Victoria, and the social values of the habitats necessary for salmonids species to flourish fishery are considered to be significant. include: • environmental pressures such as drought, Further research would be required to provide an climate change and habitat degradation accurate estimate of the social impact of the fishery. • waters becoming too warm during summer months Economic value of the fishery • bushfire and flood events The economic values of the fishery are unknown, • regulation of waterways including redirection but trout provide significant contributions to the of water, sudden changes in water levels and overall economic impacts associated with temperature, and/or the release of recreational fishing. The last national recreational deoxygenated water from large water storage fishing survey estimated recreational fishing facilities. expenditure for all species (marine and inland) in Victoria was approximately $400 million (Henry Drought conditions in parts of Victoria and and Lyle 2003). associated reductions in flows have reduced available habitat and the quality of some Economic research into the value of the salmonid remaining aquatic environments. Prolonged dry fishery is planned as part of the Bushfire recovery seasons can lead to a significant reduction in the project and is also an action item listed in the carrying capacity of water bodies which may result North East Fishery Management Plan. in increased threat of mortality and the Fishery governance termination of stocking events (as decided by Target catch/effort range water management authorities and/or Fisheries Not applicable Victoria). New management initiatives Competing water users (water-skiing and rowing The CONS process is currently under review with etc), access implications for anglers and a proposal to develop five or ten year strategic maintaining the authority to stock may also impact stocking plans for all waters stocked. upon the fishery. The DPI is reviewing the translocation guidelines Bushfires have both direct and indirect affects on and expects to circulate new draft guidelines for fishery resources and the impact varies between stakeholder consideration in the last half of 2008. location and the intensity of fire events. Direct impacts include increased water temperatures
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References Douglas J, Hall K (2004) Lake Wendouree Fisheries Brown & Gason (2007) ‘Goulburn river trout Assessment. Department of Primary Industries, fishery: estimates of catch, effort, angler- Fisheries Victoria Research Report No. 7, Snobs satisfaction and expenditure.’ Department of Creek. Primary Industries, Fisheries Victoria Research DPI (2003a) Guidelines for assessing translocations Report Series No. 30 of live aquatic organisms in Victoria. DPI, Brown (2007) ‘Goulburn River Trout Fishery: Melbourne. Behaviour of stocked and resident trout’, DPI (2005a). Managing recreational trout fisheries Department of Primary Industries, Fisheries for the benefit of Victorian communities. Victoria Research Report Series No. 18. DPI (2005b). Protocols for the Translocation of Fish Brown (2008) ‘Goulburn river trout fishery: in Victorian Inland Public Waters. Fisheries monitoring and assessment.’ Department of Victoria Management Report Series No. 24. Primary Industries, Fisheries Victoria Research Report Series No. 20. DPI (2008). Draft Victorian Stream Classification Model 2007/08. Brown P (2000) Fishing for Trends in Victorian Trout Streams: Stock Assessments in the Goulburn, DPI (2008). Regional Fisheries Consultations Howqua, Jamieson, Ovens, King, Kiewa and Yarra Meeting Outcomes – Fish stocking, Fish Rivers. Marine and Freshwater Resources Institute, Population Surveys and other Recreational MAFRI Freshwater Fisheries Report No. 00/12. Fisheries management Issues 2007. Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series no 49. Brown P, Hall K (2001) Toolondo Reservoir Fisheries Assessments July 1998 - December 2000, DPI (in prep) Eildon Pondage Creel Survey. DPI, including a Review of Brown Trout Growth, Melbourne. Condition and Stocking Density Since 1989. Marine and Freshwater Resources Institute, Henry G.W. and Lyle J.M, eds. (2003). The National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Department of Natural Resources and Environment, MAFRI Freshwater Fisheries Report Survey. Fisheries Research and Development 00/05. Snobs Creek, Victoria. Corporation. Pomorin K (2004) Effects of Bushfires in Summer Douglas & Stoessal (2007) ‘Brown trout residence in response to riparian habitat manipulation’, 2003 on the Salmonids in North-East Streams. DPI, Department of Primary Industries, Fisheries Melbourne. Victoria Research Report Series No. 35. Stoessel D (2008) Macalister River Creel Survey. Douglas J (2003) The effect of irrigation flows on Fisheries Victoria research report series 34, DPI trout movement in the Goulburn River. PIRVic Melbourne. Final Report, Recreational Fishing Licence Trust Account Recreational Fishing Grants Program 2001/02 Snobs Creek, Victoria.
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4. Aquaculture reports Salmonid aquaculture is authorised under the 4.1 Salmonid Aquaculture following licence classes: 4.1.1. Description • Aquaculture (Private land- Salmonids), Aquaculture species • Aquaculture (Private land- Tourism) Salmonid species produced include: • Aquaculture (Private land- Indoor Intensive) • Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) • Aquaculture (Crown land - Other). • Brown trout (Salmo trutta) Salmonid stocking and translocation requires • Brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) authorisation under the Fisheries Act 1995 and is • Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) managed in accordance with the Guidelines for • Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Assessing Translocations of Live Aquatic Organisms in Production area(s) Victoria (DPI 2003a). The majority of salmonid aquaculture production 4.1.2 Production data is conducted using the relatively cool waters of the Total production Goulburn River and its tributaries in eastern- Private sector salmonid production in 2006/07 was central Victoria. 1,361 tonnes with farm gate value of $7 million. Production methods employed A quantity of salmonid caviar was also produced Salmonid production uses ponds or raceways in Victorian aquaculture facilities but this through which water is diverted by pump or production is not captured in production returns. gravity flow under authority of water diversion licences issued by the relevant water authority. To The DPI also produced 391,000 salmonids in 2006 increase productivity or during periods of reduced for the purposes of stocking public waters. water availability, some farms recycle water Production trend through their aquaculture system. Decreasing In recent years, the use of oxygen injection Production has been negatively impacted by technology has reduced the negative impact of drought over the last three years and this is high water temperature on fish associated with the reflected in the decreasing farm gate value of reduced water flows in drought conditions. production in Figure 29. Management arrangements employed Aquaculture licences issued under the Fisheries Act 4.1.3 Management arrangements 1995 authorise the holder to use, form or create a Recent management changes habitat in a specified area for hatching, rearing, None breeding, displaying or growing specified fish for Consultation processes sale or other commercial purposes and to use Formal stakeholder consultation is conducted in commercial aquaculture equipment. accordance with the Fisheries Act 1995. The In 2006/07 DPI issued licences for 24 salmonid Victorian Trout Association is the primary point of production facilities. contact for the salmonid aquaculture industry.
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Salmonid Aquaculture Farm Gate Value of Production ($m)
14 ) 12 10 8 6 4 2
Production value ($m value Production 0 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 Year
Figure 29. Value of Victorian salmonid aquaculture production (farm gate)
Fisheries compliance issues The drought conditions have impacted on some The development of Best Practice Environmental research projects, but data that reflects natural Management Guidelines for Salmonid Aquaculture variations in biotic indices has been collected. Industry has proven a good educative mechanism Monitoring programs and has improved salmonid aquaculture All salmonid farms are subject to Environmental compliance with relevant aquaculture regulations. Protection Agency discharge licensing which Specific licence controls have also been developed prescribes regular third party water quality testing. and implemented in response to occasional and Collaborative research inadvertent escape of farmed fish into local The development of Best Practice Environmental waterways. Management Guidelines for the Salmonid Aquaculture 4.1.4 Research and Monitoring Industry and subsequent environmental impact Research completed studies were undertaken as a collaborative effort Relevant research projects completed to assist the between DPI, representatives from the salmonid management of salmonid aquaculture include: aquaculture industry, the Environment Protection Authority, CMAs and Water Authorities. • Identification and documentation of Best Goulburn-Broken CMA has co-invested in 2007-08 Practice Environmental Management Guidelines for to facilitate completion of the project. the Salmonid Aquaculture Industry (DPI 2006). • Scoping study to determine an appropriate Future research and monitoring methodology to investigate downstream The DPI is currently leading an initiative to impacts of salmonid farms was undertaken in evaluate the impacts of climate change on fisheries 2004/05 (DPI, unpublished) and aquaculture. This will lead to a better understanding on how climate change will affect Environmental impact studies have been aquaculture production in Victoria. conducted on a total of seven representative trout farms in 2006 and 2007. This work was 4.1.5 Protected species undertaken as part of the DPI funded project Interactions with protected species Development of environmental sustainability indicators The frequency of interaction with protected flora for the Victorian salmonid aquaculture industry. and fauna is unknown. Interactions could occur Results from the surveys are being analysed but through pathways such as: initial findings are: • Predation by escaped salmonids on protected aquatic species (e.g. galaxid fish) • downstream impacts detected at some sites but in most instances there was a measurable • Transfer of diseases and parasites to protected recovery a short distance downstream species (<300 metres) • Death of protected species resulting from • the quality of the upstream environment is an entanglement in aquaculture gear important determinant of the impacts of effluent. • Feeding by protected predatory animals (e.g. predatory birds) on farmed salmonids.
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Interaction reduction strategies External impacts on production Standard aquaculture licence conditions include Since 2000, much of Victoria has experienced stock containment requirements designed to severe drought conditions resulting in reduced minimise the likelihood of escape, and to reduce water availability and above average water potential impacts of escape or inadvertent release temperatures. events. These include requirements for screens, The low water level in Lake Eildon, the source of barriers or other devices (designed to eliminate the Goulburn River, has caused summer water farm escapes) to be in place and functioning temperatures in the river to exceed 25°C. Elevated properly. If fish do escape, licence holders must water temperatures reduce dissolved oxygen inform DPI within 24 hours. concentrations and cause mortality of farmed fish. 4.1.6 Ecosystem effects including the Reduced dissolved oxygen levels increase fish effects of aquaculture production stress and reduces natural immunity to Ecological Risk Assessments opportunistic disease agents. An Ecological Risk Assessment was conducted 4.1.7 Social and economic values of during preparation of the Best Practice production and new initiatives Environmental Management Guidelines for the Social impacts Salmonid Industry (DPI 2006). During 2007/08, there were 24 Aquaculture (Private land- Salmonids) licences issued. The Production impacts on the ecosystem salmonid farming sector is one of the largest Diverting water from waterways to facilitate employers in the Murrindindi shire. aquaculture production can impact on biodiversity especially during periods of reduced water flow. Economic value of aquaculture Gross farm gate value of salmonid aquaculture There are also potential downstream impacts from production in 2006/07 was $7 million and the discharge of nutrients (e.g. phosphorous and represented 35% of the total value of aquaculture nitrogen) from aquaculture facilities. in Victoria in that year. Ecological impact reduction strategies New management initiatives The implementation of the following policies play a The DPI is developing a translocation protocol for part in reducing the ecological impacts associated private open waters stocking of flow through with Victorian salmonid aquaculture production: aquaculture farms and farm dams (commercial • Victoria’s Arrangements for the Management and non-commercial). This will provide more of Aquatic Animal Disease Emergencies efficient management of the risks associated with (DPI 2003b); translocation and stocking of salmonids. • Best Practice Environmental Management A new production return form will also be Guidelines for the Salmonid Aquaculture Industry introduced to allow reporting of aquaculture (DPI 2006); production other than fish (i.e. salmonid caviar). • Guidelines for the Translocation of Live Aquatic Organisms in Victoria; References DPI (2003a) Guidelines for assessing translocations Standard aquaculture licence conditions include of live aquatic organisms in Victoria. stock containment requirements designed to minimise the likelihood of escape and reduce DPI (2003b). Victoria’s Arrangements for the potential impacts of escape or inadvertent release Management of Aquatic Animal Disease Emergencies, events. These include requirements for screens, Fisheries Management Report Series no. 9. DPI, barriers or other devices (designed to eliminate Melbourne. farm escapes) to be in place and functioning DPI (2006). Best Practice Environmental Management properly. If an escape of fish does occur, licence Guidelines for the Salmonid Aquaculture Industry, holders must inform DPI within 24 hours. Fisheries Management Paper no. 25. DPI, Melbourne. DPI (2008). Guidelines for Assessing Translocations of Live Aquatic Organisms in Victoria. DPI, Melbourne.
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An Aquaculture (Crown Land - Bivalve Shellfish) 4.2 Mussel Aquaculture licence authorises the aquaculture of bivalve 4.2.1. Description shellfish (including mussels) for the purpose of Aquaculture species human consumption. The aquaculture of bivalve Species produced include: shellfish for bait or spat collection may also be authorised by an Aquaculture (Crown Land - 1 Blue mussel (Mytilus gallo- provincialis ) Offshore) licence. Production area(s) The movement of mussels between aquaculture Mussel aquaculture occurs within nine sites is managed in accordance with the Victorian aquaculture fisheries reserves declared under Protocol for the Translocation of Blue Mussels (DPI section 88 of the Fisheries Act 1995. A map showing 2006) available for download at the locations of these aquaculture reserves is www.dpi.vic.gov.au/aquaculture. provided at Figure 9 in Section 2.5 of the report. Production methods employed 4.2.2. Production data Mussel production in Victoria involves the use of Total production longlines supported by buoys and anchored to the Mussel production in 2006/07 was 824 tonnes with a ‘farm gate’ value of $2.3 million. seabed with concrete or steel anchors. Mussel spat is collected from the wild using conditioned ropes Production trend hung vertically from the longline or may be Decreasing acquired from a hatchery. When spat reach 1 to 2 cm they are stripped from the ropes, graded and The farm gate value of production has declined socked onto single or continuous rope droppers over recent years and this is reflected in Figure 30. and suspended from a longline for growout to This is attributed primarily to limited natural marketable size. spatfall in recent years and lower production in Wild spat supply whilst historically reliable has PPB, driven by reduced nutrient input from been poor over the past few years. Hatchery freshwater systems. The development and use of produced spat are currently being trialled by DPI hatchery-produced spat and the proposed in collaboration with Victorian mussel farmers. allocation of new waters available for mussel aquaculture should assist growth of the industry in Management arrangements employed future years. Aquaculture licences issued under the Fisheries Act 1995 authorise the holder to undertake the 4.2.3. Management arrangements aquaculture activity and to use commercial Recent management changes aquaculture equipment. Holders of licences specifying areas within aquaculture fisheries reserves are undergoing The licences specify the area (or site) within which transitional arrangements including development the aquaculture activity is authorised and the of long-term leases to secure tenure on aquaculture species (for example blue mussels) that may be sites, in accordance with the requirements of the grown. management plan declared for the relevant A Crown lease is required to be issued over all aquaculture fishery reserve. sites prior to 15 December 2008. The Crown lease is issued under the Land Act 1958 and provides security of occupancy for a period of 21 years.
1 Formally Mytilus edulis
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Mussel Aquaculture Farm Gate Value of Production ($m)
5 )
4
3
2
1
Production Value ($m Value Production 0 2002/03 20 03/04 2004 /05 20 05/06 2006 /07 Year
Figure 30. Value of Victorian mussel aquaculture production (farm gate)
Consultation processes Future research and monitoring Formal stakeholder consultation is conducted in The DPI is currently leading an initiative to accordance with the Fisheries Act 1995. There is no evaluate the impacts of climate change on fisheries group for the aquaculture industry with the status and aquaculture. This will lead to a better of peak body under the Act. The Victorian Marine understanding on how climate change will affect Farmers Inc. is utilised as an informal group for aquaculture production in Victoria. consultation with the mussel aquaculture industry. Monitoring programs Fisheries compliance issues Victorian Shellfish Quality Assurance Program Aquaculture licence holders engaged in mussel The Victorian Shellfish Quality Assurance farming are required to maintain their commercial Program operates within Victoria monitoring aquaculture equipment within the boundaries of aquaculture harvesting areas from which bivalve their site. Other operating requirements are set out shellfish may be harvested for human in the relevant aquaculture fisheries reserve consumption. The program is the Victorian management plans and implemented by licence implementation of the Australian Shellfish Quality conditions. Assurance Program. Fisheries Victoria is presently responsible for administering the Program. The 4.2.4. Research and Monitoring monitoring component of the program has been Recent research projects relevant to the outsourced. Monitoring reports are available on management of mussel aquaculture in Victoria the Department of Primary Industries website at include: www.dpi.vic.gov.au/aquaculture • Commercial mussel grow-out trial at the Pinnace Environmental monitoring Channel Aquaculture Fisheries Reserve (Hickman Aquaculture licence holders operating within et al 2005). • aquaculture fisheries reserves are required to Mussel larval monitoring and spat settlement undertake ongoing environmental monitoring of at the Werribee Spat Collecting Zone season their sites in accordance with the Guidelines for 2004-2005 (Hickman et al 2005). Environmental Baseline Surveys and Ongoing Collaborative research Monitoring of Aquaculture Fisheries Reserves in Port The DPI entered into a joint research and Phillip and Western Port, available on the DPI development project with members of the website at www.dpi.vic.gov.au/aquaculture . Victorian mussel aquaculture industry in late 2007 Environmental standards for aquaculture activity to develop a hatchery to produce more reliable within the aquaculture reserves are designed to quantities of mussel seedstock (spat). Under the ensure that any impacts remain local to the site agreement, mussel farmers are collaborating with and will be reversible over time through natural DPI researchers to undertake mussel spat processes. In the event that the environmental production in the DPI facility located at standards are not met, appropriate remediation Queenscliff. action will be undertaken.
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The comprehensive environmental management responsibility of the licence holder to undertake framework has three key components: the ongoing monitoring. • a characterisation survey 4.2.5. Protected species • a baseline survey Interactions with protected species • ongoing monitoring. No interactions with protected flora and fauna This framework provides information to enable were reported. management decision making. Interaction reduction strategies Characterisation survey None required. A characterisation survey is a broad one-off 4.2.6. Ecosystem effects including the assessment of the habitat, physico-chemical and biological attributes of an aquaculture fisheries effects of aquaculture production Ecological Risk Assessments reserve. These have been completed for all offshore reserves. An ERA was conducted during preparation of the Environmental Monitoring of Marine Aquaculture in Baseline survey Victorian Coastal Waters (Gavine and McKinnon A one-off baseline survey is to be undertaken prior 2002) and as part of the preparation of the to the commencement of aquaculture activity on Aquaculture Fishery Reserve Management Plans. previously unfarmed sites. A baseline survey is an The key risks identified were only of low level initial assessment of the sediment and seabed impact. specific to the site. Baseline surveys have been completed for all relevant licensed sites. Production impacts on the ecosystem Discharge of fouling organisms, mussel shell and Ongoing monitoring sediment to the seabed has potential to alter Ongoing monitoring is to be undertaken sediment quality and physical structure of the subsequent to the baseline surveys on an annual seabed. A report was prepared studying “The basis, or at intervals specified by the Secretary, Environmental Effects of Blue Mussel (Mytilus edulis) DPI. This is an ongoing assessment of the sediment Aquaculture in Port Phillip Bay.” (DPI 2006). The and seabed of the aquaculture sites. Ongoing changes observed in this study were minor, readily monitoring will provide sufficient information to reversible by natural processes following cessation assess whether impacts are acceptable, local and of farming in an area and are acceptable. reversible by natural processes. It is the
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Ecological impact reduction strategies New management initiatives The implementation of the following policies play New management initiatives will focus on further a part in reducing the ecological impacts development and evaluation of the mussel associated with Victorian mussel aquaculture hatchery joint venture project and a planned production: review of the Victorian Shellfish Quality Assurance Program. Licence conditions requiring monitoring of the mussel farming environment based on Guidelines References for Environmental Baseline Surveys and Ongoing DPI (2003). Guidelines for the translocation of live Monitoring of Aquaculture Fisheries Reserves in Port aquatic organisms in Victoria.. Phillip and Western Port. (DPI 2006), and the DPI (2005). Eastern Port Phillip Bay Aquaculture Victorian Protocol for the Translocation of Blue Fisheries Reserves Management Plan. Fisheries Mussels. (DPI 2006). Victoria Management Report Series No. 33. External impacts on production DPI (2005). Flinders Aquaculture Fisheries Reserve Since 2000, much of Victoria has experienced Management Plan. Fisheries Victoria Management severe drought conditions resulting in reduced Report Series No. 32. natural runoff of nutrients and above average water temperatures. DPI (2005). Geelong Arm Aquaculture Fisheries Reserves Management Plan. Fisheries Victoria The low runoff and high evaporation rates are Management Report Series No. 34. likely to have resulted in the observed increase in saline conditions in the Geelong Arm and may be DPI (2005). Pinnace Channel Aquaculture Fisheries impacting on mussel spat recruitment. Reserve Management Plan. Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series No. 31. The presence of a range of exotic marine organisms in parts of Victoria is thought to be impacting on DPI (2006). Guidelines for Environmental Baseline mussel settlement, production and survival. The Surveys and Ongoing Monitoring of Aquaculture Northern Pacfic Seastar is thought to be predating Fisheries Reserves in Port Phillip and Western Port. on settled mussel spat and affecting settlement Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series No. patterns. Other exotic filter feeding organisms 35. present in PPB are also affecting production through competition with cultured mussels for DPI (2006). Victorian Protocol for the Translocation of available space and food at aquaculture sites. Mussels. Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series No. 26. 4.2.7. Social and economic values of DPI (2006). Guidelines for the Cadastral Survey of production and new initiatives Victoria’s Offshore Aquaculture Fisheries Reserves. Social impacts Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series No. Portarlington has the largest mussel farming fleet 30. in Australia and is the location of the annual Mussel Farming Festival which in recent years has DPI (2008). Fisheries Victoria Commercial Fish attracted more than 10,000 visitors annually. Production Information Bulletin 2007. Fisheries Bellarine Peninsula mussel farmers are Victoria, Queenscliff, Victoria, Australia. collaborating with wine growers and other local Hickman N.J., Gasior R., Mercer J. (2005) business to establish a seafood and wine touring Commercial mussel grow-out at the Pinnace Channel route to enhance tourism and marketing Aquaculture Fisheries Reserve. Fisheries Victoria, DPI opportunities in the area. Management report Series No. 24 Economic value of aquaculture Hickman N.J., Gasior R., Mercer J. (2005) Mussel Gross value of mussel aquaculture production in larval monitoring and spat settlement at the Werribee 2006/07 was $2.3 million or 11 per cent of the value Spat Collecting Zone – Season 2004-05. Fisheries of aquaculture in Victoria. Victoria research report Series No. 26.
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The licences specify the area (or site) within which 4.3 Abalone Aquaculture the aquaculture activity is authorised and the 4.3.1. Description species that may be cultured. Aquaculture species In respect of offshore aquaculture, Crown leases Abalone species cultured include: are being issued for all offshore aquaculture sites • Greenlip Abalone (Haliotis laevigata) under the Land Act 1958, to provide security of • Blacklip Abalone (Haliotis rubra) occupancy for a period of 21 years. Production area(s) Land-based abalone farming operates under the Land-based authority of an aquaculture licence and is also Three commercial-scale on-shore abalone farms are subject to approvals by the Environment located on the shores of PPB (near Indented Heads, Protection Authority, DSE and local Government. Lara and Avalon) and two more are located near Abalone farms located within aquaculture fisheries Port Fairy and Portland. reserves are subject to the operational rules Offshore provided in the relevant aquaculture fisheries Several small-scale trial abalone farmers are reserve management plan. licensed to operate within aquaculture fisheries Licence conditions prescribed in the Fisheries reserves in PPB and Western Port bay. A map Regulations or on the aquaculture licence also showing the locations of these aquaculture reflect the requirements of the management plans. reserves is provided at Figure 9 in Section 2.5 of Standard licence conditions are applied by DPI the report. across this industry. Production methods employed Land-based abalone farms in Victoria are located 4.3.2. Production data adjacent to coastal foreshores where they rely on Total production large volumes (up to 40 megalitres each day) of Abalone production in 2006/07 was 121 tonnes high quality seawater that is pumped ashore. with a ‘farm gate’ value of $4.3 million. Production facilities may include shallow concrete Production trend slab tanks, fibreglass, plastic rectangular or circular Variable tanks or in some cases PVC piping. Production facilities are generally located indoors or under In Victoria, the first commercial-scale farmed cover. abalone production was 27 tonne in 2002 valued at $1.2 million. In 2005, this production had increased Farmed abalone are fed a specially formulated low to 161 tonnes valued at $5.6 million, see Figure 31 . protein, dried artificial diet. In early 2006 an outbreak of the previously Commercial-scale offshore abalone farming is yet unreported AGV resulted in the complete to be realised in Victoria although a number of destocking of two land-based and two offshore small-scale feasibility trials are underway. At sea abalone farms. Since then the affected land-based production vessels used to date include, barrels, abalone farms have been restocked, but this event cages, racks and trays adapted to provide the has impacted on production. necessary surface area for attachment, allow sufficient water flow and protection from At full production it is expected that Victoria’s predators. commercial abalone farms will be capable of producing in excess of 400 tonnes of abalone per Management arrangements employed annum with an expected value of more than Aquaculture licences issued under the Fisheries Act $17 million. 1995 authorise the holder to undertake the aquaculture activity and to use commercial aquaculture equipment.
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Abalone Aquaculture Farm Gate Value of Production ($m)
6 5 4 3 2 1 Production value ($m) 0 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 Year
Figure 31. Value of Victorian abalone aquaculture production (farm gate)
4.3.3. Management arrangements The Victorian Abalone Aquaculture Translocation Recent management changes Protocol (DPI 2007), is a comprehensive set of Holders of offshore abalone aquaculture licences controls and standards designed to manage the within aquaculture fisheries reserves are risks associated with translocation of farmed undergoing transitional arrangements to bring abalone. Licence holders are required to keep them into accord with the requirements records and these are checked in line with the highlighted in the management plans. Abalone Aquaculture Biosecurity Protocol Audit Guidelines. Consultation processes Formal stakeholder consultation is conducted in Environmental monitoring accordance with the Fisheries Act 1995. There is no All on-shore production facilities are subject to peak body for the aquaculture industry. The Environmental Protection Agency discharge Victorian Abalone Growers Association (VAGA) is licensing which prescribes monitoring of utilised for consultation with the abalone discharges through regular third party water aquaculture industry. quality testing. Fisheries compliance issues Abalone aquaculture licence holders operating All abalone farmers are subject to a range of within aquaculture fisheries reserves are required conditions on their aquaculture licence principally to undertake ongoing environmental monitoring designed to mitigate risks to the environment. of their sites in accordance with the Guidelines for Environmental Baseline Surveys and Ongoing Offshore abalone farmers are required to maintain Monitoring of Aquaculture Fisheries Reserves in Port their commercial aquaculture equipment within Phillip and Western Port, available on the Fisheries the boundaries of their site coordinates. Other Victoria website at operating requirements are described in the www.dpi.vic.gov.au/aquaculture. relevant Aquaculture Fisheries Reserve Management Plans and more specifically on Environmental standards for aquaculture activity aquaculture licence conditions. within the aquaculture reserves are designed to ensure that any impacts remain local to the site 4.3.4. Research and Monitoring and will be reversible over time through natural Research completed processes. In the event that the environmental There are no relevant DPI research projects that standards are not met, appropriate remediation have been recently completed. action will be undertaken. Monitoring programs The comprehensive environmental management DPI facilitated the development of the Victorian framework has three key components: Farmed Abalone Health Surveillance Program (2008) • a characterisation survey in collaboration with the abalone aquaculture • a baseline survey industry as an early stock health detection • mechanism. ongoing monitoring.
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This framework provides information to enable 4.3.6. Ecosystem effects including the management decision making, ensuring that any effects of aquaculture production impact of aquaculture will be acceptable, local and Ecological Risk Assessments reversible by natural processes. An ERA was conducted during preparation of the Characterisation survey Victorian Abalone Aquaculture Translocation Protocol A characterisation survey is a broad one-off (DPI 2007) and the preparation of the Aquaculture assessment of the habitat, physico-chemical and Fishery Reserve Management Plans. biological attributes of an aquaculture fisheries Key risks identified included: reserve. These have been completed for all offshore • reserves. Transfer of disease to Victorian waters through the translocation of abalone. Baseline survey • Unwanted species translocated in abalone A one-off baseline survey is to be undertaken prior transport water, attached to abalone or to commencing aquaculture activity on previously commercial abalone aquaculture equipment. unfarmed sites. A baseline survey is an initial assessment of the sediment and seabed specific to During preparation of the aquaculture fisheries the site. Baseline surveys have been completed for reserve management plans a risk assessment was all relevant licensed sites. conducted that included the critical ecosystem components and current or potential threats. Ongoing monitoring Ongoing monitoring is to be undertaken on an Production impacts on the ecosystem annual basis, or at intervals specified by the For those offshore abalone farms using artificial Secretary, DPI. This is an ongoing assessment of feeds there is a risk of uneaten feed and waste the sediment and seabed of the aquaculture sites. accumulating on the seafloor resulting in a Ongoing monitoring will provide sufficient localised reduction of invertebrate biodiversity. If information to assess whether impacts are through video transect monitoring of the seafloor, acceptable, local and reversible by natural accumulated waste levels (triggers) are reached processes. It is the responsibility of the licence management controls are applied. This risk is holder to undertake and fund the ongoing diminished in land-based farms where the use of monitoring. large volumes of water and settlement ponds reduce organic and sediment waste to low Collaborative research concentrations. Between 2001 and 2004, as part of a FRDC-funded project, DPI researchers developed genetic markers The risks of transfer of disease to wild abalone for farmed abalone. This project was a key element stocks can be minimised or prevented through the of a national abalone breeding program aimed at establishment of best practice biosecurity improving industry productivity. standards including, stock health screening, quarantine provisions and compliance auditing. The DPI is currently collaborating with CSIRO to develop a PCR test for AGV. Ecological impact reduction strategies All on-shore production facilities must meet Future research and monitoring discharge licensing conditions prescribed by the The DPI is currently leading an initiative to Environmental Protection Agency (including evaluate the impacts of climate change on fisheries regular third party water quality testing). and aquaculture. This will lead to a better understanding on how climate change will affect Under aquaculture licence conditions, farms must aquaculture production in Victoria. adhere to the Victorian Abalone Aquaculture Translocation Protocol (DPI 2007) and the Abalone 4.3.5. Protected species Aquaculture Biosecurity Protocol Audit Guidelines Interactions with protected species (DPI 2008). No interactions with protected flora and fauna have been reported. Monitoring of the offshore abalone farming environment is done in accordance with the Interaction reduction strategies Guidelines for Environmental baseline Surveys and The Fisheries Act 1995 provides for the declaration of Ongoing Monitoring of Aquaculture Fisheries Reserves protected aquatic biota and penalties for related in Port Phillip and Western Port. (DPI 2006). offences. Permits are required to take, injure, possess, keep, display for reward, release into Victorian waters or sell any protected aquatic biota.
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External impacts on production References One abalone farm near Portland has been DPI (2003). Guidelines for the translocation of live significantly impacted by coastal foreshore aquatic organisms in Victoria. Completed by the erosion. Victorian Aquatic Organisms Translocation Guidelines Steering Committee. Ongoing drought conditions in Victoria have resulted in reduced runoff, above average water DPI (2005). Geelong Arm Aquaculture Fisheries temperatures and increased salinity in some Reserves Management Plan. Fisheries Victoria marine waters. The effects of such drought Management Report Series No. 34. conditions on abalone farms has not yet been DPI (2005). Eastern Port Phillip Bay Aquaculture directly assessed. Fisheries Reserves Management Plan. Fisheries 4.3.7. Social and economic values of Victoria Management Report Series No. 33. production and new initiatives DPI (2005). Flinders Aquaculture Fisheries Reserve Social impacts Management Plan. Fisheries Victoria Management Abalone farms located on the coastal foreshore of Report Series No. 32. PPB are often in close proximity to urban development. Some of these farms actively DPI (2006) Victorian Abalone Aquaculture support local community organisations, activities Translocation Protocol Fisheries Victoria and the tourism. Management Report Series No. 45. Economic value of aquaculture DPI (2006). Guidelines for the Cadastral Survey of Gross farm gate value of abalone aquaculture Victoria’s Offshore Aquaculture Fisheries production in 2006/07 was $4.3 million. Reserves. Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series No. 30. New management initiatives There are no new abalone aquaculture DPI (2006). Guidelines for Environmental Baseline management initiatives planned at this time. Surveys and Ongoing Monitoring of Aquaculture Fisheries Reserves in Port Phillip and Western Port. Fisheries Victoria, Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series No. 35. DPI (2008). Fisheries Victoria Commercial Fish Production Information Bulletin 2007. DPI, Melbourne.
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Appendix 1 – Species List
Freshwater Species List – 6 species Common Name Scientific name Family Crustaceans – 1 species Yabbie Cherax destructor Parastacidae
Teleosts (scale fish) – 5 species Eel, Long-Finned Anguilla reinhardtii Anguillidae Eel, Short-Finned Anguilla australis Anguillidae Eel, Unspecified Anguilla sp. Anguillidae Carp, European Cyprinus carpio Cyprinidae Roach Rutilus rutilus Cyprinidae Tench Tinca tinca Cyprinidae Marine Species List – 122 species Common Name Scientific name Family Cephalopods– 4 species Calamary, Southern Sepioteuthis australis Loliginidae Octopus Octopus spp Octopodidae Squid, Goulds Nototodarus goudii Ommastrephidae Cuttlefish Sepia sp. Sepiidae
Crustaceans – 14 species Shrimp, Ghost Biffarius arenosus Callianassidae Shrimp bait Crustaceans Crustaceans Crab, False Spider Amarinus laevis Decapoda Crab, Other Unspecified Brachyura Decapoda Crab, Sand Ovalipes australiensis Decapoda Crab, Velvet Nectocarcinus tuberculosus Decapoda Crab, Hermit Diogenidae Diogenidae Crab, Giant Pseudocarcinus gigas Eriphiidae Rock Lobster, Southern Jasus edwardsii Palinuridae Rock Lobster, Eastern Jasus (Sagmariasus) verreauxi Palinuridae Prawn, Eastern King Melicertus plebejus Penaeidae Prawn, Other (Unspecified) Penaeidae Penaeidae Prawn, School Metapenaeus macleayi Penaeidae Eastern Balmain Bug Ibacus peronii Scyllaridae
Echinoderms– 3 species Sea Urchin, Longspine (Black) Centrostephanus rodgersii Diadematidae Sea Urchin, Purple (White) Heliocidaris erythrogramma Echinometridae Sea cucumber Holthuridae Holothuridae
Polychaetes Sandworms Polychaetes Polychaetes
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Common Name Scientific name Family Molluscs – 8 species Pipi Donacidae Donacidae Abalone, Blacklip Haliotis rubra Haliotidae Abalone, Greenlip Haliotis laevigata Haliotidae Shellbait Molluscs Molluscs Whelk, Dog Muricidae Muricidae Mussel, Blue Mytilus galloprovincialis Mytilidae Scallop, Commercial Pecten fumatus Pectinidae Periwinkle, Unspecified Turbinidae Turbinidae
Teleosts ( scale fish) – 75 species Sea Carp, Southern Apolydactylus arctidens Aplodactylidae Australian salmon Arripis trutta A. truttaceus Arripidae Ruff Arripis georgianus Arripidae Sergeant baker Aulopus purpurissatus Aulopidae Redfish Centroberyx affinis Berycidae Kingfish, Yellowtail Seriola lalandi Carangidae Mackerel, Jack Trachurus declivis Carangidae Mackerel, Unspecified Carangidae Carangidae Trevally, silver Pseudocaranx dentex & Carangidae P.wrightii Trevalla, blue-eye Hyperoglyphe antarctica Centrolophidae Warehou, blue Seriolella brama Centrolophidae Warehou, silver (Trevalla, Spotted) Seriolella punctata Centrolophidae Magpie perch Cheilodactylus nigripes Cheilodactylidae Morwong, Banded Cheilodactylus spectabilis Cheilodactylidae Morwong, Blue (Queen snapper) Nemadactylus valenciennesi Cheilodactylidae Morwong, Dusky Dactylophora nigricans Cheilodactylidae Morwong, Jackass Nemadactylus macropterus Cheilodactylidae Morwong, Unspecified Cheilodactylidae Cheilodactylidae Anchovy, Southern Engraulis australis Clupeidae Australian Sardine Sardinops neopilchardus Clupeidae Herring, southern (Sprat) Herklotsichthys castelnaui Clupeidae Sprat, Blue Spratelloides robustus Clupeidae Sprat, Sandy Hyperlophus vittatus Clupeidae Eel, Southern Conger Conger verreauxi Congridae Pike, Unspecified Dinolestidae, Sphyraenidae Dinolestidae Barracouta Thyristes atun Gempylidae Garfish, River Hyporhamphus regularis Hemiramphidae Garfish, Southern sea Hyporhamphus melanochir Hemiramphidae Drummer (Silver) Kyphosus sydneyanus Kyphosidae Luderick Girella tricuspidata Kyphosidae Wrasse, Bluethroat Notolabrus tetricus Labridae Wrasse, Purple (Saddle) Notolabrus fucicola Labridae Trumpeter, Bastard Latridopsis forsteri Latridae Trumpeter, Striped Latris lineata Latridae Leatherjacket Monacanthidae Monacanthidae Cod, Southern Rock Pseudophycis barbata Moridae Cod, Unspecified (sea dragon) Moridae Moridae Mullet, Sand Myxus elongatus Mugilidae Mullet, Sea Mugil cephalus Mugilidae Mullet, Unspecified Mugilidae Mugilidae Mullet, Yellow-Eye Aldrichetta forsteri Mugilidae Goatfish, bluespotted (red mullet) Upeneichthys vlamingii Mullidae Blue Weed Whiting (Stranger) Haletta semifasciata Odacidae Herring cale Odax cyanomelas Odacidae
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Teleosts – scale fish (continued)
Common Name Scientific name Family Ling, Pink (Banded) Genypterus blacodes Ophidiidae Ling, Rock Genypterus tigerinus Ophidiidae Knife jaw Oplegnathus woodwardi Oplegnathidae Boarfish, Long-Snouted Pentaceropsis recurvirostris Pentacerotidae Bass, Australian Macquaria novemaculateata Percichthyidae Perch, Estuary Macquaria colonorum Percichthyidae Perch, Unspecified Percichthyidae Percichthyidae Flathead, Dusky Platycephalus fuscus Platycephalidae Flathead, Rock Platycephalus laevigatus Platycephalidae Flathead, Sand Platycephalus bassensis Platycephalidae Flathead, Southern Bluespotted (Yank) Platycephalus speculator Platycephalidae Flathead, Tiger Neoplatycephalus richardsoni Platycephalidae Flounder, Greenback Rhombosolea tapirina Pleuronectidae Flounder, Unspecified Pleuronectidae Pleuronectidae Tailor Pomatomus saltatrix Pomatomidae Mulloway Argyrosomus antarcticus Sciaenidae Mackerel, Blue Scomber australasicus Scombridae Perch, red gurnard (Ocean) Helicolenus percoides Scorpaenidae Sweep, sea Scorpis aequipinnis Scorpididae Whiting, Eastern School Sillago flindersi Sillaginidae Whiting, King George Sillaginoides punctata Sillaginidae Whiting, Sand Sillago ciliata Sillaginidae Sole, Unspecified Soleidae Soleidae Bream, Black Acanthopagrus butcheri Sparidae Bream, Yellowfin Acanthopagrus australis Sparidae Snapper Pagrus auratus Sparidae Pike, Short-Finned Sphyraena novaehollandiae Sphyraenidae Gurnard, Unspecified Triglidae Triglidae Latchet (sea robin) Pterygotrigla polyommata Triglidae Stargazer, common Kathetostoma laeve Uranoscopidae Dory, John Zeus faber Zeidae
Elasmobranchs (sharks, chimeras, skates & rays) – 18 species Shark, Thresher Alopias vulpinus Alopiidae Shark, Elephant Callorhinchus milii Callorhinchidae Shark, Blue Whaler Prionace glauca Carcharhinidae Shark, Bronze Whaler Carcharhinus brachyurus Carcharhinidae Shark, Other (Unspecified) Elasmobranch Elasmobranch Shark, Port Jackson Heterodontus portusjacksoni Heterodontidae Shark, Seven-Gilled Notorynchus cepedianus Hexanchidae Shark, Shortfin mako (Blue Pointer) Isurus oxyrinchus Lamnidae Shark, Rusty Parascyllium ferrugineum Parascylliidae Shark, Southern saw Pristiophorus nudipinnis Pristiophoridae Shark, Draughtboard Cephaloscyllium laticeps Scyliorhinidae Shark, Hammerhead Sphyrna zygaena Sphyrnidae Shark, Dog Squalus megalops Squalidae Shark, Angel Squatina australis Squatinidae Shark, Gummy Mustelus antarcticus Triakidae Shark, School Galeorhinus galeus Triakidae Skates and Rays, Other Rajiidae Rajiidae Ray, Southern Fiddler Trygonorrhina fasciata Rhinobatidae
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Appendix 2 – Production statistics
Table 23. Reported catch of Victorian commercial scale fish (2002/03–2006/07) Species Production (live weight, tonnes) 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 Freshwater scale fish Carp, European 723 530 480 311 311 Eel, longfin 28 33 27 25 21 Eel, southern shortfin 78 74 60 55 49 Marine scale fish Anchovy, Australian 128 79 58 86 42 Australian herring 16 3 4 4 1 Australian salmon 327 385 531 643 906 Barracouta 24 26 13 13 5 Bream, black 51 36 36 40 55 Bream, yellowfin 6 6 6 2 4 Flathead, dusky 15 11 13 48 35 Flathead, rock 64 61 83 88 73 Flathead, southern bluespotted 18 15 20 15 15 Flathead, southern sand 15 10 11 8 6 Flathead, tiger 5 2 0 1 2 Flatheads, other 13 12 13 29 17 Flounder, greenback 19 18 27 25 18 Garfish, river 3 1 8 id1 id1 Garfish, southern 85 84 104 72 80 Leatherjacket 23 20 18 18 17 Luderick 25 20 16 21 24 Mackerel, jack 9 37 7 6 16 Morwong, banded 9 11 6 3 id1 Morwong, dusky 5 2 3 1 4 Mullet, red 4 3 2 2 1 Mullet, sea 7 13 7 7 8 Mullet, yellow-eye 96 74 69 45 42 Mullets, other 1 1 1 2 1 Perch, estuary 0 2 1 1 1 Pilchard 1,196 1,013 644 741 724 Snapper 76 96 115 92 108 Snook 17 17 29 35 25 Sprat, sandy 63 63 21 id1 id1 Tailor 82 62 40 15 13 Trevally, silver 59 48 73 42 42 Warehou, blue 2 1 1 3 0 Whiting, blue weed 2 2 3 4 3 Whiting, King George 113 140 141 133 162 Whiting, school 33 6 5 8 5 Wrasse, blue throat 15 10 13 12 10 Wrasse, purple 7 8 2 4 4 Wrasses 30 26 26 21 22 Other teleosts 69 36 65 127 311 Sub-total 3,564 3,097 2,802 2,808 3,183 Notes: Excludes landings from Commonwealth waters by the South East Fishery and Southern Shark Fishery. 1id, insufficient data to report because there are less than five licence holders (policy requirement to protect commercial information)
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Table 24. Reported catch of Victorian commercial mollusc, echinoderm, crustacean, shark and rays (2002/03–2006/07)
Species Production (live weight, tonnes) 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 Molluscs Abalone, Blacklip 1,280 1,460 1,489 1,246 1,216 Abalone, Greenlip 1 3 1 id1 5 Calamari, Southern 66 80 96 74 60 Cuttlefishes 0 0 0 0 0 Mussel, Blue 5 1 4 id1 id1 Octopuses 29 41 19 17 21 Periwinkles 8 7 1 id1 id1 Scallops2 777 305 266 738 603 Squid, Gould's 8 4 4 2 2 Other Molluscs 2 2 2 4 3 Sub-total 2,176 1,903 1,882 2,081 1,910 Echinoderms Sea Urchin, Longspine 37 20 28 14 19 Sea Urchin, Purple 20 40 28 24 25 Sub-total 57 60 56 38 44 Crustaceans Balmain Bug 25 15 13 13 5 Crab, Giant 8 11 27 22 23 Crab, Sand 12 21 6 id1 1 Crab, Velvet 3 7 2 id1 0 Crabs 3 1 1 1 1 Prawn, Eastern King 88 57 8 15 46 Prawn, School 1 3 15 10 10 Rock Lobster, Southern 490 499 472 410 394 Yabby (freshwater) 1 1 1 1 1 Other Crustaceans 2 1 2 5 3 Sub-total 633 616 547 477 484 Chondrichthyans3 Elephant fish 4 2 4 3 4 Shark, Angel 4 1 2 2 4 Shark, Gummy 32 23 40 35 32 Shark, Saw 0 0 0 id1 0 Shark, School 1 0 1 1 0 Shark, Broadnose 3 3 2 1 id1 Rays4 16 12 12 14 14 Other sharks & rays 9 8 6 5 7 Sub-total 69 49 67 61 61 Total 6,499 5,725 5,354 5,465 5,682 Notes: 1id, insufficient data to report because there are less than five licence holders (policy requirement to protect commercial information); 2Scallop live shell weight reported; 3shark carcass weight (beheaded and gutted with fins attached) for Victorian Proclaimed Waters only; 4includes weight of margins of pectoral fins (`flaps') only.
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Table 25. Reported value of Victorian commercial scale fish catch (2002/03–2006/07) Species Value ($'000) 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 Freshwater scale fish Carp, European 847 636 599 406 400 Eel, longfin 392 395 331 328 225 Eel, southern shortfin 782 742 598 550 439 Marine scale fish Anchovy, Australian 396 276 78 281 106 Australian herring 27 6 11 2 2 Australian salmon 468 280 553 936 1,399 Barracouta 27 28 11 19 7 Bream, black 455 379 345 417 593 Bream, yellowfin 45 59 45 18 35 Flathead, dusky 31 25 27 142 141 Flathead, rock 285 188 294 398 414 Flathead, southern bluespotted 37 32 45 50 61 Flathead, southern sand 31 21 23 26 26 Flathead, tiger 15 4 1 3 8 Flatheads, other 27 26 26 93 57 Flounder, greenback 152 140 189 168 138 Garfish, river 23 4 37 id1 id1 Garfish, southern 590 615 629 426 594 Leatherjacket 58 42 30 39 43 Luderick 41 31 18 26 34 Mackerel, jack 14 71 13 15 32 Morwong, banded 206 248 139 71 id1 Morwong, dusky 11 4 7 3 9 Mullet, red 17 9 8 8 7 Mullet, sea 12 25 11 12 19 Mullet, yellow-eye 110 87 114 61 58 Mullets, other 2 1 2 3 2 Perch, estuary 4 17 12 9 8 Pilchard 4,865 1,175 708 653 616 Snapper 571 707 785 651 809 Snook 49 50 82 102 72 Sprat, sandy 72 72 24 id1 id1 Tailor 243 171 155 53 62 Trevally, silver 176 109 174 117 148 Warehou, blue 7 2 2 10 1 Whiting, blue weed 2 4 3 16 16 Whiting, King George 1,312 1,611 1,788 1,689 2,133 Whiting, school 94 17 12 26 17 Wrasse, blue throat 149 104 146 137 118 Wrasse, purple 73 82 27 46 46 Wrasses 302 263 305 246 253 Other teleosts 144 55 72 216 791 Sub-total 13,171 8,814 8,479 8,472 9,939 Notes: Values are estimated from Melbourne Fish Market auction prices. 1id, insufficient data to report because there are less than five licence holders (policy requirement to protect commercial information).
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Table 26. Reported value of Victorian commercial mollusc, echinoderm, crustacean, shark & ray catch (2002/03–2006/07)
Species Value($'000) 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 Molluscs Abalone, Blacklip 53,627 46,422 60,099 50,912 45,750 Abalone, Greenlip 31 80 36 id1 182 Calamari, Southern 766 776 728 666 780 Mussel, Blue 13 4 9 id1 id1 Octopuses 122 117 78 86 127 Periwinkles 16 14 2 id1 id1 Scallop 1,357 395 424 1,051 908 Squid, Gould's 10 5 7 3 4 Other Molluscs 8 1 4 19 7 Sub-total 55,950 47,814 61,387 52,737 47,758 Echinoderms Sea Urchin, Longspine 92 61 99 21 29 Sea Urchin, Purple 43 146 119 37 43 Sub-total 135 207 218 58 72 Crustaceans Balmain Bug 189 124 97 111 47 Crab, Giant 253 241 714 724 748 Crab, Sand 48 69 27 id1 5 Crab, Velvet 38 56 9 id1 2 Crabs, other 13 2 3 4 4 Prawn, Eastern King 1,121 731 108 194 549 Prawn, School 19 34 198 136 126 Rock Lobster, Southern 17,723 13,830 14,183 14,542 15,555 Yabby (freshwater) 9 11 11 7 2 Crustaceans, other 38 28 42 85 50 Sub-total 19,451 15,126 15,392 15,803 17,088 Chondrichthyans2 Elephant fish 8 4 7 6 12 Shark, Angel 9 2 4 4 9 Shark, Gummy 257 188 320 323 303 Shark, Saw 1 0 0 id1 1 Shark, School 6 3 7 6 4 Shark, Broadnose 11 10 9 4 id1 Rays3 17 12 16 22 21 Other sharks & rays 30 26 20 17 30 Sub-total 339 245 383 382 380 Total 89,046 72,206 85,859 77,452 75,237 Notes: Values are estimated from Melbourne Fish Market auction prices (except for abalone, scallops, rock lobster, giant crabs, which are estimated from prices reported by processors). 1id, insufficient data to report because there are less than five licence holders (policy requirement to protect commercial information).
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Table 27. Weight and value of Victorian aquaculture production (2002/03-2006/07) Year Hatchery Growout Total Production Production Value Weight Value Value ($'000) (tonnes) ($'000) ($'000) 2002/03 1,261 3,211 20,699 21,960 2003/04 674 2,966 23,560 24,234 2004/05 301 3,246 23,946 24,247 2005/06 681 2,831 21,003 21,684 2006/07 1,313 2,561 18,697 20,010
Table 28. Weight and value of Victorian abalone aquaculture production (2002/03–2006/07) Year Nursery production Growout Production Seed1 Weight2 Value (Number,'000) (tonnes) ($'000) 2002/03 na 27 1,208 2003/04 5,597 102 3,561 2004/05 6,546 124 4,454 2005/06 4,428 161 5,633 2006/07 7,219 121 4,344 Notes: 1Total number of abalone seed retained and purchased. Seeds are up to 12 millimetre. Numbers not available before 2003/04 (new return form was introduced that year); 2due to changes in the return form effective July 2002, product sold for growout to other farms has not been included in 2002/03 period. Abalone weight sold to other farms is not reported due to insufficient data.
Table 29. Weight and value of Victorian blue mussel aquaculture production (2002/03–2006/07) Year Natural settlement Growout Production Metres of rope1 Weight Value (tonnes) ($'000)
2002/03 na 1,444 4,042 2003/04 67,180 1,064 2,837 2004/05 94,085 1,260 2,816 2005/06 90,035 933 1,865 2006/07 80,950 824 2,308 Notes: 1Estimated number of 1 millimetre-spat is about 3,000 per meter of rope.
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Table 30. Weight and value of Victorian scale fish aquaculture production (2002/03–2006/07) Year Hatchery Production Growout Production Number Weight1 Value ('000) (tonnes) ($'000) Freshwater eels 2002/03 0 18 181 2003/04 0 43 450 2004/05 0 116 1,462 2005/06 0 83 1,155 2006/07 0 141 2,138 Salmonids 2002/03 8,246 1,605 10,404 2003/04 5,864 1,648 12,316 2004/05 7,360 1,631 10,533 2005/06 6,232 1,491 8,163 2006/07 5,192 1,361 6,955 Inland scale fish 2002/03 1,140 110 1,727 2003/04 708 105 1,766 2004/05 355 110 1,863 2005/06 290 159 1,629 2006/07 1,190 112 1,601 Yabby 2002/03 301 7 134 2003/04 234 5 65 2004/05 208 4 78 2005/06 141 5 80 2006/07 92 2 26 Ornamental fish 2002/03 3,875 na2 3,003 2003/04 3,957 na2 2,566 2004/05 4,326 na2 2,741 2005/06 6,045 na2 2,478 2006/07 2,356 na2 1,323
Total production2 Total value 2002/03 1,741 15,450 2003/04 1,800 17,162 2004/05 1,862 16,676 2005/06 1,737 13,505 2006/07 1,616 12,044 Notes: 1following changes in the return form effective after July 2002, product sold for growout to other farms has not been included in 2002/03 period; 2 only numbers produced are available (ornamental fish production not weighed).
Fishery status report 2008 168