DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES

Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan

No. 19 August 2005

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan

August 2005

Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series No. 19 © The State of Victoria, Department of Primary Published by the Department of Primary Industries, 2005. Industries, Fisheries Victoria This publication is copyright. No part may be GPO Box 4440 produced by any process except in accordance Melbourne Victoria 3001. with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. Reproduction and the making available of this Printed by Classic Colour Copying Melbourne material for personal, in-house, or non-commercial Copies are also available from the website: purposes is authorised on the condition that: www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing • The copyright is acknowledged as the owner; Follow the links – Managing Fisheries, • No official connection is claimed; Management Plans and Strategies. • The material is made available without charge Disclaimer: - This publication may be of assistance or cost; and to you, but the State of Victoria and its employees 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 the Nominated This management plan cannot be used in a court of Officer Copyright, 19/1 Spring Street, Melbourne, law. Fishing laws change from time to time. It is 3000. your responsibility to ensure that you are acting ISSN: 1448-1693 within the law. If you are in doubt seek independent legal advice. ISBN: 1 74146 930 9 For further information on this management plan Preferred way to cite this publication: or on recreational fishing in general contact the Department of Primary Industries (2005). Department of Primary Industries Customer Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Service Centre (telephone 136 186 or visit the Plan - Draft 2005. Fisheries Victoria Management Department’s web site at Report Series No. 19. www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing/. For further information on the activities of the Victorian Recreational Fishing peak body (VRFish) telephone (03) 9854 6167 or visit the VRFish web site at www.vrfish.com.au.

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan ii Table of contents

Executive summary ...... 1

Introduction ...... 2 Description of Anderson Inlet and its Catchment ...... 2 Declaration of Anderson Inlet as a Fisheries Reserve ...... 4 Recreational Fishing...... 4 Biology and Ecological Requirements of Key Target Fish Species...... 5 Use of the Inlet by Indigenous Australians ...... 7 Commercial Fishing...... 8 Other Water-Based Uses of Anderson Inlet...... 9

Current Management Arrangements...... 10 Legislative and Policy Framework for Fisheries Management...... 10 Current Controls on Fishing ...... 11 Fishing by Indigenous Australians...... 12 Fishery Co-management Arrangements...... 12 Management of Non-Fisheries Uses/Values In and Around the Inlet...... 12

Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan ...... 16 Scope of the Plan ...... 16 Duration of the Plan...... 16 The Planning Process...... 16 Management Goal and Objectives ...... 17 Strategies for Recreational Fishing ...... 18 Strategies for Maintenance of Fish Habitat...... 18

Recreational Fishing Opportunities ...... 19 Strategy 1 – Identify fishing values in Anderson Inlet...... 19 Strategy 2 – Maintain or enhance levels of satisfaction with fishing opportunities...... 19 Strategy 3 – Identify and Encourage Responsible Recreational Fishing Behaviour...... 20

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan iii Sustainable Use of Fish Resources ...... 21 Strategy 4 – Identify key target species and monitor fishery trends for these species...... 21 Strategy 5 – Determine the status of key target fish stocks...... 21 Strategy 6 –Protect key recreational fish species utilising Anderson Inlet ...... 22

Maintenance of Fish Habitat...... 24 Strategy 7 – Identify important habitat for key fishery species...... 24 Strategy 8 - Engage other agencies to maintain and enhance fish habitats ...... 25

Issues Affecting Recreational Fishing Opportunities ...... 27 Strategy 9 - Engage other agencies to maintain or improve access to fisheries resources...... 27

Research and Monitoring...... 34 Planning and Priorities...... 34 Potential Funding Sources ...... 35

Compliance with Fishing Controls...... 37 Fisheries Compliance in Anderson Inlet...... 37

Management Plan Implementation...... 39 Key Implementation Actions...... 39 Costs of Implementation...... 39 Review of the Management Plan ...... 39

References ...... 40

Appendices ...... 43 Appendix 1 - Declaration of Anderson Inlet as a Fisheries Reserve...... 43 Appendix 2 - Ministerial Guidelines for Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve...... 44 Appendix 3 - Management Plan Steering Committee ...... 45

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan iv Executive summary

The purpose of the Anderson Inlet Fisheries In view of the lack of information on recreational Reserve Management Plan (AIFRMP) is to specify fishing and key fish habitats in the inlet, most the objectives, strategies and performance existing fishery management arrangements will measures for managing fishing activities within initially remain unchanged while the focus is on the Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve. establishing programs to characterise the recreational fishery; monitor fishery trends and the The AIFRMP has been prepared under the status of key target species; and identify key fish requirements of the Victorian Fisheries Act 1995 habitats in the inlet. and has been developed in accordance with gazetted Ministerial guidelines. The AIFRMP If information from these programs indicates a prescribes fishery management arrangements for need to alter fishery management arrangements in the Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve in accordance the future, to ensure sustainable use or to meet with a nationally agreed framework for applying changing demands for recreational fishing the principles of Ecologically Sustainable opportunities, then changes will be considered in Development to fisheries. consultation with stakeholders. The AIFRMP describes: Indicative costs and priorities for implementation of the AIFRMP are provided. Annual progress • the geography of Anderson Inlet; available reports and a 10-year review process will allow information on recreational fishing activities; fishery management arrangements for the and other values/uses of the inlet and Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve to be adapted to surrounds that may affect recreational fishing changing future circumstances, ensuring opportunities; sustainable use of fisheries resources with • current management arrangements for fishing maximum economic and social benefits to the activities and for other relevant values/uses of community. the inlet and surrounds; A Reference Group will be established to work • goals, objectives, performance indicators and with the Department of Primary Industries to actions for management of fishing activities in deliver the key management outcomes from the the Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve; and AIFRMP. • processes for participating in management of other relevant values/uses in and around the inlet, to ensure that any possible concerns regarding consequences for recreational fishing can be raised and considered.

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 1 Introduction

On 3 July 2003 Anderson Inlet was declared a Description of Anderson Inlet and fisheries reserve under the provisions of section 88 of the Fisheries Act 1995. The defined area of the its Catchment Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve is the estuarine Anderson Inlet (Figure 1) is a small (about 20 km2) waters of Anderson Inlet and the Tarwin River estuarine lagoon at the mouth of the Tarwin River. below the Tarwin Lower Road Bridge, but not It is located near Inverloch, about 140 km south - including the area of Cape Liptrap Coastal Park east of Melbourne, and has a catchment area of between high and low water marks. The Notice about 1,600 km2. published in the Victorian Government Gazette Anderson Inlet is a shallow estuary, with about indicated that the purposes of the Anderson Inlet 85% of the area consisting of intertidal mud or Fisheries Reserve is to: sand flats (both bare and vegetated), and the • provide for enhanced recreational fishing remaining 15% consisting of channels and islands. opportunities; Apart from the Tarwin River, other smaller streams flowing into Anderson Inlet include Screw

• improve the management and monitoring of Creek, just to the east of Inverloch, and Pound recreational fishing activities; Creek and Cherry Tree Creek, further east along • improve the management and monitoring of the northern shore of the inlet. any other issues that are likely to have an Harrison et al., (1990) produced a Resource impact on recreational fishing opportunities; Directory to aid in the management of various and uses of natural resources in and around Anderson • enable the development of a management plan Inlet. This document is the only known for the reserve which includes specified compilation of detailed information on the controls on access, activities and equipment, physical environment, flora and fauna, and human and a strategy for ensuring compliance with uses of the inlet and surrounds. these controls. The climate of Anderson Inlet is typical of coastal areas of south-east Victoria, with generally warm The Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management to hot and dry summers and cold, wet winters. Plan (AIFRMP) specifies the objectives, strategies Mean annual rainfall is about 920mm at the inlet and performance measures for managing fishing and more than 1000mm in some parts of the activities within the Anderson Inlet Fisheries catchment, with twice as much rain falling in Reserve, and was developed in consultation with winter months as in summer months (Harrison et recreational fishers and other interested sectors of al., 1990). the community. The AIFRMP formalises fishery management arrangements for the next 10 years in Subtidal water temperatures in the inlet display accordance with the principles of Ecologically substantial seasonal variation (summer maximum Sustainable Development (Fletcher et al., 2002). about 22°C; winter minimum about 11°C). Intertidal waters are slightly cooler than subtidal The AIFRMP also describes other uses, activities waters in summer because of evaporation, and and environmental processes in and around slightly warmer in winter because of solar heating. Anderson Inlet that may influence fishing Temperatures in the upper estuary at the mouth of opportunities or the productivity of fish habitats in the Tarwin River are slightly warmer than at the the inlet. The AIFRMP identifies agency mouth of the inlet near Inverloch in winter, and responsibilities and processes for management of significantly warmer in summer. these non-fishing uses/activities, and actions needed to ensure that any possible concerns The lower end of the inlet is dominated by sandy regarding consequences for fishing or fish habitat substrate, mainly of marine origin. There is can be raised and considered in the appropriate substantial movement of these sands, driven forums. mainly by shoreline erosion due to wave action – particularly around Point Smythe – and by tidal water currents

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 2 Figure 1 Map of Anderson Inlet and surrounds showing the main geographical locations, townships, tributaries and boat launching facilities

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 3 The upper end of the inlet and the lower reaches of Spartina infestation is particularly severe adjacent inflowing waterways are dominated by fine to Venus Bay, leading to community concerns over sediments deposited from the catchment. The narrowing and shallowing of channels leading to Tarwin River catchment has been extensively Fisherman’s Jetty; possible adverse impacts of modified for agricultural uses – mainly dairying Spartina invasion on mangrove/saltmarsh and grazing of cattle and sheep. Substantial communities; and possible denial of intertidal clearing of indigenous vegetation from the habitat to fish stocks. Given the highly variable catchment (estimated loss of over 80% since physical and ecological processes described above, European settlement), and agricultural land use it is likely that prevailing habitat and practices, have contributed to increased erosion environmental conditions are exerting a and sediment deposition and at least one substantial influence on the distribution and eutrophication event which probably occurred in abundance of key fish stocks in Anderson Inlet the top part of the estuary and lower part of the quite apart from any direct effects of fishing. Tarwin River in December 1988 (Harrison et al., 1990; NREC, 1991). Construction of drainage Declaration of Anderson Inlet as a canals and levee banks has also affected inundation of wetlands in some areas around the Fisheries Reserve inlet. While the rivers and streams flow all year Prior to the November 2002 State election, the round, a large portion of the total sediment and Victorian Government demonstrated its nutrients deposited in the inlet occurs during commitment to improving recreational fishing floods or high flows resulting from heavy rainfall opportunities by proposing the establishment of events. fisheries reserves in three Gippsland estuaries: - Anderson Inlet, Lake Tyers and Mallacoota Inlet. Anderson Inlet and surrounding areas attract up The proposals for Lake Tyers and Mallacoota Inlet to 30,000 visitors a day in peak season, many of included the removal of commercial fishing, other whom engage in water-based recreational than fishing for eels and bait. Commercial fishing pursuits, and parts of the foreshore of the inlet - had already been removed from Anderson Inlet. particularly around Inverloch - are increasingly being affected by residential and tourism Public submissions received between October and development (NREC, 1991). Focal points for December 2002 indicated majority public support development and recreational activities include for these proposals. Consequently Anderson Inlet the Inverloch area, Venus Bay Estates and Tarwin was gazetted as a fisheries reserve on 3 July 2003 Lower. (see Appendix 1), to be managed primarily for the purpose of maintaining or enhancing recreational Whilst productive fish habitats such as seagrass fishing opportunities. beds remain in some areas of the inlet, introduced species such as the tussock grass, Spartina, have proliferated. Seagrass distribution in Anderson Recreational Fishing Inlet is very low with only 2% of the inlet being Results of the recent National Recreational and covered (Blake et al., 2000). Historical information Indigenous Fishing Survey (Henry and Lyle, 2003) indicates that the inlet floor was once more indicate that approximately 550,000 Victorians or extensively covered by seagrass, and it has been 13% of the State’s population went recreational suggested that invasion of intertidal areas by fishing in the 12 month period prior to May 2000. Spartina and natural succession events may be Approximately 43% of total Victorian recreational responsible for the decline (DCNR, 1994; Blake et fishing events in 2000/01 occurred in bays, inlets al., 2000). and estuaries, including Anderson Inlet. Most of this effort would have been expended in the larger Spartina was first introduced to the Anderson Inlet bays and estuaries such as Port Phillip Bay and the area in the 1940s and again in the early 1960s to Gippsland Lakes. Nevertheless smaller estuaries aid in land reclamation, stabilise intertidal such as Anderson Inlet are popular for local mudflats, increase grazing land at low tide and residents and increasing numbers of seasonal assist with the prevention of coastal erosion (Rash visitors from Melbourne and other provincial et al., 1996). The area of Anderson Inlet infested cities. with Spartina had increased to about 64 ha by 1980, 100 ha by 1991, 240 ha by 1998 (DNRE, 1998) and The National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing to more than 300 ha at present. This species is Survey also found that Victorians spent thought to have the potential to colonise nearly all approximately $400 million on goods and services intertidal areas of the inlet. associated with recreational fishing activities

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 4 during 2000/01. This was equivalent to $721 per The 1989 survey of 293 recreational users of fisher per year – the highest per capita expenditure Anderson Inlet found that 55% of them visited the in Australia. Approximately two thirds of this inlet to engage in recreational fishing, and that expenditure occurred in the Melbourne fishing was the third most popular recreational metropolitan area, but it is nevertheless clear that activity after beach walking and swimming. recreational fishing can have a significant impact The angler survey produced an estimate of 19,500 on local or regional economies. daytime fishing trips or 97,500 angler hours Profile of Recreational Fishing in the Inlet applied to Anderson Inlet in 1990. The estimated Most recreational fishing in Anderson Inlet is mean catch rate of 0.66 fish per angler hour angling. Angling occurs year round in the inlet but resulted in an estimated total retained recreational the peak period is from October to April when catch of about 64,000 fish with an estimated weight weather conditions are most favourable and of more than 19 tonnes (Smith, 1991). The author visitors have holiday time available (Harrison et of the survey report noted, however, that due to al., 1990). Fishing is mainly from small powered the limited sampling strategy used in the survey boats launched from boat ramps at Inverloch, these estimates were not particularly reliable. Maher's Landing, Lower Tarwin or Venus Bay The main components of the 1990 recreational (Fisherman's Jetty). Shore based fishing also catch were flathead, Australian salmon, silver occurs in some locations (eg. around Inverloch, trevally, yellow-eye mullet, King George whiting Screw Creek, Tarwin Lower, Fisherman's Jetty and and estuary perch. For all these species the Point Smythe), but much of the inlet is inaccessible estimated recreational catch weight exceeded the for this purpose. Hand spearing for flounder is reported commercial catch weight in the inlet for also permitted in parts of the inlet as specified in the same time period (see table 1). the Fisheries Regulations 1998.

Key Fish Species Targeted and/or Caught Biology and Ecological Angling club records, information provided from Requirements of Key Target Fish public consultation processes for this management Species plan, and other observational evidence indicates that in recent years the main target species for The following descriptions of the biological and recreational fishers in Anderson Inlet have been ecological characteristics of key target fish species estuary perch, Australian salmon, silver trevally in Anderson Inlet are derived from published and yellow-eye mullet. Media reports from 1992 literature. While some recreational fishers have to 1997 also recorded recreational catches extensive knowledge of the distribution and containing King George whiting. A limited creel behaviour of key fish species in the inlet based on survey conducted in 1990 (Smith, 1991) indicated personal observations, there has been little or no that flathead (probably several species but mainly scientific investigation of the distribution, sand flathead) was the biggest component of the population dynamics or ecological requirements of daytime recreational catch in the inlet. Other these fish species in Anderson Inlet. species that are caught in the inlet or have been Estuary Perch targeted more frequently in the past include black As the name implies, estuary perch are resident in bream, luderick, elephant fish, gummy shark, estuaries of south-eastern Australia from northern garfish, snapper, tailor, ling, calamari squid, NSW through Victoria and Tasmania to the mouth flounder, eels, sea pike and mulloway. of the Murray River in South Australia (Williams, Fishing Catch and Effort 1970). The only survey information on recreational Examination of fish caught in netting surveys of fishing specifically for Anderson Inlet comes from Victorian estuaries (McCarraher and McKenzie, a survey of recreational users of the inlet in 1989 1986) indicated that estuary perch spawn during (Harrison et al., 1990), and from monthly daytime winter and spring months. Spawning is usually angler counts, on-site interviews and examination earlier in the season in Gippsland estuaries, and of angling club records over the period 1989 – 1991 progressively later in estuaries to the west. Perch (Smith, 1991). Apart from these surveys there has in spawning condition were most often found in been no systematic monitoring of recreational waters with salinities between 10 and 24 parts per fishing in Anderson Inlet, and thus there are no thousand and over seagrass or algal beds or rock recent estimates of total recreational catch or effort. reefs.

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 5 The Victorian netting surveys indicated that extremes, such as the brackish and turbid waters estuary perch were generally most abundant in of estuaries, or the hyper-saline waters of the Gippsland estuaries, and that they grew and South Australian gulfs. survived best in estuaries containing deep- Western juveniles feed on bottom-dwelling prey channelled rivers and frequently or permanently such as fishes, crabs and shrimps. Eastern open entrances. juveniles feed on zooplankton but are known to Little is known of the early life history stages of also prey on bottom-dwelling fauna such as fishes, estuary perch, but nursery areas for small squid, crustaceans and polychaete worms during juveniles are thought to be in the upper reaches of winter months (Robertson, 1982). estuaries. Larger juveniles and adult perch are Larger juvenile salmon (>30cm length) move out of known to be associated with submerged tree bays and estuaries into more exposed coastal branches and seagrass beds where they can shelter waters, such as around rocky headlands and along and feed as ambush predators on smaller fish and surf beaches. Maturing salmon school up and crustaceans. move east or west along the southern coast to the Netting surveys of Anderson Inlet and the lower respective spawning grounds of each species. Tarwin River in the early 1980s (McCarraher, 1986) Migrating schools of adult salmon will sometimes found estuary perch to be one of the most ‘rest up’ near the mouths of inlets such as abundant fish species in the estuary at the time. Anderson Inlet, and may occasionally move into One of the most popular fishing spots for this such inlets to feed. species in the inlet is ‘The Snags’, where erosion of the Point Smythe shoreline has resulted in trees Silver Trevally being submerged. Trevally species of the genus Pseudocaranx are widespread in temperate and sub-tropical waters Australian Salmon of Australia, New Zealand, the Indian Ocean and Australian salmon are migratory, schooling the Atlantic Ocean (James, 1984). Studies in the marine fishes found in coastal waters, bays and early 1990s revealed that silver trevally in estuaries of southern Australia and up the east and Victorian, Tasmanian, South Australian and west coasts to approximately 30 degrees South Western Australian waters consist of two very (Kailola et al., 1993). similar species, P. dentex and P. wrighti (Gomon et al., 1994). Morphological and genetic studies (MacDonald, 1980, 1983) have confirmed two species of salmon Juvenile silver trevally occur over soft substrates in in southern Australian waters - western salmon estuaries, bays and shallow coastal waters, whilst (Arripis truttaceus) in waters of Western Australia, adults are found either in shallow coastal waters South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania, and or forming pelagic schools in deeper waters of the eastern salmon (A. trutta) in waters of southern continental shelf (Last et al., 1983; James, 1976). NSW, Victoria and Tasmania. Spawning occurs during summer (Lenanton, Western salmon predominate in western and 1977). Adult fish in spawning condition have been central Victorian waters and are relatively recorded from both estuaries and offshore areas common as far east as the Gippsland Lakes, while (Winstanley, 1985), but any spawning ground eastern salmon predominate in East Gippsland preferences have not been defined. waters and are relatively common as far west as Silver trevally can live for more than 40 years Port Phillip Bay. The two salmon species thus (James, 1978) and can grow to a maximum of 94 overlap in central Victorian waters (including cm total length (Hutchins and Swainston, 1986) Anderson Inlet) where they can be found mixed and up to 6.0 kg in weight (Last et al., 1983). together in the same schools. However, trevally larger than about 38 cm length Western salmon spawn between February and are uncommon in Victorian bays, estuaries and June in coastal waters of south-west Western shallow coastal waters. Australia. Eastern salmon spawn in coastal waters Trevally are opportunistic carnivores, adapted to of East Gippsland and southern NSW over the both benthic and planktonic feeding modes. The period November to April. benthic diet consists primarily of polychaete In Victoria both western and eastern salmon up to worms, molluscs and small crustaceans, while 2+ years are found predominantly in bays and surface schools of trevally consume planktonic estuaries, often in association with seagrass beds. crustaceans - particularly euphausids (krill). They can tolerate temperature and salinity Juvenile trevally mainly consume micro

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 6 crustaceans (Winstanley, 1985). Seasonal feeding al., 1990; McKay, 1992). However, few fish caught preferences occur in adult trevally with a summer in Victorian bays and inlets exceed 40 cm total diet of essentially crustaceans shifting to mainly length or 1 kg. bivalve molluscs and teleosts in winter (Anon., 1981). Use of the Inlet by Indigenous King George Whiting Australians King George whiting (Sillaginodes punctata) are Prior to European settlement two main aboriginal endemic to marine embayments, marine sections groups utilised the natural resources of Anderson of estuaries and shallow coastal waters of southern Inlet. These were the Yowenjene people, the most Australia from central NSW to the central west easterly clan of the Bunurong tribe, and the coast of Western Australia. The southern limit of Jatowarawara, a clan of the Kurnai tribe of the species’ distribution is the north coast of Gippsland. The Tarwin River divided the home Tasmania (Kailola et al., 1993; Gomon et al., 1994). ranges of these two groups (Chapman et al., 1987; Harrison et al., 1990; DNRE, 1998). Although small juveniles are common in tidal estuaries and creeks, this species is primarily a The lower reaches of the Tarwin River provided resident of marine waters, being unable to tolerate the Yowenjene clan with a variety of foods salinities much less than that of full sea water. including swan eggs, roots and plants, along with King George whiting are found in most shallow, fish, eels, kangaroo and possums. Marine shellfish sheltered coastal waters of Victoria, but are most were also a popular choice for the Yowenjene clan abundant in large marine embayments such as with numerous middens found in close proximity Corner Inlet/Nooramunga and Port Phillip Bay. to Venus Bay (Chapman et al., 1987). Other species of whiting found in Victorian waters A dramatic decline in population numbers of both include the eastern school whiting (Sillago the Yowenjene and Jatowarawara clans coincided flindersi) and the east coast sand whiting (Sillago with the arrival of European sealers and whalers ciliata). to the central Victorian coast in the early 1800’s. This was thought to be due to conflict over Adult whiting in breeding condition, or small resources as well as the introduction of disease whiting less than about 100 days old, are virtually (Chapman et al., 1987). Massola (1974) reported absent from bay and inlet waters of central that by 1850 only a handful of the original Victoria. It has therefore been hypothesised that population from the Jatowarawara and Yowenjene recruitment to these areas is derived from clans remained on the coast. spawning in coastal waters to the west of Port Phillip Bay, and that recruitment from as far west Sites of Cultural Significance as South Australian waters may be possible A number of coastal shell middens have been (Jenkins and May, 1994; Jenkins et al., 2000). reported in the Anderson Inlet area, particularly in Available evidence from studies of gonad the Cape Liptrap Coastal Park and also in the maturation and ageing of post-larvae indicate that vicinity of Screw Creek. These middens contain King George whiting spawn during autumn or the remnants of shellfish as well as other species early winter. To date the only known spawning like kangaroo and fish that were eaten by the local area for King George whiting is open coastal Aboriginal people over hundreds of years (AAV, waters of South Australia (Jones et al., 1990; 2002). No middens or other aboriginal cultural Jenkins et al., 2000). heritage sites have been reported from within the boundaries of the Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve The species has a long planktonic larval life, with area to date. post-larvae settling into very shallow, sheltered marine habitats in Victorian bays and inlets at 100 Shell middens are thought to be amongst the most - 170 days of age (Jenkins and May, 1994). fragile sites of cultural significance due to their Juveniles remain in sheltered marine waters - exposure to varied climatic conditions and human usually in association with seagrass habitats - for interference by unauthorised vehicle and 2-3 years, after which they begin to move to pedestrian access. Measures recommended to deeper, more open waters (Kailola et al., 1993). prevent or mitigate damage to cultural sites have included stabilising the area by revegetation and King George whiting have a reported maximum controlling access through fencing of sensitive life span of 15 years (from scale ageing in South areas. Australia), a reported maximum length of 72 cm and a reported maximum weight of 4.8 kg (Jones et

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 7 consistently less than 5,500 kg. This declining Commercial Fishing trend in annual commercial catches is thought to Commercial fishing for finfish commenced in the be due to a combination of factors, including mid-1800s and continued until 2000. declining commercial fishing effort applied in the The main fishing methods used by commercial inlet, a decline in the capacity of the inlet to fishers were mesh (gill) nets, haul seine nets and support fish populations due to habitat and hand lines. The main species recorded from environment changes, and increasing pressure on commercial catches were Australian salmon, key fish stocks from the combined impacts of yellow-eye mullet and silver trevally, and more recreational and commercial fishing (Smith, 1991). recently estuary perch, luderick, rock flathead, Table 1 summarises mean annual commercial fish bream and King George whiting. Catches were catches (kg) from Anderson Inlet between 1978 mostly sold as fresh table fish through the and 2000. The Table shows that during this last Melbourne markets or through local outlets. period of the commercial fishery yellow-eye Available commercial fishing catch and effort data mullet (46%) and estuary perch (18%) together indicate that prior to World War II annual accounted for nearly two thirds of total commercial catches from Anderson Inlet were commercial catches from the inlet. mostly between 15,000 and 30,000 kg. From 1945 There is still one fishing licence that permits to the mid 1970s annual commercial catches were commercial eel fishing and several licences that mostly between 5,000 and 15,000 kg. From 1980 to permit commercial bait fishing (mainly pumping its closure in 2000 the Anderson Inlet commercial for sand worm) in Anderson Inlet and/or the lower fishery produced annual catches that were reaches of the Tarwin River.

Table 1. Annual commercial fish catches (kg) from Anderson Inlet during 1978 to 2000

Species Highest Catch Lowest Catch Mean Annual Catch % of All-Species Catch

All species combined 8128 43 2910 100.0%

Australian salmon 890 3 226 7.7% Bream, black 250 0 75 2.6% Elephant fish 50 0 4 0.1% Flathead, rock 190 0 31 1.1% Flathead, sand 145 0 18 0.6% Flounder 52 0 14 0.5% Garfish 650 0 66 2.3% Luderick 854 0 246 8.5% Mullet, sea 268 0 27 0.9% Mullet, yellow-eye 6543 6 1337 46.0% Perch, estuary 1777 0 511 17.6% Sea pike 65 0 7 0.3% Shark, gummy/school 105 0 18 0.6% Snapper 8 0 1 <0.1% Tailor 26 0 3 0.1% Trevally, silver 1056 0 268 9.2% Whiting, King George 283 0 46 1.6% Other/Unspecified 44 0 11 0.4%

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 8 The water area of Anderson Inlet – particularly at Other Water-Based Uses of low tide - is relatively small. While the inlet has Anderson Inlet the capacity to support a variety of water craft Anderson Inlet – particularly the Inverloch area – activities, increasing demand for these activities – has been an increasingly popular recreational particularly during peak holiday periods - is destination for visitors from Melbourne or the leading to congestion. LaTrobe Valley since the late 1800s. The resident Watercraft can gain access to Anderson Inlet by population of Inverloch is estimated to increase coming in through the inlet entrance from coastal tenfold during the peak summer holiday period, waters or by being launched from boat ramps and Venus Bay is becoming increasingly attractive located at Inverloch, Mahers Landing, the Tarwin as a holiday and retirement destination. The main River at Tarwin Lower, Fishermans Jetty (Venus attractions of the area are beach and water Bay) or Flat Rocks (just outside the inlet). recreational activities, scenic landscapes and wildlife observation (DNRE, 1998). The Inverloch boat ramp is popular due to good car/trailer parking facilities and the proximity of The main water-related activities undertaken in other retail and hospitality services. However, and around the inlet are beach walking, Mahers Landing is often used as an alternative by swimming, fishing, recreational boating, diving, locals. use of personal water craft (jet skiing), water skiing, wake boarding, sailing, wind surfing, kite Shore-based Activities surfing and observation of water birds. Major shore-based activities identified by Harrison et al., (1990) and in the Inverloch Foreshore and Water Craft Activities Anderson Inlet Management Plan (DNRE, 1998) Anderson Inlet is used for a number of watercraft include walking, playing on the beach, swimming, activities. Sailboats, sailboards, and personal snorkelling, diving, sunbathing and wildlife water craft are used predominantly in the lower observation. Due to limited shore access around half of the estuary wherever sufficient depth of the inlet these activities are mainly concentrated in water is available. a few key areas including the Inverloch Foreshore, Powerboats are used for water skiing purposes around boat ramps, the Tarwin River boardwalks, mainly in a deep channel adjacent to Point Smythe and the inlet shoreline of the Cape Liptrap Coastal and in a designated area where the Tarwin River Park near Point Smythe. enters the inlet near Tarwin Lower. Intensive use of these limited shore access Canoeing and kayaking occurs throughout the locations within Anderson Inlet has in some cases inlet in suitable weather and tidal conditions. resulted in environmental degradation, including Dive charter operators normally take their clients vegetation removal and disturbance, erosion, to dive locations in open waters of the Bunurong uncontrolled vehicle and pedestrian access, and coast, but will conduct dives inside Anderson Inlet establishment of pest plants and animals (Harrison – usually in the vicinity of Point Smythe – if diving et al., 1990). conditions are unfavourable outside the inlet.

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 9 Current Management Arrangements

Following the removal of commercial fishing stakeholders in fisheries management via fisheries (other than for eels and bait) from Anderson Inlet co-management arrangements; and prescribes in 2000, and the declaration of the inlet as a enforcement powers to assist in achieving fisheries reserve in 2003, the focus for fisheries compliance with fishing controls. management has shifted towards maintaining, and The Fisheries Regulations 1998 prescribe detailed where possible improving, recreational fishing management arrangements for individual opportunities in the inlet. commercial and recreational fisheries, including The following sections describe the policy licence requirements, restrictions on fishing framework, legislative tools, management equipment and methods, restrictions on fishing processes and current controls that apply to catch and/or effort (bag limits, size limits, closed recreational fishing in Anderson Inlet and other seasons/areas), and penalties for breaches of Victorian waters. fishing controls. Legislative and Policy Framework It is important to note that the provisions of fisheries legislation can only be applied to the for Fisheries Management control of fishing activities. Other human Legislation activities (eg. catchment land use, foreshore Fishing activities in the Anderson Inlet Fisheries management, competing water-based recreational Reserve and in all Victorian public waters are activities) that may directly or indirectly affect fish managed under the provisions of the Fisheries Act habitats, fishery resources or the quality of fishing, 1995 and the Fisheries Regulations 1998. are managed by different agencies under a variety of other legislation. The Fisheries Act 1995 provides a legislative framework for the regulation and management of Policy Victorian fisheries and for the conservation of All Australian governments, including Victoria, fisheries resources, including their supporting have made a commitment to manage fisheries aquatic habitats. The objectives of the Act according to the principles of Ecologically include:- Sustainable Development (ESD). These principles • to provide for the management, development include: and use of Victoria's fisheries, aquaculture • ensuring that fishing is carried out in a industries and associated aquatic biological biologically and ecologically sustainable resources in an efficient, effective and manner; ecologically sustainable manner; • ensuring that there is equity within and • to protect and conserve fisheries resources, between generations regarding the use of fish habitats and ecosystems including the resources; maintenance of aquatic ecological processes and genetic diversity; • maximising economic and social benefits to the community from fisheries within the • to promote sustainable commercial fishing and constraints of sustainable utilisation; viable aquaculture industries and quality recreational fishing opportunities for the • adopting a precautionary approach to benefit of present and future generations; management – particularly for fisheries with limited data; and • to facilitate access to fisheries resources for commercial, recreational, traditional and non- • ensuring that the processes and procedures consumptive uses; involved in management of a fishery are appropriate, transparent and inclusive. • to encourage the participation of resource users and the community in fisheries There is an expectation in Australia and management. worldwide that utilisation of fish resources will be managed according to these ESD principles, and The Act provides for the development, they have been followed during the development implementation and review of fisheries of the AIFRMP. management plans; facilitates participation of

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 10 Indigenous Fishing Activities regulations and summarised in the Victorian In November 2000, the Victorian Government Recreational Fishing Guide. signed a Native Title Protocol with the Aboriginal Anderson Inlet and inflowing streams are and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) classified as “inland waters” for the purposes of and the native title representative body, the fisheries regulations. Restrictions on use or Miriambiak Nations Aboriginal Corporation. The possession of recreational fishing equipment in protocol agreed to the development of a state-wide Victorian inland waters are prescribed in fisheries policy framework to address a broad range of regulations and summarised in the Victorian native title related issues, including fisheries. Recreational Fishing Guide. Most notably anglers Initial discussions with stakeholder groups have are currently restricted to using no more than 2 been held to identify fisheries issues relating to lines each in inland waters. native title. Size and Catch Limits Victoria is currently working with indigenous Legal minimum sizes, bag limits, possession limits community representatives, other Australian (in, on or next to fishing waters) and vehicle limits fisheries authorities and other fishing stakeholders for fin fish and invertebrate species that may be to develop a national set of principles and encountered by recreational fishers in Anderson pathways to facilitate definition and lasting Inlet are prescribed in fisheries regulations and recognition of customary fishing practices; summarised in the Victorian Recreational Fishing increased opportunities for economic engagement Guide. of indigenous communities in fisheries-related enterprises; and increased indigenous Some size and catch limits have been introduced participation in all aspects of fisheries use and as measures to protect fish stocks from heavy management. fishing pressure. However, many of these limits have been adopted on ethical or cultural grounds, Indigenous support for such a framework will not such as the definition of a reasonable day’s take for affect the legal rights of indigenous people or limit personal use. their scope to pursue other options. However, it is considered that such a framework will be better Requirement to Land Fish in Whole or Carcass able to deliver practical outcomes within the Form foreseeable future than litigation. For some fish species with high commercial market value there is a requirement to retain Current Controls on Fishing captured fish in whole or carcass form until after Recreational Fishing Licence they have been landed (brought ashore), in order A Recreational Fishing Licence is required for to ensure compliance with recreational size and angling, spear fishing, bait pumping, hand catch limits. Marine or estuarine fish species collecting and all other forms of recreational required to be landed in whole or carcass form fishing in Victorian public waters, including include all shark species, elephant fish, King Anderson Inlet. However, some sectors of the George whiting, bream, snapper and eels. In the community, including people under 18 or over 70 case of sharks and elephant fish ‘carcass’ means a years of age, holders of a Victorian Seniors Card, fish which has been gutted and headed forward of and recipients of various age, disability or veterans the first gill slit, but has not been skinned or benefits, are exempt from the need to hold a filleted. In the case of scale fish ‘carcass’ means a licence to go fishing. fish which has been scaled and gutted, but has not been headed or filleted. Recreational Fishing Equipment The Fisheries Regulations 1998 define "recreational Intertidal Collection of Shellfish fishing equipment" as including a rod and line, Collection of most mollusc species from the handline, dip/landing net, bait trap, spear gun, intertidal zone of central Victorian waters – hand-held spear, bait pump, recreational bait net including Anderson Inlet - is prohibited. Mollusc and recreational hoop net. Recreational use of any species exempted from this ban include squid, equipment not included in this definition is cuttlefish, octopus, pipis and squirters. Dead prohibited in all Victorian public waters. The shells may also be collected. maximum permitted dimensions of dip nets, bait The use of a scoop, dredge, fork, spade, rake traps, bait pumps, recreational bait nets and shovel or other digging implement to collect recreational hoop nets are prescribed in fisheries invertebrate species from the intertidal zone throughout Victoria is prohibited. Use of a bait

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 11 pump with a barrel diameter not exceeding 85 mm The Victorian Recreational Fishing peak body is permitted. (VRFish) is also represented on the Steering Committee. Fishing by Indigenous Australians The only types of fishing activities currently Management of Non-Fisheries defined under the provisions of the Fisheries Act Uses/Values In and Around the 1995 and the Fisheries Regulations 1998 are commercial fishing, recreational fishing and Inlet aquaculture. Access to Victorian waters for each Wildlife and Native Vegetation Protection of these types of fishing requires a licence Anderson Inlet and surrounds are home to a (although some categories of recreational fishers diverse range of aquatic and terrestrial flora and are exempt from this requirement), and is subject fauna, some of which has significant state, national to a range of licence conditions and/or regulations. or international conservation status. Customary fishing practices by indigenous Significant stands of the white mangrove Avicennia Australians are not currently identified as a marina occur at the mouth of Screw Creek and in distinct type of fishing activity under Victorian the intertidal zone of the southern side of the Inlet fisheries legislation, and non-commercial fishing around Griffith Point. Saltmarsh communities by indigenous Australians is therefore treated as predominate along the rest of the southern shore recreational fishing. of the inlet (Harrison et al., 1990; DNRE, 1998). The Fisheries Act 1995 does, however, provide for Seagrass beds occur in parts of Anderson Inlet and the issue of permits to facilitate the taking of fish are thought to provide important habitat, feeding for specified indigenous cultural ceremonies or and nursery grounds for a range of aquatic biota, events. including fish species. Key objectives and strategies for protection of Fishery Co-management biodiversity in and around Anderson Inlet are Arrangements described in the Inverloch Foreshore Reserve and The Fisheries Act 1995 provides for the Anderson Inlet Management Plan (DNRE, 1998) establishment of an expertise-based- Fisheries Co- and in relevant sections of the Cape Liptrap Management Council (FCC) and a number of FCC Coastal Park Management Plan (Parks Victoria, fishery committees to provide independent policy 2003). and strategic advice to the Minister on Foreshore Use and Management management of Victorian fisheries after The foreshores of Anderson Inlet are subject to a consultation with stakeholders. variety of recreational and commercial uses and The Fisheries Act 1995 also allows the Minister to activities. The Inverloch foreshore from Point recognise peak bodies that represent the seafood Norman to the mouth of Screw Creek is the most industry, recreational fishing, aquaculture and intensively used area in the inlet for shore-based conservation interests, and to seek and consider recreational activities, including walking, public comment before declaring new or revised swimming, picnics, fishing, snorkelling and nature fisheries management plans. appreciation. Elsewhere shore-based recreational activities tend to be concentrated around boating Co-management of fisheries in Victoria is a process access points, such as Mahers Landing, Tarwin whereby stakeholders and their representatives, Lower and Fishermans Jetty (Venus Bay). the FCC and relevant FCC fishery committees, and government management agencies (including Several fishing platforms and a boardwalk permit Fisheries Victoria, a Division of the Department of access to the southern bank of the Tarwin River at Primary Industries) co-operate and participate in Tarwin Lower, and to sections of Screw Creek east the development and implementation of fishery of Inverloch. The Tarwin Lower platforms and management arrangements. boardwalk were originally constructed by a local community group using materials purchased by The FCC is overseeing the development of the Parks Victoria, and are in a state of disrepair due AIFRMP and is represented on the Steering to lack of maintenance. The West Gippsland Committee that is co-ordinating the planning Catchment Management Authority has recently process that provides for extensive public secured funds from the Recreational Fishing comment. Licence Trust Account to reconstruct and upgrade

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 12 these river access facilities to support fishing appropriate boating activities for ‘coastal estuaries’ access and protect the banks and riparian such as Anderson Inlet are active non-powered vegetation of the Tarwin River. (eg. sailing, sail boarding), passive non-powered (eg canoeing, kayaking) and passive powered Much of the shoreline of the upper part of the inlet boating (eg. fishing, sightseeing). Active powered and the lower reaches of the Tarwin River is boating (eg. water skiing, personal water craft, fast inaccessible for shore-based recreational purposes, cruising, boat racing) is identified as being either because of the presence of fringing wetlands appropriate in lakes (inland or coastal) and marine (salt marsh, reeds, mangroves, mud flats), or waters. because there is no public access through adjacent private land. The Inverloch Foreshore Reserve and Anderson Strategic directions identified in the Victorian Inlet Management Plan (DNRE, 1998) indicates Coastal Strategy (VCC, 2002) and the Gippsland that power boating, water skiing and personal Coastal Action Plan (GCB, 2002b)include a water craft (PWC) should be permitted in requirement that public access to coastal Crown designated areas of Anderson Inlet provided land will be maintained, except where the interests environmental impacts of these activities and of security, safety or protection of coastal resources conflicts with other inlet users are minimised. The predominate. The Strategy also specifies that plan specifies that the environmental impacts of public access to existing shore-based fishing these activities should be monitored, and that facilities such as piers, jetties and wharves will be these activities should be banned if the impacts maintained except where safety and security cannot be controlled or other appropriate locations issues predominate. New structures will cannot be found. accommodate access for fishing where Provision and Maintenance of Foreshore Boating appropriate. Facilities and Boating Navigational Aids Detailed management proposals for a section of Installation, maintenance and management of boat foreshore near Inverloch are described in the launching facilities around Anderson Inlet is Inverloch Foreshore Reserve St Kilda Street to Ayr generally the responsibility of local government Creek Foreshore Master Plan (BCSC, 2003). This and/or Committees of Management. Installation, Plan includes proposals to create swimming-only maintenance and management of navigational aids zones (no boating or fishing) to help resolve in the inlet, and the jetties associated with the conflicts arising from intensive multiple uses of the Inverloch and Fishermans Jetty (Venus Bay) boat Inverloch Foreshore Reserve – particularly during ramps, are the responsibility of Gippsland Ports. peak holiday periods. The Gippsland Boating Coastal Action Plan (GCB, Management of Recreational Boating and Water 2002a) identifies the Inverloch boat ramp as being Craft suitable for local use by boats up to about seven Anderson Inlet (Inverloch, Venus Bay) has been metres length. The Plan recognises that sand build designated as a minor port which is managed by up is a problem at this facility, but also indicates the Gippsland Ports Committee of Management that there is little that can be done to prevent this (commonly known as ‘Gippsland Ports’). build up, and that there is no other location near Inverloch that would be more suitable or would Boating activities in Anderson Inlet are regulated have less sedimentation problems. under the provisions of the Marine Act 1988, administered by Marine Safety Victoria (MSV). The Plan also identifies the Fishermans Jetty Recommendations to MSV for changes to boating (Venus Bay) boat ramp as being suitable for boats regulations in places such as Anderson Inlet may up to seven metres, and the facility is assessed as arise through public consultation processes being adequate to meet local demand for the time conducted by organisations such as local Councils being. However, the boat ramp and the access or Gippsland Ports. channels are acknowledged to be subject to siltation problems that cannot be remedied at The Gippsland Boating Coastal Action Plan (GCB, reasonable cost. 2002a) provides direction for the location and scale of boating use and development on the Gippsland The Plan further identifies the boat ramp at Tarwin coast. It also provides a framework for ensuring Lower as being suitable for boats up to five metres, coordination between conflicting uses and users of and the facility is assessed as being adequate to Gippsland waters. The AIFRMP identifies that meet local demand for the time being.

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 13 Management of Catchment Activities and Their • Loss of in-stream habitat; Impacts. • Stock access; and The West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (WGCMA) was formed under the • Reduced wetland connectivity. provisions of the Catchment and Land Protection Act Management actions proposed in conjunction with 1994 and the Water Act 1999 and works with various stakeholders to address these threats regional community, industry and government include: stakeholders to coordinate the development of strategies for integrated management of land and • Foreshore/bank revegetation programs; water resources, waterways and living natural • Control/eradication of exotic vegetation; resources in West Gippsland – including Anderson

Inlet and tributaries. • Fence off riparian vegetation; • Bank stabilisation work (rock wall) in the The West Gippsland Regional Catchment Strategy lower Tarwin River; (WGCMA, 2004a) and the West Gippsland

Regional River Health Strategy (WGCMA, 2004b) • Improved management of flood control and identify valuable land, water and living natural drainage networks around Anderson Inlet; resource assets, assess the condition of and • Replacement of in-stream habitat (large woody identify threats to the maintenance of these assets debris); and (including identification of knowledge gaps), and • Establish water quality monitoring programs. provide directions on actions required to manage land (both public and private), water and Aquatic Pest Plant and Animal Management biodiversity. Introduction and spread of the introduced rice grass/cord grass Spartina in Victorian estuaries, General threats to assets identified by the West and the introduction of exotic organisms to Gippsland RCS include: Victorian marine waters, have both been listed as • Effects of inappropriate land use planning on ‘Potentially Threatening Processes’ under the environment, natural resource production and provisions of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act landscape amenity; 1988. This Act, administered by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) requires • Agricultural practices leading to offsite that Action Statements be developed describing impacts and landscape changes; and how these threats are to be addressed in Victoria.

• The introduction of pest plants and animals The Inverloch Foreshore Reserve and Anderson and their impacts on environment and natural Inlet Management Plan (DNRE, 1998) identifies resource production. the need to develop a co-ordinated Spartina control Implementation of management actions in the program in the inlet; to monitor the small Pacific West Gippsland RCS will be reliant on a number oyster population in the inlet; and to develop of agencies and key stakeholders within the appropriate response plans in the event that other region, including DSE, DPI, Environment pest species such as northern Pacific seastar or the Protection Authority (EPA), local government, algae Undaria are introduced to the area. private landholders and community-based programs such as Landcare, Coast In recent years Parks Victoria, assisted by the West Action/Coastcare and Waterwatch. Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, has conducted a Spartina control program using High risk threats to Anderson Inlet, the lower herbicide and a hovercraft in selected areas of the Tarwin River and other tributaries identified in the inlet. This program has had limited success, but is draft West Gippsland Catchments River Health unlikely to arrest the continued expansion of Strategy (WGCMA, 2004b) include: Spartina without a significant increase in resources. • Bank erosion; Northern Pacific Seastar (Asterias amurensis) • Declining water quality; In December 2003, the northern Pacific seastar • Exotic flora (particularly Spartina); (NPS) was found in small numbers at the entrance to Anderson Inlet. The DSE and Parks Victoria co- • Degraded riparian vegetation; ordinated a response to this invasion, including a widely acclaimed community-based diving

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 14 program to search for and remove all seastars in Pacific Oyster (Crassostrea gigas) the area before the commencement of the A population of Pacific oysters has been present spawning season. Monitoring will continue to off Point Smythe for at least 20 years. determine whether the eradication program has Experience from infestations of this species been successful. elsewhere indicates that it has the potential to Experience from NPS infestations in Port Phillip colonise extensive areas of mudflats and may Bay and elsewhere indicates that this species has displace native aquatic invertebrates, waterfowl, the potential to threaten aquatic biodiversity, recreational users and persons undertaking bait including fish, directly through predation on collection activities (Smith, 1991). benthic eggs and larvae, and indirectly through Monitoring of this population has indicated that, competition for food items such as molluscs, crabs to date, it has not shown any signs of further and other marine invertebrates (CSIRO, 2000). invasions of other areas inside the inlet. The reasons for this lack of expansion are not clear, but no further action other than continued monitoring of this population is considered necessary at present.

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 15 Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan

• specify objectives for management of the Scope of the Plan fishery or fisheries covered by the plan; The overall purpose of the AIFRMP is to formalise management arrangements for the Anderson Inlet • specify the management tools and any other Fisheries Reserve in accordance with the measures to be used to achieve the objectives provisions of the Fisheries Act 1995, the Ministerial of the plan; guidelines and the principles of Ecologically • specify performance indicators, targets and Sustainable Development (ESD). monitoring methods for the objectives and To this end the AIFRMP specifies goals, objectives, management actions stated in the fishery strategies and actions for management of fishing management plan; activities in the reserve. • as far as is known, identify critical components The AIFRMP also identifies actions by of the ecosystem relevant to the fishery stakeholders and other management agencies to management plan, any current or potential ensure that processes for management of other threats to those components, and existing or values and uses of the inlet include identification proposed measures to protect or maintain and minimisation of potential adverse impacts on these ecosystem services; and fish habitat and fisheries. • as far as relevant and practicable, identify any The AIFRMP contains a section describing other biological, ecological, social and research and monitoring information needed to economic factors relevant to the fishery or address the identified management objectives and fisheries covered by the plan – including performance indicators; a section outlining a fishery trends and current status; the socio- strategy for promoting compliance with fishing economic benefits of fishing and other human controls in the inlet; and a section describing uses of the area or resources in question; implementation and future review processes. measures to minimise the impact of fishing on non-target species and the environment; fisheries-related research needs and priorities; Duration of the Plan and an assessment of the resources required to The AIFRMP will provide the basis for the implement the fisheries management plan. management of the Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve for a period of 10 years unless established The Fisheries Act 1995 also indicates that each fishery monitoring and assessment programs management plan may:- indicate a pressing need for a review prior to that • specify the duration of the management plan; time. • specify procedures and/or conditions for The Planning Process review of the plan; Requirements of the Fisheries Act 1995 • in the case of a fisheries reserve, specify The Fisheries Act 1995 stipulates that a guidelines regulating or restricting activities in management plan must be prepared for a fisheries the reserve; reserve as soon as possible after the Reserve has • in the case of a fisheries reserve, specify terms been declared under Section 88 of the Act. and conditions under which any special Each declared management plan must:- activities in the reserve may be permitted; • define the fishery or fisheries to which it • include any other relevant matters. relates; Additional direction on the development of the • be consistent with the objectives of the Fisheries AIFRMP has been provided by the gazettal of Act 1995 and, in the case of a fisheries reserve, Ministerial guidelines on 30 October 2003 (see be consistent with the Order in Council Appendix 2). declaring the reserve;

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 16 Steering Committee • A majority of anglers who responded did not The AIFRMP was prepared by Fisheries Victoria, want any new or additional restrictions on assisted by a steering committee comprising key recreational fishing in Anderson Inlet; stakeholders including the VRFish, FCC, West • Concerns were raised about the possible Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, impacts on fishing of a variety of habitat and Indigenous interests, Parks Victoria, Bass Coast environmental issues, including catchment Shire, South Gippsland Shire Council and the DPI. erosion and sedimentation, aquatic pest plants The role of the steering committee was to advise and animals, coastal erosion and sand the Executive Director, Fisheries Victoria, DPI, movement in the inlet, de-snagging of the with respect to the conformance of the Plan with lower Tarwin River, and foreshore urban and the requirements of the Fisheries Act and the tourism development; Ministerial guidelines, and to respond to • Concerns were raised about the adequacy of community consultation on the draft AIFR access to the inlet for both boat-based and Management Plan. shore-based fishing; and Terms of Reference for the steering committee and • Competition and conflict between recreational a list of the organisations' representatives are fishers and other water-based users of found in Appendix 3. Anderson Inlet. Public Consultation The first step in the development of the AIFRMP Management Goal and Objectives was to seek the views of recreational fishers and The following broad goal and objectives apply to other community interests regarding values and management of fishing activities in the Anderson issues associated with fishing in Anderson Inlet. Inlet Fisheries Reserve:

In January 2004, a public meeting was held in Goal Inverloch to canvass these issues. Recreational To manage Anderson Inlet fish stocks, the habitats fishers and members of the public who were and aquatic environment on which they depend, unable to attend the Inverloch public meeting were and the fisheries they support, in a manner that is invited to provide written submissions by the end sustainable and which ensures maximum social of February 2004. and economic benefits to all Victorians in Approximately 40 verbal and written submissions accordance with ESD principles. were received from this round of consultation, providing a range of views on values and issues Objectives associated with recreational fishing in Anderson • Social - To maintain and where possible Inlet. This information helped to guide the enhance recreational fishing opportunities in drafting of the AIFRMP so that it had a strong Anderson Inlet. focus on addressing fishing-related issues that • Biological - To conserve and ensure matter to both visiting and resident recreational sustainable use of key fish stocks in the inlet. fishers and the local community. • Environmental - To promote protection of the Values and issues raised during this first round of habitats and environments which are essential public consultation included:- for production or maintenance of key fish • Anderson Inlet is valued by anglers as being stocks in the inlet. safe, accessible from Melbourne, and having • Governance - To achieve maximum good supporting infrastructure and services – community participation, understanding and including reasonable access for aged and support for the management of fishing disabled recreational fishers; activities in the Anderson Inlet Fisheries • Anderson Inlet is regarded as a preferred Reserve. location to fish for estuary perch, Australian More detailed accounts of the strategies, salmon, silver trevally and several other management actions, performance indicators and species; information needed to address each of these • The boundaries of the Anderson Inlet Fisheries objectives are provided in the following sections Reserve need further clarification; and are summarised in Table 2.

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 17 Strategies for Recreational Fishing Strategies for Maintenance of Fish • To determine the nature and extent of demand Habitat for recreational fishing opportunities in • To identify fishing and/or non-fishing factors Anderson Inlet, and to provide for this (eg. catchment erosion/sedimentation or exotic demand within the context of resource pest species) that may indirectly affect sustainability and other competing uses of the recreational fishing opportunities through inlet; impacts on fish habitat or environmental • To identify the main fishing target species in conditions; the inlet and ensure sustainable fisheries use • To ensure that concerns regarding the of these resources; consequences of these factors for fish habitat • To identify non-fishing factors (eg boat and and therefore fisheries are identified and shoreline access) that may directly affect considered in the appropriate management recreational fishing opportunities in the inlet forums. and provide information to facilitate participation by recreational fishing interests in management process for these factors.

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 18 Recreational Fishing Opportunities

that fishing has at least improved since the Strategy 1 – Identify fishing values removal of commercial fishing in 2000; in Anderson Inlet. • estuary perch is probably the highest profile Apart from a limited survey (monthly daytime target fish species in the inlet, but other angler counts, on-site interviews and examination popular species include Australian salmon, of angling club records) in the late 1980s and early silver trevally, flathead, King George whiting, 1990s (Smith, 1991), there has been no systematic mullet and black bream (in rivers and creeks); monitoring of recreational fishing in Anderson • a majority of submissions considered new or Inlet. additional restrictions on recreational fishing More detailed and up-to-date information is in the inlet to be unnecessary, and if imposed needed on the demographic profile of Anderson would diminish recreational fishing Inlet fishers (eg. proportion of visitors versus local opportunities; residents; residential origins of visitors) and on the • a minority of submissions proposed that values they attach to fishing in the inlet (eg. stricter size and/or catch limits for particular preferred target species; preferred fishing species (including estuary perch, bream and methods/locations/seasons; acceptable catch rates Australian salmon) would reflect the special for particular species). This information is needed status of the Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve, in order to determine what constitutes a satisfying and would enhance the recreational fishing recreational fishing experience in the inlet, and experience for these species. therefore what management actions might be Performance Indicator taken to maintain or enhance fishing • maintenance or enhancement of the opportunities. proportion of recreational fishers who are Preliminary information obtained from verbal and satisfied with recreational fishing written submissions during the first phase of opportunities in the inlet. public consultation in January/February 2004 indicated that Anderson Inlet is a preferred fishing Information Requirements location because of: Surveys of representative samples of Anderson Inlet recreational fishers are needed to provide • its proximity to metropolitan Melbourne; information on the demographic profile of • the safety of sheltered inlet waters compared participants and on values associated with fishing to open coast waters; in the inlet. These surveys need to be conducted periodically to initially benchmark and then detect • reasonable fishing access for aged and any changes in levels of fishing satisfaction, or in disabled fishers; and fishing values that underpin perceptions of • good infrastructure and services – particularly satisfaction. in Inverloch – to support fishing activities. The most cost effective collection of such information is likely to be through periodic Performance Indicator attitudinal surveys at fishing access points around

• information is collected to enable the inlet (for visiting and local non-club fishers) determination of what constitutes a satisfying and through direct survey of local fishing club recreational fishing experience in the inlet. members.

Strategy 2 – Maintain or enhance Actions levels of satisfaction with fishing • Fisheries Victoria to seek funding to establish periodic surveys of anglers to provide opportunities. information on demographics, fishing values Public submissions from the first phase of public and levels of fishing satisfaction. The first consultation in January/February 2004 indicated survey to be conducted within the first two that: years following declaration of the AIFRMP • a majority of Anderson Inlet recreational and a minimum of one additional survey in fishers believe that fishing in the inlet is as the remaining life of the AIFRMP. good now as it has been for many years, or

Draft Anderson Inlet Fishery Management Plan 19 • Fisheries Victoria in consultation with More recently further requests have been made by recreational fishing stakeholders will evaluate recreational fishers for state-wide reviews of catch possible fishery management actions to or size limits of particular species for ethical or enhance recreational fishing opportunities cultural reasons. These requests will be following completion of each survey. considered in consultation with VRFish and the recreational fishing community during a review Strategy 3 – Identify and process to be initiated in 2005. Encourage Responsible In view of the above, the AIFRMP will not initially Recreational Fishing Behaviour contain any changes to recreational catch or size limits that are proposed for ethical or cultural Many regulations applying to recreational fishing reasons. in Victorian waters have been introduced at the request of recreational fishers for ethical or Recreational fishers have also contributed to the cultural reasons, rather than because of an identification of responsible fishing behaviour identified need to protect fish stocks from through the development of a Victorian excessive fishing pressure. A number of bag limits Recreational Fishing Code of Conduct. This have been introduced or amended to define a document was released by VRFish in 2004 and ‘reasonable’ daily take for personal use, and some provides guidance to recreational fishers on issues size limits have been introduced to define such as protecting the environment, respecting the minimum acceptable sizes for human rights of others, attending fishing gear, being consumption. Regulations introduced or amended aware of and complying with fishing restrictions, for these reasons have in nearly all cases been returning unwanted fish to the water, valuing fish applied uniformly to all Victorian waters. caught and passing on knowledge to new fishers. Preliminary information obtained from verbal and Performance Indicator written submissions during the first phase of • fishing restrictions introduced to identify and public consultation in January/February 2004 encourage responsible recreational fishing indicated that a majority of recreational fishers did behaviour will reflect the views/values of a not wish to see any changes to existing recreational majority of recreational fishers. fishing regulations in Anderson Inlet. However, • broad awareness amongst recreational fishers several submissions called for changes to catch of fishing restrictions and the Victorian limits and/or size limits for particular species – Recreational Fishing Code of Conduct. including estuary perch, bream, Australian salmon, flathead, King George whiting, Bass Actions yabbies and sand worms – for ethical or cultural • VRFish to facilitate the distribution of the reasons. Such reasons include defining a Victorian Recreational Fishing Code of ‘reasonable’ number of fish to take for personal Conduct through outlets in the region, use in a days fishing, or defining the minimum including through Fishcare groups, agents size of a particular type of fish that is acceptable who sell fishing licences, and fishing clubs. for eating purposes. • Where information collected during periodic Victorian recreational fishing catch limits were angler surveys (Strategy 2) indicates support revised in 2000 after a four year review process for a review of recreational fishing restrictions, that included extensive consultation with the Fisheries Victoria will consider this Victorian Recreational Fishing peak body (VRFish) information in future reviews of catch or size and several rounds of public comment on limits. Such changes may apply specifically to proposed catch limits. Current bag/possession Anderson Inlet, but are more likely to apply limits for estuary perch, bream (except in the state-wide. Gippsland lakes), Australian salmon, flathead No changes to recreational catch or size limits for (other than dusky flathead), King George whiting ethical or cultural reasons are currently proposed and sand worms were established on the basis of for Anderson Inlet what the majority of Victorian recreational fishers considered to be reasonable, desirable or acceptable.

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 20 Sustainable Use of Fish Resources

The Anderson Inlet recreational fishery is small by establishment of angler diary programs in co- comparison with other recreational and operation with members from local, and possibly commercial fisheries under Victorian jurisdiction. some visiting, fishing clubs. The fishery is also complex, being characterised by targeting of a variety of fish species using several Actions different fishing methods, and by substantial • Fisheries Victoria to seek funding to establish fluctuations in fish abundance that can be driven angler log book and periodic creel survey as much by habitat and environment conditions as programs to provide information on preferred by the effects of fishing. target species and catch and effort trends. The first creel survey to be conducted within the Objectives, strategies and performance indicators first two years following declaration of the for sustainable use of Anderson Inlet fish AIFRMP, and a minimum of one subsequent resources will therefore need to be achievable and creel survey in the remaining life of the cost effective given limited resources for fishery AIFRMP. monitoring, assessment and management (see • Fisheries Victoria to review adequacy of Newman et al., 2003). existing fishery management arrangements once information is available from fishery Strategy 4 – Identify key target monitoring programs. species and monitor fishery trends for these species Strategy 5 – Determine the status As indicated earlier, there has been no systematic of key target fish stocks monitoring of recreational fishing in Anderson Currently, no information is available on the Inlet apart from limited surveys in the late 1980s structure, productivity or status of target fish and early 1990s (Smith, 1991). species in Anderson Inlet. Information on reproduction, growth and recruitment patterns for More detailed and up-to-date information is each key species, together with fishery catch and needed on recreational fishing catch and effort in effort information, is essential to detect Anderson Inlet to identify key target species and fluctuations in abundance (whether driven by to establish fishery trends in the inlet. This environmental or fishing factors) and to decide information is essential to develop more specific whether or not adjustments to fishery sustainability objectives for the fishery and to management arrangements are needed to ensure provide the capacity to detect changes in the continued sustainable use. fishery that may require management responses. In small estuarine fisheries such as Anderson Inlet Performance Indicator where the resources available for fishery • establishment of a fishery catch and effort monitoring, assessment and management are monitoring program in Anderson Inlet to limited, more detailed investigations of stock allow identification of key target species and status can only be justified for the one or two most ongoing assessment of fishery trends. important target species. Information Requirements Preliminary information obtained from recent Ongoing or periodic surveys of recreational public consultations indicates that estuary perch fishing activities in Anderson Inlet are needed to and Australian salmon are the two most popular provide time series of information on preferred recreational target species in Anderson Inlet. This target species and to detect changes in catch and assessment will be reviewed when more detailed effort trends for key species. information on targeting preferences becomes available from future fishery monitoring The most cost effective collection of such programs. information is likely to be through creel surveys at access points around the inlet (for both visiting Australian salmon are marine species that spawn and local non-club fishers) and/or through in open coastal waters and utilise bays and inlets as juvenile nursery grounds, and occasionally as feeding grounds for migrating adults. The

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 21 abundance of salmon in Anderson Inlet (and the Actions quality of salmon fishing) is therefore dependent • Fisheries Victoria to seek partnership funding as much on factors outside the inlet determining to establish ongoing and periodic fishery catch reproductive success and migration, as it is on the sampling programs and/or fishery impacts of fishing or environmental factors in the independent surveys to provide information inlet. required for assessment of estuary perch Estuary perch, however, normally spend their stocks every three years. entire life cycle in estuaries such as Anderson Inlet, • if monitoring of estuary perch stock status in and consequently their abundance is likely to be Anderson Inlet indicates a need to modify determined almost entirely by environmental fishery management arrangements to ensure and/or fishing factors in the inlet. Resources sustainable catches in the inlet, then such available for stock assessment in Anderson Inlet changes will be proposed by Fisheries Victoria. will therefore initially be focused on estuary perch. Strategy 6 –Protect key recreational The abundance of successive year classes of estuary perch in Victorian estuaries is known to fish species utilising Anderson vary substantially, probably as a result of Inlet fluctuating habitat and/or environmental Although the mouth or entrance to Anderson Inlet conditions determining the success of spawning has often been assumed to be a line from Point and the survival of young fish. Regardless of the Smythe to Point Hughes (see Figure 1), the precise reasons for these fluctuations in year class location of this boundary has never been clearly abundance, patterns of ‘strong’ and ‘weak’ year defined for fisheries management purposes. classes can be monitored as they grow and enter (i.e. are ‘recruited’ to) the fishery. Commercial fishing in Anderson Inlet ceased in 2000, but some recreational fishers remain Knowledge of recruitment patterns can be used to concerned that commercial fishing for migratory adapt fishery management arrangements so that species such as salmon in open coastal waters -– full advantage is taken of periods of strong particularly adjacent to the mouth of Anderson recruitment while avoiding excessive fishing Inlet – may reduce migration of these species into pressure during periods of poor recruitment. the inlet, and thus reduce recreational fishing Performance Indicator opportunities. • establishment of recruitment monitoring Examination of mandatory commercial fishing programs in Anderson Inlet to facilitate stock catch and effort information provided by assessment and adaptive fishery management commercial licence holders suggest it is unlikely of key target species identified in strategy 4. that commercial fishing for salmon and other migratory species near the entrance to Anderson Information Requirements Inlet has significantly impeded migration of Based on current information available the salmon into the inlet in recent years. Nevertheless immediate need is to establish ongoing or periodic it is still considered appropriate to clarify the sampling of the estuary perch population in seaward boundary of the Anderson Inlet Fisheries Anderson Inlet and its tributaries to provide a Reserve by establishing a more precise definition time series of information on size and age of the mouth of the inlet. Clarifying this composition, and thus on the relative abundance boundary should limit disputes between of successive year classes. Information is needed recreational fishers utilising the inlet and for pre-recruit fish (smaller than the legal commercial fishers licensed for ocean access in minimum size) as well as recruited fish to provide areas adjoining the inlet. a capacity to predict changes in fishery conditions and plan appropriate management responses. In addition, implementation of strategies 4, 5 and 7 will progressively establish information to provide Options for collection of such information include for identification of priorities for management sampling of estuary perch recreational catches actions to protect stocks of key recreational fish during creel surveys, recruitment of avid estuary species and their supporting habitats in the inlet. perch anglers to provide detailed information on This information can progressively be both legal size and undersize perch via ‘research’ incorporated into the management of the fisheries diaries, and fishery-independent scientific surveys reserve by adopting an adaptive management of perch in the inlet. approach that regularly reviews current resource

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 22 information and develops appropriate Performance Indicator management responses during the life of the plan. • the seaward boundary of the Anderson Inlet TheAIFRMP recognises that such an approach Fisheries Reserve is clearly defined for may require the development of interim protection fisheries management purposes within the measures to ensure the protection of the inlets first two years of declaration of the AIFRMP valuable fish resources. These measures may and an adaptive management approach include the establishment of fisheries notices, the adopted to take account of new resource establishment of permits by the Secretary of the information established under strategies 4, 5 Department and the redirection of management and 7. effort. These legislative and Departmental Actions protection measures will require the seaward • Fisheries Victoria to undertake consultation boundary of the inlet to be clearly defined. with peak bodies and the FCC, prior to broader community consultation, to formally define the seaward boundary of Anderson Inlet in the Fisheries Regulations 1998.

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 23 Maintenance of Fish Habitat

There is increasing evidence worldwide that the production of fisheries resources, and thus the sustainable use of any fishery resource is likely reduction in associated fishery values. dependent not only on controlling the direct In 1995, Fisheries Victoria established a formal impacts of fishing on fish stocks, but also on Fish Habitat Assessment process to provide maintaining the integrity of the aquatic habitats, scientific information on the location and status of environmental conditions and ecological processes key marine and estuarine fish habitats, as an input that are crucial for the production and/or survival to the development or review of fishery of target fish species. This is particularly so in management arrangements. This process involves inshore marine, estuarine and inland waters that the participation of stakeholder representatives, are facing increasing pressures from human scientists and fishery managers in fish habitat population growth and associated agricultural, assessment workshops, and the publication of industrial, urban and tourism development. The workshop findings in the Fisheries Victoria need to identify and protect important fish habitat Assessment Report Series. has been recognised and included as an objective of the Victorian Fisheries Act 1995, and in the The inaugural Anderson Inlet Fish Habitat Ministerial guidelines for the development of a Assessment workshop was held in February 2001 fisheries reserve management plan for the (Nicholson and Gunthorpe, in press). The Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve. workshop identified habitat types that are potentially important for key target fish species – Effective management of fisheries includes including seagrass beds, unvegetated soft bottom identification and advocacy of management areas, submerged woody debris (‘snags’), actions needed to protect and where possible intertidal mangrove areas and rocky reefs (near enhance ecosystems that support production of the entrance). The workshop also identified fishery resources. To do this it is necessary to potential major threats to these fish habitats know: including introduced pest species (particularly • the type, location and extent of habitat and Spartina), excessive sediment and nutrient inputs environmental conditions that are important and associated water quality problems, and for production and/or survival of key target physical disturbances from recreational boating fish species within the system; and foreshore development activities. • the links between particular The workshop found that more scientific habitat/environment conditions and information on the importance of fish habitats, production/survival of stocks of key target their current status, and threats to their integrity, species. was needed to identify effective management • the current status and historical trends in the action to maintain fish habitat within Anderson condition of these key fish habitats; and Inlet. • the main threats (whether from fishing or other non-fishing human activities) to the Strategy 7 – Identify important integrity of each key fish habitat. habitat for key fishery species Direct management action can be taken under Varying amounts of information are available on fisheries legislation to minimise or eliminate any the general ecological characteristics and habitat identified threat to fish habitat from fishing requirements of fish that are key fishery target activities. However, persuading other species in Anderson Inlet (estuary perch, management agencies to ameliorate impacts or Australian salmon, silver trevally, black bream, threats to fish habitats from non-fishing activities sand flathead and yellow-eye mullet). (eg. excessive nutrient/sediment inputs, However, little is known of the specific habitat introduction of exotic pest species, foreshore associations of these species in Anderson Inlet. development/ modification, pollution) will require Therefore identification of key fish habitats in the at least some specific knowledge of the likely inlet, and management actions needed to protect extent of impacts on fish habitats and therefore these habitats, is unclear.

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 24 A first step towards addressing this issue is to No changes to fisheries management determine which habitats in the inlet (eg. arrangements for Anderson Inlet are proposed for seagrass/algae beds, unvegetated sand/mud areas, the time being. mangroves, Spartina-affected areas) are being used by or are important to various life history stages of Strategy 8 - Engage other agencies the key target fish species – particularly juvenile estuary perch. Such a survey will also provide an to maintain and enhance fish assessment of the extent to which fish use or avoid habitats Spartina habitat, and thus the consequences for Once habitat information is identified, the fisheries resource production if Spartina continues Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Reference Group to spread in the inlet. will identify key projects and opportunities to maintain and enhance fish habitat as a part of an Performance Indicator ongoing program of engaging other agencies

• sufficient information on fish/habitat which have responsibility for management for associations in Anderson Inlet is collected to non-fisheries impacts. allow identification of important habitats for key target fish species within the first twelve Effects of Catchment Activities months of the declaration of the AIFRMP. Known or potential effects of catchment activities (mainly agriculture) on fish habitat and fish stocks Information Requirements in Anderson Inlet are described in the ‘Current Seasonal field sampling over one year to Management’ section of the AIFRMP, together determine the extent to which various life history with catchment and waterway management stages of key target fish species use or are responsibilities and relevant strategic management associated with different habitats in Anderson documents. Inlet. This information will help to identify habitats that are vital to the production and/or Actions survival of key fisheries resources, and thus focus • Fisheries Victoria to provide available habitat efforts to identify management actions needed to information and advice during the protect such habitats. development and review of the West Gippsland Regional Catchment Strategy and Actions Regional River Health Strategy. • Fisheries Victoria to seek partnership funding to establish a fish habitat survey to identify • VRFish, on behalf of recreational fishers and important habitat for key fish species. with assistance from Fisheries Victoria, to develop partnership arrangements with the Identification of key fish habitats in the inlet will WGCMA and other agencies to ensure that provide a focus for assessment of threats to the potential adverse impacts of catchment land integrity of these habitats. Direct management and waterway use activities on fish habitat action can be taken under fisheries legislation to and fisheries in Anderson Inlet are adequately minimise or eliminate any identified threat to fish considered in the development of programs in habitat from fishing activities. However, any support of these two strategies. identified threats to fish habitats from non-fishing activities (eg. excessive nutrient/sediment inputs, Effects of Aquatic Pest Species introduction of exotic pest species, foreshore Known or potential effects of aquatic pest development/ modification, pollution) will need to invasions on fish habitat and fish stocks in be addressed through the formation of Anderson Inlet are described in the ‘Current partnerships with other management agencies (eg. Management’ section of the AIFRMP, together catchment management authority, water authority, with pest species management responsibilities and local government and other foreshore existing aquatic pest management or prevention management bodies, DSE public land management programs. and biodiversity protection agencies). Persons or groups seeking further details of Ensuring strong fisheries habitat advocacy is existing aquatic pest management programs, or provided during the development and review of wishing to participate in the conduct or review of catchment and waterway management strategies such programs to seek more favourable outcomes and programs developed by the WGCMA for fish habitat protection in Anderson Inlet, provides a major opportunity to positively should contact Parks Victoria or the Department of influence fish habitat outcomes in Anderson Inlet. Sustainability and Environment (DSE) for more information.

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 25 Actions Actions • Fisheries Victoria and VRFish, on behalf of • VRFish, with assistance from Fisheries recreational fishers, to work with Parks Victoria, to engage relevant approvals Victoria and the WGCMA to identify funding authorities to ensure that potential adverse opportunities to expand the Spartina control impacts of any proposed foreshore urban or program currently undertaken by Parks tourism developments on fish habitat and Victoria, and to identify priorities for action to fisheries in Anderson Inlet are identified and protect fish habitat and angler access properly assessed during environment impact threatened by Spartina. assessment processes. Effects of Foreshore Urban and Tourism Effects of Boating and Other Water-based Development Recreational Uses Proposals for residential or tourism developments Known or potential impacts of boating and other around Anderson Inlet will be subject to local water-based uses on fish habitat in Anderson Inlet and/or state government planning approvals and the lower Tarwin River include bank erosion under the provisions of the Planning and from boat wakes; propeller or hull damage to Environment Act 1987. If the potential intertidal seagrass beds or mud flats from boating environmental impacts of the proposed in very shallow waters; and hydrocarbon development are significant then the proposal will pollution. be subjected to an Environment Effects Statement (EES) process under the provisions of the Responsibilities for management of boating in the Environment Effects Act 1978. inlet (Marine Safety Victoria, Gippsland Ports, Parks Victoria, local Councils), provision of For any given development proposal both the navigational aids (Gippsland Ports) and protection planning approvals and the EES process will of waterways from boating impacts (WGCMA) are normally include public consultation phases, described in the ‘Current Management’ section of providing an opportunity for any person or group the AIFRMP, together with relevant strategic to ensure that possible adverse impacts on fish management documents. habitat and fish stocks are identified and properly assessed as part of the approvals process. Persons Actions wishing to participate in such processes should • VRFish, with support from Fisheries Victoria contact the relevant Shire Council (if the proposal and other water-based recreational user is subject to local government approvals), or the groups, to engage relevant waterway Department of Sustainability and Environment (if authorities to ensure that adequate boating the proposal is subject to State Government navigational facilities are provided in approvals), or they should follow advertised Anderson Inlet and that any potential adverse public consultation procedures. impacts of boating on fish habitat and fisheries in the inlet are identified and minimised.

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 26 Issues Affecting Recreational Fishing Opportunities

wish to participate in management review Strategy 9 - Engage other agencies processes to ensure that fishing activities are not to maintain or improve access to unnecessarily constrained, should contact the fisheries resources appropriate authority. Facilities for Boat-based Fishing Actions Responsibilities for provision and maintenance of • VRFish, on behalf of recreational fishers, to boat launching facilities (local government, engage relevant foreshore and waterway Committees of Management), and associated management authorities to ensure that jetties and navigational aids (Gippsland Ports) in fisheries interests are properly considered in Anderson Inlet are described in the ‘Current any management arrangements designed to Management’ section of the AIFRMP, together alleviate congestion from competing water- with relevant strategic management documents based activities in Anderson Inlet. and processes for funding such activities. Persons Foreshore Fishing Access and Facilities or groups seeking more information on boating Access to the foreshores of Anderson Inlet for facilities programs, or who wish to propose shore-based fishing – including the provision of improvements to boating or navigational, facilities fishing platforms – is described in the ‘Current in the inlet should contact the appropriate Management’ section of the AIFRMP, together authority. with relevant strategic management documents Actions and processes for funding shore-based fishing facilities. • VRFish, and other water craft-based recreational user groups, to engage relevant Persons or groups seeking clarification on public foreshore management authorities to identify access to specific parts of the inlet for shore-based needs and seek funding to maintain or fishing should contact the relevant foreshore enhance boating access facilities in Anderson manager (local government, Committees of Inlet. Management, Parks Victoria, DSE). Persons or Competition with Other Water-based groups who wish to propose improvements to Recreational Uses shore-based fishing facilities in the inlet (eg. new As described earlier in the AIFRMP, Anderson or upgraded fishing platforms) should contact the Inlet is becoming increasingly popular for a relevant Shire Council (Bass Coast or South variety of water-based recreational activities – Gippsland) or the WGCMA for advice and including fishing - particularly during peak assistance. tourism periods. To avoid increasing congestion Actions and conflict over competing shore-based and boat- • VRFish, on behalf of recreational fishers, to based activities it is necessary to consider engage relevant foreshore and waterway restricting or even prohibiting some activities in management authorities to resolve shore- some locations. based fishing access issues and to seek funding Responsibilities for management of foreshores to maintain or enhance shore fishing access (local government, Committees of Management, facilities. Parks Victoria, DSE) and water craft activities (Marine Safety Victoria, Gippsland Ports, local government, Parks Victoria) are described in the ‘Current Management’ section of the AIFRMP, together with relevant strategic documents and detailed proposals for management of competing uses in some areas. Persons or groups seeking more information on foreshore or water craft management arrangements in the inlet, or who

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 27 Table 2. Summary of objectives, strategies and actions for management of the Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve. Objective Strategy Actions Information Performance Indicator Schedule Responsibility Requirements Social - maintain or 1. Identify fishing Obtain funding to Periodic surveys of Information on profile Subject to funding, the Fisheries Victoria enhance recreational values in Anderson establish periodic angler anglers to provide of rec. fishing collected first angler survey to be fishing opportunities. Inlet. surveys. information on from > 200 anglers. conducted within the Evaluate management demographics and first two years following options to enhance fishing values. declaration of the fishing opportunities. AIFRMP and a minimum of one subsequent survey during the remaining life of the AIFRMP.

2. Maintain or enhance Obtain funding to Periodic surveys of A minimum of 60% of Subject to funding the Fisheries Victoria levels of fishing establish periodic angler anglers to provide fishers satisfied with first angler survey to be satisfaction. surveys. information on levels of fishing opportunities. conducted within the Evaluate management fishing satisfaction. first two years following options to enhance declaration of the fishing opportunities. AIFRMP, and a minimum of one subsequent survey in the remaining life of the AIFRMP.

3 Identify and Distribution of Rec Broad awareness of Rec VRFish encourage Fishing Code of Fishing Code of responsible Conduct. Conduct. recreational fishing behaviour. Where information Advice from VRFish or Fishing restrictions Within twelve months Fisheries Victoria collected during from public consultation introduced for following the collection periodic angler surveys processes to indicate cultural/ethical reasons of information in (Strategy 2) indicates preferred catch/size reflect the views/values periodic angler surveys support for a review of limits. of a majority of recreational fishing recreational fishers. restrictions, Fisheries Victoria will consider this information in future reviews of catch or size limits.

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 28 Objective Strategy Actions Information Performance Indicator Schedule Responsibility Requirements Biological – sustainable 4. Identify key target Obtain funding to Time series of catch & Establishment of Angler diary program – Fisheries Victoria use of key fish species and monitor establish a log book and effort data for key recreational fishing ongoing, subject to resources. fishery trends. creel survey program. species from creel monitoring programs funding; Review management surveys and/or log and determination of Creel surveys – the first arrangements when books. key target species. survey within two years fishery data are of declaring the available. AIFRMP, and a minimum of one subsequent survey in the remaining life of the AIFRMP.

Biological – sustainable 5. Determine the status Subject to funding Time series of Establishment of Angler “research” diary Fisheries Victoria use of key fish of key target fish establish fishery catch information on size/ age recruitment monitoring program – ongoing, resources. stocks (estuary sampling and/or structure and year class program and subject to funding; perch). research survey strength for estuary determination of stock Subject to funding, creel programs. perch. status trends. survey catch sampling – When data are available once in the first two assess stock status and years following review management declaration of the arrangements. AIFRMP, and a minimum of one subsequent survey in the remaining life of the AIFRMP. Scientific surveys of juvenile estuary perch – once every 3 years, subject to successful funding.

6. Develop an Undertake consultation Mouth of Anderson Complete within the Fisheries Victoria adaptive and formally define the Inlet formally defined in first two years of management mouth of Anderson inlet fisheries regulations. declaring the AIFRMP approach to ensure for fisheries Adaptive management the protection of management purposes. processes developed as key recreational new resource fish species information becomes utilising Anderson available. Inlet.

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 29 Objective Strategy Actions Information Performance Indicator Schedule Responsibility Requirements Environmental – Identify 7. Identify important Establish partnerships Seasonal sampling over Sufficient information Subject to funding, Fisheries Victoria and promote protection of habitat for key with WGCMA to seek one year to determine collected to allow habitat survey project to key fish habitats. fishery species. co-funding through habitat utilised by identification of commence within the RCIP to establish a estuary perch and other important habitats for first 12 months after habitat survey to key species. key target fish species. declaring the AIFRMP. identify important habitat for key target fish species.

8. Engage other Fisheries Victoria to Information and advice Within six months of Fisheries Victoria agencies to maintain provide available provided to WGCMA completion of research and enhance fish habitat information and habitats advice during the development and review of the WGCMA Regional Catchment Strategy and Regional River Health Strategy.

VRFish, on behalf of Partnerships developed Partnership framework VRFish recreational fishers and by VRFish where in place within three with assistance from adequate consideration months of declaration of Fisheries Victoria, to is given to fish habitat the AIFRMP develop partnership and fisheries in arrangements with the Anderson Inlet. WGCMA to ensure that potential adverse impacts of catchment land and waterway use activities on fish habitat and fisheries in Anderson Inlet are adequately considered in the development of programs in support of these two strategies.

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 30 Objective Strategy Actions Information Performance Indicator Schedule Responsibility Requirements Fisheries Victoria and Meetings held annually Funding applications Fisheries Victoria, VRFish, on behalf of between Fisheries submitted and action VRFish recreational fishers, to Victoria, VRFish, Parks plan priorities work with Parks Victoria and WGCMA completed prior to Victoria and the with agreement on annual Government WGCMA to assist with priorities for Spartina budget processes the identification of control and support funding opportunities to given to funding expand the Spartina applications addressing control program these priorities. currently undertaken by Parks Victoria, and to identify priorities for action to protect fish habitat and angler access threatened by Spartina.

VRFish, with assistance All relevant approval Within six months of the VRFish from Fisheries Victoria, authorities engaged by declaration of the to engage relevant VRFish to raise AIFRMP approvals authorities to awareness of Fisheries ensure that potential Reserve values. adverse impacts of any proposed foreshore Process actions Within twelve months VRFish urban or tourism recommended by of declaration of the developments on fish VRFish with assistance AIFRMP habitat and fisheries in from Fisheries Victoria Anderson Inlet are to each approval identified and properly authority for proper assessed during identification and environment impact assessment of potential assessment processes. adverse impacts during environmental impact assessments

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 31 Objective Strategy Actions Information Performance Indicator Schedule Responsibility Requirements VRFish, with support Other peak water-based Within six months of the VRFish from Fisheries Victoria recreational user groups declaration of the and other water-based and relevant water AIFRMP recreational user authorities engaged by groups, to engage VRFish to raise relevant waterway awareness of Fisheries authorities to promote Reserve values. and recommend the provision of adequate Actions and outcomes As impacts are VRFish boating navigational recommended to identified facilities in Anderson relevant water Inlet and that any authorities by VRFish, potential adverse with assistance from FV impacts of boating on if potential adverse fish habitat and fisheries impacts are identified in the inlet are identified and minimised.

Social - maintain or 9. Engage other VRFish, and other water Relevant foreshore Within six months of VRFish enhance recreational agencies to maintain craft-based recreational management authorities declaration of the fishing opportunities. or improve access to user groups, to engage engaged by VRFish to AIFRMP fisheries resources relevant foreshore raise awareness of management authorities Fisheries Reserve to identify needs and values. seek funding to maintain or enhance Boating access Within twelve months VRFish boating access facilities maintenance and of declaration of the in Anderson Inlet. enhancement needs to AIFRMP be identified and prioritised through public consultation processes run by VRFish

Funding sources and Funding grants sought VRFish grants identified and when available sought by VRFish to meet the identified boating access needs.

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 32 Objective Strategy Actions Information Performance Indicator Schedule Responsibility Requirements VRFish, on behalf of Relevant foreshore and Within six months of VRFish recreational fishers, to water management declaration of the engage relevant authorities engaged by AIFRMP foreshore and waterway VRFish to raise management authorities awareness of Fisheries to ensure that fisheries Reserve values. interests are properly considered in any Competing water- based When significant issues VRFish management congestion issues raised are identified arrangements designed with relevant authorities to alleviate congestion by VRFish when from competing water- significant issues are based activities in identified Anderson Inlet.

VRFish, on behalf of Relevant foreshore and Within six months of the VRFish recreational fishers, to waterway management declaration of the engage relevant authorities engaged by AIFRMP foreshore and waterway VRFish to raise management authorities awareness of Fisheries to resolve shore-based Reserve values fishing access issues and to seek funding to Shore based fishing Within twelve months VRFish maintain or enhance access maintenance and of the declaration of the shore fishing access enhancement needs AIFRMP facilities. identified and prioritised through public consultation by VRFish.

Funding grant sources Funding sourced when VRFish identified and grants available sought by VRFish to meet the identified shore-based fishing access needs

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 33 Research and Monitoring

Information provided from research and access points around the inlet (for visiting and monitoring programs is an essential component of local non-club fishers) and through direct effective management in all fisheries. survey of local fishing club members. Management of Victoria’s larger bay and inlet • Ongoing or periodic surveys of recreational fisheries is underpinned by targeted research fishing activities in Anderson Inlet to provide projects and ongoing or periodic monitoring of time series of information on preferred target fishing activities to provide information on fishery species and to detect changes in catch and trends, the status of key target fish stocks, habitats effort trends for key species. The most cost and environmental conditions important for effective collection of such information is maintenance of fisheries resources, evaluation of likely to be through creel surveys at access the effectiveness of new or altered fishery points around the inlet (for both visiting and management measures, community values local non-club fishers) and/or through associated with use of fish resources, and levels of establishment of angler diary programs in co- satisfaction with existing fishery management operation with members from local, and arrangements. possibly some visiting, fishing clubs. • Ongoing or periodic sampling of the size and Planning and Priorities age structure of the estuary perch population Apart from a long time series of commercial in Anderson Inlet and its tributaries to provide fishing catch records from 1914 to 2000, and some a time series of information on the relative limited data on recreational fishing in the late abundance of successive year classes. 1980s and early 1990s, there is no systematically Information is needed for pre-recruit fish collected information on fisheries or fish habitats (smaller than the legal minimum size) as well in the Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve. as recruited fish to provide a capacity to The most pressing needs are therefore to predict changes in fishery conditions and plan characterise the recreational fishery in Anderson appropriate management responses. Options Inlet; to establish programs in conjunction with for collection of such information include recreational fishers to monitor fishery trends in the sampling of estuary perch recreational catches inlet and assess the status of the most important during creel surveys, recruitment of avid target species; and to identify habitat which is estuary perch anglers to provide detailed important for key target species in order to focus information on both legal size and undersize on priority fish habitat protection and maintenance perch via ‘research’ diaries, and fishery- requirements. independent scientific surveys of perch in the inlet. A summary of fishery and fish habitat monitoring and research projects proposed to address these Indicative current costs for the conduct of an information requirements, together with estimated access point survey in Anderson Inlet to obtain costs and possible funding sources, is provided in recreational fishing catch and effort and attitudinal Table 3. information is $37,000 per annual survey. Indicative costs for the establishment and support Fisheries and Fish Stocks of an angler diary program in the inlet are $16,000 The following information was identified as being per annum. necessary to address Strategies 1, 2, 4 and 5 of this Plan: Fish Habitat The following information was identified as being • Periodic surveys of representative samples of necessary to address Strategy 7 of this Plan: Anderson Inlet recreational fishers to provide

information on the demographic profile of • Seasonal field sampling over one year to participants, on values associated with fishing determine which habitats in the inlet (eg. in the inlet, and on levels of satisfaction with seagrass/algae beds, unvegetated sand/mud fishing opportunities. The most cost effective areas, mangroves, Spartina-affected areas) are collection of such information is likely to be being used by or are important to various life through periodic attitudinal surveys at fishing history stages of the key target fish species – particularly juvenile estuary perch. Such a

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 34 survey will also provide an assessment of the Potential Funding Sources extent to which fish use or avoid Spartina To date most of the funding for Victorian bay and habitat, and thus the consequences for inlet fishery monitoring and research has been fisheries resource production if Spartina provided from the Fisheries Victoria budget, with continues to spread in the inlet. periodic contributions from the national Fisheries Indicative current costs for the Department of Research and Development Corporation. More Primary Industries contribution to the conduct of recently, revenue derived from Recreational this program is $20,000. This contribution is Fishing Licence fees provides an additional subject to the establishment of a partnership with funding option – particularly for programs such as the WGCMA as part of the Regional Catchment creel surveys and angler diaries where there is Investment Program (RCIP). strong recreational fisher involvement. Funding opportunities for fish habitat assessment and protection projects may also be available through development of partnership arrangements with the WGCMA to seek funds through the Regional Catchment Investment Program.

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 35 Table 3. Summary of fishery and fish habitat monitoring/research projects required to address the Management Plan objectives.

Project Project Relevant Responsibility Key partners Total Estimated Potential Funding Maximum contribution Number Strategy Cost ($) Sources by Fisheries Victoria ($)

1 Recreational fisher log book 1, 2, 4, 5 Fisheries Victoria Recreational fishers 16,000 per annum RFL Trust Account N/A program

2 Access point creel survey 1, 2, 4, 5 Fisheries Victoria Recreational fishers 37,000 per annual RFL Trust Account N/A program survey

3 Catch sampling to provide 5 Fisheries Victoria Recreational 5,000 per annum RFL Trust Account 2,500 per annum size/age structure data for key fishers, PIRVic target species. Fisheries Victoria program budget

4 Fishery-independent pre-recruit 5 Fisheries Victoria PIRVic 30,000 per survey Fisheries Victoria 15,000 surveys of estuary perch. program budget

FRDC

5 Fish/habitat association survey. 7 Fisheries Victoria WGCMA Parks 40,000 - Regional Catchment 20,000 Victoria, PIRVic, Investment Program local government. FRDC

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 36 Compliance with Fishing Controls

Fisheries Officers involving the detection of illegal Fisheries Compliance in Anderson fishing activities. Inlet For Anderson Inlet, these compliance services are The waters of Anderson Inlet and the Tarwin River delivered as part of the DPI’s Gippsland Fisheries are, for the purposes of the Fisheries Act, classed program. Fisheries staff providing these services as Victorian inland waters. Unless exempted, are based at Yarram and at Cowes with the anglers are therefore required to hold a primary responsibility resting with the Gippsland Recreational Fishing Licence (RFL) when taking or region Fisheries Manager. attempting to take fish in these waters. Details of entitlements under this licence and other Fisheries Victoria recognises the need to maintain important information for anglers can be found in a high level of education and extension programs the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide, released relating to Anderson Inlet and the Lower Tarwin annually. River in keeping with the significance of the area as a fisheries reserve. The following programs and actions are relevant to Anderson Inlet through their development and Fisheries Victoria's programs are often implementation at a state-wide level. As such, complimented by the community education specific performance indicators and schedules activities of the Victorian Fishcare Volunteer relevant to implementation in Anderson Inlet are Program. The aim of this Program is to foster not described. responsible fishing practices and care for aquatic environments. This program has been active in Information/Education Programs promoting ethical fishing behaviour and respect There is a growing level of awareness within the for natural resources in the Anderson Inlet area. community that through the act of harvesting our natural resources, we can have a direct effect upon Enforcement the condition of the resource. Whilst increased levels of voluntary compliance are achieved through targeted education Anderson Inlet is a relatively small and shallow programs, land and water-based patrols by estuary. As the environment comes under authorised Fisheries Officers provide important pressure from the effects of coastal development, opportunities for “face-to-face” communication fish stocks may also come under further pressure with active fishers. In the area of the Anderson from increased recreational fishing activity. For Inlet Fisheries Reserve, these services are also some species, specific management arrangements funded and delivered through the Gippsland are in place that may include catch and size limits Regional Fisheries Program of the Department of and the closure of particular areas to the use of Primary Industries. certain types of fishing equipment. It will become increasingly important to maintain a high level of The Department of Primary Industries operates a angler compliance with legislation and to 24-hour state-wide offence reporting service. encourage behaviours consistent with the Users of Anderson Inlet and the Tarwin River who continued good health of the inlet. are concerned about illegal activities are encouraged to report these matters on 13 FISH Healthy fisheries are also dependent upon the (133474). continued good management of the environment in which they live. Actions Fishcare Volunteer Program: The Department of Primary Industries (DPI), through its Regional Fisheries staff, is responsible • Provide information and promote community for the delivery of a range of services associated action to protect identified important fish with fisheries compliance. A proportion of these habitats; services is funded directly from the Recreational • Provide information and promote ethical Fishing Licence Trust Account. These services recreational fishing behaviour; and range from the provision of education and information services to the field operations of

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 37 • Provide information and promote community • Plan and target patrols and inspections to reporting of suspected illegal fishing activities achieve at least 90% compliance with fishing (13 FISH). controls; and Fisheries compliance staff: • Undertake targeted compliance operations as required to achieve fish stock and fish habitat • Provide information and promote community protection objectives defined in the Plan. reporting of suspected illegal fishing activities (13 FISH);

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 38 Management Plan Implementation

The AIFRMP describes arrangements for the An annual progress report on implementation of management of recreational fishing in the recently the AIFRMP will be prepared providing details of established Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve. performance against key performance indicators. Initially most fishery management measures in the For further information on this management plan, Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve will remain comment on its implementation or recreational unchanged while the focus is on establishing fishing in general, contact the Department of programs to characterise the recreational fishery; Primary Industries Customer Service Centre monitor fishery trends and the status of key target telephone 136 186 or visit the Department’s web species; and identify key fish habitats in the inlet. site at www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing/. If information from these programs indicates a For further information on the activities of the need to alter fishery management arrangements in VRFish, telephone (03) 9854 6167 or visit the future to ensure sustainable use or to meet VRFish web site at www.vrfish.com.au. changing demands for recreational fishing opportunities, then changes will be considered in consultation with stakeholders. Costs of Implementation Costs of establishing the required fishery Any proposed changes to fisheries regulations will monitoring and research programs, and potential be subject to a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) funding sources, are described in Table 3 in the ‘ process under the provisions of the Subordinate Research and Monitoring’ section of the AIFRMP. Legislation Act 1994, and will include extensive Costs for regulatory amendment processes and consultation with stakeholders. implementation of fisheries compliance activities in the Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve will be met Key Implementation Actions within the DPI Fisheries Program budget The AIFRMP will come into effect following a allocation. declaration by the Minister via a notice in the Government Gazette and will be made available to Review of the Management Plan the public through the internet and as a published Review of the AIFRMP and preparation of a new document. AIFRMP will commence twelve months prior to The Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Reference the schedule expiry of the AIFRMP. The review Group will be established to work with the DPI to will examine all aspects of fisheries management deliver the desired management outcomes from against the defined goals, performance indicators the AIFRMP. It is proposed that the Anderson and reference points, and will examine the need Inlet Fisheries Reserve Reference Group include for new or amended objectives in light of representatives nominated by VRFish, Fisheries monitoring and research information obtained. Victoria, local government, WGCMA and Parks Should there be a need for the Minister to amend Victoria. the AIFRMP prior to this review, notice of this The role of the group is to coordinate activities and intention will be published in the Government projects in support of the AIFRMP actions, Gazette. strategies and objectives. Ongoing implementation of the AIFRMP will require action by DPI in conjunction with recreational fishers, VRFish and other stakeholders to establish the required fishery monitoring and research programs, to carry out day-to-day management activities, and to ensure compliance with fishery management arrangements. Key actions required to facilitate implementation of this plan are summarised in Table 2.

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 39 References

Gomon, M.F., Glover, J.C.M. and Kuiter, R.H. Literature bibliography (Eds.) (1994). The Fishes of Australia's South AAV (Aboriginal Affairs Victoria) (2002). Coast. State Print, Adelaide. Aboriginal Coastal Shell Middens. Fact Sheet and Site Identification Mini Poster No. 13 . Harrison, I., Rogers, J., Smith, G. and Woodfull, J. (1990). Andersons Inlet: resources, issues and Anon. (1981). The ecology of fishing in Botany options for management. Master of Bay - biology of commercially and recreationally Environmental Science Group Report. Graduate valuable species. Environment Control Study of School of Environmental Science, Monash Botany Bay No. 23B. NSW State Pollution Control University, Clayton. Commission, Sydney. Henry, G.W. and Lyle, J.M. (Eds.) (2003). The BCSC (2003). Inverloch Foreshore Reserve: St National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Kilda Street to Ayre Creek Foreshore Master Plan. Survey. Final Report on FRDC Project No. 99/158. Published by Bass Coast Shire Council, 188pp. Published by NSW Fisheries, Cronulla. Wonthaggi. Hutchins, B. and Swainston, R. (1986). Sea Fishes Blake, S., Roob, R. and Patterson, E. (2000). of Southern Australia. Swainston Publishing, Seagrass mapping of Victoria’s minor inlets. Perth. Marine and Freshwater Resources Institute, Queenscliff. Report No. 28. 52pp & appendices. James, G.D. (1976). Eggs and larvae of the trevally, Caranx georgianus (Teleostei: Carangidae). Chapman, A., Dann, P., and Legge, D. (1987). N.Z. J. Mar. Freshwat. Res., 10: 301-310. Anderson’s Inlet Waders and Waterbirds. Published by the South Gippsland Conservation James, G.D. (1978). Trevally and koheru - biology Society, Inverloch. and fisheries. In. 'Proceedings of the Pelagic Fisheries Conference, July 1977'. M.A.F., Fisheries CSIRO (2000). Northern Pacific Seastar (Asterias Research Division. Occasional Publication No. 15, amurensis). Marine Pest Information Sheet. CSIRO pp 50-54. Centre for Research on Introduced Marine Pests, Hobart. James, G.D. (1984). Trevally, Caranx georgianus Cuvier: age determination, population biology, DCNR (1994). Inverloch Foreshore Reserve and and the fishery. New Zealand Ministry of Anderson Inlet: Proposed Management Plan. Agriculture and Fisheries. Fisheries Research Victorian Department of Conservation and Bulletin No. 25. 51 pp. Natural Resources, Yarram Region. Jenkins, G.P. and May, H.M.A. (1994). Variation DNRE (1998). Inverloch Foreshore Reserve and in settlement and larval duration of King George Anderson Inlet Management Plan. Published by whiting, Sillaginodes punctata (Sillaginidae), in the Department of Natural resources and Swan Bay, Victoria, Australia. Bull. Mar. Sci. 54: Environment, Victoria. 281-296. Fletcher, W.J., Chesson, J., Fisher, M., Sainsbury, Jenkins, G.P., Black, K.P. and Hamer, P.A. (2000). K.J.., Hundloe, T., Smith, A.D.M. and Whitworth, Determination of spawning areas and larval B. (2002). National ESD reporting framework for advection pathways for King George whiting in Australian Fisheries: The ‘How To’ guide for wild southeastern Australia using otolith capture fisheries. Final Report for FRDC Project microstructure and hydrodynamic modelling. I. 2000/145. Fisheries Research and Development Victoria. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 199: 231-242. Corporation, Canberra. Jones, G.K., Hall,A., Hill, K.L. and Staniford, A.J. GCB (Gippsland Coastal Board) (2002a). (1990). The South Australian marine scalefish Gippsland Boating Coastal Action Plan. Published fishery: stock assessment, economics and by the Gippsland Coastal Board, Bairnsdale. management. S.A. Dept. of Fisheries, Green Paper. GCB (2002b). Integrated Coastal Planning for 186 pp. Gippsland – Coastal Action Plan. Published by the Kailola, P.J., Williams, M.J., Stewart, P.C., Gippsland Coastal Board, Bairnsdale. Reichelt, R.E., McNee, A. and Grieve, C. (eds.)

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 40 (1993). Australian Fisheries Resources. Bureau of Newman, S.J., Gaugan, D.J., Jackson, G., Mackie, Resource Sciences, DPIE, and the Fisheries M.C., Molony, B., St John, J. and Kailola, P. (Eds.) Research and Development Corporation, (2003). Towards sustainability of data-limited Canberra. 422 pp. multi-sector fisheries. Australian Society for Fish Biology Workshop Proceedings, Bunbury, Western Last, P.R., Scott, E.O.G. and Talbot, F.H. (1983). Australia 23-24 September 2001. Fisheries Fishes of Tasmania. Tasmanian Fisheries Occasional Publications No. 5, June 2003, Development Authority, Hobart. 563 pp. Department of Fisheries, Perth, Western Australia. Lenanton, R.C.J. (1977). Aspects of the ecology of 186pp. fish and commercial crustaceans of the Blackwood Nicholson, G. and Gunthorpe, L. (Eds) (in press) River estuary, Western Australia. Fisheries Anderson Inlet Fish Habitats 2001. Compiled by Research Bulletin, W.A., 19: 1-72. the Fish Habitat Assessment Group. Fisheries MacDonald, C.M. (1980). Population structure, Victoria Assessment Report No. 42. 38pp. biochemical adaptation and systematics in (Primary Industries Research Victoria, temperate marine fishes of the genera Arripis and Queenscliff). Chrysophrys (Pisces: Perciformes). Unpublished NREC (Natural Resources and Environment PhD thesis, Australian National University, Committee), (1991). Report from a Parliamentary Canberra. 336 pp. Inquiry into the Allocation of fish resources in MacDonald, C.M. (1983). Population, taxonomic Victorian bays and inlets. Government Printer, and evolutionary studies on marine fishes of the Melbourne. genus Arripis (Perciformes: Arripidae). Bull. Mar. Parks Victoria (2003). Cape Liptrap Coastal Park Sci., 33: 780. Management Plan. 37pp. Published by Parks Massola, A. (1974). Notes on the Aborigines of the Victoria, Melbourne. Wonthaggi District. Victorian Naturalist, 91: 45-50. Rash, J.A.E., Williamson, R.C. and Taylor, S.J. McCarraher, D.B. (1986). Distribution and (1996). ‘How green is your mudflat?’ Proceedings abundance of sport fish populations in selected of the Australasian Conference on Spartina Victorian estuaries, inlets, coastal streams and Control. Held in Yarram, May 1995. Published by lakes. 2. Gippsland Region. Arthur Rylah the Department of Conservation and Natural Institute for Environmental Research, Technical Resources, Yarram. Report Series No. 44. Published by the Robertson, A.I. (1982). Population dynamics and Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands, feeding ecology of juvenile Australian salmon Heidelberg. (Arripis trutta) in Western Port, Victoria. Aust. J. McCarraher, D.B. and McKenzie, J.A. (1986). Mar. Freshw. Res., 33: 369-375. Observations on the distribution, growth, Smith, G.H. (1991). Competition for the use of spawning and diet of estuary perch (Macquaria fishery resources in Anderson Inlet: Balancing the colonorum) in Victorian waters . Arthur Rylah exploitation of the aquatic living resources with Institute for Environmental Research, Technical the protection of the estuarine ecosystem. Report Series No. 44. Published by the Unpublished thesis (M. Env. Sc.), Dept. of Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands, Geography and Environmental Science, Monash Heidelberg. University, Clayton. McKay, R.J. (1992). FAO species catalogue. Vol. VCC (Victorian Coastal Council) (2002). Victorian 14. Sillaginid fishes of the world. (Family Coastal Strategy. State of Victoria. Published by Sillaginidae). An annotated and illustrated the Victorian Coastal Council, Melbourne. catalogue of the sillago, smelt or Indo-Pacific whiting species known to date. FAO Fisheries Synopsis. No. 125, Vol. 14. 87pp, 137 figs.

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 41 WGCMA (West Gippsland Catchment Williams, N.J. (1970) A comparison of the two Management Authority) (2004a). West Gippsland species of the genus Percalates Ramsay and Ogilby Regional Catchment Strategy – September2004. (Percomorphi : Macquariidae), and their Published by the West Gippsland Catchment taxonomy. Chief Secretary’s Department, NSW Management Authority, Traralgon. State Fisheries Research Bulletin No.11. WGCMA, (2004b). River Health Strategy West Winstanley, R.H. (1985). Commercial fishery Gippsland Catchment – Final Draft, March 2005 situation report: Tamboon Inlet. Fisheries & Published by the West Gippsland Catchment Wildlife Service, Victoria. Marine Fisheries Report Management Authority, Traralgon. No. 7. 27 pp.

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 42 Appendices

Appendix 1 - Declaration of Anderson Inlet as a Fisheries Reserve Excerpt from General Gazette G27, 3 July 2003, page 1725.

Fisheries Act 1995 FISHERIES (DECLARATION OF ANDERSON INLET FISHERIES RESERVE) ORDER 2003 The Governor in Council makes the following Order:

Objective 1. The objective of this Order is to declare Anderson Inlet as a Fisheries Reserve and to specify its purpose. Authorising Provision 2. This Order is made under section 88 of the Fisheries Act 1995. Commencement 3. This Order comes into operation on the day on which it is published in the Victoria Government Gazette. Declaration of Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve 4. The area described in the Schedule is declared to be the Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve. Purposes of the Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve 5. The purpose of the Anderson Inlet Fishery Reserve is primarily to: • provide for enhanced fishing activities for recreational fishers; • to improve the management of monitoring of these enhanced harvesting opportunities; and • to improve the management and monitoring of any other issues that are likely to impact on these enhanced harvesting opportunities; • to enable the development of a fisheries reserve management plan which will: • specify guidelines regulating or restricting equipment and activities in the fisheries reserve; • provide for the issue of permits by the Secretary in respect of activities in the fisheries reserve; and • establish a compliance strategy framework for the Reserve.

SCHEDULE 6. All that area of marine underwater terrain and superjacent water that is within an area consisting of the estuary and the Tarwin River below the Tarwin Lower Road Bridge (but not including the area of Cape Liptrap Coastal Park between high and low water mark).

Dated 1 July 2003 Responsible Minister: BOB CAMERON Minister for Agriculture

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 43 Appendix 2 - Ministerial Guidelines for Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Excerpt from General Gazette G44, 30 October 2003, page 1725.

Fisheries Act 1995 SECTION 30 Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan Ministerial Guidelines

1. The Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan will identify key actions to protect habitats and enhance recreational fishing opportunities, including actions designed to improve the management and monitoring of recreational fishing and the impact of other issues (eg. habitat deterioration) on recreational fishing opportunities. 2. The Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan will specify appropriate management controls with regard to recreational fishing and may recommend options to assist in managing related activities. 3. The Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan will provide for the issue of permits by the Secretary in respect of activities in the fisheries reserve. 4. The Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan may specify areas available for any special use zones identified within the reserve. 5. The Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan will determine processes for reporting to the Victorian community on achievements of the plan. 6. The Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan will establish a compliance strategy framework.

Dated 6 October 2003

Responsible Minister: BOB CAMERON MP Minister for Agriculture

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 44 Appendix 3 - Management Plan Steering Committee Terms of Reference The Terms of Reference for the Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan steering committee are to: • Provide advice to Fisheries Victoria in regard to achieving the stated objectives of the Fisheries Reserve during the preparation of the draft Plan. - Fisheries Victoria will prepare the draft Plan. • Consider public submissions relating to the draft Plan received during the period for the notice of intention to declare the Plan. - Fisheries Victoria will collate the submissions and prepare a draft response to the steering committee. • Provide advice to Fisheries Victoria in regard to preparing the final Plan. - Fisheries Victoria will prepare the final Plan. Membership of the Steering Committee

NAME ORGANISATION Mr Noel Maud (Chair) Independent Mr Max Fletcher VRFish Gippsland Delegate Mr Lance Lloyd Member, Fisheries Co-management Council (FCC) Mr Corrie Banks Chair, FCC Recreational Marine Fisheries Committee Mr Rob Douthat Cultural Officer, Central Gippsland Aboriginal Health & Housing Co- operative Ltd. Mr Geoff Hocking CEO, West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority Mr Brian Martin Parks Victoria, West Gippsland Mr Danny Luna Director Corporate Services, Bass Coast Shire Cr. Kieran Kennedy South Gippsland Shire Council Mr Greg Hayes Manager Recreational Fisheries, Fisheries Victoria, DPI Mr Dick Brumley Gippsland Fisheries Management Officer, Fisheries Victoria, DPI

Draft Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 45