DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES Management Plan Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series - No. 60 Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan
The Inland Fishery
No. 60 November 2008
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan
The Inland Fishery
November 2008
Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series No. 60
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan
Published by Department of Primary Industries Follow the links – Managing Fisheries, Fisheries Victoria Management Plans and Strategies. GPO Box 4440 Acknowledgement Melbourne Victoria 3001. Fisheries Victoria acknowledges the traditional © The State of Victoria, 2008. owners of Port Phillip and Western Port, Victoria and their intimate relationship with the region, This publication is copyright. No part may be which stretches back over thousands of years and produced by any process except in accordance continues into the future. with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. Reproduction and the making available of this Disclaimer material for personal, in-house, or non-commercial This publication may be of assistance to you, but purposes is authorised on the condition that: the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw or is • The copyright is acknowledged as the owner wholly appropriate for your particular purposes • No official connection is claimed and therefore disclaims all liability for an error, • The material is made available without charge loss or other consequence which may arise from or cost you relying on any information in this publication. • The material is not subject to inaccurate, This draft management plan cannot be used in a misleading or derogatory comment. court of law. Fishing laws change from time to Requests to reproduce or communicate this time. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are material in any way not permitted by this licence acting within the law. If you are in doubt seek (or by the fair dealing provisions of the Copyright independent legal advice. Act 1968) should be directed to the Nominated For further information on this draft management Officer Copyright, 1 Spring Street, Melbourne, plan, contact the Department of Primary Industries 3001. Customer Service Centre by telephone on 136 186 Authorised by Victorian Government, or visit the DPI website at 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne.
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan ii
Table of contents
Executive summary ...... 1
Introduction ...... 2
Description of the region ...... 4 Catchments of the Port Phillip and Western Port region...... 4 Public land...... 5 Ramsar wetlands ...... 5 Heritage Rivers ...... 5 Recreational fishing...... 5 Commercial fishing...... 5 Aquaculture ...... 6 Key asset groups...... 6 Family Fishing Lakes Program...... 6 Premier lakes...... 7 Key native recreational fishing species inside their natural range...... 7 Key native recreational fishing species outside their natural range...... 8 Key introduced recreational fishery species...... 9
Policy and regulatory framework...... 10 Fisheries Act 1995 and subordinate regulations ...... 10 Fishing regulations...... 10 Policy framework ...... 12 Non-fisheries issues ...... 14
The plan to manage the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery ...... 18 Scope of this fishery management plan...... 18 Definition of the fishery...... 18 Duration of this fishery management plan...... 18 Implementing this fishery management plan ...... 18 Management goal and objectives ...... 19
Objective 1: Sustainable use of fishery resources...... 20 Strategy 1: Assess the status of the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery ...... 20 Strategy 2: Monitor fishing activities in the Yarra River to ensure a sustainable fishery...... 20
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan iii
Objective 2: Recreational fishing opportunities...... 22 Strategy 3: Maintain stock-enhanced fisheries...... 22 Strategy 4: Classify waters using the fisheries stream classification model...... 22 Strategy 5: Improve access for boat-based fishing...... 23 Strategy 6: Improve access for land-based fishing ...... 23 Strategy 7: Encourage responsible recreational fishing behaviour ...... 24 Strategy 8: Provide new fishing opportunities ...... 24 Strategy 9: Monitor fishing satisfaction and preference ...... 24
Objective 3: Protection and enhancement of fish habitat...... 25 Strategy 10: Habitat advocacy for key recreational fishing species ...... 25
Objective 4: Compliance with fishery management arrangements ...... 26 Strategy 11: Educate fishers on sustainable fishing...... 26 Strategy 12: Enforce fishing regulations ...... 26
Outcomes of the Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan ...... 27
References ...... 30
Appendix 1: Stakeholder and community engagement ...... 33
Appendix 2: Summary of key non-fisheries legislation...... 34 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999...... 34 Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 ...... 34 Water Act 1989...... 35 Native Title Act 1993 ...... 35 Heritage Rivers Act 1992 and National Parks Act 1975...... 35 Other relevant legislation...... 35
Appendix 3: Fish stocked in the fishery between 2005 and 2007...... 36
Appendix 4: Preparing the Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan...... 37 Requirements of the Fisheries Act ...... 37 Planning process ...... 37 Public consultation...... 38 Steering Committee ...... 38
Appendix 5: Summary of key issues raised during public consultation.... 39
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan iv
Executive summary
The Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery management of other relevant issues to ensure Management Plan specifies the objectives, strategies possible adverse consequences to fish habitat are and actions for managing recreational fishing identified and responsible agencies notified. activities within the Port Phillip and Western Port Twelve strategies for the sustainable management fishery. This fishery includes all inland waters (as of the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery are defined in the Fisheries Act 1995) in the area identified in this fishery management plan. administered by the Port Phillip and Westernport Actions to implement these strategies include: Catchment Management Authority and Melbourne • Water excluding marine waters. Assessing the status of the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery The Port Phillip and Western Port fishery includes • Establishing monitoring programs for Murray several popular recreational waterways including: cod and Macquarie perch • Rivers such as the Werribee, Maribyrnong and • Maintaining fish stocking in support of Yarra where the key recreational fishing species recreational fishing are brown and rainbow trout, river blackfish, • Advocating for the protection and redfin, Murray cod and Macquarie perch enhancement of important fish habitats • Estuaries including the lower reaches of the • Applying the Stream Classification Model to Werribee, Maribyrnong, Yarra, Bass and identify waterways as native, mixed or Patterson rivers where the key recreational salmonid fisheries fishing species are black bream and mulloway • Monitoring fishing satisfaction and preferences • Lakes such as Berwick Springs Estate, Casey of recreational fishers in the Port Phillip and Fields, Karkarook, Lillydale and Yarrambat Western Port fishery Park and Pykes Creek Reservoir where the key • recreational fishing species are brown and Encouraging responsible fishing behaviour rainbow trout. • Identifying opportunities to maintain and improve access to fisheries resources The Port Phillip and Western Port fishery does not • Identifying new fishing opportunities through include commercial bait or eel fishing or the Victorian recreational fishing peak body, aquaculture ventures as these are managed VRFish. through other management arrangements. Where there is a need to alter management The purpose of this fishery management plan is to arrangements to ensure sustainable use or to meet manage recreational fishing in the Port Phillip and changing demands for recreational fishing Western Port fishery in accordance with the opportunities, changes will be considered in principles of ecologically sustainable development. consultation with stakeholders and management This includes identifying habitats and aquatic agencies. environments on which fisheries resources depend, and enhancing social and economic Under this fishery management plan, the Port benefits to all Victorians. Phillip and Western Port Fishery Reference Group will be established to work with the Department of This fishery management plan describes the key Primary Industries to deliver the desired rivers, estuaries and lakes; key recreational fishing management outcomes for the fishery. It is species; current management arrangements for proposed that the fishery reference group include recreational fishing activities; goals, objectives, representatives nominated by DPI, VRFish and actions, performance indicators and targets for Melbourne Water. management of recreational fishing activities. It includes processes for participating in
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 1
Introduction
The Fisheries division (Fisheries Victoria) of the Strategy. To effectively align catchment and Department of Primary Industries (DPI) works fishery management strategies and efficient with its stakeholders to facilitate the sustainable delivery of management actions, this fishery development of fisheries resources. A key task in management plan is aligned with the boundaries sustainable management is preparing and of Melbourne Water and Port Phillip and implementing fishery management plans. Westernport Catchment Management Authority (Figure 1). Fishery management plans specify the goals, objectives, strategies, actions, performance The Port Phillip and Western Port fishery includes measures and targets for managing fishing all lakes, rivers and estuaries in the Werribee, activities in accordance with the principles of Maribyrnong, Yarra, Dandenong and Western Port ecologically sustainable development. catchments, excluding marine waters and waters on private property. This fishery management plan Recreational fishing is the primary fishing activity recognises that management of fishery resources in Victoria's rivers, tributaries, estuaries, lakes and must often occur at scales larger than Catchment impoundments. Other fishing activities in inland Management Authority boundaries. Fisheries waterways include commercial bait and eel fishing Victoria has identified key asset groups where and aquaculture. Inland fishery management similar species and ecological characteristics are plans manage recreational fishing activities to found and manages these groups on a state-wide enhancing environmental, social and economic basis. outcomes and recognise the importance of fisheries resources to Indigenous communities. For the purpose of this fishery management plan, key asset groups include: Inland fishery management plans are prepared • with a strong focus on establishing partnerships Rivers such as the Werribee, Maribyrnong and with relevant catchment and water management Yarra where the key recreational fishing species agencies. Effectively managing inland fisheries are brown and rainbow trout, river blackfish, requires the implementation of appropriate redfin, Murray cod and Macquarie perch fisheries management tools (for example, bag and • Estuaries including the lower reaches of the size limits) and recognition that other human Werribee, Maribyrnong, Yarra, Bass and activities may be equally or more important to Patterson rivers where the key recreational sustaining fish stocks. fishing species are black bream and mulloway • Lakes such as Berwick Springs Estate, Casey In the Port Phillip and Western Port region, Fields, Karkarook, Lillydale and Yarrambat Melbourne Water manages waterways including Park and Pykes Creek Reservoir where the key leading the development and implementation of recreational fishing species are brown and waterway strategies such as the Regional River rainbow trout. Health Strategies. In other parts of Victoria, this waterway management role is fulfilled by The key recreational fishing species were identified catchment management authorities. during stakeholder and community consultation (described in Appendix 1). This draft fishery The Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment management plan builds on stakeholder and Management Authority is responsible for strategic community feedback and describes the highest planning and priority setting to ensure an priority strategies and actions to mitigate issues or integrated approach to catchment issues and their risks that could impact on these species. management is taken. This includes overseeing the implementation of the Regional Catchment
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 2
Figure 1: Map of the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery. CMA = Catchment Management Authority.
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 3
Description of the region
The Port Phillip and Western Port region has a Annual rainfall in the north of the catchment population of approximately 3.4 million residents ranges from 700 to 1,500 millimetres and 600 to and covers about 12,000 square kilometres of 700 millimetres in the central and southern central Victoria. The region encompasses all or sections. About 80 per cent of the catchment is part of 38 municipalities including the city of cleared for grazing and broad acre cropping with Melbourne, Phillip Island, Mornington Peninsula, the remainder being remnant, low, mixed-species Yarra Ranges, Mount Macedon and Werribee. Five forest in the Macedon, Cobaw and Blackwood major river catchments, namely the Werribee, Ranges. Maribyrnong, Yarra, Dandenong and Western The lower 15 kilometres of the Maribyrnong River Port, are located within the region. flows through urban areas. Flow in the Deep Creek is unregulated but is usually low during Catchments of the Port Phillip and January and February. Flow in the Jacksons Creek, Western Port region and, to some extent, the lower Maribyrnong River, Werribee catchment is regulated by the Rosslyne Reservoir and is normally low during summer. The Werribee catchment has an area of approximately 2,700 square kilometres and Most recreational fishing in the catchment occurs includes all rivers and creeks west of the in the Maribyrnong River and in the Nursery Maribyrnong River to the Little River. The major Reservoir. river in the catchment, the Werribee River, rises in moderate to steep, granitic and sedimentary Yarra catchment forested-country in the northern area of the The Yarra catchment (approximate area catchment and flows south-east to Port Phillip Bay. 4,096 square kilometres) extends from the forested The terrain of the southern catchment is flat with mountains in the east to the City of Melbourne finely textured unconsolidated soils that include with its northern boundary formed by the Great volcanic rock. Dividing Range. The Yarra River originates upstream of the Upper Yarra Reservoir in steep Around 25 per cent of the catchment retains native forest; this section is a water catchment and is vegetation, 67 per cent is agricultural and 5 per closed to fishing. Downstream, the river flows for cent urban. The major land use is grazing and 110 kilometres through a variety of terrain with broad acre cropping. rainfall decreasing from approximately Rainfall in the catchment ranges from 1,000 millimetres at East Warburton to approximately 700 to 1,000 millimetres in the 700 millimetres in the middle reaches near Yarra headwaters of the Lerderderg River and 400 to Glen to 600 to 700 millimetres in the lower reaches 600 millimetres in the remaining areas. through the City of Melbourne. Most recreational fishing occurs in the Werribee Most of the catchment upstream of Warburton is River with lesser levels in the Pykes Creek forested and there are numerous small tributaries Reservoir, Melton Reservoir, Colbrook Reservoir, feeding the Yarra River. Flows in the Yarra River Darlingford Lake, Navan Park Lake and West and some tributaries are highly regulated because Lake. Lake Merrimu and Djerriwarrah Reservoir of large urban water storages. Six of these water are domestic water supplies and closed to fishing. storages, the Maroondah, O'Shannassy, Silvan, Toorourong, Upper Yarra and Yan Yean Maribyrnong catchment Reservoirs, are closed to fishing. Sugarloaf Most of the Maribyrnong catchment (approximate Reservoir is open to fishing with some restrictions. area 1,450 square kilometres) consists of dissected, Popular lakes for recreational fishing are the upland volcanic plains with deeply entrenched Lillydale, Emerald, Yarrambat Park and Roxburgh waterways. The northern edge and a strip running Park and Jack Roper Reserve. down the Deep Creek consist of sedimentary rocks with areas of granite and gneiss.
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 4
Dandenong catchment Heritage Rivers The Dandenong catchment (approximately 855 Within the Werribee catchment, the Lerderderg square kilometres) originates in the Dandenong River, including its bed and banks, between the Ranges National Park and includes the Mordialloc downstream edge of Roach Road and where it Creek and the Patterson River. Other major crosses the southern extremity of Lerderderg State waterways are the Dandenong, Bungalook, Blind, Park is listed as a Heritage River. The Lerderderg Eumemmerring, Corhanwarrabul, and Mile creeks. River at O'Briens Crossing is listed as a Fishing is popular in Berwick Springs Estate, Representative River of west Victorian dissected Karkarook, Casey Fields and Rowville lakes. uplands and volcanic plains. Where public access Western Port catchment is not prohibited, fishing is permitted. The larger waterways in the Western Port Within the Yarra catchment, the Yarra River from catchment (approximate area 3,433 square Woori Yallock to Warrandyte is listed as a kilometres), including the Bunyip, Bass and Tarago Heritage River. Where public access is not rivers, originate in steep mountains of its northern prohibited, fishing is permitted. and eastern boundaries. These rivers flow through extensive plains before being discharged into The upper reaches of the O'Shannassy River are Western Port. Annual rainfall over most of the area listed as a Natural Catchment Area and, similar to is 700 to 1,000 millimetres with falls of 1,000 to other protected water supply catchments within 1,400 millimetres in the northern, forested area and the region, the waterways within them are closed falls of 600 to 700 millimetres in the southern end to fishing. of Mornington Peninsula. Most of the catchment has been cleared for Recreational fishing agriculture with intensive irrigation and cropping The most recent study of recreational fishers in in the south, particularly on the Mornington Australia, the National Recreational and Indigenous Peninsula which has many vineyards irrigated Fishing Survey (Henry and Lyle 2003), found there from local streams. were approximately 550,000 active fishers in Victoria who divided their fishing effort about Popular fishing spots include Pakenham Lake and equally between fresh and marine species. the Bunyip, Bass and Tarago rivers. Approximately 58 per cent of fishers were based in the Melbourne area. Public land The survey found that Victorians spent The Port Phillip and Western Port Region includes approximately $400 million per annum on goods approximately 300,000 hectares of public land and services associated with recreational fishing including nine national parks, five state parks and activities and had the highest per capita numerous local parks, reserves and waterways. expenditure in Australia. Fishing is permitted in many parks and reserves in accordance with prescribed fishing regulations. Commercial fishing Information on fishing in specific parks and Commercial fishing activity in the Port Phillip and reserves is available from the Parks Victoria Western Port region is limited to eels, bait and website at
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 5
Two commercial operators were authorised under Key recreational fishing species include brown and noxious aquatic species permits to take carp in the rainbow trout, redfin, Murray cod and river inland waters of the region. blackfish. Lakes Aquaculture Lakes in the region include static water bodies An aquaculture licence is required to use, form or which support or have supported fish species create a habitat for hatching, rearing, breeding, targeted by recreational fishers. Many lakes have displaying or growing fish for sale or other been stocked and are popular areas for recreational commercial purposes. There are twelve classes of fishing. aquaculture licences that may authorise inland aquaculture activities including the production of Berwick Springs Estate, Casey Fields, Karkarook, trout, yabbies, eels, abalone, warm water finfish, Lillydale and Yarrambat Park lakes, and Pykes ornamental fish and other species in Victoria. At Creek Reservoir are popular recreational fishing the time of writing, there were 16 aquaculture locations. licences issued in the Port Phillip and Western Port The key recreational fishing species in the lakes of region. the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery are salmonids, including brown and rainbow trout. Key asset groups Estuaries A basis for strategic state-wide fisheries Estuaries within the Port Phillip and Western Port management is the grouping of areas with similar fishery include the lower reaches of the Bass, environmental, geo-morphological and fishery Patterson, Yarra, Maribyrnong and Werribee species characteristics into key asset groups. These rivers. Many smaller estuaries including the are used to assist in identifying and describing Kororoit, Cardinia, Bunyip and Lang Lang rivers issues. and creeks are also important to recreational The Port Phillip and Western Port fishery contains fishers. the following fisheries key asset groups: Estuaries provide accessible and important • Rivers recreational fishing opportunities and a diverse • Lakes range of fish species. The key recreational fishing • Estuaries. species in estuaries include black bream and mulloway. Key asset groups will not be used as the basis for introducing different fishing regulations at smaller spatial scales within the fishery. Family Fishing Lakes Program The DPI Family Fishing Lakes Program provides The following sections provide information on the recreational fishing opportunities for fishers of all recreational fishing species generally found in each ages and abilities at locations within or near key asset group. Information has been obtained population centres throughout the State. Under from the Guide to Inland Angling Waters of Victoria the program, 150 to 200 gram ready-to-catch trout (Tunbridge 2002) at
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 6
Premier lakes Larvae and small juvenile black bream are found primarily amongst seagrass beds which provide Under the Go Fishing in Victoria initiative, some invertebrate prey and shelter (Cashmore et al. Family Fishing Lakes are designated as Premier 2000). Lakes and partly stocked with ‘Premier’ rainbow trout weighing more than one kilogram. Premier River blackfish (Gadopsis marmoratus) Lakes feature family friendly facilities including River blackfish are widely distributed throughout toilets, BBQs, picnic tables and playground Victoria (DPI 2003a) and inhabit many rivers and equipment. tributaries across the Port Phillip and Western Port Premier Lakes are the focus of free events when fishery. families and children can learn to fish. These River blackfish prefer cool, clear streams with events are planned and run in partnership with gravel, cobble or boulder substrate and abundant VRFish, local fishing clubs, local councils, Fishcare cover. Adult and older juvenile river blackfish volunteers and other stakeholders. prefer an abundance of snags and cover (Jackson and Davies 1983) in well oxygenated waters The Premier Lake in the Port Phillip and Western Port region is Lillydale Lake. (Fletcher 1979). Introduction of artificial habitat including boulders and woody habitat to otherwise sparse bottom has increased abundance Key native recreational fishing and confirmed its preference for in-stream habitat species inside their natural range and shelter where high water velocities are present Black bream, river blackfish and mulloway were (Koehn 1987). identified during stakeholder and community River blackfish are carnivores and feed on aquatic consultation as key native recreational fishing insects, crustaceans, small fish and molluscs species inside their natural range (Appendix 1). (Koehn and O’Connor 1990). Black bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri) Spawning usually occurs in spring and early Black bream are a native species that inhabits summer when water temperatures are estuarine waters of southern Australia (Kailola et approximately 16°C (Koehn and O’Connor 1990). al. 1993). Black bream may be found inhabiting Eggs are strongly adhesive, may be deposited in rocky, river beds around structures and snags and hollow logs and rock cavities and are thought to be may be caught over seagrass, mud and sand guarded by the males (Jackson 1975). Eggs hatch substrate (Cashmore et al. 2000). Black bream are approximately fourteen days after fertilisation and rarely found at sea although adult black bream are young river blackfish actively swim and seek food known to undertake migrations between estuaries approximately five weeks after hatching (Koehn (Hall 1984) and may enter the sea following large and O’Connor 1990). Small juveniles spend much rainfall events. of their time near the bottom and are heavily Adult black bream feed opportunistically on a preyed upon by nymphs, dragonfly larvae and variety of organisms including bivalve and crustaceans (Koehn and O’Connor 1990). Adults gastropod molluscs, prawns and crabs, polychaete can be aggressive towards other species and are worms and small fish (Rigby 1982; Cashmore et al. nocturnal (Koehn and Morison 1990). River 2000). blackfish have a limited home range between 25 to 30 metres (Koehn 1986). Spawning usually occurs from August to January but may begin later in more westerly estuaries Mulloway (Argyrosomus japonicus) (Cadwallader and Backhouse 1983). Female black Mulloway inhabit coastal waters from Bundaberg bream reach sexual maturity at approximately 24 in Queensland, around southern Australia to centimetres total length and release 300,000 to 3 Carnarvon in Western Australia. Mulloway occur million eggs per spawning event. Males become in the lower reaches of rivers, estuaries, bays, sexually mature at approximately 22 centimetres inlets, waters off beaches and in open waters to a total length (Kailola et al. 1993). Larval survival is depth of 150 metres. Mulloway are common in dependent on suitable salinity and water western Victorian waters, but are much less temperature and availability of food and habitat abundant in waters east of Melbourne (Kailola et (Cashmore et al. 2000). al. 1993).
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 7
Mulloway reach sexual maturity at six years and Murray cod grow rapidly in the first four to five approximately 75 centimetres total length and live years with some individual fish reaching 64 up to 30 years. They spawn in the surf zones close centimetres total length in their fifth year. They can to ocean beaches from late spring to summer and grow to 1.8 metres total length and 113.5 larvae are thought to remain in open coastal kilograms. Commonly they reach lengths of 55 to waters for several months. Juveniles are thought to 65 centimetres in total length and weights of two have wide salinity tolerances and enter estuaries to five kilograms. and rivers when they are five to ten centimetres Murray cod become sexually mature at about four total length (Kailola et al. 1993). years of age. Spawning occurs in the spring and One to two year old juvenile mulloway are most summer months in water temperatures between 16 common in New South Wales estuaries from and 21°C. Females deposit up to 40,000 eggs in February to September, while young adults can be hollow logs or shallow water. Eggs hatch 6 to 13 found bays and estuaries from September to days later with juvenile fish beginning to feed October (Kailola et al. 1993). about three to four weeks later. Mulloway feed on a variety of organisms Murray cod are listed as a threatened species including other mulloway, yellow-eye mullet, under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act garfish, crabs, prawns and worms (Kailola et al. 1988 and as a vulnerable species under the 1993). Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Other native species Recreational fishers also target flathead, mullet Macquarie perch (Macquaria australasica) and estuary perch in estuaries and yabbies in Macquarie perch occur naturally north of the Great rivers and lakes. Dividing Range in tributaries of the Murray- Darling River system. Translocated populations Key native recreational fishing exist in the Yarra River and its tributaries. species outside their natural range The abundance and distribution of Macquarie Murray cod and Macquarie perch were identified perch has been reduced by dam construction, during stakeholder and community consultation changes to river flows and temperature regimes, (Appendix 1) as being the key native recreational silting of spawning streams and the impacts of fishing species outside their natural range. introduced species including trout and redfin. Anecdotal evidence suggests that few Macquarie Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii) perch are removed by recreational fishers in the Murray cod is Australia’s largest native freshwater Port Phillip and Western Port region. fish species and occurs naturally in the upper reaches of the Murray-Darling River system. Macquarie perch reach up to 3.5 kilograms but in Although there are still good populations of Victoria the species more commonly reaches 750 grams to 1 kilogram and 35 to 40 centimetres. Murray cod and their range has remained relatively constant, the species has undergone an Males can reach sexual maturity at 2 years and extensive decline in abundance since European about 21 centimetres total length and females at 3 years and about 30 centimetres total length. Local settlement. Reasons for the decline include habitat loss and degradation, pollution, barriers to fish environmental conditions may induce the species passage, flow regulation, cold water releases from to breed at smaller or larger sizes. dams, predation of young fish by other fish and Spawning usually occurs in flowing water over fishing. rock or gravel substrate during October to January Murray cod are generally found in or near when water temperatures range between 16 and 22°C. Female Macquarie perch produce 50,000 to relatively deep water and prefer habitats including rocks, large wooden snags, smaller woody habitat, 110,000 eggs which hatch 10 to 18 days after under-cut banks and over-hanging vegetation fertilisation and grow rapidly. Macquarie perch reach 38 centimetres total length in five years and (Rowland 1988; Harris and Rowland 1996; Koehn 1997). Murray cod live and breed in lakes and fish up to ten years of age have been collected. rivers where water conditions and habitat are Macquarie perch feed on aquatic insects, suitable. crustaceans and molluscs.
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 8
Macquarie perch are listed as a threatened species Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act and as Rainbow trout are native to the Pacific coast of endangered under the Environment Protection and North America and were introduced in the 1890s Biodiversity Conservation Act. from New Zealand where the species had previously been introduced from California. As Key introduced recreational fishery with brown trout, rainbow trout was introduced to species satisfy a sport fishing market (McDowall 1996). Brown and rainbow trout and redfin were Rainbow trout tolerate slightly higher water identified during the stakeholder and community temperatures than brown trout and are more consultation (Appendix 1) as being the key successful in lakes. When brown trout and recreational fishing species that have been rainbow trout share common habitat, brown trout introduced into the Port Phillip and Western Port are generally more abundant. fishery. These species were generally introduced Spawning requirements of rainbow trout are into Australia to meet a demand for sport-fishing. similar to brown trout but rainbow trout spawn Brown trout (Salmo trutta) later in the year during winter and early spring. Brown trout are native to the cool waters of Juvenile rainbow trout feed predominantly on Europe and were introduced to in the 1860s from zooplankton. Adult rainbow trout feed on aquatic Scotland as a recreational sport fish (McDowall and terrestrial insects, molluscs, crustaceans, fish 1996). Its distribution has increased through a eggs and small fish including other trout. combination of translocation and migration. Redfin (Perca fluviatilis) The ideal habitat for brown trout is cool, well- Redfin, also known as English perch, was oxygenated waters such as rivers and streams with introduced from Europe during the 1860s moderate to fast flows. Suitable waterways (McDowall 1996). generally occur in mountainous areas and feature adequate cover including submerged rocks, Redfin prefer lakes or slow flowing rivers with undercut banks and overhanging vegetation. abundant aquatic vegetation where they feed on Lakes where suitable water quality, habitat and crustaceans, worms, molluscs, insect larvae and food exist generally support brown trout. smaller fishes. Vegetation plays an important role in the life cycle of redfin. During spawning, female Juvenile brown trout feed mainly on insects while redfin deposit a mat of eggs over aquatic plants adults feed on molluscs, crustaceans and small and submerged logs. fish. Redfin are susceptible to the lethal epizootic Brown trout mature at three to four years of age haematopoietic necrosis virus, particularly if they and spawn from autumn to winter. Fish spawn are thermally stressed during summer months. locally in their resident rivers or migrate upstream to spawn in smaller tributaries and feeder streams. Other introduced species To ensure sufficient oxygen supply, trout require a Other introduced species include European carp gravel substrate to deposit their eggs. Females use (Cyprinus carpio). In Victoria, European carp has their tail to excavate depressions in the stream bed been declared under the Fisheries Act 1995 as a called redds and deposit an average of 1,600 eggs noxious aquatic species and it is an offence to per kilogram of body weight in them. The eggs are return the species to the water alive. Roach (Rutilus subsequently covered with gravel dislodged rutilus) and tench (Tinca tinca) are targeted by upstream of the spawning site (Cadwallader and some fishers. Backhouse 1983).
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 9
Policy and regulatory framework
DPI is responsible for ensuring the sustainable use enforcement powers to assist in achieving of fisheries resources and seeks to maintain, and compliance with fishing controls. where possible enhance, recreational fishing The Fisheries Regulations prescribe detailed opportunities. management arrangements for individual The following sections describe the policy, commercial and recreational fisheries, including legislative tools, management processes and licence requirements, restrictions on fishing current controls relevant to recreational fishing in equipment and methods, restrictions on fishing Victoria. These current management arrangements catch and or effort (bag limits, size limits, closed provide a framework for sustainably managing the seasons/areas), and penalties for breaches of fisheries resources within the Port Phillip and fishing controls. Western Port fishery. The Fisheries Act and the Fisheries Regulations are available on the Department of Premier and Fisheries Act 1995 and subordinate Cabinet website at
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 10
People under 18 or over 70 years of age or holders prohibited. For example, taking Murray cod of a Victorian Seniors Card, a Veterans’ Affairs between 1 September and 30 November in each Pensioner Card, a Veterans’ Affairs Repatriation year is prohibited. Fish caught accidentally during Health Card (coded TPI) or a Commonwealth the closed season must be released immediately Pensioner Concession Card (coded DSP, DSP with as little harm as possible. Blind, AGE, AGE Blind or CAR) are exempt from Closed seasons may include the closure of some the need to hold a Recreational Fishing Licence sections of rivers or lakes including many domestic Revenue from Recreational Fishing Licence sales is water storages to all fishing regardless of the fish used to improve recreational fisheries in Victoria. species being targeted. Grants are allocated to projects in one of four Closed seasons are prescribed in the Fisheries categories: • Regulations and summarised in the Victorian Recreational fishing access and facilities (but Recreational Fishing Guide. not recreational boating related infrastructure such as boat launching ramps) Salmonid regulations • Recreational fisheries sustainability and habitat Victoria’s streams and lakes are classified into improvement including fish stocking groups for the purposes of regulating salmonid • Recreational fisheries research fisheries. Each group is defined by whether or not it has a closed season for salmonids and the daily • Recreational fisheries-related education, bag limit. information and training. Salmonid regulations are defined in the Fisheries Further information on how to apply for a grant or Regulations and are summarised in the Victorian previously funded projects can be found on the Recreational Fishing Guide. DPI website at
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 11
In Port Phillip you may collect only marine worms, Securing fisheries resources is about Bass yabbies and dead shells by hand or with an demonstrating sustainability; sharing the fish approved hand-held bait pump only. means allocating fisheries resources in the public interest; and growing the value is about having Controls on intertidal collection of shellfish and competitive fishing industries (Figure 2). other invertebrate animals are prescribed in the Fisheries Regulations and the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide. Control of noxious aquatic species To help protect Victoria's environment, under the Fisheries Act, it is illegal for a person to bring live noxious aquatic species into Victoria or to take, hatch, keep, possess, sell, transport, put in any container or release into protected waters live noxious aquatic species including European carp and marron (Cherax tenuimanus and C. cainii). Protected waters are defined as all Victorian waters and any aquarium, hatchery or any other waters in Victoria whether or not on private Figure 2: The Fisheries Victoria vision of success. property. A list of declared noxious aquatic Fisheries Victoria’s vision and directions underpin species in Victoria is available at its projects, policies and services. The vision and
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 12
Ecosystem-based fisheries management At the time of preparing this draft fishery Ecosystem-based fisheries management promotes management plan, DPI was undertaking a major the use of fisheries resources in a manner that does review of fisheries consultative arrangements in not jeopardise the benefits and opportunities of Victoria and had released an options paper for those resources for future generations. It public comment. The aim of the review was to recognises that the users and beneficiaries of develop a more effective and efficient framework fisheries resources are obliged to behave in a way for fisheries stakeholder engagement. that promotes the sustainability of the resource. On completion of the review, DPI will implement An ecosystem-based approach recognises the the approved outcomes. uncertainty that characterises our knowledge of Regional recreational fisheries consultation fisheries and supporting ecosystems and allows for this uncertainty by applying the precautionary meetings approach where knowledge is incomplete. The The release or stocking of fish into inland waters is precautionary approach is based on the principles used to create, maintain and or enhance outlined in the Commonwealth Intergovernmental recreational fisheries. Agreement on the Environment 1992: DPI conducts an annual recreational fisheries Where there are threats of serious or consultation process (CONS) to discuss fish irreversible environmental damage, lack of full stocking, fish population surveys and other related scientific certainty should not be used as a recreational fisheries management issues. Annual reason for postponing measures to prevent recreational fisheries consultation process environmental degradation (Department of meetings are attended by representatives from the Environment, Water, Heritage and the DPI, the Department of Sustainability and Arts 1992). Environment, the Fisheries Co-management Council, water and catchment management Fisheries Victoria undertakes a risk-based authorities, VRFish and other stakeholders as approach to implement ecosystem-based fisheries required. management so that the highest risks to fisheries and or supporting ecosystems that require The meetings: treatment are addressed as a priority, planned for • Review the current native and salmonid and risks monitored. stocking plans and identify necessary modifications to them Fisheries co-management arrangements • Identify management questions to be answered Co-management is recognised in Victoria and by stock or fisher surveys worldwide as an integral feature of contemporary • Present a state-wide perspective on current fisheries management. Co-management has been fishery management issues defined as “a continuum of management • arrangements where responsibilities for resource Obtain feedback from stakeholders on relevant management are shared between the government fishery issues. and user groups.” This continuum extends from Appendix 3 provides a list of fish stockings in Port centralised management through consultative, co- Phillip and Western Port fishery from 2005 to 2007. operative and delegated management to a decentralised arrangement (DPI 2007b). It allows Translocation guidelines and protocols for user groups to have a greater say in the The translocation of live aquatic organisms into decision making processes affecting fisheries and within Victoria has the potential to threaten resources. Most recreational fisheries are at the the biodiversity and ecological integrity of consultative arrangement part of the continuum. Victoria’s freshwater, estuarine and marine However it should be noted that regardless of the systems. These threats have flow-on co-management arrangements adopted, consequences, potentially affecting the economic government must always retain the capacity to benefits provided by aquaculture; recreational and manage the fisheries resources in the public commercial fishing; domestic and international interest. shipping; and the social and tourism benefits of being able to enjoy waters and foods free of DPI is committed to effectively engaging pathogens and diseases. stakeholders in decision-making and will continue stakeholder consultation through the annual The Victorian Government has developed Fishery Management and Stock Assessment Guidelines for Assessing Translocations of Live Workshops and the Total Allowable Catch Forum. Aquatic Organisms in Victoria (DPI 2003b) (the
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 13
Translocation Guidelines) to meet its obligations • Facilitating processes or provide authorisations under the National Policy for the Translocation of to reduce fish biomass Live Aquatic Organisms (MCFFA 1999). This • Assisting the conduct of fish salvage operations policy requires all states to adopt risk-based • Supporting the nominated lead agency in fish measures to manage the environmental risks of death response translocating live aquatic organisms. • Advising on the implication of aeration proposals Proposals to stock public and private waters are • Enacting legislative measure to improve inland assessed in accordance with the Translocation recreational fisheries or supportive habitats Guidelines and may require the applicant to • Leading processes to re-establish inland prepare a risk assessment. recreational fisheries affected by drought. Where translocation events have similar The policy document is available on the DPI characteristics in terms of species, associated website at
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 14
Enquiries in relation to registered or noted sites of The following recreational fishing species are cultural significance should be directed to relevant to the Port Phillip and Western Port Aboriginal Affairs Victoria. Any proposed works fishery and are listed as threatened under the Flora or use of Crown land are required to be carried out and Fauna Guarantee Act: in accordance with the ’future acts’ provision of • Australian grayling (Prototroctes maraena) the Native Title Act 1993 and the Aboriginal • Australian mudfish (Neochanna cleaveri) Heritage Act. • Macquarie perch (Macquaria australasica) Customary fishing • Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii) This fishery management plan reflects the • Yarra pygmy perch (Nannoperca obscura). Victorian Government’s current policy on resource access by Indigenous Australians. Customary The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act requires that fishing practices by Indigenous Australians are not action statements be developed for listed species in identified as a distinct type of fishing activity Victoria. For further information, see under current Victorian legislation. Non-
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 15
• Integration of tagging to determine movement The draft Victorian Climate Change Strategy for and migration of carp in the Murray-Darling Fisheries and Aquaculture aims to assist fisheries Basin managers and stakeholders in planning for, and • Development of sensory attractants for pest fish adapting to, climate change. Through this strategy, control. DPI will assess the potential impacts of climate change on fisheries and will facilitate adaptation of Food safety management frameworks to future challenges and Many Victorians enjoy fishing in Victoria’s opportunities. waterways as a recreational activity. Over time, urban waterways can become polluted and fish Regional catchment and river health caught in these areas can be contaminated. strategies Responsibility for the safety of consuming The integrated management of all natural assets in recreationally caught fish rests with the the Port Phillip and Western Port region is under Department of Human Services. To reduce the the direction of the Catchment and Land Protection risks associated with eating contaminated fish, Act 1994. Under this Act, the Port Phillip and Department of Human Services has developed a Westernport Catchment Management Authority factsheet for fishers and people who eat fish taken prepared the Port Phillip and Westernport Regional from the lower Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers Catchment Strategy 2004-2009 (PPWCMA 2004) (DHS 2007). which provides long-term direction for managing the future of land, water resources, biodiversity For more information about the safe consumption and seascape of the region, and is the foundation of fish taken from the lower Yarra and for investment decisions to ensure improved Maribyrnong rivers, contact the Environmental natural resource outcomes. Health Unit, Department of Human Services on 1300 761 874 or visit the websites at This regional catchment strategy is underpinned
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 16
objectives and targets of the Port Phillip and Environmental water reserve Westernport Regional Catchment Strategy. The allocation of water to the environment is the Melbourne Water has developed a number of environmental water reserve. The environmental objectives aimed at enhancing river health water reserve is used to maintain the including improving fish passage, environmental environmental values of water systems and the flows, riparian zones, water quality, reducing bed other water services that depend on environmental and bank erosion and strategic willow and weed condition and to sustain biodiversity, ecological management which will have positive outcomes function and water quality. for all aquatic ecosystems generally including The environmental water reserve is not a separate fisheries resources. physical construction like a dam but can be held Additional information on Port Phillip and within existing water supply storages and released Westernport Catchment Management Authority into a waterway or it can be run-of-river flow. and Melbourne Water is available at their websites, Water in the environmental water reserve is legally
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 17
The plan to manage the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery
Scope of this fishery management Duration of this fishery plan management plan The overall purpose of this fishery management This draft fishery management plan will come into plan is to formalise management arrangements for effect following a declaration by the Minister via a the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery in notice in the Victoria Government Gazette and accordance with the provisions of the Fisheries provides the basis for the management of the Port Act, Ministerial guidelines, and consistent with the Phillip and Western Port fishery for a period of at principles of ecologically sustainable development least five years from the date of declaration. (ESD). Preparation of a new fishery management plan To achieve its purposes, this fishery management will begin with a review of the goals, objectives, plan: strategies, performance indicators and targets of • Specifies goals, objectives, strategies, the current plan. The need for new or amended performance indicators and actions for objectives as a result of monitoring and research managing fisheries resources across the Port information obtained will be considered. Phillip and Western Port fishery Amendments to this fishery management plan will • Builds on community feedback, identifies the be made in accordance with the requirements of most valued recreational fishing assets in the the Fisheries Act. Port Phillip and Western Port fishery and describes the highest priority strategies and Implementing this fishery actions to mitigate issues and risks that could impact on these fishing assets management plan • Identifies actions recommended by In implementing this fishery management plan, stakeholders and other management agencies most management arrangements, for example to manage other values and uses of waterways, catch limits, will remain unchanged and there will including the identifying and minimising be a greater focus on establishing programs to potential adverse impacts on fish habitat and monitor the status of key recreational fishing fisheries. species and to identify key environmental threats to fisheries resources. If information from The process of producing this fishery management monitoring programs indicates a need to alter plan is described in Appendix 4. fishery management arrangements to ensure sustainable use or to meet changing demands for Definition of the fishery recreational fishing opportunities, changes will be The Port Phillip and Western Port fishery is considered in consultation with stakeholders. defined as all inland waterways (lakes, rivers and Proposed changes to the Fisheries Regulations may estuaries) in the Werribee, Maribyrnong, Yarra, require that a Regulatory Impact Statement be Dandenong and Western Port catchments. The prepared and stakeholders consulted under the fishery is aligned with the geographical provisions of the Subordinate Legislation Act 1994. boundaries of the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority and does not Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery include marine waters. Reference Group The Port Phillip and Western Port fishery does not The Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery include commercial bait fishing and aquaculture Reference Group will be established by Fisheries which are managed under commercial access and Victoria within one year of the declaration of this aquaculture licensing processes respectively or fishery management plan and will meet at least recreational and commercial eel fisheries which are once a year for the duration of the plan. managed under the Victorian Eel Fishery Management Plan (DNRE 2002).
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 18
The Fishery Reference Group will advise the monitoring and research to demonstrate the Executive Director Fisheries Victoria with respect sustainable harvest of fisheries resources, to the coordination of activities and projects in identifying the habitats and aquatic environments support of management plan actions, strategies on which fisheries resources depend, and, and objectives, including monitoring enhancing social and economic benefits for all implementation and will facilitate partnerships Victorians. with other agencies to develop programs, review the outcomes of research and provide Objectives recommendations on future research directions. In preparing this draft fishery management plan, the risks to the biological, social, environmental It is proposed that membership include and governance components of the Port Phillip representatives from VRFish, Melbourne Water, and Western Port fishery were considered in the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment accordance with the principles of ecologically Management Authority, the Department of sustainable development. Sustainability and Environment, Victorian National Parks Association, Parks Victoria, the The themes are presented under the following Boon Wurrung Foundation Ltd and or the chapters: Wurundjeri Tribe Land Compensation and • Objective 1: Sustainable use of fishery resources Cultural Heritage Council Inc. Other groups or • Objective 2: Recreational fishing opportunities individuals may be engaged as required. • Objective 3: Protection and enhancement of fish Fishery Reference Group Terms of Reference will habitat be issued by the Executive Director Fisheries • Objective 4: Compliance with fishery Victoria. Fisheries Victoria will provide management arrangements. administrative support and provide the reference The strategies, actions, performance indicators and group chair. targets for each objective is provided in the Funding arrangements following sections and is summarised in the Fisheries Victoria will fund from its program section entitled Outcomes of the Port Phillip and budget the management plan actions required to Western Port Fishery Management Plan. meet the objectives of the Fisheries Act 1995. Performance indicators and targets Actions not required to meet these objectives will Performance indicators allow progress in require funding to be obtained from other sources implementing fishery management plans to be (e.g. the Recreational Fishing Licence Trust tracked and are provided for actions which Account or through cost recovery arrangements). Fisheries Victoria is responsible. In implementing this fishery management plan, performance Management goal and objectives indicators may be refined using data obtained Goal from monitoring programs and surveys. The goal of this fishery management plan is to Targets define the benefit of implementing the manage recreational fishing in accordance with strategy. principles of ecologically sustainable development. Ecologically sustainable development enables the Further information ongoing use, conservation and enhancement of For further information on this draft fishery fisheries resources such that ecological processes management plan or to comment on its are maintained into the future. implementation or on recreational fishing in general, contact the DPI Customer Service Centre In the context of this fishery management plan, on 136 186 or visit the DPI website at ecologically sustainable development includes
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 19
Objective 1: Sustainable use of fishery resources
Strategy 1: Assess the status of the Strategy 2: Monitor fishing Port Phillip and Western Port activities in the Yarra River to fishery ensure a sustainable fishery This strategy will facilitate the compilation and Macquarie perch and Murray cod are important dissemination of information on the status of the recreational fisheries species in the Port Phillip and Port Phillip and Western Port fishery and assist in Western Port fishery. Both species are listed as a informing management decisions as they relate to threatened species under the Flora and Fauna stocking and the Fisheries Regulations in the Port Guarantee Act and as endangered (Macquarie Phillip and Western Port region. The results of perch) and vulnerable (Murray cod) under the research already conducted will be consolidated Environment Protection and Biodiversity for use by resource managers to implement this Conservation Act. fishery management plan and for other purposes. Macquarie perch and Murray cod are endemic to A gap analysis will assist fisheries managers to areas north of the Great Dividing Range in the identify priority areas for research or monitoring Murray-Darling Basin. These species have a that can be considered by the Port Phillip and limited geographic distribution and have been Western Port Fishery Reference Group, which will significantly impacted by habitat alteration and be established under this fishery management degradation. Stocks of these species in the Yarra plan. River were translocated there in the 1800s and Action early 1900s. Fisheries Victoria will, subject to available funding, There is limited data available on recreational take facilitate a desktop assessment of the Port Phillip and population abundance of Macquarie perch and Western Port fishery. and Murray cod in the Yarra River. Anecdotal Performance indicator reports suggest that the sustainability of these A report detailing the status of the Port Phillip and species should be investigated. Western Port fishery is published within three This strategy follows the recommendations of the years of declaring this fishery management plan. Assessment of the Freshwater Fish Community and Target Riverine Habitat in the Yarra River (Pitman 2007) to Information needs for sustainable management of review current Fisheries Regulations related to the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery are met, Macquarie perch. This requires that the effects of and information gaps and research priorities are fishing on the target species stocks in the Yarra identified. River must be better understood. Cost-effective and efficient fishery monitoring techniques for recreational fishing species include creel surveys and angler diary programs. With these methods, data collected over a number of years can provide fishery managers with scientifically valid information that can be used as a basis for reviewing the appropriateness of current fisheries management arrangements.
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 20
Actions 2. A general angler diary program is established 1. Fisheries Victoria will, subject to available within two years following the declaration of funding, lead a process to conduct periodic this fishery management plan. creel surveys of Yarra River fishers. 3. A report detailing the results of these programs 2. Fisheries Victoria will, subject to available is published within five years of the declaration funding, develop a general angler diary of this fishery management plan. program focusing on Macquarie perch and Target Murray cod in the Yarra River. The recreational harvest of Macquarie perch and Performance indicators Murray cod are sustainably managed. 1. A creel survey is conducted within two years and another within four years following declaration of this fishery management plan.
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 21
Objective 2: Recreational fishing opportunities
Strategy 3: Maintain stock- Strategy 4: Classify waters using enhanced fisheries the fisheries stream classification Populations of brown and rainbow trout provide model recreational fishing opportunities throughout the Fisheries Victoria has worked with recreational Port Phillip and Western Port region. Fisheries for fishers to prepare a fisheries Stream Classification these species are primarily based on self-sustaining Model which can be used as a working tool to wild populations in rivers and on stocking classify rivers, streams and impoundments across programs in lakes. Victoria as salmonid, native or mixed fisheries. The Rivers in the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery Stream Classification Model will be a useful tool in are not stocked because of the effect it may have on promoting Victoria’s inland fisheries. self-sustaining wild populations, particularly in The Stream Classification Model will initially be rivers and streams where habitat and applied to rivers, streams and impoundments environmental conditions are unfavourable. managed under the North East Fishery Management Research has confirmed that the benefits of Plan (DPI 2007a). Classification of the North East stocking trout into self-sustaining wild fishery will be the first step in the state-wide populations are generally minimal (Stoessel 2008). application of the Stream Classification Model. In 2007, Fisheries Victoria released approximately The Stream Classification Model will be an 14,000 rainbow and brown trout into lakes across important part of fisheries management in Victoria the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery and is in aligned with Fisheries Victoria’s (Appendix 3). Maintaining stock-enhanced commitment to secure, grow and share potential fisheries generates important social and economic benefits from Victoria’s inland fisheries with the benefits (Henry and Lyle 2003). wider community. Action Action Fisheries Victoria will continue to stock fish in the The Stream Classification Committee will develop Port Phillip and Western Port fishery consistent and implement the Stream Classification Model. with the outcomes of the Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting. Performance indicator The Stream Classification Model will be finalised Performance indicator by mid-2009 and applied to the Port Phillip and Subject to unforseen factors, fish stocking in the Western Port fishery within four years of the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery is consistent declaration of this fishery management plan. with the annual Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes report. Target Classifying waterways as salmonid, native or Target mixed fisheries will inform other management Fish stocking is consistent with the targets agencies how they are managed by Fisheries established in the Regional Fisheries Consultations Victoria. Stream classification will allow Fisheries Meeting Outcomes report. Victoria to secure, grow and share benefits from Victoria’s inland fisheries with the wider community.
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 22
Strategy 5: Improve access for Strategy 6: Improve access for boat-based fishing land-based fishing Improved access including new or improved boat Land-based fisher access may be the only means of launching facilities was identified during the fishing some waterways within the Port Phillip public consultation process as a means to enhance and Western Port fishery. recreational fishing opportunities. Work to upgrade roads and tracks is prioritised by The need for new or improved boat launching land managers and is based on available funding facilities for the lower Yarra River was raised and the needs of the community. The most during public consultation. Adequacy of boat effective way to achieve improvements to roads launching infrastructure in other areas not and tracks is to influence the prioritisation process identified during public consultation may require by engaging land managers and providing review. information on the most valued recreational fisheries. Depending on the waterway, the responsibility for providing and maintaining boat launching Urbanisation and development around estuarine facilities rests with agencies including Parks environments can alienate available access points Victoria, committees of management, water to recreational fishers. Opportunities may exist for authorities and local government. planning by local governments to maintain fisher access in proposals for housing estates and other This fishery management plan supports ventures that privatise land adjacent to fisheries applications for new or upgrading of existing resources. infrastructure that meet the following criteria: Fishers identified their lack of knowledge • The proposal must have the support of the regarding the legal status of land adjoining relevant natural resource management agency waterway (for example, Crown frontages, private (i.e. land manager and or water authority) land) and their right of access as important issues. • The proposal must consider the impact of In its policy, Access for Recreational Fishing (VRFish works on the environment and, where possible, 2004), VRFish reviewed this issue and made a minimise adverse impacts number of recommendations to improve fisher • The proposal must consider the impact of understanding of access issues across the state. variations in water levels, particularly during A list of issues (including access) that were raised times of drought or estuary closure during the public consultation phases of this • The proposal must align with existing fishery management plan is provided in Appendix infrastructure such as roads 5. This list will assist VRFish in setting future • The proposal must benefit other recreational priorities when engaging other agencies. boating groups. Actions Proposals for funding the provision of new or 1. VRFish will liaise with fishers, land managers upgrading of existing boat launching facilities are and water authorities to identify and promote made through Marine Safety Victoria's Boating new or the upgrade of existing access tracks Safety and Facilities Program at and facilities.
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 23
Strategy 7: Encourage responsible Strategy 9: Monitor fishing recreational fishing behaviour satisfaction and preference Access to Victoria’s fish stocks for recreational Recreational fishing is a major contributor to purposes brings with it a responsibility to act in an economic activity in the Port Phillip and Western acceptable manner and demonstrate stewardship Port region. Surveys of recreational fishers are of the resource. To support Fisheries Victoria in needed to understand fisher demographic profiles, promoting this responsibility, VRFish developed satisfaction and preferences and to evaluate the the Victorian Recreational Fishing Code of Conduct return on investment in recreational fishing. These (the Code of Conduct). This document provides surveys should be conducted periodically to first guidance to recreational fishers on issues such as: benchmark and then detect changes over time. • Protecting the environment This information is required to identify fisheries • Respecting the rights of others management actions needed to satisfy the • Attending fishing gear aspirations of recreational fishers. • Being aware of and complying with fishing The most cost-effective collection of such restrictions information is likely to be through periodic • Returning unwanted fish to the water surveys at fishing access points for visiting and • Valuing fish caught local non-club fishers and direct surveys of local fishing club members. • Passing on fishing and local knowledge to new fishers. Action The Code of Conduct recognises that damage to Fisheries Victoria will, subject to available funding, the environment can indirectly harm fisheries undertake periodic surveys to provide information resources and the environment generally. The on fishing satisfaction and preference. Code of Conduct contains recommendations Performance indicators regarding the appropriate disposal of rubbish, 1. A benchmark survey is conducted within two unwanted fishing gear and bait, and recommends years of the fishery management plan taking care of the environment and maintaining an declaration and a follow-up survey is awareness of impacts to plants and animals when conducted within four years of declaration. fishing. 2. A report detailing the survey results is Details on the Code of Conduct are available at published within five years of the fishery
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 24
Objective 3: Protection and enhancement of fish habitat
The responsibility for implementing programs to The responsibility for implementing programs to improve habitat and water quality rests primarily improve habitat and water quality rests primarily with the Department of Sustainability and with the Department of Sustainability and Environment, the Environment Protection Environment, the Environment Protection Authority, Melbourne Water and the Authority, Melbourne Water and the Commonwealth Department of Environment, Commonwealth Department of Environment, Water, Heritage, and the Arts. The provisions of Water, Heritage, and the Arts. Fisheries Victoria fisheries legislation can only be applied to the provides advice on the environmental management of fishing activities. Other activities requirements of recreational fishery species which (for example catchment land use, foreshore can be used by other agencies to inform policies management, and competing water-based and programs such as the Port Phillip and recreational activities) that may directly or Westernport Regional River Health Strategy 2004-2009 indirectly affect fish habitats, fishery resources or (PPWCMA 2004). the quality of fishing, are managed by different agencies and legislation. Action Fisheries Victoria will provide advice on environmental requirements of key recreational Strategy 10: Habitat advocacy for fishing species to other agencies. key recreational fishing species Performance indicator Estuarine and inland waters are facing increasing Advice on the environmental requirements of pressures from human population growth and recreational target species is provided to other associated agricultural, industrial, urban and agencies to inform policies and programs. tourism development. There is increasing evidence worldwide that the sustainable use of fishery Target resources is dependent on controlling the impacts Information regarding the environmental of fishing on fish stocks and on maintaining the requirements of recreational target species is used integrity of the habitat and the ecological processes by other agencies to develop policy and they support. investment programs. The purpose of this strategy is to facilitate the dissemination of information on environmental requirements including habitat, food and life history that affect the productivity of fish species.
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 25
Objective 4: Compliance with fishery management arrangements
Strategy 11: Educate fishers on Strategy 12: Enforce fishing sustainable fishing regulations Community expects fishery resources to be Fisheries Victoria delivers a range of fisheries managed at sustainable levels. The Fisheries Act compliance services from detection and and the Fisheries Regulations provide the apprehension of illegal fishers to providing legislative framework to assist in the protection of education and information that maximises fishery resources. Compliance with this legislation voluntary compliance. is achieved through a combination of maximising Routine and targeted patrols provide important voluntary compliance and creating a deterrent to opportunities for communication and engagement illegal activities (e.g. penalty infringement notices, with fishers and discourage illegal activities by prosecution). providing a physical presence. Issuing penalty Voluntary compliance is best achieved with infringement notices is also a deterrent to illegal effective education programs that promote a sense activities. of shared responsibility for maintaining healthy Patrolling is complemented by targeted fisheries for future generations. Fisheries Victoria investigations, including covert operations to is committed to fisheries education and to disrupt and dismantle large-scale organised crime. promoting and supporting close and ongoing cooperation between fishers and DPI. DPI also operates a 24-hour, 7-day a week, state- wide offence reporting service – 13 FISH (13 3474) Fisheries Victoria education programs are often on which members of the public who are complemented by community education activities concerned about suspected illegal activities are of other organisations, including VRFish and encouraged to report these matters. Fishcare. Both organisations foster responsible fishing practice and play an important role in Actions fisheries education. 1. Fisheries Victoria will, subject to available Information on these organisations is available at funding, continue to promote community
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 26
Outcomes of the Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan
Lead Potential Strategy Action Performance indicator Key partners Estimated cost agency funding source
1. Assess the status of Fisheries Victoria will, subject to available funding, A report detailing the status of the Port Phillip and Fisheries Recreational Recreational $50,000 the Port Phillip and facilitate a desktop assessment of the Port Phillip Western Port fishery is published within three Victoria fishers Fishing Licence Western Port fishery and Western Port fishery. years of declaring this fishery management plan. Trust Account
2. Monitor fishing Fisheries Victoria will, subject to available funding, A creel survey is conducted within two years and Fisheries Recreational Recreational Creel surveys: $90,000 activities in the lead a process to conduct periodic creel surveys of another within four years following declaration of Victoria fishers Fishing Licence ($40,000 per survey Yarra River to ensure Yarra River fishers. this fishery management plan. Trust Account plus $10,000 to write a sustainable fishery the report in year 5) A report detailing the results of these programs is published within five years of the declaration of this fishery management plan.
Fisheries Victoria will, subject to available funding, A general angler diary program is established General angler fishing develop a general angler fishing diary program within two years following the declaration of this diary program: $32,500 focusing on Macquarie perch and Murray cod in fishery management plan. ($6,000 per annum plus the Yarra River. $2,500 to write the A report detailing the results of these programs is report in year 5) published within five years of the declaration of this fishery management plan.
3. Maintain stock- Fisheries Victoria will continue to stock fish in the Subject to unforseen factors, fish stocking in the Fisheries Recreational Fisheries $31,000 per annum enhanced fisheries Port Phillip and Western Port fishery consistent Port Phillip and Western Port fishery is consistent Victoria fishers Victoria with the outcomes of the Regional Fisheries with the annual Regional Fisheries Consultations program Consultations Meeting. Meeting Outcomes report. budget 4. Classify waters using The Stream Classification Committee will develop The Model will be finalised by mid-2009 and Fisheries VRFish, Australian Fisheries $120,000 the fisheries stream and implement the Model. applied to the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery Victoria Trout Foundation Victoria (state-wide) classification model within four years of the declaration of this and Native Fish program management plan. Australia budget
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 27
Lead Potential Strategy Action Performance indicator Key partners Estimated cost agency funding source
5. Improve access for VRFish will liaise with fishers, land managers and VRFish boat-based fishing water authorities to identify and submit applications for new or the upgrade of existing boat launching facilities
6. Improve access for VRFish will liaise with fishers, land managers and VRFish land-based fishing water authorities to identify and promote new or the upgrade of existing access tracks and facilities.
VRFish will implement actions in Access for VRFish Recreational Fishing (VRFish 2004) to improve fishers understanding of their rights to access land adjoining recreational fisheries.
7. Encourage VRFish will promote the Victorian Recreational VRFish responsible Fishing Code of Conduct. recreational fishing behaviour
8. Provide new fishing VRFish will lead investigations into developing VRFish opportunities new fishing opportunities.
9. Monitor fishing Fisheries Victoria will, subject to available funding, A benchmark survey is conducted within two years Fisheries Recreational Recreational Refer costs to satisfaction and undertake periodic surveys to provide information of the fishery management plan declaration and a Victoria fishers Fishing Licence undertake creel preference on fishing satisfaction and preference. follow-up survey is conducted within four years of Trust Account surveys (Strategy 2). declaration.
A report detailing the survey results is published within five years of the fishery management plan declaration.
10. Habitat advocacy for Fisheries Victoria will provide advice on Advice on the environmental requirements of Fisheries Water authorities, Fisheries $365,000 per annum key recreational environmental requirements of key recreational recreational target species is provided to other Victoria Department of Victoria (state-wide) fishing species fishing species to other agencies. agencies to inform policies and programs. Sustainability and program Environment budget
11. Educate fishers on Fisheries Victoria will continue to provide fisheries Education material is provided at all DPI Go Fisheries Recreational Fisheries $590,000 per annum sustainable fishing education and information to the community. Fishing in Victoria Family Fishing Events. Victoria fishers Victoria (state-wide) program budget
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 28
Lead Potential Strategy Action Performance indicator Key partners Estimated cost agency funding source
12. Enforce fishing Fisheries Victoria will , subject to available funding, Compliance with the Fisheries Regulations is Fisheries Recreational Fisheries $300,000 per annum regulations continue to promote community reporting of greater than 90 per cent. Victoria fishers Victoria (state-wide) suspected illegal fishing activities through 13 FISH. program budget
Fisheries Victoria will continue to use information Compliance with the Fisheries Regulations is Fisheries Recreational Fisheries $2,220,000 per annum derived from fishery compliance risk assessments, greater than 90 per cent. Victoria fishers Victoria (state-wide) 13 FISH reports and historical patrol activities to program prioritise, plan and target patrols, inspections and budget compliance operations to achieve a high level of compliance with the Fisheries Regulations.
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 29
References
Braysher, M, and Barrett, J 2000, Ranking Areas for DPI 2007a, North East Fishery Management Plan, Action: A Guide for Carp Management Groups, Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series Murray-Darling Basin Commission, Canberra. No. 48, Department of Primary Industries, Melbourne. Cadwallader, PL, and Backhouse, GN 1983, A Guide to the Freshwater Fish of Victoria, Victorian DPI 2007b, Victorian Fisheries Consultative Government Publishing Office, Melbourne. Arrangements Review – Discussion Paper, Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series Carp Control Coordination Group 2000a, Future No. 51, Department of Primary Industries, Directions for Research into Carp, Murray-Darling Melbourne. Basin Commission, Canberra. DPI n.d., Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide, Carp Control Coordination Group 2000b, National Department of Primary Industries, Melbourne. Management Strategy for Carp Control 2000-2005, Murray-Darling Basin Commission, Canberra. DSE 2003, Port Phillip Bay (Western Shoreline) and Bellarine Peninsula Ramsar site: Strategic Cashmore, S, Conron, S and Knuckey, I (eds) 2000, Management Plan. Department of Sustainability Black Bream – 1998, Fisheries Victoria Assessment and Environment, East Melbourne. Report No. 24, Marine and Freshwater Resources Institute, Queenscliff, Victoria. DSE 2005, Victorian Greenhouse Strategy Action Plan Update, Department of Sustainability and Department of Premier and Cabinet 2005, Growing Environment, East Melbourne. Victoria Together - A vision for Victoria to 2010 and beyond, Department of Premier and Cabinet, Environment Australia 2001, A Directory of Melbourne. Important Wetlands in Australia, 3rd edn, Environment Australia, Canberra. DHS 2007, Should I eat the fish I catch? Advice for people who catch fish in the lower Yarra and Fletcher, WJ 1979, ‘Effects of Salmo trutta on Maribyrnong rivers. DHS, Melbourne. Galaxias olidus and Macroinvertebrates in Stream Communities’, MSc thesis, Monash DNRE 2002a, Victorian Eel Fishery Management Plan, University, Clayton. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Melbourne. Fletcher, WJ, Chesson, J, Fisher, M, Sainsbury, KJ, Hundloe, T, Smith, ADM, and Whitworth, B DNRE 2002b, Victorian River Health Strategy, 2002, National ESD reporting framework for Department of Natural Resources and Australian Fisheries: The ‘How To’ Guide for Wild Environment, Melbourne. Capture Fisheries, Final Report for Fisheries DPI 2003a, Freshwater Fish of Victoria - Blackfish, Research and Development Corporation Project Fisheries Note, Department of Primary 2000/145, Fisheries Research and Development Industries, Melbourne. Corporation, Canberra. DPI 2003b, Guidelines for Assessing the Translocation Hall, DN 1984, Commercial Fishery Situation Report: of Live Aquatic Organisms in Victoria, Lake Tyers, Gippsland, Fisheries and Wildlife Department of Primary Industries, Melbourne. Service, Victoria, Commercial Fisheries Report No. 11. DPI 2005, Protocols for the Translocation of Fish in Victorian Inland Public Waters, Fisheries Victoria Harris, JH, and Rowland, SJ 1996, ‘Family Management Report Series No. 24, Department Percichthyidae Australian freshwater cods and of Primary Industries, Melbourne. basses’, in R McDowall (ed.), Freshwater Fishes of South-eastern Australia, Reed Books, Chatswood, DPI 2006, Action Agenda on Climate Change and pp. 150-163. Greenhouse: Growing Sustainable Primary Industries, Department of Primary Industries, Melbourne. Henry, GW, and Lyle, JM (eds) 2003, The National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Survey, New South Wales Fisheries, Cronulla.
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 30
Jackson, PD 1975, ‘Bionomics of Brown Trout Melbourne Water 2007b, Port Phillip and (Salmo trutta Linnaeus, 1758) in a Victorian Westernport Region Flood Management and Stream with Notes on Interactions with Native Drainage Strategy, Melbourne Water, Fishes’, PhD thesis, Monash University, Melbourne. Clayton. NNTT 2007, Native Title Facts: What is Native Title?, Jackson, PD, and Davies, JN 1983, ‘Survey of the National Native Title Tribunal, Canberra. Fish Fauna in the Grampians Region, South- Payne, NR, Korver, RM, MacLennan, OS, Nepszy, Western Victoria’, Proceedings of the Royal SJ, Shuter, BJ, Stewart, TJ, and Thomas, ER Society of Victoria, vol. 95, pp. 39-51. 1990, The Harvest Potential and Dynamics of Lake Kailola, PJ, Williams, MJ, Stewart, PC, Reichelt, RE, Trout Populations in Ontario, Ontario Ministry of McNee, A, and Grieve, C 1993, Australian Natural Resources, Toronto. Fisheries Resources. Bureau of Resource Sciences Pitman, K, Ryan, T and King, A 2007, Assessment of and The Fisheries Research and Development, the Freshwater Fish Community and Riverine habitat Canberra. in the Yarra River (with Reference to Macquarie perch, Koehn, JD 1986, ‘Approaches to determining flow Macquaria australiasica). Arthur Rylah Institute for and habitat requirements for freshwater native Environmental Research Technical Report Series fish in Victoria’, in IC Campbell (ed.) Stream No. 170. Department of Sustainability and Protection: The Management of Rivers for Instream Environment, East Melbourne. Uses, Water Studies Centre Chisholm Institute PPWCMA 2003, Regional Rabbit Action Plan, Port of Technology, Melbourne, pp. 95-113. Phillip and Westernport Catchment Koehn, JD 1987, Artificial Habitat Increases Management Authority, Colac, Victoria. Abundance of Two-spined Blackfish Gadiopsis PPWCMA 2004, Port Phillip and Westernport bisponsis in Ovens River, Victoria, Department of Regional Catchment Strategy 2004-2009, Port Conservation, Forests and Lands, Heidelberg. Phillip and Westernport Catchment Koehn, JD 1997, ‘Habitats and movements of Management Authority, Colac, Victoria. freshwater fish in the Murray-Darling Basin’ PPWCMA 2006a, Native Vegetation Plan, Port Proceedings of the inaugural Riverine Environment Phillip and Westernport Catchment Research Forum of MBDC Natural Resource Management Authority, Colac, Victoria. Management Strategy funded project, Murray Darling Basin Commission, 4-6 October 1995 PPWCMA 2006b, Regional Weed Action Plan, Port Atwood, Victoria, pp. 27-37. Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority, Colac, Victoria. Koehn, JD, and Morison, AK 1990, ‘A review of the conservation status of native freshwater fish in Rigby, BA 1982, An Ecological Study of the Victoria’, Victorian Naturalist, vol. 107 pp. 13-25. Ichthyoplankton and Juvenile Fish of the Gippsland Lakes, Victoria, Marine Science Laboratories, Koehn, JD, and O’Connor, WG 1990, Biological Ministry for Conservation, Queenscliff, Internal Information for Management of Native Freshwater Report No. 27, p. 29. Fish in Victoria, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne. Rowland, SJ 1988, Murray cod, Agfact F3.2.4, New South Wales Agriculture and Fisheries, Sydney. Koehn, JD, Brumley, A, and Gehrke, P 2000, Managing the Impacts of Carp, Bureau of Rural Solomon, S 2007, Climate Change 2007: the physical Sciences, Canberra. science basis: contribution of Working Group I to the Fourth Assessment Report of the McDowall, R 1996, Freshwater Fishes of South Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Eastern Australia, Reed Books, Chatswood. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. MCFFA 1999, National Policy for the Translocation of Stoessel, D 2008, Macalister River Creel Survey, Live Aquatic Organisms – Issues, Principles and Fisheries Victoria Research Report Series No. 34, Guidelines for Implementation, Ministerial Department of Primary Industries, Melbourne. Council on Forestry, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Canberra. Tunbridge, BR 2002, Guide to Inland Angling Waters of Victoria, Department of Primary Industries, Melbourne Water 2007a, Port Phillip and Melbourne. Westernport Regional River Health Strategy, Melbourne Water, Melbourne. VRFish 2004, VRFish Policy Paper - Access for Recreational Fishing, VRFish, Melbourne.
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 31
Websites Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts www.environment.gov.au Department of Human Services www.health.vic.gov.au Department of Premier and Cabinet www.dms.dpc.vic.gov.au Department of Primary Industries www.dpi.vic.gov.au Department of Sustainability and Environment www.dse.vic.gov.au Environment Protection Authority www.epa.vic.gov.au Fishcare www.fishcare.org.au Guide to Inland Angling Waters of Victoria www.dpi.vic.gov.au/angling/ Melbourne Water www.melbournewater.com.au Parks Victoria www.parkweb.vic.gov.au Port Philip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority www.ppwcma.vic.gov.au Victorian Climate Change Program www.climatechange.vic.gov.au Victorian National Parks Association www.vnpa.org.au Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing/ VRFish www.vrfish.com.au
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 32
Appendix 1: Stakeholder and community engagement
Phase 1: Develop the Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan Goal: To understand community views on the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery − A workshop was held with Fisheries Officers at Mornington, Cowes, Altona and Geelong DPI offices − Consultation was undertaken with Indigenous communities including Boon Wurrung Foundation Ltd, Wurundjeri Tribe Land Compensation and Cultural Heritage Council Inc, Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative − A series of meetings were held with key natural resource management agencies including the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne Water, the Fisheries Co-Management Council, VRFish, Southern Rural Water, Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority and Victorian National Parks Association and Parks Victoria − A flyer was sent to 350 stakeholders based in Port Phillip and Western Port informing them of how they can contribute to the development of the Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan − An article informing the community on how they can contribute to the development of the Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan was published in: • Fish-e-Fax (distributed to approximately 2000 stakeholders) • Seven local newspapers • Several websites including DPI, VRFish, FishVictoria, FishNet and Southern Fly Fishers − A radio interview was broadcast during the fishing program Out of the Blue on 3CR Melbourne − Flyers informing the community of how they can contribute to the development of the Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan were distributed at the Fishing Show and Outdoor Expo − Public meetings were held at Cranbourne, Lilydale, Epping and Wyndham Vale Phase 2: Release of the Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan Goal: To gather the communities views on the Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan − Consultation was undertaken with Indigenous communities including Boon Wurrung Foundation Ltd, Wurundjeri Tribe Land Compensation and Cultural Heritage Council Inc and Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative − A series of meetings were held with key natural resource management agencies including the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne Water, the Fisheries Co-Management Council, VRFish, Southern Rural Water, Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority and Victorian National Parks Association and Parks Victoria − A flyer was sent or emailed to 4000 stakeholders based in Port Phillip and Western Port informing them of how they can comment on the Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan − An article informing the community on how they can comment on the Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan was published in: • Fish-e-Fax (distributed to approximately 2000 stakeholders) • local newspapers • DPI website − A copy of the Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan was sent to 60 stakeholders who participated to the development of the Draft Plan Phase 3: To declare the Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan (TO BE ADVISED) Goal: To inform the community that the Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan has been declared
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 33
Appendix 2: Summary of key non-fisheries legislation
A range of Commonwealth and state legislation affects fisheries management in Victoria. The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act following discussion is a summary of key 1988 legislation. The Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act is administered by the Department of Sustainability Environment Protection and and Environment and provides an administrative Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 structure to enable and promote conservation of the State’s native flora and fauna and a range of The Environment Protection and Biodiversity procedures that can be used for conserving, Conservation Act is administered by the managing or controlling flora and fauna and Commonwealth Department of Environment, managing potentially threatening processes. Water, Heritage and the Arts. The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act provides for promotes the conservation of biodiversity and the listing of species, communities or threatening provides for the identification of key threatening processes. For listed species, community or processes and the protection of critical habitat, threatening process, action statements are listed species, protected areas and communities. prepared to identify what has been done to conserve the species and what will be done in the Under the Environment Protection and future. They provide background information Biodiversity Conservation Act, the Minister for the including habitat, life history, reasons for its Environment, Heritage and the Arts may make or decline and threats. adopt and implement recovery plans for threatened fauna, threatened flora (other than Action statements are designed to apply for three Conservation Dependent species) and ecological to five years after which time they are reviewed communities listed as threatened. and updated. Implementation of action statements is the primary responsibility of the Department of Recovery plans establish research and Sustainability and Environment with input from management actions that will support the recovery other stakeholders. of and maximise the long term survival in the wild of listed threatened species or threatened Within the Port Phillip and Western Port region ecological communities. These plans specify the the following fish species have been listed as actions needed to protect and restore important threatened under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee populations of threatened species and habitat, to Act: manage and reduce threatening processes and • Australian grayling (Prototroctes maraena) provide a framework by which key interest groups • Australian mudfish (Neochanna cleaveri) and responsible government agencies can • Yarra pygmy perch (Edelia obscura) coordinate activities to improve the plight of • threatened species and threatened ecological Macquarie perch (Macquaria australasica) communities. • Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii). Within the Port Phillip and Western Port region, The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act is considered the following freshwater fish species have been the most appropriate management tool for listed under the Environment Protection and achieving optimum ecologically sustainable Biodiversity Conservation Act as endangered is development outcomes for these species. Macquarie perch (Macquaria australasica), and as vulnerable is the dwarf galaxias (Galaxiella pusilla), Yarra pygmy perch (Edelia obscura), Australian grayling (Prototroctes maraena) and Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii).
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 34
Species listed under the Flora and Fauna Advice on particular situations relating to Native Guarantee Act can only be taken or kept by Title in the Port Phillip and Western Port region is recreational fishers if authorised by an Order of available through the regional Department of Governor in Council in accordance with the Flora Sustainability and Environment Native Title and Fauna Guarantee Act. The Order of Governor Coordinator. in Council specifies the species that can be taken and conditions such as gear restrictions, seasonal Heritage Rivers Act 1992 and closures, closed waters, and size and bag limits. These conditions are reflected in the Fisheries National Parks Act 1975 Regulations. The Heritage Rivers Act 1992 and the National Parks Act 1975 are administered by the Department of Water Act 1989 Sustainability and Environment and provide guidance for protecting biodiversity when The Water Act is administered by the Department considering translocations in inland waters. In of Sustainability and Environment and establishes summary, the introduction of non-native fauna is rights and obligations in relation to water not permitted in natural catchment areas as resources, mechanisms for allocating water defined in the Heritage Rivers Actor National resources, governs statutory powers and functions Parks, State Parks and Wilderness Parks as defined for all water authorities outside the metropolitan in the National Parks Act and reference areas as area and provides for integrated management of stated in provisions under the Reference Areas Act water resources and environmental and consumer 1978. protection. Other relevant legislation Native Title Act 1993 Other Victorian legislation that is relevant to Native Title describes the interests and rights of management of the Port Phillip and Western Port Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in fishery includes: land and waters according to their traditional laws • and customs that are recognised under Australian Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 • Law (NNTT 2007). The Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 Fishery Management Plan is required by law to • Coastal Management Act 1995 adhere to the requirements of the Native Title Act • Environment Effects Act 1978 as part of the planning process, which allows • Environment Protection Act 1970 Native Title parties an opportunity to comment on • Planning and Environment Act 1987 the plan through a 28-day notification process. • Water (Resource Management) Act 2005. Victorian legislation is available at
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 35
Appendix 3: Fish stocked in the fishery between 2005 and 2007
Water Stocked 2005 2006 2007 Brown Rainbow Murray Golden Brown Rainbow Brown Rainbow trout trout cod perch trout trout trout trout Berwick Springs Estate - 1000 - - - 1,000 - 1,000 Casey Fields (Cranbourne) * - - - - - 300 - 1,200 Caulfield Racecourse Lake * - 400 - - - 400 - 400 Colbrook Reservoir (Ballan) 200 - - - 200 - 200 - Darlingford Lake (Melton) * ------500 Emerald Lake * - 1,800 - - - 1,500 - 1,900 Jack Roper Reserve (Broadmeadows) * - 750 - - - 750 - 750 Karkarook Lake (Moorabbin) * - 5,000 - - - 1,500 - 2,000 Lillydale Lake * - 2,550 - - - 2,650 - 2,350 Navan Park Lake (Melton) * ------800 Nursery Reservoir (Macedon) 500 500 - - 500 500 - 500 Pakenham Lake - 2,000 ------Rowville Lakes * - 1,500 - - - 1500 - 1500 Roxburgh Park Lakes * - 400 - - - 400 - 400 Taylors Lakes - - 10,000 20,000 - - - - Westlake Reserve (Melton) - 800 - - - 800 - - Yarrambat Park Lake * - 850 - - - 850 - 850 * Family Fishing Lakes
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 36
Appendix 4: Preparing the Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan
This draft fishery management plan was prepared (i) its current status, human uses and in accordance with the requirements of the economic value Fisheries Act. Fisheries Victoria, a division of DPI, (ii) measures to minimise its impact on non- is responsible for preparing fishery management target species and the environment plans. (iii) research needs and priorities Peak bodies recognised in the Fisheries Act, and the Fisheries Co-Management Council, were (iv) the resources required to implement the invited to join the Steering Committee for the plan. purposes of assisting Fisheries Victoria in preparing this draft fishery management plan. The The Fisheries Act stipulates that a fishery Steering Committee provided advice to DPI in management plan may— relation to the conformance of the plan with the (a) specify the manner in which fishing capacity is requirements of the Fisheries Act and to respond to be measured and the fishing capacity so to consultation on the draft fishery management measured; plan. (b) specify the duration of the management plan Requirements of the Fisheries Act (c) specify the procedures or conditions for The Fisheries Act stipulates that a fishery review of the plan management plan must— (d) include any other relevant matters. (a) define the fishery to which the plan relates Additional direction on the preparation of the Port (b) be consistent with the objectives of the Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan Fisheries Act and with any guidelines issued has been provided by the gazettal of guidelines on with respect to the preparation of the plan 1 October 2007. (c) include the management objectives of the plan Planning process (d) specify the management tools and other The process for developing fishery management measures to be used to achieve the objectives plans includes the following steps: of the plan 1. Fisheries Victoria calls for nominations and (e) include guidelines for the criteria to be used in appoints a steering committee with an respect of the issue of licences and permits and independent chair in respect of the renewal, variation or transfer
of licences 2. Guidelines for, or with respect to, the preparation of the fishery management plan are (f) as far as is known, identify critical components prepared and published in the Victoria of the ecosystem relevant to the plan and Government Gazette current or potential threats to those
components and existing or proposed 3. Fisheries Victoria undertakes a process of preventative measures public consultation, including public meetings, to identify issues relevant to the fishery for (g) specify performance indicators, targets and which the management plan will be developed monitoring methods 4. Fisheries Victoria, with guidance from the (h) as far as relevant and practicable, identify in steering committee, prepares a draft fishery respect of the fishery, declared noxious aquatic management plan species or fisheries reserve, the biological,
ecological, social and economic factors relevant 5. The Fisheries Co-Management Council to its management including— endorses the planning process followed in preparing the draft fishery management plan
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 37
6. The Minister responsible for fisheries or Steering Committee delegate endorses the draft management plan for public release Membership of the stakeholder-based Steering Committee included: 7. A notice of intention to declare the fishery management plan is published in the Victoria Chair Government Gazette and a newspaper circulating Mr Ross Winstanley generally within Victoria and begins a sixty day period of public consultation Committee members 8. The steering committee considers public Ms Sandra Brizga, Fisheries Co-management submissions and with its guidance, Fisheries Council Victoria completes the draft fishery Mr Mark Smith, Port Phillip and Westernport management plan Catchment Management Authority 9. The Fisheries Co-Management Council Mr Ron Lewis, Victorian Recreational Fishing Peak endorses the planning process followed in Body preparing the final management plan Mr Franz Grasser, Victorian Recreational Fishing 10. The Minister responsible for fisheries declares Peak Body the management plan by notice in the Victoria Government Gazette. Mr Rhys Coleman, Melbourne Water Ms Jessica Littlejohn, Southern Rural Water Public consultation Mr Mark Winfield, Department of Sustainability The initial step in preparing this draft fishery and Environment management plan was understanding the values and issues regarding fishing in estuaries, lakes and Mr Jon Belling, Boon Wurrung Foundation rivers of the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery Limited that are important recreational fishers and other Ms Vicki Nicholson-Brown, Wurundjeri Tribe stakeholders. Land Compensation and Cultural Heritage Forty-three written submissions were received and Council Inc more than 30 people attended the four public Ms Megan Clinton, Victorian National Parks meetings. The issues raised during this initial Association consultation phase are summarised in Appendix 5. Mr Peter Lawson, Department of Primary During a 60-day consultation period, stakeholders Industries will have the opportunity to provide comment on the Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Mr Travis Dowling, Department of Primary Management Plan. Industries
Key issues identified during this consultation Executive Officer phase will be considered by the Port Phillip and Ms Candice Basham, Department of Primary Western Port Fishery Management Plan Steering Industries Committee which will provide responses supported by the Executive Director Fisheries Victoria and the Minister responsible for fisheries.
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 38
Appendix 5: Summary of key issues raised during public consultation
Issue category Issue raised Key target species Trout and black bream were rated as the most important species to fishers, closely followed by Murray cod and redfin. Stocking Some fishers wanted native species such as river blackfish to be stocked in the Port Phillip and Western Port region. Habitat Fishers were concerned about the quality of in-stream and riparian habitats, in particular the impacts of weed infestations and fish barriers on the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery. Water levels Some fishers showed concern over the reduced environmental water reserve in the Yarra River and the impact it may have on fish stocks. Water quality Poor water quality was identified as a significant issue including litter, industrial pollution, siltation caused by cattle accessing the waters. New fisheries Some fishers indicated they would like a privately run, user-pays trophy fishery. Education Most fishers indicated they would like greater communication in regards to the code of conduct and the Fisheries Regulations Access Fishers were concerned about the lack of access to some waterways due to private property, the poor condition or closure of tracks, overgrown vegetation, lack of boat ramps on the Yarra River, restriction around areas jetties, docklands or a general lack of information regarding the status of land and its ability to be legally accessed by the general public. Compliance Some fishers believed there was a lack of presence of Fisheries Officer in the field.
Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 39