Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series No. 69 Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan - The Inland Fishery
Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan
The Inland Fishery
Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series No. 69 November 2009
www.dpi.vic.gov.au
Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan
The Inland Fishery
Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series No. 69 November 2009
Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 1
The Inland Fishery
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ISSN 1448-1693 ISBN 978-1-74217-328-3 (print) ISBN 978-1-74217-329-0 (online)
Cover Image: Yarra River © Sean Brodie 2008.
Preferred way to cite this publication: Department of Primary Industries 2009, Port Phillip and Western Port Management Plan, Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series No. 69, Department of Primary Industries, Melbourne.
Copies are also available from the website at
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Acknowledgement Fisheries Victoria acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Port Phillip and Western Port, Victoria and their intimate relationship with the region, which stretches back over thousands of years and continues into the future.
Disclaimer This publication may be of assistance to you, but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for an error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.
This management plan cannot be used in a court of law. Fishing laws change from time to time. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are acting within the law. If you are in doubt seek independent legal advice.
For further information on this management plan, contact the Department of Primary Industries Customer Service Centre by telephone on 136 186 or visit the DPI website at
For more information about DPI go to www.dpi.vic.gov.au or phone the Customer Service Centre on 136 186.
2 Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan
The Inland Fishery
Content
Executive summary ...... 5
Introduction ...... 6
Description of the region ...... 8 Catchments of the Port Phillip and Western Port region ...... 8 Public land ...... 9 Ramsar wetlands ...... 9 Heritage Rivers...... 9 Recreational fishing ...... 9 Commercial fishing ...... 9 Aquaculture ...... 9 Key asset groups ...... 10 Family Fishing Lakes Program ...... 10 Premier lakes ...... 10 Key native recreational fishing species inside their natural range ...... 11 Key native recreational fishing species outside their natural range...... 12 Key introduced recreational fishery species ...... 12
Regulatory and policy framework...... 14 Fisheries Act 1995 and subordinate regulations ...... 14 Fishing regulations ...... 14 Policy framework ...... 16 Non-fisheries issues ...... 18
The plan to manage the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery ...... 22 Scope of this fishery management plan ...... 22 Definition of the fishery ...... 22 Duration of this fishery management plan ...... 22 Implementing this fishery management plan ...... 22 Management goal and objectives ...... 23
Objective 1: Sustainable use of fishery resources ...... 24 Strategy 1: Assess the status of the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery ...... 24 Strategy 2: Monitor fishing activities in the Yarra River to ensure a sustainable fishery ...... 24
Objective 2: Recreational fishing opportunities ...... 26 Strategy 3: Maintain stock-enhanced fisheries ...... 26 Strategy 4: Classify waters using the fisheries inland waters classification model ...... 26 Strategy 5: Improve access for boat-based fishing ...... 27 Strategy 6: Improve access for land-based fishing ...... 27 Strategy 7: Encourage responsible recreational fishing behaviour ...... 28 Strategy 8: Provide new fishing opportunities ...... 28 Strategy 9: Monitor fishing satisfaction and preference ...... 29
Objective 3: Protection and enhancement of fish habitat ...... 30 Strategy 10: Habitat advocacy for key recreational fishing species ...... 30
Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 3
The Inland Fishery
Objective 4: Compliance with fishery management arrangements ...... 31 Strategy 11: Educate fishers on sustainable fishing ...... 31 Strategy 12: Enforce fishing regulations ...... 31
Outcomes of the Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan ...... 32
References and websites ...... 34 Websites ...... 36
Appendix 1: Stakeholder and community engagement ...... 37
Appendix 2: Summary of key non-fisheries legislation ...... 38 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 ...... 38 Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 ...... 38 Water Act 1989 ...... 39 Native Title Act 1993 ...... 39 Heritage Rivers Act 1992 and National Parks Act 1975 ...... 39 Other relevant legislation ...... 39
Appendix 3: Fish stocked in the fishery between 2005 and 2008 ...... 40
Appendix 4: Preparing the Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan ...... 41 Requirements of the Fisheries Act ...... 41 Planning process ...... 41 Public consultation ...... 42 Steering Committee ...... 42
Appendix 5: Ministerial Guidelines ...... 43
4 Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan
The Inland Fishery
Executive summary
The Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan Twelve strategies for the sustainable management of the specifies the objectives, strategies and actions for managing Port Phillip and Western Port fishery are identified in this recreational fishing activities within the Port Phillip and fishery management plan. Actions to implement these Western Port fishery. This fishery includes all inland waters strategies include: (as defined in the Fisheries Act 1995) in the area • Assessing the status of the Port Phillip and Western Port administered by the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment fishery Management Authority and Melbourne Water excluding • Establishing monitoring programs for Murray cod and marine waters. Macquarie perch The Port Phillip and Western Port fishery includes several • Maintaining fish stocking in support of recreational fishing popular recreational waterways including: • Advocating for the protection and enhancement of • Rivers such as the Werribee, Maribyrnong and Yarra important fish habitats where the key recreational fishing species are brown and • Applying the Inland Waters Classification Model to identify rainbow trout, river blackfish, redfin, Murray cod and waterways as native, mixed or salmonid fisheries Macquarie perch • Monitoring fishing satisfaction and preferences of • Estuaries including the lower reaches of the Werribee, recreational fishers in the Port Phillip and Western Port Maribyrnong, Yarra, Bass and Patterson rivers where the fishery key recreational fishing species are black bream and • Encouraging responsible fishing behaviour mulloway • Identifying opportunities to maintain and improve access • Lakes such as Berwick Springs Estate, Casey Fields, to fisheries resources Karkarook, Lillydale and Yarrambat Park and Pykes • Creek Reservoir where the key recreational fishing Identifying new fishing opportunities species are brown and rainbow trout. Where there is a need to alter management arrangements to The Port Phillip and Western Port fishery does not include ensure sustainable use or to meet changing demands for commercial bait or eel fishing or aquaculture ventures as recreational fishing opportunities, changes will be considered these are managed through other management in consultation with stakeholders and management agencies. arrangements. Under this fishery management plan, the Port Phillip and The purpose of this fishery management plan is to manage Western Port Fishery Reference Group will be established to recreational fishing in the Port Phillip and Western Port work with the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) to fishery in accordance with the principles of ecologically deliver the desired management outcomes for the fishery. It sustainable development. This includes identifying habitats is proposed that the fishery reference group include and aquatic environments on which fisheries resources representatives nominated by DPI, Department of depend and enhancing social and economic benefits to all Sustainability and Environment, Port Phillip and Westernport Victorians. Catchment Management Authority, Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water, Victoria National Parks Association, This fishery management plan describes the key rivers, Traditional Owners, VRFish and Melbourne Water. estuaries and lakes; key recreational fishing species; current management arrangements for recreational fishing activities; goals, objectives, actions, performance indicators and targets for management of recreational fishing activities. It includes processes for participating in management of other relevant issues to ensure possible adverse consequences to fish habitat are identified and responsible agencies notified.
Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 5 The Inland Fishery
Introduction
The Fisheries division (Fisheries Victoria) of the Department The Port Phillip and Western Port fishery includes all lakes, of Primary Industries (DPI) works with its stakeholders to rivers and estuaries in the Werribee, Maribyrnong, Yarra, facilitate the sustainable development of fisheries resources. Dandenong and Western Port catchments, excluding marine A key task in sustainable management is preparing and waters and waters on private property. This fishery implementing fishery management plans. management plan recognises that management of fishery resources must often occur at scales larger than Catchment Fishery management plans specify the goals, objectives, Management Authority boundaries. Fisheries Victoria has strategies, actions, performance measures and targets for identified key asset groups where similar species and managing fishing activities in accordance with the principles ecological characteristics are found and manages these of ecologically sustainable development. groups on a state-wide basis.
Recreational fishing is the primary fishing activity in Victoria's For the purpose of this fishery management plan, key asset rivers, tributaries, estuaries, lakes and impoundments. Other groups include: fishing activities in inland waterways include commercial bait • Rivers such as the Werribee, Maribyrnong and Yarra and eel fishing and aquaculture. Inland fishery management where the key recreational fishing species are brown and plans manage recreational fishing activities to enhance rainbow trout, river blackfish, redfin, Murray cod and environmental, social and economic outcomes and recognise Macquarie perch the importance of fisheries resources to Aboriginal • communities. Estuaries including the lower reaches of the Werribee, Maribyrnong, Yarra, Bass and Patterson rivers where the Inland fishery management plans are prepared with a strong key recreational fishing species are black bream and focus on establishing partnerships with relevant catchment mulloway and water management agencies. Effectively managing • Lakes such as Berwick Springs Estate, Casey Fields, inland fisheries requires the implementation of appropriate Karkarook, Lillydale and Yarrambat Park and Pykes fisheries management tools (for example, bag and size Creek Reservoir where the key recreational fishing limits) and recognition that other human activities may be species are brown and rainbow trout. equally or more important to sustaining fish stocks. The key recreational fishing species were identified during In the Port Phillip and Western Port region, Melbourne Water stakeholder and community consultation (described in manages waterways including leading the development and Appendix 1). This fishery management plan builds on implementation of waterway strategies such as the Regional stakeholder and community feedback and describes the River Health Strategies. In other parts of Victoria, this highest priority strategies and actions to mitigate issues or waterway management role is fulfilled by catchment risks that could impact on these species. management authorities.
The Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority is responsible for strategic planning and priority setting to ensure an integrated approach to catchment issues and their management is taken. This includes overseeing the implementation of the Regional Catchment Strategy. To effectively align catchment and fishery management strategies and efficient delivery of management actions, this fishery management plan is aligned with the boundaries of Melbourne Water and Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority Figure 1.
6 Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan The Inland Fishery
Figure 1: Map of the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery. CMA = Catchment Management Authority
Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 7 The Inland Fishery
Description of the region
The Port Phillip and Western Port region has a population of The lower 15 kilometres of the Maribyrnong River flows approximately 3.4 million residents and covers about through urban areas. Flow in the Deep Creek is unregulated 12,000 square kilometres of central Victoria. The region but is usually low during January and February. Flow in the encompasses all or part of 38 municipalities including the Jacksons Creek, and, to some extent, the lower Maribyrnong City of Melbourne, Phillip Island, Mornington Peninsula, River, is regulated by the Rosslyne Reservoir and is normally Yarra Ranges, Mount Macedon and Werribee. Five major low during summer. river catchments, namely the Werribee, Maribyrnong, Yarra, Dandenong and Western Port, are located within the region. Most recreational fishing in the catchment occurs in the Maribyrnong River and in the Nursery Reservoir.
Catchments of the Port Phillip and Yarra catchment The Yarra catchment (approximate area 4,096 square Western Port region kilometres) extends from the forested mountains in the east to the City of Melbourne with its northern boundary formed Werribee catchment by the Great Dividing Range. The Yarra River originates The Werribee catchment has an area of approximately 2,700 upstream of the Upper Yarra Reservoir in steep forest; this square kilometres and includes all rivers and creeks west of section is a water catchment and is closed to fishing. the Maribyrnong River to the Little River. The major river in Downstream, the river flows for 110 kilometres through a the catchment, the Werribee River, rises in moderate to variety of terrain with rainfall decreasing from approximately steep, granitic and sedimentary forested-country in the 1,000 millimetres at East Warburton to 700 millimetres in the northern area of the catchment and flows south-east to Port middle reaches near Yarra Glen to 600 to 700 millimetres in Phillip Bay. The terrain of the southern catchment is flat with the lower reaches through the City of Melbourne. finely textured unconsolidated soils that include volcanic rock. Most of the catchment upstream of Warburton is forested Around 25 per cent of the catchment retains native and there are numerous small tributaries feeding the Yarra vegetation, 67 per cent is agricultural and five per cent River. Flows in the Yarra River and some tributaries are urban. The major land use is grazing and broad acre highly regulated because of large urban water storages. Six cropping. of these water storages, the Maroondah, O'Shannassy, Silvan, Toorourong, Upper Yarra and Yan Yean Reservoirs, Rainfall in the catchment ranges from approximately 700 to are closed to fishing. Sugarloaf Reservoir is open to fishing 1,000 millimetres in the headwaters of the Lerderderg River with some restrictions. Popular lakes for recreational fishing and 400 to 600 millimetres in the remaining areas. are the Lillydale, Emerald, Yarrambat Park and Roxburgh Park and Jack Roper Reserve. Most recreational fishing occurs in the Werribee River with lesser levels in the Pykes Creek Reservoir, Melton Reservoir, Colbrook Reservoir, Darlingford Lake, Navan Park Dandenong catchment Lake and West Lake. Lake Merrimu and Djerriwarrah The Dandenong catchment (approximately 855 square Reservoir are domestic water supplies and closed to fishing. kilometres) originates in the Dandenong Ranges National Park and includes the Mordialloc Creek and the Patterson Maribyrnong catchment River. Other major waterways are the Dandenong, Bungalook, Blind, Eumemmerring, Corhanwarrabul, and Mile Most of the Maribyrnong catchment (approximate area 1,450 creeks. Fishing is popular in Berwick Springs Estate, square kilometres) consists of dissected, upland volcanic Karkarook, Casey Fields and Rowville lakes. plains with deeply entrenched waterways. The northern edge and a strip running down the Deep Creek consist of sedimentary rocks with areas of granite and gneiss. Western Port catchment The larger waterways in the Western Port catchment Annual rainfall in the north of the catchment ranges from 700 (approximate area 3,433 square kilometres), including the to 1,500 millimetres and 600 to 700 millimetres in the central Bunyip, Bass and Tarago rivers, originate in steep mountains and southern sections. About 80 per cent of the catchment is of its northern and eastern boundaries. These rivers flow cleared for grazing and broad acre cropping with the through extensive plains before being discharged into remainder being remnant, low, mixed-species forest in the Western Port. Annual rainfall over most of the area is 700 to Macedon, Cobaw and Blackwood Ranges. 1,000 millimetres with falls of 1,000 to 1,400 millimetres in the northern, forested area and falls of 600 to 700 millimetres in the southern end of Mornington Peninsula.
8 Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan The Inland Fishery
Most of the catchment has been cleared for agriculture with intensive irrigation and cropping in the south, particularly on Recreational fishing the Mornington Peninsula which has many vineyards The most recent study of recreational fishers in Australia, the irrigated from local streams. National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Survey (Henry and Lyle 2003), found there were approximately 550,000 Popular fishing spots include Pakenham Lake and the active fishers in Victoria who divided their fishing effort about Bunyip, Bass and Tarago rivers. equally between fresh and marine species. Approximately 58 per cent of fishers were based in the Melbourne area. Public land The survey found that Victorians spent approximately $400 million per annum on goods and services associated with The Port Phillip and Western Port Region includes recreational fishing activities. At $721 per person, this is the approximately 300,000 hectares of public land including nine highest per capita expenditure in Australia. national parks, five state parks and numerous local parks, reserves and waterways.
Fishing is permitted in many parks and reserves in Commercial fishing accordance with prescribed fishing regulations. Information Commercial fishing activity in the Port Phillip and Western on fishing in specific parks and reserves is available from the Port region is limited to eels, bait and noxious aquatic Parks Victoria website at
The eel fishery is managed through the Victorian Eel Fishery Ramsar wetlands Management Plan (DNRE 2002a). Private waters in the Port Phillip and Western Port region may be fished, with the The Port Phillip and Western Port region contains wetlands landowners’ permission, under an Eel Fishery Access at Edithvale-Seaford, Western Port and on the western Licences, Crown waters flowing into the Port Phillip Bay are shoreline of Port Phillip Bay that are listed under the closed to commercial harvest. Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar, Iran 1971). The Ramsar convention also Bait licences allow for the harvest and sale of bait species, recognises waterways that supply water to wetlands of including yabbies, using prescribed commercial fishing international importance (Environment Australia 2001; DSE equipment. Bait licences are issued in accordance with 2003). ecologically sustainable develop principles. Currently, commercial harvest of bait is not authorised in the inland Where public access is not prohibited, fishing is permitted. waters of the Port Phillip and Western Port region.
Two commercial operators were authorised under noxious Heritage Rivers aquatic species permits to take carp in the inland waters of Within the Werribee catchment, the Lerderderg River, the region. including its bed and banks, between the downstream edge of Roach Road and where it crosses the southern extremity of Lerderderg State Park is listed as a Heritage River. The Aquaculture Lerderderg River at O'Briens Crossing is listed as a An aquaculture licence is required to use, form or create a Representative River of west Victorian dissected uplands habitat for hatching, rearing, breeding, displaying or growing and volcanic plains. Where public access is not prohibited, fish for sale or other commercial purposes. There are twelve fishing is permitted. classes of aquaculture licences that may authorise inland aquaculture activities including the production of trout, Within the Yarra catchment, the Yarra River from Woori yabbies, eels, abalone, warm water finfish, ornamental fish Yallock to Warrandyte is listed as a Heritage River. Where and other species in Victoria. At the time of writing, there public access is not prohibited, fishing is permitted. were 16 aquaculture licences issued in the Port Phillip and The upper reaches of the O'Shannassy River are listed as a Western Port region. Natural Catchment Area and, similar to other protected water supply catchments within the region, the waterways within them are closed to fishing.
Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 9 The Inland Fishery
Key asset groups Estuaries Estuaries within the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery A basis for strategic state-wide fisheries management is the include the lower reaches of the Bass, Patterson, Yarra, grouping of areas with similar environmental, geo- Maribyrnong and Werribee rivers. Many smaller estuaries morphological and fishery species characteristics into key including the Kororoit, Cardinia, Bunyip and Lang Lang rivers asset groups. These are used to assist in identifying and and creeks are also important to recreational fishers. describing issues. Estuaries provide accessible and important recreational The Port Phillip and Western Port fishery contains the fishing opportunities and a diverse range of fish species. The following fisheries key asset groups: key recreational fishing species in estuaries include black • Rivers bream and mulloway. • Lakes • Estuaries. Family Fishing Lakes Program Key asset groups will not be used as the basis for The DPI Family Fishing Lakes Program provides recreational introducing different fishing regulations at smaller spatial fishing opportunities for fishers of all ages and abilities at scales within the fishery. locations within or near population centres throughout the State. Under the program, 150 to 200 gram ready-to-catch The following sections provide information on the trout are stocked into family fishing lakes at times that recreational fishing species generally found in each key maximise fishing opportunities (e.g. second or third term asset group. Information has been obtained from the Guide school holidays, fishing weeks or junior fishing clinic events). to Inland Angling Waters of Victoria (Tunbridge 2002) at
Rivers Family Fishing Lakes in the Port Phillip and Western Port The rivers in the Port Phillip and Western Port region flow region are detailed in the Victorian Recreational Fishing through forested, grazing, agricultural and urban lands. Guide that is available at most fishing tackle shops and at Popular fishing locations include the Yarra, Maribyrnong and
10 Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan The Inland Fishery
River blackfish are carnivores and feed on aquatic insects, Key native recreational fishing crustaceans, small fish and molluscs (Koehn and O’Connor species inside their natural range 1990).
Black bream, river blackfish and mulloway were identified Spawning usually occurs in spring and early summer when during stakeholder and community consultation as key native water temperatures are approximately 16°C (Koehn and recreational fishing species inside their natural range. O’Connor 1990). Eggs are strongly adhesive, may be deposited in hollow logs and rock cavities and are thought to Black bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri) be guarded by the males (Jackson 1975). Eggs hatch Black bream are a native species that inhabits estuarine approximately fourteen days after fertilisation and young river waters of southern Australia (Kailola et al. 1993). Black blackfish actively swim and seek food approximately five bream may be found inhabiting rocky, river beds around weeks after hatching (Koehn and O’Connor 1990). Small structures and snags and may be caught over seagrass, juveniles spend much of their time near the bottom and are mud and sand substrate (Cashmore et al. 2000). Black heavily preyed upon by nymphs, dragonfly larvae and bream are rarely found at sea although adult black bream crustaceans (Koehn and O’Connor 1990). Adults can be are known to undertake migrations between estuaries (Hall aggressive towards other species and are nocturnal (Koehn 1984) and may enter the sea following large rainfall events. and Morison 1990). River blackfish have a limited home range between 25 to 30 metres (Koehn 1986). Adult black bream feed opportunistically on a variety of organisms including bivalve and gastropod molluscs, prawns Mulloway (Argyrosomus japonicus) and crabs, polychaete worms and small fish (Rigby 1982; Mulloway inhabit coastal waters from Bundaberg in Cashmore et al. 2000). Queensland, around southern Australia to Carnarvon in Western Australia. Mulloway occur in the lower reaches of Spawning usually occurs from August to January but may rivers, estuaries, bays, inlets, waters off beaches and in open begin later in more westerly estuaries (Cadwallader and waters to a depth of 150 metres. Mulloway are common in Backhouse 1983). Female black bream reach sexual western Victorian waters, but are much less abundant in maturity at approximately 24 centimetres total length and waters east of Melbourne (Kailola et al. 1993). release 300,000 to 3 million eggs per spawning event. Males become sexually mature at approximately 22 centimetres Mulloway reach sexual maturity at six years and total length (Kailola et al. 1993). Larval survival is dependent approximately 75 centimetres total length and live up to 30 on suitable salinity and water temperature and availability of years. They spawn in the surf zones close to ocean beaches food and habitat (Cashmore et al. 2000). from late spring to summer and larvae are thought to remain in open coastal waters for several months. Juveniles are Larvae and small juvenile black bream are found primarily thought to have wide salinity tolerances and enter estuaries amongst seagrass beds which provide invertebrate prey and and rivers when they are five to ten centimetres total length shelter (Cashmore et al. 2000). (Kailola et al. 1993).
River blackfish (Gadopsis marmoratus) One to two year old juvenile mulloway are most common in River blackfish are widely distributed throughout Victoria New South Wales estuaries from February to September, (DPI 2003) and inhabit many rivers and tributaries across the while young adults can be found bays and estuaries from Port Phillip and Western Port fishery. September to October (Kailola et al. 1993).
River blackfish prefer cool, clear streams with gravel, cobble Mulloway feed on a variety of organisms including other or boulder substrate and abundant cover. Adult and older mulloway, yellow-eye mullet, garfish, crabs, prawns and juvenile river blackfish prefer an abundance of snags and worms (Kailola et al. 1993). cover (Jackson and Davies 1983) in well oxygenated waters (Fletcher 1979). Introduction of artificial habitat including Other native species boulders and woody habitat to otherwise sparse bottom has Recreational fishers also target flathead, mullet and estuary increased abundance and confirmed its preference for in- perch in estuaries and yabbies in rivers and lakes. stream habitat and shelter where high water velocities are present (Koehn 1987).
Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 11 The Inland Fishery
the impacts of introduced species including trout and redfin. Key native recreational fishing Anecdotal evidence suggests that few Macquarie perch are species outside their natural range removed by recreational fishers in the Port Phillip and Murray cod and Macquarie perch were identified during Western Port region. stakeholder and community consultation as being the key Macquarie perch reach up to 3.5 kilograms but in Victoria the native recreational fishing species outside their natural species more commonly reaches 750 grams to 1 kilogram range. and 35 to 40 centimetres. Males can reach sexual maturity at 2 years and about 21 centimetres total length and females at Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii) 3 years and about 30 centimetres total length. Local Murray cod is Australia’s largest native freshwater fish environmental conditions may induce the species to breed at species and occurs naturally in the upper reaches of the smaller or larger sizes. Murray-Darling River system. Although there are still good populations of Murray cod and their range has remained Spawning usually occurs in flowing water over rock or gravel relatively constant, the species has undergone an extensive substrate during October to January when water decline in abundance since European settlement. Reasons temperatures range between 16 and 22°C. Female for the decline include habitat loss and degradation, Macquarie perch produce 50,000 to 110,000 eggs which pollution, barriers to fish passage, flow regulation, cold water hatch 10 to 18 days after fertilisation and grow rapidly. releases from dams, predation of young fish by other fish Macquarie perch reach 38 centimetres total length in five and fishing. years and fish up to ten years of age have been collected.
Murray cod are generally found in or near relatively deep Macquarie perch feed on aquatic insects, crustaceans and water and prefer habitats including rocks, large wooden molluscs. snags, smaller woody habitat, under-cut banks and over- hanging vegetation (Rowland 1988; Harris and Rowland Macquarie perch are listed as a threatened species under 1996; Koehn 1997). Murray cod live and breed in lakes and the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act and as endangered rivers where water conditions and habitat are suitable. under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. Murray cod grow rapidly in the first four to five years with some individual fish reaching 64 centimetres total length in their fifth year. They can grow to 1.8 metres total length and Key introduced recreational fishery 113.5 kilograms. Commonly they reach lengths of 55 to 65 centimetres in total length and weights of two to five species kilograms. Brown and rainbow trout and redfin were identified during the stakeholder and community consultation as being the key Murray cod become sexually mature at about four years of recreational fishing species that have been introduced into age. Spawning occurs in the spring and summer months in the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery. These species water temperatures between 16 and 21°C. Females deposit were generally introduced into Australia to meet a demand up to 40,000 eggs in hollow logs or shallow water. Eggs for sport-fishing. hatch 6 to 13 days later with juvenile fish beginning to feed about three to four weeks later. Brown trout (Salmo trutta) Brown trout are native to the cool waters of Europe and were Murray cod are listed as a threatened species under the introduced to Australia in the 1860s from Scotland as a Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and as a recreational sport fish (McDowall 1996). Its distribution has vulnerable species under the Commonwealth Environment increased through a combination of translocation and Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. migration.
Macquarie perch (Macquaria australasica) The ideal habitat for brown trout is cool, well-oxygenated Macquarie perch occur naturally north of the Great Dividing waters such as rivers and streams with moderate to fast Range in tributaries of the Murray-Darling River system. flows. Suitable waterways generally occur in mountainous Translocated populations exist in the Yarra River and its areas and feature adequate cover including submerged tributaries. rocks, undercut banks and overhanging vegetation. Lakes where suitable water quality, habitat and food exist generally The abundance and distribution of Macquarie perch has support brown trout. been reduced by dam construction, changes to river flows and temperature regimes, silting of spawning streams and
12 Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan The Inland Fishery
Juvenile brown trout feed mainly on insects while adults feed Redfin (Perca fluviatilis) on molluscs, crustaceans and small fish. Redfin, also known as English perch, was introduced from Europe during the 1860s (McDowall 1996). Brown trout mature at three to four years of age and spawn from autumn to winter. Fish spawn locally in their resident Redfin prefer lakes or slow flowing rivers with abundant rivers or migrate upstream to spawn in smaller tributaries aquatic vegetation where they feed on crustaceans, worms, and feeder streams. To ensure sufficient oxygen supply, molluscs, insect larvae and smaller fishes. Vegetation plays trout require a gravel substrate to deposit their eggs. an important role in the life cycle of redfin. During spawning, Females use their tail to excavate depressions in the stream female redfin deposit a mat of eggs over aquatic plants and bed called redds and deposit an average of 1,600 eggs per submerged logs. kilogram of body weight in them. The eggs are subsequently covered with gravel dislodged upstream of the spawning site Redfin are susceptible to the lethal epizootic haematopoietic (Cadwallader and Backhouse 1983). necrosis virus, particularly if they are thermally stressed during summer months. Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Rainbow trout are native to the Pacific coast of North Other introduced species America and were introduced in the 1890s from New Other introduced species include European carp (Cyprinus Zealand where the species had previously been introduced carpio). In Victoria, European carp has been declared under from California. As with brown trout, rainbow trout was the Fisheries Act 1995 as a noxious aquatic species and it is introduced to satisfy a sport fishing market (McDowall 1996). an offence to return the species to the water alive. Roach (Rutilus rutilus) and tench (Tinca tinca) are targeted by some Rainbow trout tolerate slightly higher water temperatures fishers. than brown trout and are more successful in lakes. When brown trout and rainbow trout share common habitat, brown trout are generally more abundant.
Spawning requirements of rainbow trout are similar to brown trout but rainbow trout spawn later in the year during winter and early spring.
Juvenile rainbow trout feed predominantly on zooplankton. Adult rainbow trout feed on aquatic and terrestrial insects, molluscs, crustaceans, fish eggs and small fish including other trout.
Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 13 The Inland Fishery
Regulatory and policy framework
DPI is responsible for ensuring the sustainable use of on fishing catch and or effort (e.g. bag limits, size limits, fisheries resources and seeks to maintain, and where closed seasons/areas), and penalties for breaches of fishing possible enhance, recreational fishing opportunities. controls.
The following sections describe the policy, legislative tools, The Fisheries Act and the Fisheries Regulations are management processes and current controls relevant to available on the Department of Premier and Cabinet website recreational fishing in Victoria. These current management at
14 Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan The Inland Fishery
Recreational fishing equipment Size and catch limits The Fisheries Regulations define recreational fishing Minimum size limits and maximum catch limits (bag or equipment as a rod and line, handline, dip net, bait trap, possession limits) for fish are prescribed in the Fisheries landing net, spear gun, hand-held spear, recreational bait net Regulations and summarised in the Victorian Recreational and recreational hoop net. Recreational use of any Fishing Guide. Further limits may be introduced by a equipment not included in this definition such as set lines, Fisheries Notice when a threat to the resource is recognised. mesh nets, cast nets and snares is prohibited. The permitted number and dimensions of recreational fishing equipment Some size and catch limits have been introduced as vary between inland and marine waters. measures to ensure sustainable take of fish stocks. Other controls exist for social or cultural reasons. In the Fisheries Regulations, inland waters are defined as any waterway, channel, lagoon, billabong, reservoir, dam, or Requirement to land fish in whole or carcass form water storage under the control of the Crown or a public Catches of certain fish species must be retained either whole authority, or any other waters declared by the Fisheries or in carcass form until they have been brought ashore. This Regulations to be inland waters. Waters on private property is to ensure adherence to size and or catch limits. are not considered inland waters. Further information on the requirement to land fish in whole This definition includes estuarine waters and defines the or carcass form is available in the Fisheries Regulations and boundary between inland and marine waters as where the the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide. river flows into the sea or as an imaginary line running between the most seaward points on opposite banks of the Intertidal collection of shellfish river. The intertidal zone of marine and estuarine water is the strip For details on specific rivers and lakes, refer to the definition of land from the high-tide mark to where the water is at least of inland waters in the Fisheries Act and the Fisheries 2 meters deep at any given time. The collection of most Regulations or the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide. shellfish is banned from the intertidal zone between the Thompsons Creek (Breamlea) and Arch Rock (Venus Bay).
Closed seasons In Port Phillip you may collect only marine worms, Bass A closed season is a period during which the take, attempt to yabbies and dead shells by hand or with an approved hand- take or possession of a species is prohibited. For example, held bait pump only. taking Murray cod between 1 September and 30 November in each year is prohibited. Fish caught accidentally during the Controls on intertidal collection of shellfish and other closed season must be released immediately with as little invertebrate animals are prescribed in the Fisheries harm as possible. Regulations and the summarised in the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide. Closed seasons may include the closure of some sections of rivers or lakes including many domestic water storages to all Control of noxious aquatic species fishing regardless of the fish species being targeted. To help protect Victoria's environment, under the Fisheries Closed seasons are prescribed in the Fisheries Regulations Act it is illegal for a person to bring live noxious aquatic and summarised in the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide. species into Victoria or to take, hatch, keep, possess, sell, transport, put in any container or release into protected Salmonid regulations waters live noxious aquatic species including European carp Victoria’s streams and lakes are classified into groups for the and marron (Cherax tenuimanus and C. cainii). Protected purposes of regulating salmonid fisheries. Each group is waters are defined as all Victorian waters and any aquarium, defined by whether or not it has a closed season for hatchery or any other waters in Victoria whether or not on salmonids and the daily bag limit. private property. A list of declared noxious aquatic species in Victoria is available at
Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 15 The Inland Fishery
Policy framework Ecologically sustainable development All Australian governments are committed to managing Fisheries Victoria’s strategic direction fisheries according to the principles of ecologically sustainable development (Fletcher et al. 2002). These Fisheries Victoria manages fisheries resources by principles include: developing and implementing policies and projects and • delivering a wide range of services. Ensuring that fishing is carried out in a biologically and ecologically sustainable manner The objectives of fisheries management are changing with • Ensuring that there is equity within and between community expectations. Fisheries were historically generations regarding the use of fish resources managed to maximise yields and employment but are now • Maximising economic and social benefits to the managed for maximum sustainable yield and to maintain community from fisheries within the constraints of viable industries. Management has moved from being sustainable utilisation reactive to adaptive and proactive and is now focussed on • securing a long-term, high quality natural resource base for Adopting a precautionary approach to management – the long-term and to generate jobs and other economic and particularly for fisheries with limited data social benefits in local communities. • Ensuring that the processes and procedures involved in management of a fishery are appropriate, transparent and Fisheries Victoria’s role is carried out in the context of inclusive. increasing competition for water and access to fisheries resources, as well as increasing pressure on fish habitats as These principles have been followed during the preparation a result of other uses in the catchments. With this in mind, of this fishery management plan. the establishment of clear directions for Fisheries Victoria is critical to the maintenance and effective management of the Ecosystem-based fisheries management state’s fisheries. Ecosystem-based fisheries management promotes the use of fisheries resources in a manner that does not jeopardise Fisheries Victoria’s vision of success is to develop and the benefits and opportunities of those resources for future manage Victoria’s fisheries resources within an ecologically generations. It recognises that the users and beneficiaries of sustainable development framework to ensure fish now and fisheries resources are obliged to behave in a way that for the future. promotes the sustainability of the resource. Securing fisheries resources is about demonstrating An ecosystem-based approach recognises the uncertainty sustainability; sharing the fish means allocating fisheries that characterises our knowledge of fisheries and supporting resources in the public interest; and growing the value is ecosystems and allows for this uncertainty by applying the about having competitive fishing industries (Figure 2). precautionary approach where knowledge is incomplete. The precautionary approach is based on the principles outlined in the Commonwealth Intergovernmental Agreement on the Environment 1992:
Where there are threats of serious or irreversible environmental damage, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation.
Fisheries Victoria undertakes a risk-based approach to implement ecosystem-based fisheries management so that Figure 2: The Fisheries Victoria vision of success. the highest risks to fisheries and or supporting ecosystems that require treatment are addressed as a priority, planned Fisheries Victoria’s vision and directions underpin its for and risks monitored. projects, policies and services. The vision and strategic directions will be achieved with the cooperation and support of the community, industry and other government agencies and within the legislative framework established by the Fisheries Act and the Fisheries Regulations.
16 Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan The Inland Fishery
Victorian Climate Change Strategy for Fisheries issues. Annual recreational fisheries consultation process and Aquaculture 2008-2018 meetings are attended by representatives from DPI, the The Victorian Climate Change Strategy for Fisheries and Department of Sustainability and Environment, water and Aquaculture 2008-2018 will help to ensure the long term catchment management authorities, VRFish and other sustainability of Victoria’s fisheries resources by guiding stakeholders as required. activities to support the fishing and aquaculture sectors and The meetings: fisheries managers to prepare for, and adapt to, the impacts • of a changing climate (DPI 2008a). Review the current native fish and salmonid stocking plans and identify necessary modifications to them The Strategy covers all fishing and aquaculture for both • Identify management questions to be answered by stock inland and marine waters. It explains the roles of the or fisher surveys Victorian Government and the fishing sectors in preparing for • Present a state-wide perspective on current fishery climate change, and explains how the Victorian Government management issues will support adaptation changes. • Obtain feedback from stakeholders on relevant fishery Research information obtained under the Strategy will assist issues. Victoria’s fishing and aquaculture sectors to implement actions to manage their own exposure to climate change Appendix 3 provides a list of fish stockings in the Port Phillip risks and to successfully meet the challenges and and Western Port fishery from 2005 to 2008. Annual CONS opportunities ahead; be used by the Victorian Government to reports are available at
Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 17 The Inland Fishery
The Protocols for the Translocation of Fish in Victorian Inland Public Waters (DPI 2005) manage the environmental risks of Non-fisheries issues existing and proposed fish stocking programs. Public water stocking programs conducted in accordance with this Aboriginal stewardship protocol can proceed without the need for separate risk Aboriginal people have an intimate relationship with the Port assessments. Phillip and Western Port region which stretches back over thousands of years and continues into the future. The Information on the Translocation Guidelines and protocols is relationship is reflected throughout the region by recorded available from the DPI website at cultural sites including middens and scarred trees, and is
18 Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan The Inland Fishery
Fisheries Victoria is presently developing a Victorian by the Murray-Darling Basin Commission, outlines Aboriginal Fishing Strategy that will inform future strategies to: management arrangements regarding customary fishing by • Prevent the spread of carp Aboriginal Australians. • Reduce the impacts of carp to acceptable levels For specified cultural and ceremonial purposes, members of • Promote environmentally and socially acceptable the Aboriginal community may be issued with general applications of carp control programs fisheries permits that allow fish to be taken in excess of the • Improve community understanding of the impacts of carp recreational bag limit. and management strategies • Promote cost-efficient use of public resources in carp Threatened species and potentially threatening eradication and control programs. processes The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act, which is administered Three important companion documents to the carp by the Department of Sustainability and Environment, management strategy are: provides an administrative structure to enable and promote • Future Directions for Research into Carp (Carp Control the conservation of Victoria's native flora and fauna and to Coordination Group 2000b) provide for the conservation, management or control of flora • Managing the Impacts of Carp (Koehn et al. 2000) and fauna and the management of potentially threatening processes. • Ranking Areas for Action: A Guide for Carp Management Groups (Braysher et al. 2000). The following items are potentially threatening processes under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act: DPI invests around $160,000 annually into carp research through joint projects established by the Invasive Animals • Alteration to the natural flow regimes of rivers and Cooperative Research Centre. These projects include: streams • Development of ‘daughterless’ technologies for the control • Alteration to the natural temperature regimes of rivers and of invasive fish pests streams • Review and development of fish-specific biocides and • Degradation of native riparian vegetation along Victorian delivery options rivers and streams • Identification and isolation of natural environmental • Increase in sediment input into Victorian rivers and attractants for carp streams due to human activities • Development of software to simulate the effectiveness of • Prevention of passage of aquatic biota as a result of the possible carp management strategies presence of in-stream structures • Integration of tagging to determine movement and • Removal of wood debris from Victorian streams. migration of carp in the Murray-Darling Basin The following recreational fishing species are relevant to the • Development of sensory attractants for pest fish control. Port Phillip and Western Port fishery and are listed as threatened under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act: Food safety • Australian grayling (Prototroctes maraena) Many Victorians enjoy fishing in Victoria’s waterways as a • Macquarie perch (Macquaria australasica) recreational activity. Over time, urban waterways can become polluted and fish caught in these areas can be contaminated. • Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii). Responsibility for the safety of consuming recreationally The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act requires that action caught fish rests with the Department of Human Services. To statements be developed for listed species in Victoria. For reduce the risks associated with eating contaminated fish, the further information, see
Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 19 The Inland Fishery
Climate change investment and directs development of a regional annual Information on the likely impacts of climate change in the works program. This strategy links the objectives of the State Port Phillip and Western Port region can be found at and community and is an integral part of the Victorian
20 Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan The Inland Fishery
Water supply Stream flow management plans Water authorities are delegated under the Water Act to The goal of stream flow management plans is to share licence and regulate the extraction of water from rivers, lakes available water sustainably between all users and thus and groundwater supplies including unregulated rivers and ensure that licensed diverters and the environment receive farm dams for consumptive uses such as irrigation and the required amounts of water. commercial use. With the exception of the Yarra catchment and the part of the Maribyrnong catchment which are Stream flow management plans include arrangements that: managed by Melbourne Water, Southern Rural Water is the recognise historical rights to water in the catchment; responsible water authority in the Port Phillip and Western establish environmental flows, including minimum flows, and Port Region. other aspects of the flow regime; outline conditions on licences that protect the environment or other water users; Environmental water reserve define the total volume of water that can be taken under a licence in any year (a cap on diversions); and establish The allocation of water to the environment is the trading rules that will apply to transfers of water entitlements environmental water reserve. The environmental water into, and within, the catchment. reserve is used to maintain the environmental values of water systems and the other water services that depend on In the Port Phillip and Western Port region, stream flow environmental condition and to sustain biodiversity, management plans have been completed for the Diamond, ecological function and water quality. Hoddles, Olinda, Steels, Pauls, Dixons and Stringybark creeks and the Plenty River. The environmental water reserve is not a separate physical construction like a dam but can be held within existing water For further information, see the Melbourne Water website at supply storages and released into a waterway or it can be
In establishing or enhancing the environmental water reserve, the Victorian Government will ensure existing water entitlement holders are recognised. In priority catchments, the Government will assess the adequacy of the environmental water reserve and in consultation with the community, improve it where necessary.
In the Port Phillip and Western Port region, Melbourne Water is responsible for the operational management of the environmental water reserve.
Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 21 The Inland Fishery
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 plan is to This fishery management plan came into effect following its formalise management arrangements for the Port Phillip and declaration by the Minister via a notice in the Victoria Western Port fishery in accordance with the provisions of the Government Gazette and provides the basis for the Fisheries Act and Ministerial guidelines and consistent with management of the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery for the principles of ecologically sustainable development (ESD). a period of at least five years from the date of declaration.
To achieve its purposes, this fishery management plan: Preparation of a new fishery management plan will begin • Specifies goals, objectives, strategies, performance with a review of the goals, objectives, strategies, indicators and actions for managing fisheries resources performance indicators and targets of the current plan. The across the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery need for new or amended objectives as a result of monitoring and research information obtained will be considered. • Builds on community feedback, identifies the most valued recreational fishing assets in the Port Phillip and Western Amendments to this fishery management plan will be made Port fishery and describes the highest priority strategies in accordance with the requirements of the Fisheries Act. and actions to mitigate issues and risks that could impact on these fishing assets • Identifies actions recommended by stakeholders and Implementing this fishery other management agencies to manage other values and uses of waterways, including the identifying and management plan minimising potential adverse impacts on fish habitat and In implementing this fishery management plan, most fisheries. management arrangements, for example catch limits, will remain unchanged and there will be a greater focus on The process of producing this fishery management plan is establishing programs to monitor the status of key described in Appendix 4. recreational fishing species and to identify key environmental threats to fisheries resources. If information from monitoring programs indicates a need to alter fishery management Definition of the fishery arrangements to ensure sustainable use or to meet changing The Port Phillip and Western Port fishery is defined as all demands for recreational fishing opportunities, changes will inland waterways (e.g. lakes, rivers and estuaries) in the be considered in consultation with stakeholders. Werribee, Maribyrnong, Yarra, Dandenong and Western Port Proposed changes to the Fisheries Regulations may require catchments. The fishery is aligned with the geographical that a Regulatory Impact Statement be prepared and boundaries of the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment stakeholders consulted under the provisions of the Management Authority and does not include marine waters. Subordinate Legislation Act 1994. The Port Phillip and Western Port fishery does not include commercial bait fishing and aquaculture which are managed under commercial access and aquaculture licensing processes, respectively, or recreational and commercial eel fisheries which are managed under the Victorian Eel Fishery Management Plan (DNRE 2002a).
22 Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan The Inland Fishery
Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Reference In the context of this fishery management plan, ecologically Group sustainable development includes monitoring and research The Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Reference Group to demonstrate the sustainable harvest of fisheries will be established by Fisheries Victoria within one year of resources, identifying the habitats and aquatic environments the declaration of this fishery management plan and will on which fisheries resources depend, and, enhancing social meet at least once a year for the duration of the plan. and economic benefits for all Victorians.
The Fishery Reference Group will advise the Executive Objectives Director Fisheries Victoria with respect to the coordination of In preparing this fishery management plan, the risks to the activities and projects in support of management plan biological, social, environmental and governance actions, strategies and objectives, including monitoring components of the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery were implementation and will facilitate partnerships with other considered in accordance with the principles of ecologically agencies to develop programs, review the outcomes of sustainable development. research and provide recommendations on future research directions. The themes are presented under the following chapters: • Objective 1: Sustainable use of fishery resources It is proposed that membership include representatives from VRFish, Melbourne Water, the Port Phillip and Westernport • Objective 2: Recreational fishing opportunities Catchment Management Authority, the Department of • Objective 3: Protection and enhancement of fish habitat Sustainability and Environment, Victorian National Parks • Objective 4: Compliance with fishery management Association, Parks Victoria, the Boon Wurrung Foundation arrangements. Ltd and or the Wurundjeri Tribe Land Compensation and Cultural Heritage Council Inc. Other groups or individuals The strategies, actions, performance indicators and targets may be engaged as required. for each objective are provided in the following sections and are summarised in the section entitled Outcomes of the Port Fishery Reference Group Terms of Reference will be issued Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan. by the Executive Director Fisheries Victoria. Fisheries Victoria will provide administrative support and provide the Performance indicators and targets reference group chair. Performance indicators allow progress in implementing Funding arrangements fishery management plans to be tracked and are provided for actions which Fisheries Victoria is responsible. In Fisheries Victoria will fund from its program budget the implementing this fishery management plan, performance management plan actions required to meet the objectives of indicators may be refined using data obtained from the Fisheries Act 1995. Actions not required to meet these monitoring programs and surveys. Targets define the benefit objectives will require funding to be obtained from other of implementing the strategy. sources (e.g. the Recreational Fishing Licence Trust Account or through cost recovery arrangements). Further information For further information on this fishery management plan or Management goal and objectives to comment on its implementation or on recreational fishing in general, contact the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or visit the DPI website at
Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 23 The Inland Fishery
Objective 1: Sustainable use of fishery resources
Strategy 1: Assess the status of Strategy 2: Monitor fishing the Port Phillip and Western Port activities in the Yarra River to fishery ensure a sustainable fishery This strategy will facilitate the compilation and dissemination Macquarie perch and Murray cod are important recreational of information on the status of the Port Phillip and Western fisheries species in the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery. Port fishery and assist in informing management decisions Both species are listed as a threatened species under the as they relate to stocking and the Fisheries Regulations in Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act and as endangered the Port Phillip and Western Port region. The results of (Macquarie perch) and vulnerable (Murray cod) under the research already conducted will be consolidated for use by Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. resource managers to implement this fishery management plan and for other purposes. A gap analysis will assist Macquarie perch and Murray cod are endemic to areas north fisheries managers to identify priority areas for research or of the Great Dividing Range in the Murray-Darling Basin. monitoring that can be considered by the Port Phillip and These species have a limited geographic distribution and Western Port Fishery Reference Group, which will be have been significantly impacted by habitat alteration and established under this fishery management plan. degradation. Stocks of these species in the Yarra River were translocated there in the 1800s and early 1900s. Action There is limited data available on recreational take and Fisheries Victoria will, subject to available funding, facilitate a population abundance of Macquarie perch and Murray cod in desktop assessment of the Port Phillip and Western Port the Yarra River. Anecdotal reports suggest that the fishery. sustainability of these species should be investigated.
Performance indicator This strategy follows the recommendations of the A report detailing the status of the Port Phillip and Western Assessment of the Freshwater Fish Community and Riverine Port fishery is published within three years of declaring this Habitat in the Yarra River (Pitman 2007) to review current fishery management plan. Fisheries Regulations related to Macquarie perch. This requires that the effects of fishing on the target species Target stocks in the Yarra River must be better understood. Information needs for sustainable management of the Port Cost-effective and efficient fishery monitoring techniques for Phillip and Western Port fishery are met and information recreational fishing species include creel surveys and angler gaps and research priorities are identified. 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.
24 Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan The Inland Fishery
Actions A general angler diary program is established within two Fisheries Victoria will, subject to available funding, lead a years following the declaration of this fishery management process to conduct periodic creel surveys of Yarra River plan. fishers. A report detailing the results of these programs is published Fisheries Victoria will, subject to available funding, develop a within five years of the declaration of this fishery general angler diary program focusing on Macquarie perch management plan. and Murray cod in the Yarra River. Target Performance indicators The recreational harvest of Macquarie perch and Murray cod A creel survey is conducted within two years and another are sustainably managed. within four years following declaration of this fishery management plan.
Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 25 The Inland Fishery
Objective 2: Recreational fishing opportunities
Strategy 3: Maintain stock- Strategy 4: Classify waters using enhanced fisheries the fisheries inland waters Populations of brown and rainbow trout provide recreational classification model fishing opportunities throughout the Port Phillip and Western Fisheries Victoria has worked with recreational fishers to Port region. Fisheries for these species are primarily based prepare the Victorian Inland Waters Classification Model on self-sustaining wild populations in rivers and on stocking which will be used as a working tool to classify rivers, programs in lakes. streams and impoundments across Victoria as salmonid, Rivers in the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery are not native or mixed fisheries (DPI 2008b). The Inland Waters stocked because of the effect it may have on self-sustaining Classification Model will be a useful tool in promoting wild populations, particularly in rivers and streams where Victoria’s inland fisheries. habitat and environmental conditions are unfavourable. The Inland Waters Classification Model will be an important Research has confirmed that the benefits of stocking trout part of fisheries management in Victoria and is in aligned into self-sustaining wild populations are generally minimal with Fisheries Victoria’s commitment to secure, grow and (Stoessel 2008). share potential benefits from Victoria’s inland fisheries with In 2008, Fisheries Victoria released approximately 14,000 the wider community. rainbow and brown trout into lakes across the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery (Appendix 3). Maintaining stock- Action enhanced fisheries generates important social and economic The Inland Waters Classification Taskforce will develop and benefits (Henry and Lyle 2003). implement the Inland Waters Classification Model.
Action Performance indicator Fisheries Victoria will continue to stock fish in the Port Phillip The Inland Waters Classification Model will be applied to the and Western Port fishery consistent with the outcomes of the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery within four years of the Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting. declaration of this fishery management plan.
Performance indicator Target Subject to unforseen factors, fish stocking in the Port Phillip Classifying waterways as salmonid, native or mixed fisheries and Western Port fishery is consistent with the annual will inform other management agencies how they are Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes report. managed by Fisheries Victoria and will allow Fisheries Victoria to secure, grow and share benefits from Victoria’s Target inland fisheries with the wider community. Fish stocking is consistent with the targets established in the Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes report.
26 Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan The Inland Fishery
Strategy 5: Improve access for Strategy 6: Improve access for boat-based fishing land-based fishing Land-based fisher access may be the only means of fishing The need for new or improved boat launching facilities for the some waterways within the Port Phillip and Western Port lower Yarra River as a means to enhance recreational fishing fishery. opportunities was raised during public consultation. Adequacy of boat launching infrastructure in other areas that Work to upgrade roads and tracks is prioritised by land were not identified during public consultation may require managers and is based on available funding and the needs review. of the community. The most effective way to achieve improvements to roads and tracks is to influence the Depending on the waterway, the responsibility for providing prioritisation process by engaging land managers and and maintaining boat launching facilities rests with agencies providing information on the most valued recreational including Parks Victoria, committees of management, water fisheries. authorities and local government. Urbanisation and development around estuarine This fishery management plan supports applications for new environments can alienate available access points to or upgrading of existing infrastructure that meet the following recreational fishers. Opportunities may exist for planning by criteria: local governments to maintain fisher access in proposals for • The proposal must have the support of the relevant housing estates and other ventures that privatise land natural resource management agency (i.e. land manager adjacent to fisheries resources. and or water authority) • The proposal must consider the impact of works on the Fishers identified their lack of knowledge regarding the legal environment and, where possible, minimise adverse status of land adjoining waterway (for example, Crown impacts frontages, private land) and their right of access as important issues. In its policy, Access for Recreational Fishing (VRFish • The proposal must consider the impact of variations in 2004), VRFish reviewed this issue and made a number of water levels, particularly during times of drought or recommendations to improve fisher understanding of access estuary closure issues across the state. • The proposal must align with existing infrastructure such as roads Actions • The proposal must benefit other recreational boating VRFish will liaise with fishers, land managers and water groups. authorities to identify and promote new or the upgrade of existing access tracks and facilities. Proposals for funding the provision of new or upgrading of existing boat launching facilities are made through Marine VRFish will implement actions in Access for Recreational Safety Victoria's Boating Safety and Facilities Program at Fishing (VRFish 2004) to improve fishers understanding of
Action VRFish will liaise with fishers, land managers and water authorities to identify and submit applications for new or the upgrade of existing boat launching facilities.
Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 27 The Inland Fishery
Strategy 7: Encourage responsible Strategy 8: Provide new fishing recreational fishing behaviour opportunities Access to Victoria’s fish stocks for recreational purposes During the consultation underatken for this fishery brings with it a responsibility to act responsibly and to management plan, some fishers expressed interest in demonstrate stewardship of the resource. To support enhancing fishing opportunities for native fish species such Fisheries Victoria in promoting this responsibility, VRFish as river blackfish and to develop user-pays trophy fisheries. developed the Victorian Recreational Fishing Code of Conduct (the Code of Conduct). This document provides In 2006, the State Government made a commitment to guidance to recreational fishers on issues such as: establishing new fisheries and fishing opportunities and advised that it will consider options for developing new • Protecting the environment fisheries in the Port Phillip and Western Port region including • Respecting the rights of others Devilbend Reservoir on the Mornington Peninsula. • Attending fishing gear Fisheries Victoria, in consultation with VRFish and relevant • Being aware of and complying with fishing restrictions management authorities, will actively consider developing • Returning unwanted fish to the water new fisheries in waters on new housing estates and • Valuing fish caught elsewhere in the region to provide new trout and or native fish fishing opportunities. • Passing on fishing and local knowledge to new fishers.
The Code of Conduct recognises that damage to the Action environment can indirectly harm fisheries resources and the Fisheries Victoria, in consultation with VRFish and relevant environment generally. The Code of Conduct contains management authorities, leads investigations into developing recommendations regarding the appropriate disposal of new fishing opportunities. rubbish, unwanted fishing gear and bait, and recommends taking care of the environment and maintaining an Performance indicator awareness of impacts to plants and animals when fishing. Potential new fisheries are assessed in accordance with Government policies and with the input of stakeholder and Details on the Code of Conduct are available at relevant agencies.
28 Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan The Inland Fishery
Strategy 9: Monitor fishing Action Fisheries Victoria will, subject to available funding, undertake satisfaction and preference periodic surveys to provide information on fishing satisfaction Recreational fishing is a major contributor to economic and preference. activity in the Port Phillip and Western Port region. Surveys of recreational fishers are needed to understand fisher Performance indicators demographic profiles, satisfaction and preferences and to A benchmark survey is conducted within two years of the evaluate the return on investment in recreational fishing. fishery management plan declaration and a follow-up survey These surveys should be conducted periodically to first is conducted within four years of declaration. benchmark and then detect changes over time. A report detailing the survey results is published within five years of the fishery management plan declaration. This information is required to identify fisheries management actions needed to satisfy the aspirations of recreational fishers. Target Fisheries Victoria to use survey results to evaluate possible The most cost-effective collection of such information is likely fishery management actions to satisfy recreational fishing to be through periodic surveys at fishing access points for aspirations. visiting and local non-club fishers and direct surveys of local fishing club members.
Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 29 The Inland Fishery
Objective 3: Protection and enhancement of fish habitat
Strategy 10: Habitat advocacy for Action key recreational fishing species Fisheries Victoria will provide advice on environmental requirements of key recreational fishing species to other Estuarine and inland waters are facing increasing pressures agencies. from human population growth and associated agricultural, industrial, urban and tourism development. There is Performance indicator increasing evidence worldwide that the sustainable use of Advice on the environmental requirements of recreational fishery resources is dependent on controlling the impacts of target species is provided to other agencies to inform policies fishing on fish stocks and on maintaining the integrity of the and programs. habitat and the ecological processes they support. Target The purpose of this strategy is to facilitate the dissemination Information regarding the environmental requirements of of information on environmental requirements including recreational target species is used by other agencies to habitat, food and life history that affect the productivity of fish develop policy and investment programs. species.
The responsibility for implementing programs to improve habitat and water quality rests primarily with the Department of Sustainability and Environment, the Environment Protection Authority, Melbourne Water and the Commonwealth Department of Environment, Water, Heritage, and the Arts. The provisions of the Fisheries Act can only be applied to the management of fishing activities. Other activities (for example catchment land use, foreshore management, and competing water-based recreational activities) that may directly or indirectly affect fish habitats, fishery resources or the quality of fishing, are managed by different agencies and legislation. Fisheries Victoria provides advice on the environmental requirements of recreational fishery species which can be used by other agencies to inform policies and programs such as the Port Phillip and Westernport Regional River Health Strategy 2004-2009 (PPWCMA 2004).
30 Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan The Inland Fishery
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 managed at Fisheries Victoria delivers a range of fisheries compliance sustainable levels. The Fisheries Act and the Fisheries services from detection and apprehension of illegal fishers to Regulations provide the legislative framework to assist in the providing education and information that maximises protection of fishery resources. Compliance with this voluntary compliance. legislation is achieved through a combination of maximising voluntary compliance and creating a deterrent to illegal Routine and targeted patrols provide important opportunities activities (e.g. penalty infringement notices, prosecution). for communication and engagement with fishers and discourage illegal activities by providing a physical presence. Voluntary compliance is best achieved with effective Issuing penalty infringement notices is also a deterrent to education programs that promote a sense of shared illegal activities. responsibility for maintaining healthy fisheries for future generations. Fisheries Victoria is committed to fisheries Patrolling is complemented by targeted investigations education and to promoting and supporting close and including covert operations to disrupt and dismantle large- ongoing cooperation between fishers and DPI. scale organised crime.
Fisheries Victoria education programs are often DPI also operates a 24-hour, 7-day a week, state-wide complemented by community education activities of other offence reporting service – 13 FISH (13 3474) – on which organisations including VRFish and Fishcare. Both members of the public who are concerned about suspected organisations foster responsible fishing practice and play an illegal activities are encouraged to report these matters. important role in fisheries education. Actions Information on these organisations is available at Fisheries Victoria will, subject to available funding, continue
Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 31 The Inland Fishery
Outcomes of the Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan
Potential Lead Strategy Action Performance indicator Key partners funding Estimated cost agency 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 years Victoria fishers Fishing Licence Western Port fishery and Western Port fishery. 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 Yarra River fishers. this fishery management plan. Trust Account plus $10,000 to write ensure a sustainable A report detailing the results of these programs is the report in year 5) fishery 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 the fishery management plan. ($6,000 per annum Yarra River. A report detailing the results of these programs is plus $2,500 to write the published within five years of the declaration of this report in year 5) 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 $24,000 per annum enhanced fisheries Port Phillip and Western Port fishery consistent with Port Phillip and Western Port fishery is consistent Victoria fishers Victoria the outcomes of the Regional Fisheries with the annual Regional Fisheries Consultations program budget Consultations Meeting. Meeting Outcomes report. 4. Classify waters The Stream Classification Taskforce will develop The Model will be finalised by mid-2009 and Fisheries VRFish, Australian Fisheries $100,000 (state-wide) using the fisheries and implement the Model. applied to the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery Victoria Trout Foundation Victoria stream classification within four years of the declaration of this and Native Fish program budget model management plan. Australia
32 Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan The Inland Fishery
Potential Lead Strategy Action Performance indicator Key partners funding Estimated cost agency 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 Fisheries Victoria, in consultation with VRFish and Potential new fisheries are assessed in accordance Fisheries VRFish Enhanced Up to $25,000 subject opportunities relevant management authorities, leads with Government policies and with the input of Victoria Recreational to available funding investigations into developing new fishing stakeholder and relevant agencies. Fishing opportunities. Program 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 budget Environment 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 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 budget prioritise, plan and target patrols, inspections and compliance operations to achieve a high level of compliance with the Fisheries Regulations.
Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 33 The Inland Fishery
References and websites
Braysher, M, and Barrett, J 2000, Ranking Areas for Action: DSE 2003, Port Phillip Bay (Western Shoreline) and A Guide for Carp Management Groups, Murray-Darling Bellarine Peninsula Ramsar site: Strategic Management Basin Commission, Canberra. Plan. Department of Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne. Cadwallader, PL, and Backhouse, GN 1983, A Guide to the Freshwater Fish of Victoria, Victorian Government DSE 2005, Victorian Greenhouse Strategy Action Plan Publishing Office, Melbourne. Update, Department of Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne. Carp Control Coordination Group 2000a, National Management Strategy for Carp Control 2000-2005, Environment Australia 2001, A Directory of Important Murray-Darling Basin Commission, Canberra. Wetlands in Australia, 3rd edn, Environment Australia, Canberra. Carp Control Coordination Group 2000b, Future Directions for Research into Carp, Murray-Darling Basin Fletcher, WJ 1979, ‘Effects of Salmo trutta on Galaxias Commission, Canberra. olidus and Macroinvertebrates in Stream Communities’, MSc thesis, Monash University, Clayton. Cashmore, S, Conron, S and Knuckey, I (eds) 2000, Black Bream – 1998, Fisheries Victoria Assessment Report No. Fletcher, WJ, Chesson, J, Fisher, M, Sainsbury, KJ, 24, Marine and Freshwater Resources Institute, Hundloe, T, Smith, ADM, and Whitworth, B 2002, Queenscliff, Victoria. National ESD reporting framework for Australian Fisheries: The ‘How To’ Guide for Wild Capture DHS 2007, Should I eat the fish I catch? Advice for people Fisheries, Final Report for Fisheries Research and who catch fish in the lower Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers. Development Corporation Project 2000/145, Fisheries DHS, Melbourne. Research and Development Corporation, Canberra. DNRE 2002a, Victorian Eel Fishery Management Plan, Hall, DN 1984, Commercial Fishery Situation Report: Lake Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Tyers, Gippsland, Fisheries and Wildlife Service, Victoria, Melbourne. Commercial Fisheries Report No. 11. DNRE 2002b, Victorian River Health Strategy, Department of Harris, JH, and Rowland, SJ 1996, ‘Family Percichthyidae Natural Resources and Environment, Melbourne. Australian freshwater cods and basses’, in R McDowall DPI 2003, Freshwater Fish of Victoria - Blackfish, Fisheries (ed.), Freshwater Fishes of South-eastern Australia, Note, Department of Primary Industries, Melbourne. Reed Books, Chatswood, pp. 150-163. DPI 2005, Protocols for the Translocation of Fish in Victorian Henry, GW, and Lyle, JM (eds) 2003, The National Inland Public Waters, Fisheries Victoria Management Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Survey, New South Report Series No. 24, Department of Primary Industries, Wales Fisheries, Cronulla. Melbourne. Jackson, PD 1975, ‘Bionomics of Brown Trout (Salmo trutta DPI 2006, Action Agenda on Climate Change and Greenhouse: Linnaeus, 1758) in a Victorian Stream with Notes on Growing Sustainable Primary Industries, Department of Interactions with Native Fishes’, PhD thesis, Monash Primary Industries, Melbourne. University, Clayton. DPI 2008a, Victorian Climate Change Strategy for Fisheries Jackson, PD, and Davies, JN 1983, ‘Survey of the Fish and Aquaculture 2008-2018. Department of Primary Fauna in the Grampians Region, South-Western Industries, Melbourne. Victoria’, Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria, vol. 95, pp. 39-51. DPI 2008b, Inland Waters Classification Model. Department of Primary Industries, Melbourne. Kailola, PJ, Williams, MJ, Stewart, PC, Reichelt, RE, McNee, A, and Grieve, C 1993, Australian Fisheries Resources. DPI 2009, Guidelines for Assessing Translocations of Live Bureau of Resource Sciences and The Fisheries Aquatic Organisms in Victoria (Version 2). Department of Research and Development, Canberra. Primary Industries Report No. 65, Melbourne. Koehn, JD 1986, ‘Approaches to determining flow and DPI n.d., Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide, Department habitat requirements for freshwater native fish in Victoria’, of Primary Industries, Melbourne. in IC Campbell (ed.) Stream Protection: The Management of Rivers for Instream Uses, Water Studies Centre Chisholm Institute of Technology, Melbourne, pp. 95-113.
34 Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan The Inland Fishery
Koehn, JD 1987, Artificial Habitat Increases Abundance of Pitman, K, Ryan, T and King, A 2007, Assessment of the Two-spined Blackfish Gadiopsis bisponsis in Ovens Freshwater Fish Community and Riverine habitat in the River, Victoria, Department of Conservation, Forests and Yarra River (with Reference to Macquarie perch, Macquaria Lands, Heidelberg. australiasica). Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Technical Report Series No. 170. Department of Koehn, JD 1997, ‘Habitats and movements of freshwater fish Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne. in the Murray-Darling Basin’ Proceedings of the inaugural Riverine Environment Research Forum of MBDC Natural PPWCMA 2003, Regional Rabbit Action Plan, Port Phillip Resource Management Strategy funded project, Murray and Westernport Catchment Management Authority, Darling Basin Commission, 4-6 October 1995 Atwood, Colac, Victoria. Victoria, pp. 27-37. PPWCMA 2004, Port Phillip and Westernport Regional Koehn, JD, and Morison, AK 1990, ‘A review of the Catchment Strategy 2004-2009, Port Phillip and conservation status of native freshwater fish in Victoria’, Westernport Catchment Management Authority, Colac, Victorian Naturalist, vol. 107 pp. 13-25. Victoria. Koehn, JD, and O’Connor, WG 1990, Biological Information PPWCMA 2006a, Native Vegetation Plan, Port Phillip and for Management of Native Freshwater Fish in Victoria, Westernport Catchment Management Authority, Colac, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria. Melbourne. PPWCMA 2006b, Regional Weed Action Plan, Port Phillip Koehn, JD, Brumley, A, and Gehrke, P 2000, Managing the and Westernport Catchment Management Authority, Impacts of Carp, Bureau of Rural Sciences, Canberra. Colac, Victoria. McDowall, R 1996, Freshwater Fishes of South Eastern Rigby, BA 1982, An Ecological Study of the Ichthyoplankton Australia, Reed Books, Chatswood. and Juvenile Fish of the Gippsland Lakes, Victoria, Marine Science Laboratories, Ministry for Conservation, MCFFA 1999, National Policy for the Translocation of Live Queenscliff, Internal Report No. 27, p. 29. Aquatic Organisms – Issues, Principles and Guidelines for Implementation, Ministerial Council on Forestry, Rowland, SJ 1988, Murray cod, Agfact F3.2.4, New South Fisheries and Aquaculture, Canberra. Wales Agriculture and Fisheries, Sydney. Melbourne Water 2007a, Port Phillip and Westernport Stoessel, D 2008, Macalister River Creel Survey, Fisheries Regional River Health Strategy, Melbourne Water, Victoria Research Report Series No. 34, Department of Melbourne. Primary Industries, Melbourne. Melbourne Water 2007b, Port Phillip and Westernport Tunbridge, BR 2002, Guide to Inland Angling Waters of Region Flood Management and Drainage Strategy, Victoria, Department of Primary Industries, Melbourne. Melbourne Water, Melbourne. VRFish 2004, VRFish Policy Paper - Access for Recreational NNTT 2007, Native Title Facts: What is Native Title?, Fishing, VRFish, Melbourne. National Native Title Tribunal, Canberra.
Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 35 The Inland Fishery
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 Phillip 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
36 Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan The Inland Fishery
Appendix 1: Stakeholder and community engagement
Stage 1: Understand the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery 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 Aboriginal 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 Stage 2: Develop 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 Aboriginal 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 Stage 3: Declare the Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan Goal: To inform the community that the Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan has been declared − A flyer was sent or emailed to stakeholders based in Port Phillip and Western Port informing them of how they can obtain a copy of the Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan − An article informing the community on how they can obtain a copy of the Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan was published in: • Fish-e-Fax (distributed to approximately 2000 stakeholders) • DPI website − A copy of the Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan was sent to stakeholders who participated to the preparation of the Plan
Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 37 The Inland Fishery
Appendix 2: Summary of key non-fisheries legislation
A range of Commonwealth and state legislation affects Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act fisheries management in Victoria. The following discussion is a summary of key legislation. 1988 The Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 is administered by the Department of Sustainability and Environment Protection and Environment and provides an administrative structure to enable and promote conservation of the State’s native flora Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and fauna and a range of procedures that can be used for The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation conserving, managing or controlling flora and fauna and Act 1999 is administered by the Commonwealth Department managing potentially threatening processes. of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act provides for the listing promotes the conservation of biodiversity and provides for of species, communities or threatening processes. For listed the identification of key threatening processes and the species, community or threatening process, action protection of critical habitat, listed species, protected areas statements are prepared to identify what has been done to and communities. conserve the species and what will be done in the future. They provide background information including habitat, life Under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity history, reasons for its decline and threats. Conservation Act, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts may make or adopt and implement recovery Action statements are designed to apply for three to five plans for threatened fauna, threatened flora (other than years after which time they are reviewed and updated. Conservation Dependent species) and ecological Implementation of action statements is the primary communities listed as threatened. responsibility of the Department of Sustainability and Environment with input from other stakeholders. Recovery plans establish research and management actions that will support the recovery of and maximise the long term Within the Port Phillip and Western Port region the following survival in the wild of listed threatened species or threatened fish species have been listed as threatened under the Flora ecological communities. These plans specify the actions and Fauna Guarantee Act: needed to protect and restore important populations of • Australian grayling (Prototroctes maraena) threatened species and habitat, to manage and reduce • Australian mudfish (Neochanna cleaveri) threatening processes and provide a framework by which key interest groups and responsible government agencies • Yarra pygmy perch (Nannoperca obscura) can coordinate activities to improve the plight of threatened • Macquarie perch (Macquaria australasica) species and threatened ecological communities. • Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii). Within the Port Phillip and Western Port region, the following The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act is considered the most freshwater fish species have been listed under the appropriate management tool for achieving optimum Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act as ecologically sustainable development outcomes for these endangered is Macquarie perch (Macquaria australasica), species. and as vulnerable is the dwarf galaxias (Galaxiella pusilla), Yarra pygmy perch (Nannoperca obscura), Australian Species listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act can grayling (Prototroctes maraena) and Murray cod only be taken or kept by recreational fishers if authorised by (Maccullochella peelii peelii). an Order of Governor in Council in accordance with the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act. The Order of Governor in Council specifies the species that can be taken and conditions such as gear restrictions, seasonal closures, closed waters, and size and bag limits. These conditions are reflected in the Fisheries Regulations.
38 Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan The Inland Fishery
Water Act 1989 Heritage Rivers Act 1992 and The Water Act 1989 is administered by the Department of National Parks Act 1975 Sustainability and Environment and establishes rights and The Heritage Rivers Act 1992 and the National Parks Act obligations in relation to water resources, mechanisms for 1975 are administered by the Department of Sustainability allocating water resources, governs statutory powers and and Environment and provide guidance for protecting functions for all water authorities outside the metropolitan biodiversity when considering translocations in inland waters. area and provides for integrated management of water In summary, the introduction of non-native fauna is not resources and environmental and consumer protection. permitted in natural catchment areas as defined in the Heritage Rivers Actor National Parks, State Parks and Wilderness Parks as defined in the National Parks Act and Native Title Act 1993 reference areas as stated in provisions under the Reference Native Title describes the interests and rights of Aboriginal Areas Act 1978. and Torres Strait Islander people in land and waters according to their traditional laws and customs that are recognised under Australian Law (NNTT 2007). The Port Other relevant legislation Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan is Other Victorian legislation that is relevant to management of required by law to adhere to the requirements of the Native the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery includes: Title Act 1993 as part of the planning process, which allows Native Title parties an opportunity to comment on the plan • Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 through a 28-day notification process. • Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 • Advice on particular situations relating to Native Title in the Coastal Management Act 1995 Port Phillip and Western Port region is available through the • Environment Effects Act 1978 regional Department of Sustainability and Environment • Environment Protection Act 1970 Native Title Coordinator. • Planning and Environment Act 1987 • Water (Resource Management) Act 2005.
Victorian legislation is available at
Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 39 The Inland Fishery
Appendix 3: Fish stocked in the fishery between 2005 and 2008
2005 2006 2007 2008 Brown Rainbow Brown Rainbow Brown Rainbow Brown Rainbow Water Stocked trout trout trout trout trout trout trout trout Berwick Springs Estate - 1000 - 1,000 - 1,000 - - Casey Fields (Cranbourne) * - - - 300 - 1,200 - 1,200 Caulfield Racecourse Lake * - 400 - 400 - 400 - 400 Colbrook Reservoir (Ballan) 200 - - - 200 - - Darlingford Lake (Melton) * - - - - - 500 - 500 Emerald Lake * - 1,800 - 1,500 - 1,900 - 1,900 Jack Roper Reserve (Broadmeadows) * - 750 - 750 - 750 - 750 Karkarook Lake (Moorabbin) * - 5,000 - 1,500 - 2,000 - 2,000 Lillydale Lake * - 2,550 - 2,650 - 2,350 - 2,800 Navan Park Lake (Melton) * - - - - - 800 - 800 Nursery Reservoir (Macedon) 500 500 - 500 - 500 500 500 Pakenham Lake - 2,000 ------Rowville Lakes * - 1,500 - 1500 - 1500 - 1,700 Roxburgh Park Lakes * - 400 - 400 - 400 - 400 Spavin Lake (Sunbury) 150 Westlake Reserve (Melton) - 800 - 800 - - - - Yarrambat Park Lake * - 850 - 850 - 850 - 850 * Family Fishing Lakes
40 Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan The Inland Fishery
Appendix 4: Preparing the Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan
This fishery management plan was prepared in accordance The Fisheries Act stipulates that a fishery management plan with the requirements of the Fisheries Act. Fisheries Victoria, may— a division of DPI, is responsible for preparing fishery (i) specify the manner in which fishing capacity is to be management plans. measured and the fishing capacity so measured; Relevant stakeholders were invited to join the Steering (j) specify the duration of the management plan Committee for the purposes of assisting Fisheries Victoria in (k) specify the procedures or conditions for review of the preparing this fishery management plan. The Steering plan Committee provided advice to DPI in relation to the (l) include any other relevant matters. conformance of the plan with the requirements of the Fisheries Act and to respond to consultation on the draft Additional direction on the preparation of the Port Phillip and fishery management plan. Western Port Fishery Management Plan has been provided by the gazettal of guidelines on 1 October 2007. Requirements of the Fisheries Act The Fisheries Act stipulates that a fishery management plan Planning process must— The process for developing fishery management plans (a) define the fishery to which the plan relates includes the following steps: (b) be consistent with the objectives of the Fisheries Act 1. Fisheries Victoria calls for nominations and appoints a and with any guidelines issued with respect to the steering committee with an independent chair preparation of the plan 2. Ministerial guidelines for, or with respect to, the (c) include the management objectives of the plan preparation of the fishery management plan are prepared and published in the Victoria Government Gazette (d) specify the management tools and other measures to be (Appendix 5). used to achieve the objectives of the plan 3. Fisheries Victoria undertakes a process of public (e) include guidelines for the criteria to be used in respect of consultation, including public meetings, to identify issues the issue of licences and permits and in respect of the relevant to the fishery for which the management plan will renewal, variation or transfer of licences be developed (f) as far as is known, identify critical components of the 4. Fisheries Victoria, with guidance from the steering ecosystem relevant to the plan and current or potential committee, prepares a draft fishery management plan threats to those components and existing or proposed preventative measures 5. The Fisheries Co-Management Council endorses the planning process followed in preparing the draft fishery (g) specify performance indicators, targets and monitoring management plan methods 6. The Minister responsible for fisheries or delegate (h) as far as relevant and practicable, identify in respect of endorses the draft management plan for public release the fishery, declared noxious aquatic species or fisheries reserve, the biological, ecological, social and economic 7. A notice of intention to declare the fishery management factors relevant to its management including— plan is published in the Victoria Government Gazette and a newspaper circulating generally within Victoria and (i) its current status, human uses and economic begins a sixty day period of public consultation value 8. The steering committee considers public submissions (ii) measures to minimise its impact on non-target and with its guidance, Fisheries Victoria completes the species and the environment draft fishery management plan (iii) research needs and priorities (iv) the resources required to implement the plan.
Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 41 The Inland Fishery
9. The Fisheries Co-Management Council endorses the planning process followed in preparing the final Steering Committee management plan Membership of the stakeholder-based Steering Committee included: 10. The Minister responsible for fisheries declares the management plan by notice in the Victoria Government Chair Gazette. Mr Ross Winstanley Committee members Ms Sandra Brizga, Fisheries Co-management Council Public consultation Mr Mark Smith, Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment The initial step in preparing this fishery management plan Management Authority was understanding the values and issues regarding fishing in Mr Ron Lewis, VRFish estuaries, lakes and rivers of the Port Phillip and Western Mr Franz Grasser, VRFish Port fishery that are important recreational fishers and other stakeholders. Mr Rhys Coleman, Melbourne Water Ms Jessica Littlejohn, Southern Rural Water During a 60-day consultation period, stakeholders had the Mr Mark Winfield, Department of Sustainability and opportunity to provide comment on the Draft Port Phillip and Environment Western Port Fishery Management Plan. Three written submissions were received. Mr Jon Belling, Boon Wurrung Foundation Limited Ms Vicki Nicholson-Brown, Wurundjeri Tribe Land Key issues identified during this consultation phase have Compensation and Cultural Heritage Council Inc been considered by the Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Ms Megan Clinton, Victorian National Parks Association Management Plan Steering Committee which provided responses supported by the Executive Director Fisheries Mr Peter Lawson, Department of Primary Industries Victoria and the Minister responsible for fisheries. Mr Travis Dowling, Department of Primary Industries Executive Officer Ms Candice Basham, Department of Primary Industries
42 Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan The Inland Fishery
Appendix 5: Ministerial Guidelines
Excerpt from the Government Gazette G 41, 11 October 2007, page 2308.
Fisheries Act 1995
Guidelines for the preparation of the Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan
I, Jon Presser, as delegate of the Minister for Agriculture, pursuant to section 28(2) of the Fisheries Act 1995 (the Act), issue the following guidelines with respect to the preparation of a Fishery Management Plan for the inland Port Phillip and Western Port region.
1. Fisheries Victoria of the Department of Primary Industries will be responsible for the preparation of the Fishery Management Plan. The plan must be consistent with the objectives of the Act.
2. The Fishery Management Plan must be consistent with all existing Government legislation and Departmental policies.
3. The Fisheries Co-Management Council will oversee the process for the preparation of the Fishery Management Plan. The plan must comply with Part 3 of the Act.
4. The Fishery Management Plan will be prepared with input from all major affected stakeholder groups, including recreational fishing interests and Indigenous interests.
5. The inland Port Phillip and Western Port region includes inland waters, as defined in the Act, within the Werribee Catchment, Maribyrnong Catchment, Yarra Catchment, Dandenong Catchment and Westernport Catchment as defined by the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority.
6. The inland Port Phillip and Western Port region does not include marine waters as defined by the Act.
7. The Fishery Management Plan will identify factors, including habitat and water management issues, impacting on fishery resources.
8. The Fishery Management Plan may identify opportunities to maintain or enhance the recreational fishing experience.
9. The Fishery Management Plan may specify appropriate management controls with regard to recreational fishing and may recommend options to assist in managing related activities.
10. The Fishery Management Plan will identify research and information needs to support the sustainable management of fishery resources.
11. The Fishery Management Plan will include processes for reporting to the Victorian community on achievements of the Plan.
Dated 1 October 2007
Delegate of the responsible Minister
JON PRESSER
Acting Executive Director Fisheries Victoria
Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan 43 The Inland Fishery Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series No. 69 Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan - The Inland Fishery
Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan
The Inland Fishery
Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series No. 69 November 2009
www.dpi.vic.gov.au