F i s h e r i e s V i c t o r i a FFiisshh--FFaaxx 'A fortnightly round-up of recreational fisheries management issues.' Issue 108, 8 January 2004 www.dpi.vic.gov.au ISSN 1443-0606

Getting Tough on Illegal Fishing - 13FISH Fisheries Offence Reporting System

Anglers can contribute to the sustainable management of our valuable fish stocks by reporting illegal fishing activity via a dedicated phone number – 13 3474 – which correlates to 13 F-I-S-H on telephone touch-pads.

The 13FISH message has been strongly promoted in departmental media releases and advertisements in major papers and angling media.

In addition, 27,000 13FISH wallet cards and 15,000 13FISH tackle box stickers have been distributed to various Government agencies likely to encounter anglers in their regular duties.

Between the commencement of 13FISH on 8th September 2003, a total of 273 phone calls have been received, 85% relating to , and coastal shorelines and .

At an average of 18 calls per week, suspected illegal activity has included: ¾ shellfish collection in intertidal zones, ¾ illegal netting, and ¾ fishing inside Marine National Parks and Sanctuary boundaries.

Over 30 Penalty Infringement Notices, 10 prosecutions and several significant investigations have resulted from the information provided by callers.

VICTAG News - Estuary Perch and Dusky Flathead Tag Recaptures

An angler recently recaptured a tagged estuary perch at that measured 420mm. The fish had previously been caught, tagged and released in the Avon River some 60km away. The perch had been at liberty for 157 days and had not increased in length.

A second angler recently recaptured another tagged estuary perch at McLaughlins Beach Inlet that measured 445mm. The fish had previously been caught, tagged and released in Merrimans Creek some 50km away. The perch had been at liberty for 57 days and had grown by 25mm.

An angler recently recaptured a tagged dusky flathead at Devil’s Hole, near the top of the Nowa Nowa Arm of Tyers, that measured 500mm. The fish had previously been caught, tagged and released in the Toorloo Arm, some 11km away. The flathead had been at liberty for 201 days and had grown 30mm. Fish-Fax Issue 108, 8 January 2004 Estuary Perch Movement & Habitat Use in the

Using funds from the Recreational Fishing Licence Trust Fund, fisheries scientists from PIRVic (Snobs Creek) are undertaking a ‘tracking’ study on estuary perch in the Snowy River to determine their: • large-scale movement patterns, and • small-scale movements and preferred habitats.

Estuary perch are present in most estuaries along the Victorian coastline and are highly regarded by a growing number of sports-fishers. For many years, estuary perch were virtually unknown except to a few anglers. Even today, they are an uncommon catch amongst the bulk of estuarine anglers. However, this is changing rapidly as anglers become aware of this species’ sporting qualities.

While there are many theories, there is little actual information regarding the general movements and specific habitat preferences of this species. Such knowledge would be useful to: • anglers who wish to target the species, and • fisheries managers who need to ensure the fishery is managed sustainably.

The Snowy River study is utilising acoustic transmitters, surgically implanted into estuary perch, and strategically placed ‘listening’ stations. Each transmitter is coded with a number so that individual fish can be identified. The transmitters emit a signal that can be detected by the listening stations located throughout the estuary system. When implanted fish swim within range of a listening station, their details are recorded and stored for later retrieval by research scientists. The transmitters will remain active over the next eight months to track large-scale movement of the fish.

Several estuary perch have been fitted with another type of acoustic transmitter that emits a ping every few seconds. These transmitters need to be tracked by a hand held receiver to enable the researchers to locate and track the fish in real time. Individual fish can be accurately located and the surrounding habitat details can be recorded. Any small-scale or day/night movement patterns will also be monitored. For more information about this project please contact John Douglas at PIRVic (Snobs Creek) on 03 5774 2208. Victorian Water Level Update

For the week ending January 5, 2004:

Batyo Catyo 0% Bellfield 24% Blue Rock 83% Buffalo Lake 99% Cairn Curran 15% Dartmouth 48% Dock 0% Eildon Lake 41% Eppalock 17% Fyans Lake 32% Glenmaggie 86% Hepburn 29% Hume 62% Laanecoorie 51% Lauriston 69% Lonsdale 3% Malmsbury 26% Mokoan 41% Mulwala 100% Newlyn 53% Nillahcootie 97% Pine 0.1% Rocklands 8% Taylors 32% Toolondo 0.5% Tullaroop 16% Upper Coliban 38% Waranga 69% Wartook 90%

For more information contact the Customer Service Centre – ph 136 186.

This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. F i s h e r i e s V i c t o r i a FFiisshh--FFaaxx 'A fortnightly round-up of recreational fisheries management issues.' Issue 109, 14 January 2004 www.dpi.vic.gov.au ISSN 1443-0606

Anderson Inlet Fishery Management Plan – Have Your Say!

Anderson Inlet was declared a Fisheries Reserve last July as part of the Government's 2002 election commitments to recreational fishing. The Fisheries Reserve was established to provide enhanced recreational fishing opportunities and to improve the management and monitoring of these opportunities.

Fisheries Reserve status has been applied to all parts of the inlet from the entrance at Point Smythe to the road bridge across the at Tarwin Lower. However, Fisheries Reserve status will not apply to approximately 2.5 kilometres of intertidal area along the southern shore of the inlet from Point Smythe, because this area has already been reserved as part of the Cape Liptrap Coastal Park.

Recreational fishing is an important attraction to both local residents and tourists visiting the Anderson Inlet area, and contributes to visitation rates of up to 30,000 per day during the summer tourism peak.

The Fisheries Act 1995 requires a fishery management plan to be developed for each area that is declared a Fisheries Reserve. A Steering Committee consisting of community interest group and government agency representatives has been established to guide the development of an Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan, and to ensure extensive community participation in the process.

Mr Noel Maud, a local resident with experience in local government, coastal management and catchment management, has agreed to act as the independent chair of the Steering Committee. Other members of the Steering Committee include representatives from the:

• Victorian Recreational Fishing peak body (VRFish),

• Fisheries Co-management Council,

• West Catchment Management Authority,

• Cultural Heritage,

• Parks Victoria, and

• Fisheries Victoria. Fish-Fax Issue 109, 14 January 2004

Anderson Inlet Fishery Management Plan – Have Your Say!(cont.) The first step in the development of an Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan is to seek the views of recreational fishers and other community interests on values and/or issues associated with fishing in Anderson Inlet.

In particular, we would like to know:-

• What do you like about fishing in Anderson Inlet?

• What issues or problems do you think affect the quality of fishing in the inlet?

• How do you think fishing opportunities in the inlet could be improved?

Information and views provided in response to these questions will help to ensure that the Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan is drafted with a strong focus on addressing fishing-related issues that matter to the community. There will be further opportunities for community participation in the planning process once a draft of the management plan is developed.

There are two ways you can provide us with your views on fishing in Anderson Inlet:- 1. Come to a Public Meeting in Inverloch on Thursday 22 January 2004. Where: Anderson Inlet Angling Club Hall The Esplanade Inverloch When: 8:00 pm Thursday 22 January 2004. Steering Committee members and Fisheries Victoria representatives will outline the process for developing the Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan, and will then receive views on fishing in Anderson Inlet from members of the public. Note: Organisations or individuals who ring Murray MacDonald, Manager Bay and Inlet Fisheries, on 0409 387 748 before 22 January 2004 to register their intent to make a presentation at the public meeting will be given priority in the speaking order. 2. Send us your Views in Writing by Friday 27 February 2004. Organisations or individuals who cannot attend or do not wish to speak at the 22 January public meeting in Inverloch can post their written views on fishing in Anderson Inlet to: The Manager, Recreational Fisheries Fisheries Victoria PO Box 500 East Vic. 3002

Alternatively, written views can be emailed to [email protected] Posted and emailed submissions should be forwarded so that they are received no later than Friday 27 February 2004.

For more information contact the Customer Service Centre – ph 136 186.

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 of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. F i s h e r i e s V i c t o r i a FFiisshh--FFaaxx 'A fortnightly round-up of recreational fisheries management issues.' Issue 110, 22 January 2004 www.dpi.vic.gov.au ISSN 1443-0606 Gippsland Australian Bass - Update

Last summer, Fisheries Victoria released 69,350 Australian bass into Blue Rock Reservoir, Lake Glenmaggie and the . This complemented the release of 12,450 Australian bass into Lake Glenmaggie the year before.

All of these fish had been produced via a cooperative effort between PIRVIC (Snobs Creek) and a private commercial hatchery on Phillip Island.

Unfortunately, the Phillip Island hatchery was unavailable this summer so new aquaculture industry partners were sought. Broodfish bass from the Gippsland catchment were successfully spawned, however, no offspring survived beyond eyed ova. A subsequent spawning effort was attempted with a separate batch of broodfish bass from the Snowy River. These broodfish belong to Native Fish (NFA) and had been kept in private farm . Only a few of these fish were in a suitable condition to be stripped, but no juveniles survived.

Despite the absence of ‘Gippsland’ or ‘Snowy’ strain Australian bass for stocking this summer, the cooperative effort has identified a potential long-term industry partner and further cemented relationships with NFA members.

A review of Australian bass supply options is currently underway in order to secure future production for recreational stocking purposes, both within the Gippsland and Snowy catchments as well as for in the State’s south-west.

Fisheries Victoria’s Education and Information Products

Late last year, Fisheries Victoria revised two of its educational products: • Know your limits cards, replacing the Keep or release? cards. These are now made of water and tear resistant polypropylene for increased useability. • Fish length ruler - stick on ruler with minimum legal lengths - revised 2003.

In addition, two new products were introduced to support 13FISH - a 24 hour illegal fishing reporting line: • 13 FISH wallet sized cards with space to record information on the back. • 13 FISH tackle box/boat stickers with tips for helpful reporting of illegal fishing activity.

If you wish to obtain any one of these 4 products, please email [email protected] or call (03) 9412 5775. Fish-Fax Issue 110, 22 January 2004

What Happens to the Ones That Get Away?

Anglers release many of the fish they catch. A recent survey estimated that more than 11 million bream and pink snapper alone were caught and released from recreational hook-and-line fisheries in Australia during 2000/01, many of them in Victoria.

For most species there is a minimum size that fish have to reach before they can be legally kept. Bag limits are also used for many species to limit the number taken by an angler on any one day. Many anglers also fish for the thrill of the chase, and are happy to let the fish go once the chase is over. Whatever the reason for releasing fish, the assumption is that all or most of these fish survive. Clearly, it is important to know if this assumption is correct.

How many of them survive, and ways to improve their chances of survival, is to be studied in a new project to be undertaken by scientists from PIRVic (Queenscliff).

The project has been developed as part of a Released Fish Survival Initiative established by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, which is funding the project jointly with Fisheries Victoria. The work has been given a head start with some funds provided by the Victorian Recreational Fishing Grants Program. These funds have used to conduct a pilot project over the last 12 months, which has shown some promising results.

Some initial experiments have been undertaken using volunteer expert anglers. These have helped to work out the best way to do this type of study. The intention is to continue working with anglers to make sure that the experiments reflect what is really happening in these fisheries.

Many factors can affect the survival of fish after hooking and anglers can influence this in a number of ways including: • physically exhausting the fish during a strenuous capture, • causing damage to the fish when handling them to remove hooks or gear, and • selecting gear that may result in hooks penetrating and damaging vital organs.

Other factors outside the angler’s control that can influence a fish’s survival after hooking include fish size, water and air temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity and turbidity levels.

The two-year study will concentrate on those factors that anglers can control. Work in the first year will estimate the post release survival for both snapper and bream caught by the hook and line fishing methods commonly employed by Victorian anglers. If required, the research team and the volunteer anglers will develop and test changes to gear and handling methods to improve the survival of the fish in the second year.

The results of this project should lead to an improvement in the survival of fish released after capture by hook- and-line. For more information about this project please contact Mr Sandy Morison on 5258 0232.

For more information contact the Customer Service Centre – ph 136 186.

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 of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. F i s h e r i e s V i c t o r i a FFiisshh--FFaaxx 'A fortnightly round-up of recreational fisheries management issues.' Issue 111, 23 January 2004 www.dpi.vic.gov.au ISSN 1443-0606 Co-operative Response to Native Fish Kill in the

On 14th January, Goulburn Murray Water (GMW) reported to Fisheries Victoria that there had been a fish kill on the Goulburn River, below the Goulburn Weir at Nagambie. Dead trout cod, carp, trout and galaxias were identified. GMW collected dead fish and water samples along with the EPA for testing.

GMW immediately undertook measures to improve water quality in the affected reach by releasing water from higher in the water column using a different set of gates on the weir. Previously water had been released lower in the water column that can have lower dissolved oxygen (DO) levels.

Samples of dead fish were analysed and disease or chemical poisoning were not identifiable as a cause. GMW water quality monitoring suggests that very low dissolved oxygen levels was a likely contributor, however the reason for the low DO levels is unknown. Fish become stressed at DO levels less than 5 mg/L. DO levels in and immediately downstream in the Goulburn River were reported to be less than 1 mg/L – levels that are lethal to fish. Nevertheless information collected by various agencies remains insufficient to confirm the cause of the fish kill, -further investigations and monitoring of DO is continuing. A fish survey to determine the remaining fish population is planned.

On the 16th and 20th January, Fisheries Officers, GMW and EPA staff discovered more dead fish up to 7 to 8 kilometres downstream from Nagambie Weir. These included several golden perch, trout cod, redfin, silver perch, carp and over 90 Murray cod, the largest of which was estimated to weigh 110lb. These fish appear to have been dead for some time and may have been killed in the initial incident.

GMW increased water flow down the Goulburn River to 800mg/day to flush and clean the affected reach.

A number of the species, namely trout cod, Murray cod and silver perch are recognised in State and Federal legislation as having conservation significance.

Today, teams from Fisheries Victoria and GMW are working to remove dead fish from the river using boats to access floating fish. This should reduce the likelihood of Australia Day holiday makers encountering decomposing fish carcasses. GMW is arranging for dead fish disposal.

Anglers and holiday visitors to the area should not take dead fish and should avoid swimming in areas where dead fish are observed. F i s h e r i e s V i c t o r i a FFiisshh--FFaaxx 'A fortnightly round-up of recreational fisheries management issues.' Issue 112, 5 February 2004 www.dpi.vic.gov.au ISSN 1443-0606 Lake Bullen Merri Fish Survey

In recent years, Fisheries Victoria has stocked Lake Bullen Merri, near Camperdown, with rainbow trout, brown trout, Chinook salmon, Atlantic salmon and Australian bass. On 27th and 28th January, Fisheries and PIRVic staff surveyed the lake to monitor the development of the Australian bass population. The survey team captured:- • rainbow trout to 353 grams (2003 released fish), • brown trout to 2.75kg, • Chinook salmon to 1.5kg, • no Atlantic salmon (although the netting method was not specifically targeting salmonid species), • Australian bass to 850 grams. Twenty of the bass that were subsequently released were inserted with dart tags,

A PIRVic report will be released later this year summarising the results of these stock assessments (netting surveys) and the 12-month creel survey conducted during 2002 and 2003. During the survey, bank anglers were observed catching Australian bass to around 700 grams using deep diving lures.

Public Consultation Commences on Anderson Inlet Fishery Management Plan

As indicated in Fish Fax 109, Anderson Inlet near Inverloch in South Gippsland has been declared a Fisheries Reserve, primarily for the purpose of maintaining and enhancing recreational fishing opportunities. A fishery management plan is being developed for the Fisheries Reserve, and stakeholders and members of the general community will have several opportunities to participate in this process. The first round of public consultation commenced on 14 January 2004 with a call for recreational fishers and other interested groups or individuals to provide their views on values and/or issues associated with fishing in Anderson Inlet. This information will help to ensure that the Anderson Inlet Fishery Management Plan identifies and addresses all fishing-related issues that matter to recreational fishers and the community. Approximately 70 people attended a public meeting in Inverloch on 22 January to provide their views on fishing in Anderson Inlet to the Steering Committee that is guiding the development of the fishery management plan. Popular target fish species, fishing methods and fishing areas were identified, together with issues that may affect fishing - such as boat and shoreline access, competition with other water-based recreational uses, and the potential impacts of exotic pest species, foreshore development and catchment modification on fish habitat in the inlet. Organisations or individuals that were unable to attend the public meeting can make a written submission to The Manager, Recreational Fisheries, Fisheries Victoria, PO Box 500, East Melbourne 3002 or emailing [email protected]. no later than Friday 27 February 2004. F i s h e r i e s V i c t o r i a FFiisshh--FFaaxx 'A fortnightly round-up of recreational fisheries management issues.' Issue 113, 19 February 2004 www.dpi.vic.gov.au ISSN 1443-0606 Lake Bullen Merri Fish Kill

On 5th February, anglers reported the death of large trout and salmon at Lake Bullen Merri, near Camperdown. Fisheries Officers and local anglers collected 50 to 60 dead trout and salmon, some weighing as much as 5.7kg. Several distressed trout and salmon were observed swimming in the shallows. Water quality tests were undertaken but nothing out of the ordinary was recorded. No Australian bass were found dead. Within two days of the initial kill, the distressed trout and salmon previously observed in the shallows dispersed. No further fish kills have occurred since although some dead fish, from the initial event, are still being found washing up on the bank. Fisheries Officers and local anglers continue to monitor the lake regularly.

Kills of this magnitude are not uncommon at this lake with similar events having occurred in recent years. Lake Bullen Merri is stocked annually with 30,000 trout and salmon so a kill of this magnitude is relatively minor and should not dissuade anglers from fishing the lake. Anglers have reported captures of salmonids since the fish kill occurred.

Researchers Track Behaviour of Trout in the Goulburn River

As part of an ongoing research program on the Goulburn River, PIRVic has been investigating the behaviour of stocked trout. The project is funded by a Recreational Fishing Licence grant.

“Last year we investigated movements of wild brown trout that were implanted with small radio- transmitters” said Paul Brown, the project scientist based at Snobs Creek. “Most of these remained in residence within fairly small home-ranges throughout the season and none were harvested”, he said.

This year, seven brown and seven rainbow trout, from a commercial hatchery, were stocked into the Goulburn River before Christmas. They have been joined more recently by six wild trout caught from, and released back into, the Goulburn River. All these fish have been implanted with radio- transmitters. “We will compare the behaviour of the stocked fish with that of the wild fish, and are particularly interested in how-many of them, and how quickly, they are caught by anglers”, said Paul.

Researchers hope to determine how long the stocked fish last within the fishery and if they remain where they are stocked. Early results suggest that stocked fish may be more vulnerable to angling than wild-resident fish, as anglers have already captured three stocked fish.

Anglers can recognise these fish as they are “wearing” a pink, plastic tag near the dorsal fin and have a short trailing wire antenna. Anyone catching such a fish is encouraged to report it to PIRVic (03 57742208). Paul says, “by all means harvest the fish if you want it or release it after noting the tag- number. A small reward is offered for the return of the radio-transmitter if the fish is harvested.” Fish-Fax Issue 113, 19 February 2004 Recreational Fishing Grant Program 2003/04 – applications closing date

Applications for project funding under this year's Recreational Fishing Grant Program (RFGP) close on Friday 27 February 2004.

Information regarding the RFGP is available on the Department of Primary Industry's website at www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fees at work or by contacting the Program Manager on ph. 9412 5714 or e-mail on [email protected].

Sydney Men Convicted of Abalone Theft

Recently, two Sydney men pleaded guilty at the and Orbost Magistrates courts to abalone offences.

The courts heard that the two men had been diving at Point Hicks while in possession of more than twice the bag limit of abalone.

Fisheries Officers from Mallacoota intercepted the two men in at approximately 10:30pm. A subsequent search of the men's vehicle located a quantity of diving equipment and a backpack containing 170 abalone meats.

The market value of the abalone was $3,200.

One of the men was fined $3,000 with conviction and had all diving equipment forfeited. Magistrate John Dugdale also issued an order which prohibits him from possessing any abalone or abalone equipment in Victoria for a period of five years.

The second man was also fined $2,000 without conviction and had all diving equipment forfeited.

Mike Kirwin, Fisheries Officer at Mallacoota said "Although it is disappointing that this form of resource abuse continues, it is encouraging to see the courts sending a clear message that theft of abalone stocks will not be tolerated.”

“Not only does abalone theft have the potential to upset the wider ecological balance of the marine environment, but also poses serious risks to the sustainability of an important regional industry.”

“Everybody in the community is able to assist in protecting this resource by reporting any illegal fishing activity on the 24 hour reporting line, 13-FISH (ph.13-34-74).”

Helpful information includes: • Time and date • Location • Number of people • Vehicle/boat registration • Type of activity • Equipment

For more information contact the Customer Service Centre – ph 136 186.

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 of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. F i s h e r i e s V i c t o r i a FFiisshh--FFaaxx 'A fortnightly round-up of recreational fisheries management issues.' Issue 114, 4 March 2004 www.dpi.vic.gov.au ISSN 1443-0606 Victorian Recreational Fishing Expenditure

Victorian recreational fishers spend more on their hobby than their counterparts elsewhere in the country, spending: • an average of $ 721 per person a year. • an estimated $ 396.27 million in total.

The average amount each fisher spent throughout Australia in 2000/01 was $ 552 per person, with the lowest amount being spent by fishers in the ACT ($ 362 per person per year).

These figures come from the comprehensive National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Survey (NRIFS), which interviewed fishers across Australia over a 12 month period to gain a detailed picture of their fishing activities and associated spending patterns.

In 12 months, recreational fishers Australia-wide spent about $ 1.86 billion dollars on equipment, services and activities associated with recreational fishing.

Expenditure on boats and trailers accounted for about $ 159 million of the $ 396 million Victorian total. Travel expenses were the second highest cost at $ 97 million.

Victorian fishers spent just over $ 34 million on fishing gear, $ 8.3 million on bait and burley and another $ 8 million on various types of licences and fees.

The other major expenditure was associated with costs of camping gear ($ 30.38 million) and accommodation ($ 13.02 million).

Boat ownership among Victoria’s recreational fishing community is high. The survey estimated about 34 percent of fisher households in the State owned a boat and that some 86,575 vessels were used for recreational fishing.

Each State and Territory government, the national Fisheries Research and Development Corporation and the Commonwealth Fisheries Action Program of the Natural Heritage Trust funded the NRIFS.

For more on this project, please contact Simon Conron at DPI Queenscliff, on 03 5258 0235. The national report is available at www.affa.gov.au/recfishsurvey. Fish-Fax Issue 114, 4 March 2004 Enforcement News

A person from St.Kilda East was placed on a good behaviour bond and ordered to pay court costs of $ 150 for using/possessing commercial fishing equipment without authorisation. The offence was committed at Lake Charm, north of Kerang.

A person was convicted and fined $ 500 for possessing undersize fish, giving false or misleading information to an authorised officer and for taking/possessing more than the catch limit. The offences were committed near Williamstown.

Two people from Dromana were convicted and fined $ 250 each for taking/possessing more than the catch limit for squid. The offences were committed in Port Phillip Bay near Mt. Martha.

A person from was convicted and fined $ 1,500 for giving a false name and place of residence, giving false or misleading information to an authorised officers and for not having a recreational fishing licence. The offences were committed near Mallacoota.

A person from Coburg and another from Brunswick West were fined $ 650 each for taking/possessing more than the catch limit. The offences were committed on the Lorne Pier.

Two people from Mornington were fined $ 250 each for using commercial fishing equipment to take undersize snapper, possessing undersize fish and for failing to return unwanted fish without injury. The offences were committed near Mornington.

Fisheries Co-Management Council Committees

The Fisheries Co-Management Council (FCC) is an expertise-based group that provides advice to the Minister responsible for Fisheries on strategic and policy issue related to the management of Victorian fisheries. There are a number of committees that sit beneath the Council that provide more specialised advice for particular fisheries. These include: • abalone fishery committee • rock lobster fishery committee • fisheries research committee • inland fisheries committee • aquaculture committee • commercial bay and inlet fisheries committee • marine recreational fisheries committee

The FCC is seeking ‘Expressions of Interest’ for (a) the Chair position on the Research Committee and (b) the Chair position on the Inland Fishery Committee.

People interested in applying should contact Ms Alison Cobbledick on (03) 9347 9299 or email: [email protected] for details of position duties and an Expression of Interest kit. For more information visit www.fcc.vic.gov.au

Written Expressions of Interest should be received at the FCC office, Level 6, 369 Royal Parade, Parkville Vic 3052, no later than COB Monday 15th March 2004. For more information contact the Customer Service Centre – ph 136 186.

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 of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. F i s h e r i e s V i c t o r i a FFiisshh--FFaaxx 'A fortnightly round-up of recreational fisheries management issues.' Issue 115, 18 March 2004 www.dpi.vic.gov.au ISSN 1443-0606 13Fish Helps Net Illegal Fishers at and

Calls to the Department of Primary Industries’ recently established 13 FISH phone line have lead to the detection of illegal fishers at Lake Mokoan and Lake Eppalock.

Six Melbourne men are expected to be charged on summons for a variety of offences at Lake Mokoan including using commercial fishing equipment, taking undersize fish, exceeding the catch limit and providing false names and addresses.

Two boats, motors and trailers were seized.

Wangaratta based Fisheries Officer, Steve McMonigle, said the men were using live golden perch, on set lines as bait, which indicated they were illegally fishing for Murray cod.

“We had received some information through 13FISH and other sources about suspicious activities on Lake Mokoan and last week we apprehended three separate groups on different days,” Mr McMonigle said.

“One group of offenders actually had double the catch limit of golden perch in their possession with almost half of those undersize.”

In a separate incident, two Melbourne men are expected to be charged on summons under the Fisheries Act for using commercial fishing equipment and possessing undersized fish at Lake Eppalock, near Bendigo.

The two men were apprehended after Fisheries Officers on patrol located mesh nets in a vehicle and a net set in the lake over the March long weekend.

A number of fish were found including undersized golden perch. An inflatable boat and four nets were seized from the men.

13-FISH (13 3474) is a 24-hour number established last September for the reporting of illegal fishing activity anywhere in Victoria. Helpful information includes registration numbers and descriptions of boats and cars, descriptions of people involved and the type, time, date and location of the observed activity. Hundreds of calls have already been received on the 13-FISH line resulting in dozens of penalty notices being issued and prosecutions launched.

While an immediate response is not possible for all calls, information received helps target future fisheries patrols and specific enforcement operations. Fish-Fax Issue 115, 18 March 2004 Fishing Participation Amongst Victorian Youth

It seems children in Victoria just love to go fishing, judging by the findings of a state-wide survey conducted by Primary Industries Research Victoria (PIRVic), a division of the Department of Primary Industries.

The survey estimated that about 118,000 children aged between five and 14 years, mostly boys, went fishing in Victoria in a 12-month period. This represented about 19 per cent of the population in this age class, and was the highest participation rate of any age group.

Interestingly, among Victorian females, participation by those aged five to 14 years, about 13 per cent, is higher than for all older age groups, which were all less than eight per cent.

The survey, part of the National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Survey (NRIFS), also showed that approximately 13 per cent of Victoria’s population went recreational fishing and nearly three times as many males as females undertook the activity.

While similar male:female participation patterns were reported across Australia, the seven per cent level of female participation in Victoria was significantly lower than the national average figure of about 12 per cent.

Female participation in recreational fishing activities was highest in the , and . In these states between 19 per cent and 21 per cent of the female population went fishing.

Fisheries scientists from PIRVic Queenscliff have been analysing the Victorian NRIFS results to create a profile of a ‘typical’ recreational fisher. They found that Victoria’s recreational fishers are predominantly male and fishing is most popular among adults aged 30 to 44, followed closely by the 15 to 29 age group, children (aged 5 to 14), and then the 45 to 59 age group.

For more on this project, please contact Simon Conron at PIRVic Queenscliff Centre, on 03 5258 0111. The national report is available at www.daff.gov.au/recfishsurvey

Draft Geelong Arm Aquaculture Fisheries Reserves Management Plan

On the 6th March 2004, the Minister for Agriculture, Bob Cameron announced his intention to declare the Geelong Arm Aquaculture Fisheries Reserves Management Plan by releasing the Draft Plan for public comment.

The Management Plan is being developed through a Standing Committee made up of key stakeholder group representatives, and will provide management direction for the Geelong Arm aquaculture fisheries reserves for the next three years. The Fisheries Co-Management Council oversees this planning process.

A copy of the draft together with other information can be obtained from the ‘What’s New’ section of the DPI ‘fishing and aquaculture’ website – http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing

For more information contact the Customer Service Centre – ph 136 186.

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 of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. F i s h e r i e s V i c t o r i a FFiisshh--FFaaxx 'A fortnightly round-up of recreational fisheries management issues.' Issue 116, 1 April 2004 www.dpi.vic.gov.au ISSN 1443-0606 Goulburn River Environmental Audit

In mid March, the Minister for Environment and Water John Thwaites announced the first independent environmental audit into a major Victorian river system following a significant fish kill downstream of the Goulburn Weir.

“This environmental audit into the Goulburn River will help us improve the management and understanding of the river system to help prevent any further deaths of our native fish and preserve the health of the system for the whole region,” Mr Thwaites said.

As outlined in Fish-Fax issue 111, a substantial number of native fish, including 90 Murray Cod, as well as 110 introduced carp, were found dead downstream of the Goulburn Weir between the 14th and the 21st January 2004.

An investigation by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) into the fish kill found no evidence of chemical pollution but that oxygen levels in parts of the river were too low for fish to survive.

The EPA is still finalising its investigation but has advised that the cause of the low levels of oxygen may not be identified.

The EPA will appoint an independent environmental auditor. Partners in the audit will include key local environmental groups and:

• Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority • Goulburn Murray Water • Department of Sustainability and Environment • Department of Primary Industries • Environment Victoria • VRFish

The auditing is a pro-active approach to identify any areas in which we can improve the management of the river to meet the needs for the environment and water users.” Mr Thwaites said.

Did you Know?

That the use of hoop nets and bait traps is permitted ONLY if each piece of equipment is tagged and labelled with your name and address. The tag must remain on or above the water surface when the device is in use. Fish-Fax Issue 116, 1 April 2004 Help to Reduce the Spread of Aquatic Pest Species

The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) has recently released a new publication titled “Aquatic Pests – Treat ‘em Mean, Keep Your Boat Clean”.

The brochure identifies how you can clean and maintain your vessel to minimise the risk of spreading undesirable aquatic pests such as Northern Pacific Seastars (Asterias amurensis).

The six D’s to deter pests are: 1. Dislodge all plants and animals and bin them, 2. Drain water from you boat and gear. Try not to let it drain back into the water. 3. Dispose of unwanted live bait in a bin, 4. Douse your boat and gear with freshwater. Try not to drain it back into the water, 5. Dry your boat and equipment, 6. Don’t forget to apply an authorised antifoulant where appropriate.

Brochures are available from the DSE website – www.dse.vic.gov.au/marinepests – or by telephoning the Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

Marine Safety Victoria - Personal Flotation Devices

As a result of the Victorian State Coroner's recommendation that all recreational boaters must wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) Type-1 at all times while boating, Marine Safety Victoria is reviewing the use of PFDs.

To be part of this important boating safety review, download your copy of the policy options paper and questionnaire or complete the on-line questionnaire by 4th June – www.marinesafety.vic.gov.au Alternatively, contact Marine Safety Victoria, PO Box 2797Y, MELBOURNE VIC 3001 or fax: (03) 9655 6611. Report - ‘Melbourne's Rivers and Creeks 2004’

In the Port Phillip and Westernport region, Melbourne Water has responsibility for managing almost 4,000km of rivers and creeks, and a further 1,200km of waterways in forested areas and closed water supply catchments.

On 12th March, the Minister John Thwaites released ‘Melbourne's Rivers and Creeks 2004’ – a Melbourne Water report into the state of Melbourne's creeks and rivers.

The report finds 28% of Melbourne's rivers and creeks are currently in good or excellent condition and 25% are in moderate condition. It also suggests that the condition of rivers and creeks closer to the city worsen due to the run-off from buildings and roads, the loss of vegetation and litter.

However, the remainder are in poor or very poor condition because of changes to the water flow, litter and debris, and poorer water quality and habitat diversity over past decades. The report is available at www.melbournewater.com.au.

For more information contact the Customer Service Centre – ph 136 186.

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 of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. F i s h e r i e s V i c t o r i a FFiisshh--FFaaxx 'A fortnightly round-up of recreational fisheries management issues.' Issue 117, 15 April 2004 www.dpi.vic.gov.au ISSN 1443-0606 On-line Guide to Angling Waters Launched

Earlier this week, the new online ‘Guide to Inland Angling Waters of Victoria’ was released on the Department’s website.

The Guide identifies fish species known to be present in over 500 Victorian waters, contains location maps and photos, and illustrations of popular angling species.

This revised version is linked to on-line fish stocking information and is also linked to the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide that describes fishing regulations for all waters in the State.

The ‘Guide to the Inland Angling Waters of Victoria’ was first published as a book in 1976 and quickly became a bible for enthusiastic anglers keen to explore Victoria’s freshwater fisheries.

The last revised edition was published in 1991 and the fishing community has eagerly anticipated this latest edition.

The switch to an on-line edition will ensure that anglers have access to up-to-date information that can be printed out should trip notes be required for a fishing expedition.

The on line ‘Guide to the Inland Angling Waters of Victoria’ is available via the Department of Primary Industries’ website – www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing

Introduction to Fishing - Westernport Fishcare

In mid-March, Westernport Fishcare conducted their first “Introduction to Recreational Fishing” sessions on board a local charter vessel on Westernport. This program helps “special needs” participants enjoy the recreational pastime of fishing.

Several of the participants caught fish, including elephant fish, snapper and gummy shark.

Fisheries Victoria, Bass Coast Shire, South Gippsland Shire, Quantum Support Services, Newhaven Yacht Squadron and San Remo Fish and Dive Charters are supporting this program through a Department of Human Services Grant. Further information about this program can be obtained from: • Peter Oates (Bass Coast Shire 5671 2425) • Andrew Redston (Quantum Support Services 5174 5961) • David Cass (Fisheries Victoria 5952 5910). Fish-Fax Issue 117, 15 April 2004 Goldfish Used as Live Bait in Illegal Yarra Fishing

A man from Briar Hill in Melbourne’s northeast, is facing hefty fines and possible imprisonment if convicted after a number of alleged offences including using goldfish as live bait to catch Murray cod in the upper reaches of the . Goldfish are known carriers of ‘ulcer disease’ that poses a serious threat to Victoria’s wild native fish population.

In late March, Fisheries officers went to houses in Briar Hill and nearby Mernda, as part of operation ‘ULCER’ after recently discovering live goldfish were being used as bait. They searched several sheds and garages and seized live goldfish and noxious carp, illegal fishing lines and illegal nets.

A man was interviewed by Fisheries Officers and is expected to be charged with: • Possessing commercial fishing equipment without authorisation, • Possessing prohibited fishing equipment, • Keeping and transporting noxious aquatic species and • Stocking fish into protected waters.

The maximum penalties for these combined offences include fines of up to $26,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment. Fisheries Officers will be routinely patrolling this area to protect this important recreational fishery.

Lake Boga Native Fish Stocking

Last week, the release of 300 Murray cod yearlings yesterday marked the first stage of a new Recreational Fishing Licence(RFL) funded native fish stocking program for , near Swan Hill.

Significantly improved water levels mean Lake Boga can now be incorporated into the Kerang stocking program which started last year at Lakes Charm, Kangaroo, Reedy and .

These Murray cod yearlings are between 250 and 300gms each and will reach the minimum legal length of 50cm within 3 years of release. Growth rates from Murray cod yearlings released last year into Lake Charm are very encouraging with some cod recently caught by anglers measuring 42cm only a year after their release.

The release of these cod at Lake Boga follows the RFL funded buy-out of the remaining five inland access licences in 2002, which effectively brought an end to commercial fishing in inland waters for all species other than eels and the ‘noxious’ carp.

To complement the Murray cod release, 5,000 golden perch fingerlings have also been released into Lake Boga this season. Lakes Charm, Kangaroo and Reedy have also be stocked again this year with both Murray cod and golden perch. Kow Swamp has received more golden perch too.

Anglers are encouraged to report the capture of these tagged cod to help determine the success of the stocking trials. Noting the date, location of capture, tag number and fish length, anglers should ring the phone number on the tag.

For more information contact the Customer Service Centre – ph 136 186.

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 of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. F i s h e r i e s V i c t o r i a FFiisshh--FFaaxx 'A fortnightly round-up of recreational fisheries management issues.' Issue 118, 29 April 2004 www.dpi.vic.gov.au ISSN 1443-0606

Bream Stocking in the

On 7th April, the Minister responsible for Fisheries, Bob Cameron, released the first of 20,000 black bream into the Gippsland Lakes.

The release of 7,000 fingerlings into the Nicholson River, near where it flows into Lake King, and another 7,000 fingerlings into Tom’s Creek, a western tributary of , was the start of a new trial of the benefits of black bream stocking in the Gippsland Lakes system. The remaining 6,000 black bream fingerlings are likely to be released in May.

The trial is the first step in a long-term program to ensure sustainable supplies of bream for both recreational and commercial fishers well into the future.

A stock assessment workshop held by Primary Industries Research Victoria (PIRVic) last year was told habitat and environment factors, including drought, had contributed to low numbers of bream in the Gippsland Lakes.

Research and anecdotal evidence suggests that during the past year black bream numbers in the Gippsland Lakes dropped to their lowest level in 30 years.

Stakeholders agreed to interim measures put in place last year to provide immediate protection for bream stocks. These included reduced bag limits for recreational fishers, and commercial operators setting their nets further away from the mouths of rivers and creeks during the remainder of the 2003/04 bream spawning season. An increase in the legal minimum size for Gippsland Lakes bream (from 26cm to 28 cm) was also introduced and continues to apply until next December.

The impact of these measures on bream catches in the Gippsland Lakes is being monitored, and more consultation will take place this year to determine the long-term management needs for the fishery.

Fish-Fax Distribution Targets Angling Clubs

In March 2004 Fisheries Victoria sent a questionnaire to 460 angling clubs across Victoria seeking their interests in subscribing to Fish-Fax. The response to date has been very positive.

Other interested clubs, organisation or individuals wishing to receive Fish-Fax should contact Fisheries Victoria by email [email protected] or by telephone on 03 9412 5739. Fish-Fax Issue 118, 29 April 2004 Lake Kerford Fish Survey

In early April, Fisheries Officers surveyed Lake Kerford, near Beechworth, to gauge the success of a golden perch stocking trial during which Fisheries Victoria has released 17,000 fingerlings since 2001.

The overnight survey captured 15 golden perch: • Ranging in weight from 208 to 737 grams with a mean weight of 397 grams, • Ranging in length from 25 to 37cm with a mean weight of 305 grams, • 7 of which had reached the legal minimum length of 30cm.

It appears that golden perch from stockings in 2001, 2002 and 2003 were captured in the survey indicating that habitat conditions for golden perch juveniles are favourable in Lake Kerford. Not surprisingly, juvenile golden perch fingerlings released in 2004 were absent from the catch because they are still too small to be captured in the nets.

Bank anglers are encouraged to take advantage of this new fishery but are reminded that the bag limit of 10 golden perch per person per day, and a legal minimum length of 30cm, will be strictly enforced by Fisheries Officers.

Inland Fish Habitat Protection Extended

Fisheries Victoria has extended a ban on the collection of firewood from drought-affected lakes to provide long-term protection of fish habitats.

The 12-month extension prohibits the removal, destruction or damage of timber in 21 drought affected impoundments that are experiencing low water levels.

This ban will help to ensure standing and fallen timber below the high water mark remains undisturbed and available for native fish species, such as Murray cod and golden perch, when water levels recover.

The maximum fine for collecting wood from dry lake beds is $2,000.

The ban will extend from Friday 26 March 2004 to Friday 25 March 2005 in the following lakes and impoundments:

Lake Eildon Bellfield Reservoir Waranga Basin Lake Eppalock Green Lake Lake Fyans Tullaroop Reservoir Lake Mokoan Lake Lonsdale Toolondo Reservoir Lake Hume Dock Lake Pine Lake Taylors Lake Booroopki Swamp Jil Jil Lake Laanecoorie Reservoir Lake Glenmaggie

During this period the government will seek to effect regulatory changes to provide permanent protection of such habitats in all water storages. For more information contact the Customer Service Centre – ph 136 186.

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 of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. F i s h e r i e s V i c t o r i a FFiisshh--FFaaxx 'A fortnightly round-up of recreational fisheries management issues.' Issue 119, 13 May 2004 www.dpi.vic.gov.au ISSN 1443-0606 13FISH Offence Reporting Hotline

In the Government’s 2002 election plan, their Getting Tougher on Fisheries Offences statement included the allocation of $1.05 million over 4 years to establish a hotline for the reporting of suspected illegal fishing activities. 13FISH is a statewide 24/7 fisheries offence reporting line (telephone 133 474) that was launched in September 2003 and was widely advertised in fishing magazines and newspapers.

This service has been supported by regular fisheries compliance blitzes at peak fishing times and new legislation to provide: • An indictable offence of trafficking in abalone and rock lobster, • Larger fines and tougher jail sentences for offenders, • Enhanced search and arrest powers for Fisheries Officers.

In the seven months since the launch 887 calls were received by the service, with 85% of these calls coming from the Port Phillip district. Follow up by Fisheries Officers has led to the issuing of over 110 penalty infringement notices, 18 court prosecutions and over 100 intelligence reports.

When no immediate field response has been possible, the information provided has assisted in planning and implementing targeted patrols and enforcement operations.

There is clearly a strong sense of public stewardship towards our fisheries here in Victoria. Many calls come from people who have observed individuals or small groups ‘multi-tripping’ to build up larger stores of fin-fish and/or shellfish for either family consumption or on-selling.

Helpful information includes the type of activity observed, registration and description of boats and cars, descriptions of people involved, and the time, date and location of the observed activity. If you have any questions or require further information please contact Rob Jolly on (03) 5226 4694.

Clifton Creek Fish Kill in Gippsland

In late April, a large fish kill was reported in Clifton Creek, a tributary of the Mitchell River, situated a short distance west of Bairnsdale. Some 30 tonnes of dead European carp were found in a 1.5km section of the creek. Fisheries Victoria, in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) coordinated the collection of on-site information and the clean–up of dead fish.

The fish kill was limited to carp only. It is not currently known whether the recent heavy rainfall over the preceding weekend, which washed large quantities of organic material into the waterway, was related to the kill. Fish-Fax Issue 119, 13 May 2004 Victoria’s Top 10 Angling Finfish

The National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Survey (NRIFS) documented recreational fishing activity throughout Australia between May 2000 and 2001 providing the first comprehensive picture of Victoria’s recreational finfish fisheries and how they compare with other States.

Eight species comprised the bulk of Victoria’s recreational finfish harvest:- flathead (3.32 million, 597 tonnes), King George whiting (0.98 million, 215 tonnes), redfin (0.95 million, 237 tonnes), Australian salmon (0.54 million, 271 tonnes), bream (0.51 million, 203 tonnes), snapper (0.47 million, 332 tonnes), carp (0.33 million, 246 tonnes), and trout/salmon (0.35 million, 173 tonnes).

Sand flathead are the main species of flathead caught by recreational fishers in VIC along with an important component of dusky flathead. Nationally, flathead collectively were the second most commonly harvested finfish. Some 7.4 million flathead were caught and kept by fishers nationally. Most flatheads were caught in marine bays and inlets and estuaries (57% of the national catch), with a further 40% of the harvest taken from inshore coastal waters. The recreational flathead fishery is a line fishery (99% of the catch). The majority of recreational fishers (90%) catch flathead from boats.

Nationally 3.8 million King George whiting were harvested, principally from SA and VIC. Most were taken from inshore coastal waters (64% of the harvest) and from bays and inlets (26%). The other 10% of was taken from offshore coastal waters. Boat based line fishing took 91% of the harvest.

Over 1.3 million redfin were harvested nationally – most from Victoria. Most were caught on a line, with 85% from lakes and dams. Shore-based and boat-based fishing was equally important.

60% of Australian salmon were harvested from the shore by lines. Nets constitute a small component (1%) of the total national harvest of 1.7 million fish. Most Australian salmon were harvested from inshore coastal waters (76%) and from bays and inlets (22%).

The NRIFS collected information on yellowfin bream (mainly found in QLD, NSW and eastern VIC), black bream (VIC, SA, WA, TAS) and several tropical species. Retained bream catches were largest in NSW (2.1 million) and QLD (1.7 million), followed by VIC (0.51 million), WA (0.42 million) and SA (0.08 million). 99% of bream were taken on lines, half from the shore and half from boats. 55% of bream were taken from bays and inlets and 44% from inshore coastal waters.

About 1.3 million pink snapper were caught nationally, principally from VIC, NSW and QLD. Snapper were almost exclusively taken on lines from inshore coastal waters (44%), marine bays and inlets (30%) and offshore waters (26%). Boat-based fishing accounted for 95% of the snapper catch.

Carp were the dominant freshwater finfish harvested nationally, with recreational fishers taking an estimated 2.1 million carp from the nation’s rivers (81%) and lakes or dams (19%). Again almost all of the catch was taken on lines, with shore-based activities accounting for 60% of the catch.

More trout/salmon (salmonids) were taken from Victorian waters than from the waters of any other State, accounting for 43% of the national catch of salmonids. An estimated 0.8 million trout/salmon were harvested throughout Australia, mainly from lakes and dams (64%), including privately owned water-bodies like farm dams. The harvest of trout/salmon from these privately owned recreational fishing waters accounted for 5% of the total state harvest from lakes and dams. Rivers (33%) were the other major area supporting this fishery. In rivers and lakes, 62% of the salmonid harvest was shore-based. A small harvest (3%) occurred in saltwater, principally in Tasmania where fishers target sea run trout and salmon.

For more information contact the Customer Service Centre – ph 136 186.

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 of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. F i s h e r i e s V i c t o r i a FFiisshh--FFaaxx 'A fortnightly round-up of recreational fisheries management issues.' Issue 120, 27 May 2004 www.dpi.vic.gov.au ISSN 1443-0606 Greater Protection for Port Phillip Bay’s Dolphins Proposed

Port Phillip Bay's bottlenose dolphins will receive greater protection under proposed new regulations. Under the proposed regulations, the size of exclusion zones around dolphins will be increased and commercial operators will be limited in the number of approaches they can make during dolphin sightseeing and "swim tours".

People will still be able to experience dolphins close up in the water during swim tours by the operators and privately. Dolphins often approach very close to swimmers in the water but it is important to minimise the impact of motorised vessels.

The Ticonderoga Bay Sanctuary, a refuge for dolphins north-west of Portsea, near Point Nepean, could also be extended under the proposals. This area is important as it is recognised as a rest area for the dolphins.

The proposed changes were in response to research showing that Port Phillip Bay's dolphins are vulnerable to extinction and that human interference with the population – which stands at around 80 – is on the rise.

Dolphins share their habitat with a large number of vessels – from high and low speed recreational boats and commercial ships, through to passenger ferries and tour operations. Due to their frequent interaction and proximity to the dolphins, swim-tour boats can potentially have a significant impact. Limiting the number of approaches these boats can make is therefore critical if we are to reduce the risk of stress, injury or worse.

It is proposed that within the Ticonderoga Bay Sanctuary, the minimum required distance between motorised boats (which includes swim tour, commercial sightseeing and private boats) and dolphins be doubled to 200 metres.

Research carried out by the Cooperative Research Centre for Sustainable Tourism has shown that increasing levels of interaction by swim tour boats – and, to a lesser extent, recreational vessels – have led to increases in "avoidance behaviour" by dolphins. This behaviour is indicative of disturbance and stress.

According to the same research, boat activity close to the dolphins could lead to a reduction in the Bay's breeding population – a potential threat to their survival.

The public has the opportunity to comment on the proposed new regulations. For more information on the proposed new regulations visit www.dse.vic.gov.au Fish-Fax Issue 120, 27 May 2004 Gippsland Bream Stocking Completed

On 17th May, Fisheries Officers released 7,000 black bream fingerlings into the lower reaches of the , a short distance upstream of its junction with the Avon River.

These bream complement the release of 14,000 black bream fingerlings released into the Gippsland Lakes system (Nicholson River and Tom’s Creek) last month as outlined in Fish Fax 118. Fisheries Enforcement News

In April, a man from Flinders was fined $3,500 for abalone poaching. He was one of 3 men caught taking 36 green-lipped abalone and 5 other abalone at Flinders in September of last year. The court heard that the man had 10 green-lipped abalone hidden on his person when intercepted by Fisheries Officers at Flinders Pier. The other men, one from Balnarring and the other from Rosebud South were each fined $5,000 with conviction.

Three people from St. Albans were fined $200 each and had all seized equipment forfeited for taking fish from a Marine National Park. The offences were committed near in June of last year.

In January, a person from Beverford, near Swan Hill, was fined $1,000 for hatching/breeding fish for sale without authority, possessing fish taken illegally, possessing under size fish and possessing berried female freshwater crayfish. The offences were committed at Beverford in July 2003.

A person from Belmont, near Geelong, was convicted and fined $2,500 and had all seized equipment forfeited, for using commercial fishing equipment without authority, using/possessing commercial abalone equipment, taking/possessing under size fish. The offences were committed near Sugarloaf Hill in May 2003. Victorian Water Level Update

For the week ending 17th May, 2004:

Batyo Catyo 0% Bellfield 21% Blue Rock 69% Buffalo Lake 40% Cairn Curran 4% Dartmouth 47% Dock 0% Eildon Lake 18% Eppalock 5% Fyans Lake 23% Glenmaggie 17% Greens 27% Hepburn 5% Hume 7% Kangaroo 80% Laanecoorie 34% Lauriston 61% Lonsdale 0% Malmsbury 12% Mokoan 22% Mulwala 95% Newlyn 16% Nillahcootie 70% Pine 0% Pykes Creek 9% Reedy /Middle 89% Rocklands 3% Taylors 47% Toolondo 0% Tullaroop 10% Upper Coliban 3% Waranga 26% Wartook 68% William Hovell 27%

For more information contact the Customer Service Centre – ph 136 186.

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 of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. F i s h e r i e s V i c t o r i a FFiisshh--FFaaxx 'A fortnightly round-up of recreational fisheries management issues.' Issue 121, 10 June 2004 www.dpi.vic.gov.au ISSN 1443-0606 Fish Stocking Continues Despite Drought

The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has recently completed the native fish stocking season, releasing more than 2,000kg of golden perch, Murray cod, Australian bass and silver perch into 36 rivers and lakes throughout the State.

By way of comparison, the Department released more than 43,000kg trout and salmon in 2003 to improve recreational fishing opportunities for salmonid anglers.

The release of 620,725 golden perch was the largest ever number of this species in a single season. Despite drought conditions, water levels remained high enough to stock large numbers of golden perch into two of Victoria's largest water storages, Lakes Eildon and Hume.

Lake Eildon received 155,000 golden perch and Lake Hume 149,700 with 149,000 also released into the Loddon, Avoca, Campaspe, Broken and the Wimmera Rivers. Some 35,000 golden perch have also to date been released into Lake Nillahcootie, Lake Buffalo and Lake Kerford.

The Recreational Fishing Licence (RFL) Trust Account funded the purchase of more than 35,000 golden perch fingerlings, stocked into five lakes around Kerang and Swan Hill where inland commercial fishing licences were bought back in 2002, using funds from the same Trust Account. The remaining 97,025 golden perch were stocked into 15 lakes and rivers throughout the State.

The acting Executive Director of Fisheries Victoria, Paul Mainey, said drought conditions continue to adversely affect Victoria’s inland fisheries and stocking programs. “Several native fish stockings were cancelled because of very low water levels in lakes, particularly in the Wimmera and around Bendigo, but native fish were re-allocated to other waters where possible.”

In April, DPI began its trout and salmon stocking program for this year, following regional consultation with the Victorian Recreational Fishing peak body (VRFish) in February. Lake Bullen Merri has just been stocked with Chinook salmon and Atlantic salmon. Of particular interest is the increased supply of Chinook salmon stemming from improved production facilities at Snobs Creek.

Trout stocking has commenced at Lake Banimboola, Colbrook Reservoir, Beaufort Lake, Cartcarrong Lake, Blue Rock Reservoir, Hamilton Lake, Konongwootong Reservoir, Eildon pondage, Gillear Lake, Aringa Reservoir and Wartook Reservoir. More than 70 other waters will be stocked with salmonids this year including , , Macalister River, Lake Modewarre, Wurdi Boluc Reservoir, Mount Beauty pondage, Bostock Reservoir, , Rocklands Reservoir, Lake Hume, and the West Barwon . Fish-Fax Issue 121, 10 June 2004 Fish Stocking Continues Despite Drought (cont.)

The stocking of several other drought-affected waters that are high profile trout fisheries, such as Cairn Curran Reservoir, Upper Coliban Reservoir, Lake Murdeduke, Malmsbury Reservoir and , will depend on winter and spring rainfall to improve low water levels.

Bushfire affected trout fisheries will also be considered for stocking soon following field surveys and the development of a summary report that is nearing completion. Fisheries managers anticipate making stocking decisions for those worst affected waters over the coming months with any necessary trout stocking likely to occur before the end of this calendar year. A 2nd year of field surveys is planned to monitor any stocked fish and the natural recovery of wild trout populations.

Detailed summaries of all native fish and trout stockings are available on the DPI website – www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing

Fishcare Bream Tagging Program in the Hopkins River

In late May, 13 Warrnambool Fishcare Volunteers and 18 members of the Warrnambool Angling Club conducted the 3rd annual ‘catch, tag and release’ bream competition in the Hopkins River estuary at Warrnambool.

Despite poor weather, 54 bream and 2 estuary perch were tagged and released in good condition.

The largest bream weighed 1.25 kilograms and measured 43cm, with a number of other bream caught in this size class. The total weight of all fish caught and released was 18.9 kilograms and a competition shield was awarded to the Warrnambool Angling Club for their participation over several years.

The Warrnambool Fishcare Bream tagging program has been running for seven years and over 1,800 bream have been tagged and released with enthusiastic community support. Approximately 1% of these bream have been recaptured and reported to date. Of interest, most bream have been recaptured within 3km of where they were tagged and one bream measuring 27cm when it was tagged and released, grew only 3cm over 1,107 days.

If you catch a tagged bream in the Hopkins River estuary, make sure to note the tag number, date, length, weight and location and report these details to [email protected].

Fishcare has also just released a 50cm long ‘catch and release’ weather resistant bream ruler that allows anglers fishing in south west estuaries to measure their bream and gain an estimated weight, thus facilitating the release of unwanted or undersize bream quickly and with minimum injury.

The rulers have been produced as a sticker and can be adhered to the side of boats or large tackle boxes as a handy tool for regular bream fishers. The ruler’s length and weight information is based on tag and release bream data collected by volunteers.

The stickers are available in limited numbers from the Warrnambool DPI office.

For more information contact the Customer Service Centre – ph 136 186.

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 of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. F i s h e r i e s V i c t o r i a FFiisshh--FFaaxx 'A fortnightly round-up of recreational fisheries management issues.' Issue 122, 24 June 2004 www.dpi.vic.gov.au ISSN 1443-0606 A Simpler Life for Hume and Mulwala Anglers On 11th June, NSW and Victoria announced an end to years of confusion over fishing regulations at two top fisheries on the State border – Lakes Hume and Mulwala.

Under a new agreement, fishing in will fall under the jurisdiction of NSW and fishing in Lake Hume will be the responsibility of Victoria.

Previously, anglers had to contend with an imaginary line in the middle of both lakes with different licences and regulations on either side of the border.

NSW Minister for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald, and the Victorian Minister, Bob Cameron, made the announcement on the edge of Lake Hume.

Mr Macdonald said anglers had raised concerns about the need for two fishing licences to comply with different laws on different sides of the lakes.

"Lakes Hume and Mulwala are the only major dams in Australia that have been managed by two States' fishing laws," Mr Macdonald said.

Mulwala is considered the premier Murray cod fishery in Australia and Hume has a mix of trout, redfin, silver and golden perch, and Murray cod. The same seasonal closures and bag, size and gear regulations now apply for the entirety of each of the Lakes.

Mr Cameron said both States would continue to use licence fees to enhance recreational fishing through stocking programs, habitat improvement, recreational research and compliance.

"This agreement is the result of an extensive 18-month consultation process with recreational fishing stakeholders," Mr Cameron said.

The new arrangements at Lake Hume and Mulwala come into effect on 1 September 2004.

NSW recreational fishing licences can be bought from more than 1100 outlets, including major bait and tackle shops, NSW Fisheries offices, more than 50 Kmart stores, selected Shell service stations, over the phone on 1300 369 365 or online at http://www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au.

Victorian recreational fishing licences are available from many Victorian Department of Primary Industries offices, more than 950 retail businesses throughout Victoria, including most retail fishing tackle stores, more than 280 Shell Touch outlets or online at http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au. Fish-Fax Issue 122, 24 June 2004 Native Fish Stocking

Wartook Native Fish Culture and Native Fish Australia recently donated 800 silver perch and 1,000 golden perch respectively to stock the Wimmera River.

Previous donations by Wartook Native Fish Culture and Native Fish Australia to this water, include silver perch and freshwater catfish in November 2003. These releases add to the Department’s ongoing stocking program of silver perch, golden perch and Murray cod in the Wimmera River.

Horsham Fisheries Officers released the silver perch and golden perch on 1st June. They complement Departmental releases into the Wimmera River last season of 22,000 golden perch, 5,000 silver perch and 5,000 Murray cod.

Wartook’s silver perch were stocked as larger yearlings this year and will reach the minimum legal length of 25cm sooner than the smaller fingerlings usually stocked by the Department.

Despite ongoing drought conditions in the Wimmera, the Department has already commenced stocking trout into Wartook Reservoir with Lake Fyans and Rocklands Reservoir to follow later this year.

Fisheries Co-Management Council Committees

The Fisheries Co-Management Council (FCC) is an expertise-based group that provides advice to the Minister responsible for Fisheries on strategic and policy issues related to the management of Victorian fisheries.

There are a number of committees that sit beneath the Council that provide more specialised advice for particular fisheries. These include: • abalone fishery committee • rock lobster fishery committee • fisheries research committee • inland fisheries committee • aquaculture committee • commercial bay and inlet fisheries committee • marine recreational fisheries committee

Council is seeking to appoint a member to: • the Research Committee with Aquaculture experience, • the Commercial Bays & Inlets Fishery Committee with Conservation experience.

People interested in applying should contact Ms Alison Cobbledick on (03) 9347 9299 or email: [email protected] for details of position duties and an Expression of Interest kit. For more information visit www.fcc.vic.gov.au

Written Expressions of Interest should be received by the FCC office, Level 6, 369 Royal Parade, Parkville Vic 3052, no later than COB Monday 12th July 2004.

For more information contact the Customer Service Centre – ph 136 186.

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 of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. F i s h e r i e s V i c t o r i a FFiisshh--FFaaxx 'A fortnightly round-up of recreational fisheries management issues.' Issue 123, 8th July 2004 www.dpi.vic.gov.au ISSN 1443-0606 Big Boost for Boating Facilities and Marine Safety

On 29th June, recreational boaters, search and rescue organisations and boating facilities received a boost with the announcement of the Government's $4.38 million 2003/04 Boating Safety and Facilities Program.

Grants under the program – which is funded by re-investing recreational boat operator licensing fees and vessel registration revenue – are being provided to boating, fishing and community groups, waterway authorities, government agencies and search and rescue organisations.

An example of a grant which directly benefit recreational fishers is the $23,246 grant to the Association of Geelong and District Angling Clubs to upgrade the boat ramp at Lake Murdeduke.

Projects funded this year of interest to anglers include: • improve navigation aids and boating signage on Western Port and Port Phillip Bays, and Lake Eildon, • widen the main boat ramp at Lake Charm and upgrade signage there and at Kangaroo Lake, • develop community harbours in Lorne, Newhaven, Patterson Lakes, Williamstown, Mornington and Lake Murdeduke near Winchelsea, • purchase improved communications, a global positioning system and other rescue equipment for the Morwell State Emergency Service, • Australian Volunteer Coast Guard would receive Warrnambool's first ever search and rescue vessel, • new boating safety signage at Lady Bay at Warrnambool, • a feasibility study to investigate the construction of a floating jetty to protect against wave surges at Warrnambool, • upgrade the Anderson Road boat ramp at Phillip Island, • replace the floating pontoon at Stony Point Jetty, • upgrade the floating jetty, • Port Fairy Yacht Club to receive an inflatable rescue boat and motor, • rebuild the Port Fairy boat ramp.

For further information, including the full list of successful applicants, call Marine Safety Victoria on 1800 337 222 or visit http://www.marinesafety.vic.gov.au. Fish-Fax Issue 123, 8 July 2004

Government Announces ‘Our Water Our Future’

Healthy rivers are the lifeblood of Victoria and underpin the environment, our communities and economy. Today one third of Victoria’s major streams and two thirds of are in poor or very poor condition.

To address this, the Minister for Water, John Thwaites recently announced that the Bracks Government intends to invest $100 million over four years to protect and repair Victoria’s ailing rivers and water sources. The Victorian initiative Our Water Our Future will deliver healthy rivers, improved water infrastructure, smarter water pricing and support for farmers, businesses and households.

Further information detailing Our Water Our Future initiatives and its benefits to fishing will be included over the next few issues of Fish-Fax.

However, if you would like more information visit www.dse.vic.gov.au/waterfuture or contact the Customer Service Centre – ph 136 186 for any other inquires.

Enforcement Outcomes

Two Coburg residents were fined $650 each for possessing more than the catch limit. The offences were committed at the Lorne Pier.

A St Kilda person was placed on a good behaviour bond and ordered to pay $150 court costs for using and possessing commercial fishing equipment at Lake Charm near Kerang.

Two people from Springvale and a person from Noble Park were convicted and fined $1,500 each for using and possessing commercial equipment and possessing undersized fish. All seized gear was forfeited. The offences were committed at Carrum Beach near Frankston.

A person form Stawell was fined $700 with all seized gear subsequently forfeited for possessing and using yabby pots in the public waters of Lake Lonsdale in December 2003.

A person from Avondale Heights was fined $250 for exceeding the bag limit for squid at St. Leonards, near Geelong.

A person from Point Lonsdale was fined $200 for using commercial equipment and possessing undersize rocklobster at Queenscliff near Geelong.

For more information contact the Customer Service Centre – ph 136 186.

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 of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. F i s h e r i e s V i c t o r i a FFiisshh--FFaaxx 'A fortnightly round-up of recreational fisheries management issues.' Issue 124, 22 July 2004 www.dpi.vic.gov.au ISSN 1443-0606

Fisheries Survey Confirms Big Trout on Offer at Lake Fyans

Despite drought conditions in the Wimmera, a recent fisheries survey of Lake Fyans confirms that brown trout to 2.4kg and redfin to 500 grams are available to anglers right now.

In July, Fisheries Officers from Horsham surveyed the lake to evaluate a stocking trial in which the performance of trout stocked as fingerlings could be compared to that of trout stocked as yearlings.

In each of 2002 and 2003, Lake Fyans was stocked with a mixture of yearlings (weighing about 100 grams each at the time of release) and fingerlings (weighing around 5 grams each). The yearlings were fin-clipped to differentiate them from unmarked fingerlings.

The July survey captured:

Species Number Weight range (g) Average weight (g) % Fin-clipped Brown trout 32 160 - 2420 1501 81 Rainbow trout 30 780 - 1740 1128 100 Redfin 8 120 - 500 367 - Tench 1 720 - -

The results suggest that: • 100% of the rainbow trout captured in the survey were fin-clipped indicating that they were all stocked as yearling fish, • All but one rainbow trout caught in the survey were stocked in 2003 indicating that, similar to the rainbow trout fishery at Lake Wendouree, stocked yearlings provide mostly short term fishing opportunities and rarely live to three years of age. • The majority of brown trout (81%) were fin-clipped indicating that they were stocked as yearlings, • Brown trout yearlings stocked in 2003 had reached weights of between 620 and 960 grams. By way of comparison, rainbow trout yearlings stocked in the same year had reached weights of between 780 and 1740 grams, • Brown trout yearlings stocked in 2002 had reached an average weight of 1860 grams, • There are small numbers of 4-year-old brown trout, stocked in 2001 as yearlings, which have grown to a maximum of 2.4 kg.

The survey results support the Department’s current policy of stocking yearling trout, as opposed to the smaller ‘bite-size’ fingerlings, in waters where larger predatory fish, such as redfin, already exist. Fish-Fax Issue 124, 22 July 2004 Lake Mokoan to be Decommissioned

As part of ‘Our Water Our Future’, the Government has decided that the ‘man-made’ Lake Mokoan will be decommissioned to return it to its natural state, resulting in enormous environmental benefits by returning millions of litres of water to surrounding rivers.

The $60 million project will be funded from existing commitments to the Murray and Snowy Rivers.

The current lake is extremely inefficient as a water supply reservoir and loses five times as much water annually through evaporation as the Rural City of Shepparton consumes each year.

It has also suffered frequent outbreaks of toxic blue-green algae.

Decommissioning the lake and rehabilitating the Winton wetlands system will make 44 billion litres of water each year available to improve the health of the Broken, Goulburn, Snowy and Murray Rivers.

Over recent decades, anglers have regarded Lake Mokoan as a popular freshwater fishing location, particularly for golden perch.

Alternative golden perch fisheries exist in the , Lake Buffalo, Lake Nillahcootie, Lake Kerford, and the much larger Eildon and Hume reservoirs.

In many of these waters, stocking programs have been accelerated to provide enhanced fishing opportunities for golden perch and other species. Since 2000, • 88,000 golden perch have been released into the Broken River, • 50,000 golden perch into Lake Buffalo, • 35,000 golden perch into Lake Nillahcootie, • 17,000 golden perch into Lake Kerford, and • 450,000 golden perch and 240,000 Murray cod into Lake Eildon, and • 600,000 golden perch, 159,000 silver perch and 150,000 Murray cod into Hume Reservoir.

Last summer, anglers reported the capture of legal-sized golden perch ranging from 0.5-4kg in many of these waters.

Lake Mokoan's fishery will remain for several years before decommissioning and draw down of the lake is complete. During this period, options for the management of any fish remaining in the lake will be developed in consultation with the community.

The Government will work with the local community to implement plans for the recovered land and to rehabilitate the Winton wetlands. Fisheries Victoria will continue to work with anglers to enhance other fishing opportunities within the region.

For more information about Lake Mokoan’s decommissioning refer to ‘Fact Sheets’ available from www.dse.vic.gov.au or contact Customer Service Centre – ph 136 186.

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 of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. F i s h e r i e s V i c t o r i a FFiisshh--FFaaxx 'A fortnightly round-up of recreational fisheries management issues.' Issue 125, 5 August 2004 www.dpi.vic.gov.au ISSN 1443-0606 Lilydale Lake Trout Stocking Success

Last month, 88 participants from ‘Scope’, formerly known as The Spastic Society, enjoyed a highly successful ‘special needs’ fishing day at Lilydale Lake on the outskirts of Melbourne.

Port Phillip Fisheries Officers in conjunction with volunteers from the Yarra Valley Fly Fishers and the Shire of Yarra Ranges provided fishing tuition, ensuring that all participants learnt some new skills and had a good chance of catching a fish.

A customised containment net set into a small part of the lake ensured that all of the 1,000 stocked rainbow trout yearlings, averaging nearly 300 grams each, stayed within easy casting reach of shore based anglers, thus maximising their chances of success.

To take full advantage of the stocked fish, a ‘Kids Fishing Day’ was held the following day at the lake with approximately 250 junior anglers from the general public fishing over the 7 hour event. Several hundred trout were caught throughout the day, many of which were subsequently returned to the lake.

The stocked trout were released from the containment net once both of the events were finished and are now swimming freely in the lake.

Cowes Fisheries Officer David Cass said “the two days fishing were a tremendous success with many junior anglers catching their first fish under the guidance of experienced volunteer anglers.

“I am sure that many of these junior anglers will return to the lake to ‘try their luck’ when the lake is stocked with a further 1,000 rainbow trout yearlings later this year.”

Enforcement Outcomes

Two Sydney residents were fined $ 3,000 and $ 2,000 for possessing more than twice the bag limit of abalone and for possessing undersize abalone. The offences were committed near Cann River.

Two residents from Blackburn North were convicted and fined $ 300 each and ordered to pay court costs for possessing more than twice the catch limit. All seized gear was forfeited. The offences were committed at Portarlington.

A person from Keilor Downs was fined $ 300 for taking fish in a Marine National Park at Point Lonsdale. Fish-Fax Issue 125, 5 August 2004 Recreational Boating Facilities Plan for Port Phillip and Western Port

Boating infrastructure projects in Port Phillip and Western Port will be streamlined under a new Boating Coastal Action Plan (CAP) to be developed by the Central Coastal Board.

The Boating CAP will detail the condition of existing facilities in Port Philip, Western Port and adjacent waters and, where appropriate, recommend additional infrastructure and refurbishment. The plan will be developed using funding from Marine Safety Victoria ($ 61,600) and Central Coastal Board ($ 67,400).

Marine Safety Victoria funding has been provided under the Boating Safety and Facilities Program, under which the Bracks Government provides grants to boost boating safety education and training, purchase search and rescue vessels and equipment, navigation aids and boating safety signage, and upgrade and construct boat ramps and jetties.

Cr Liz Johnstone, Chair of the Central Coastal Board, said the Boating CAP would apply to the entire Central Coastal Region, from Breamlea to Inverloch, and include both bays. Representatives from VRFish and the Fisheries Co-Management Council are on the technical reference group supporting the development of the plan.

Community members are encouraged to get involved and provide their feedback and expertise on this important issue at a series of public workshops scheduled around the Bays in August. For further information about the Boating Coastal Action Plan visit www.ccb.vic.gov.au

$ 1 Million Boost Wimmera River Environmental Flows

In July, the Premier Steve Bracks announced that infrastructure on the Wimmera River will be upgraded to improve environmental flows under a $1 million project.

Modifications to weirs at Horsham, Dimboola and Jeparit will give water managers greater control over the amount of water that can be released. 'Fish ladders', which allow fish to swim over weirs, and monitoring equipment to measure flows, will be installed as part of the project, to be managed by Wimmera Catchment Management Authority.

The project has been funded as part of a $ 100 million, 4-year commitment to improve the health of Victoria's rivers and aquifers.

Technical studies and community consultation over the next few months will help determine exactly how the project will proceed although $ 200,000 will be provided immediately to the Wimmera CMA for the initial design phase. The CMA, together with Horsham City Council, Hindmarsh Shire, and the Grampians Wimmera Water Authority, has already begun preliminary work on the project.

This project will upgrade current weir functions to increase the effectiveness of infrastructure while ensuring weir pools continue to be available for fishing, water skiing and other amenities that are so important to the local and surrounding communities.

For more information contact the Customer Service Centre – ph 136 186.

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 of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. F i s h e r i e s V i c t o r i a FFiisshh--FFaaxx 'A fortnightly round-up of recreational fisheries management issues.' Issue 126, 19 August 2004 www.dpi.vic.gov.au ISSN 1443-0606 Fishing Licences Fund 40 Projects Worth $1 Million

Almost $1 million from recreational fishing licence fees will be used to fund dozens of projects to enhance recreational fishing throughout Victoria, the Minister responsible for Fisheries, Bob Cameron, announced last Friday.

The projects, worth a total of $984,017, ranged from $150 for road signs at Gunbower Creek up to $140,000 to establish fishing access points along sections of the Goulburn River.

The government will allocate $375,000 to improve facilities and access for recreational anglers, $290,000 for recreational fisheries research projects and $35,000 for education, information and training projects.

Mr Cameron said $1 million had also been allocated to fund the buy out of commercial fishing licences in Lake Tyers and Mallacoota Inlet, to make those areas recreational only fishing zones.

Almost $300,000 worth of projects, funded last year, will continue during 2004/05.

The new major projects to be funded from Recreational Fishing Licence revenue include: • $140,000 to improve access for recreational anglers along the Goulburn River between the Eildon/Thornton back road and the Goulburn Valley Highway; • $100,000 for in-stream fish habitat along the Tambo, Mitchell, Snowy and Nicholson Rivers, as well as the North Arm and Frenchman's Creek, Lakes Entrance to improve opportunities for recreational anglers; • $75,000 to assess the effectiveness of the Lake Bullen Merri aerator, and methods to improve the aerator system; • $60,000 to replace an existing boardwalk and four fishing platforms at the south bank of the Tarwin River, and • $56,000 to resume the Statewide Angler Diary Program for one year only.

Fish stocking is also a vital part of the annual Recreational Fishing Grant Program with more than $85,000 to be allocated to six projects this year.

This complements DPI’s fish stocking program that releases more than 1 million fish a year to improve recreational fishing opportunities for anglers.

Full details of the grants will be available in the free Recreational Fishing Guide, due for release in September and on DPI’s website at www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing. Fish-Fax Issue 126, 19 August 2004 Extension to Rock Lobster Season

The open season for the taking of male rock lobsters is to be extended to include an additional two weeks in September. Regulations are being made to allow male rock lobster to be taken up to and including the 15th of September in any year.

This change will be reflected in the 2004/2005 Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide due for release in September.

31 Year Old Bream Caught from the Hopkins River

Victorian black bream are generally regarded as a slow growing estuarine species, with some individuals taking up to 9 years to reach 26cm in length. Earlier this year, a Fishcare Volunteer was surprised to discover that a large black bream caught in the Hopkins River, near Warrnambool, was 31 years of age. The bream weighed 2.05kg and measured 50cm total length.

The angler removed the otoliths (ear bones) from the bream’s head and sent them to the Central Ageing Facility at PIRVic Marine and Freshwater Systems Queenscliff. In the laboratory, the otolith was then thinly sectioned and annual growth rings were counted to determine the age of the fish. Based on this, the bream was probably born in the spring or early summer of 1972/73 and was most likely a year older than the angler who caught it!

For more information about black bream, check out the ‘Did you know?’ Fisheries Notes on the DPI website – www.dpi.vic.gov.au - or check out photographs of the 50cm bream, and its otolith, on the Fishcare Victoria website - www.fishcare.org.au.

Enforcement Outcomes

A person from Little River and a person from Broadmeadows were both convicted and fined $400 for not having a recreational fishing licence and providing false information to a Fisheries Officer. The offences were committed near Portarlington.

Two people from Altona North were convicted and fined $200 each and had all seized equipment forfeited, for taking fish from a Marine National Park. The offences were committed in Port Phillip Bay.

A person from St. Albans was fined $100 and had all seized equipment forfeited for possessing commercial fishing equipment (mesh net) without authorisation. The offence was committed at Lake Eppalock.

A person from Flinders and a person from Balnarring were convicted and fined $5,000 and $3,500 respectively for possessing more than twice the abalone bag limit, using commercial fishing equipment to take more than twice the abalone bag limit, taking undersize fish and shucking abalone under water. All seized equipment was forfeited.

For more information contact the Customer Service Centre – ph 136 186.

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 of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. F i s h e r i e s V i c t o r i a FFiisshh--FFaaxx 'A fortnightly round-up of recreational fisheries management issues.' Issue 127, 2 September 2004 www.dpi.vic.gov.au ISSN 1443-0606

Dartmouth Macquarie Perch and Glenelg Spiny Crayfish Regulation Changes

In August, revised fishing regulations for Macquarie perch and Glenelg spiny crayfish were introduced to ensure their sustainable harvest by recreational anglers.

Recent research suggests Lake Dartmouth’s Macquarie perch population has declined significantly so Fisheries Victoria and the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) have introduced measures to conserve stocks.

The bag limit for Macquarie perch in Lake Dartmouth has been reduced from 2 to 1 and the minimum size has been increased from 30 centimetres to 35 centimetres. The existing closed season for Macquarie perch will remain in place from October to December each year and catch limits for the two other Victorian waters where they can be taken by anglers, the Upper Coliban Reservoir and the Yarra River, will remain unchanged.

At the same time regulations have been changed to protect stocks of the Glenelg spiny crayfish. This species has declined over the last 30 years because they are slow growing and unable to recover from stock depletion quickly. Although it is a small, isolated population centred in the Glenelg catchment, regulations allow a limited recreational harvest of the Glenelg spiny crayfish during a prescribed season, subject to strict bag and size limits and fishing gear restrictions.

However their recent listing as a threatened species has prompted a further reduction in the daily bag limit, from five to one. The existing ban on the take of berried (egg carrying) female crays has been extended to include all female Glenelg crayfish, whether or not they are in berry. The current minimum carapace length at 10 centimetres for Glenelg spiny crayfish will remain unchanged.

2004/2005 Boating Safety & Facilities Program

The Boating Safety and Facilities Program is now open for grant based applications.

This year the program will deliver $4.73 million towards recreational boating programs and facilities throughout Victoria.

All boating, fishing and community groups, search and rescue organisations, local waterway authorities, government agencies and committees of management are invited to apply for funding.

Funding applications must be submitted to Marine Safety Victoria (MSV) by 8th October 2004. For more information contact MSV’s Customer Service Centre on 1800 337 222. Fish-Fax Issue 127, 2 September 2004 Proposed Changes to Recreational Abalone Fishing Regulations – Have Your Say!

On 27 August 2004 the Minister for Agriculture, Bob Cameron, released a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) containing a number of proposals to amend recreational abalone fishing regulations.

These regulatory changes are intended to provide greater protection to abalone stocks on inshore reefs in central Victorian waters, and to fully protect depleted greenlip abalone stocks in Port Phillip Bay. There is also a need to address several management issues for the recreational abalone fishery, including removal of existing regulations that have not been effective in curbing illegal abalone fishing and/or have disadvantaged legitimate recreational abalone fishers.

Copies of the RIS and the Proposed Regulations may be obtained from the DPI Information Centre in East Melbourne 3002, by telephoning 136186 or via http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing

Public comments are invited on the RIS and accompanying Proposed Regulations. All comments must be in writing and sent to Greg Hayes, Manager Recreational Fisheries, Fisheries Victoria, GPO Box 4440, Melbourne 3001 by no later than 5.00pm, 27th October 2004.

River Murray Fishways In August, the Australian Minister for the Environment, the Hon. Ian Campbell officially opened recently completed fishways and navigable passes at Locks 7 and 8 on the River Murray.

The $6.6 million works have been undertaken through the Murray Darling Basin Commission with financial contributions from the Australian Government and the States of NSW, Victoria and .

The fishway project was funded through the ‘Living Murray’ initiative and is a tangible example that the recently released Native Fish Strategy is not just a piece of policy, but a guiding document for investment by the governments of the Basin to improve native fish numbers. Catchment Management Improvements

In June, Water Minister John Thwaites announced $600,000 in funding to improve the health of the Loddon River and surrounding water systems as part of the Government’s water strategy, “Our Water Our Future” outlined in Fish-Fax Issue 123.

The funds will be provided to the North Central Catchment Management Authority to work in partnership with landholders to restore the health of the Loddon River by: • fencing 56km of river frontage, • installing 14 off-stream stock watering systems, • revegetating 42ha of streambanks, • improving the link between the river and its floodplain as part of implementing priority components of the Serpentine to Boort Flood Plain Management Plan.

Improving the health of the Loddon River also contributes to a healthy River Murray, and the many important wetlands along its floodplains and is advancing the objective of DPI's Bendigo Region Fisheries Management Plan to improve fish habitat at key locations in the region.

For more information contact the Customer Service Centre – ph 136 186.

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 of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. F i s h e r i e s V i c t o r i a FFiisshh--FFaaxx 'A fortnightly round-up of recreational fisheries management issues.' Issue 128, 16 September 2004 www.dpi.vic.gov.au ISSN 1443-0606 Trout Stocking Marks Adoption of Lake Hume by Victoria

To celebrate Victoria’s adoption of Lake Hume on 1 September, the Minister responsible for fisheries, Bob Cameron, released the first of 50,000 brown trout into Lake Hume near Wodonga.

A further 50,000 brown trout will be released in each of the next two years, partly funded from the Recreational Fishing Licence (RFL) Trust Fund.

Stocking of golden perch will also continue given the success of this species in this water.

After years of cross border confusion, due to boundaries being submerged under the lakes, anglers at Lake Hume and Lake Mulwala now have certainty about fishing regulations and boundaries.

From September 1 2004, unless exempt, those fishing Lake Hume will need only a Victorian recreational fishing licence (RFL), while those fishing Lake Mulwala will require only a NSW RFL.

There is no change to the requirement to hold a NSW RFL when fishing all other sections of the .

NSW fishing regulations will apply to all of Lake Mulwala and Victorian fishing regulations will apply to all parts of Lake Hume. The upstream boundary of Lake Hume will be the junction of the Murray River and Seven Mile Creek Junction at Talmalmo.

To learn more about the Lake Hume fishery, a 3-year study co-funded by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and the RFL Trust Fund, will commence later this year. The study will answer the following key questions:

• What fish species are in Lake Hume? • How healthy are these populations? • Who catches what, where, when and how? • Where do anglers come from and how much do they spend on their visit? • What contribution does fish stocking make to anglers’ catches? • How satisfied are anglers with their fishing experience?

Fisheries managers will use this information to maintain, and where possible, further improve recreational fishing opportunities in Lake Hume.

More information, including a brochure on the Lake Hume/Mulwala changes, can be obtained from the Victorian DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or NSW DPI on 1300 550 474. Fish-Fax Issue 128, 16 September 2004 Record Small Waters Trout Stocking

This year more rainbow trout than ever before have been released in selected lakes and ponds in order to encourage fishing amongst junior and disabled anglers. The school holiday stockings in June and September, combined with those being released in selected waters for Fishing Week activities in October, total 23,500 trout compared with 21,500 released last year.

With the 3rd term school holidays beginning tomorrow, 30 lakes and ponds across Victoria have been stocked with rainbow trout. These waters have been selected because they are close to urban centres or regional towns and can be accessed by local children on foot or bicycle. The lakes also provide easy access for anglers with fishing platforms, bankside track, and a safe environment.

The number of fish released into each lake varies depending upon the size of the water and the quality of access - in most cases it ranges between 200 and 400 trout. Rainbow trout are relatively easy to catch and are readily available from hatcheries at a size suitable for immediate capture.

The following waters have been stocked for the 3rd school holiday break:

Alexandra Lake (Ararat) Marysville Lake Arboretum Dam (Euroa) Morwell Lake Berwick Springs Estate Lake Nhill Lake Cato Lake (Stawell) Old Dunkeld Arboretum Caulfield Racecourse Lake Police Paddock Dam (Horsham) Emerald Lake Rable Park Lake (Murtoa) Ess (Casterton) Rowville Lakes (Sutton and Hill Lakes) Golf Course Dam (Longwood) Roxburgh Park Lakes Heyfield Racecourse Lake Sambell Lake (Beechworth) Hyland Lake (Churchill) Seagull Lake (Geelong) Jack Emmett Lagoon (Rupanyup) Tea Tree Lake (Mortlake) Jack Roper Reserve Lake (Campbellfield) Tom Thumb Lake (Eaglehawk) Jubilee Lake (Daylesford) Victoria Lakes (Ballarat) Jubilee Lake (Skipton) Westlake Reserve (Melton) Kennington Reservoir (Strathdale) Yarrambat Lake

These rainbow trout are part of a Statewide fish stocking program that releases more than 1 million fish annually to improve recreational fishing opportunities for anglers. Departmental summaries of trout and native fish stocking are available on-line via www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing.

Corangamite Catch-a-Carp Fishing Days

As part of National Water Week that aims to raise awareness of water quality and catchment issues, Corangamite Waterwatch are holding free Catch-a-Carp fishing days on the and . The Barwon River event will be held on 16 October at the Barwon Valley Fun Park. Staff will be on hand from 7.00am to receive registrations and the competition will finish at 4pm. The Lake Colac event will be held on 23 October. Registrations commence from 8.00am at the Angling Club and the competition will finish at 4pm. Bring your own fishing gear and bait. For further information please contact David Sutherland on 5226 9244 or Deirdre Murphy on 5226 9268. For more information contact the Customer Service Centre – ph 136 186.

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 of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Issue 129, 30 September 2004 ISSN 1443-0592 Recreational Fishing Guide 2004/05 Released

The latest edition of the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide 2004-2005 has been released. It provides the recreational fishing community with information about closed seasons, bag/possession limits, minimum size limits and changes to fishing regulations since the last edition, such as: • Revised fishing borders at Lake Hume and Lake Mulwala, • Increased minimum legal length for school (snapper) shark from 40 cm to 45 cm, • Removal of the minimum legal length for eels, • Increased bag/possession limit for Australian bass at Lake Bullen Merri from 2 to 5, • Decrease in the bag/possession limit for Glenelg Spiny Crayfish from 5 to 1 and a total prohibition on the take of female Glenelg Spiny Crayfish year round, • Decrease in the bag/possession limit for Macquarie perch from 2 to 1, and an increase in the minimum legal length from 30cm to 35cm at Lake Dartmouth and its tributaries.

The new Guide also details where the money from recreational fishing licence revenue was spent during 2003/04.

The Guide is available free of charge from DPI regional offices, any of the 900 recreational fishing licence outlets across the state, selected Tourism Information Centres and on-line via www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing. Jail Term for Convicted Abalone Trafficker

The first man to be charged under Victoria's tough new abalone trafficking laws has been convicted and sentenced to 15 months jail by the Geelong Magistrates Court.

The Magistrate ordered the man, 38 years old and of no fixed address, to serve 5 months jail and suspended the remaining 10 months of the sentence for two years. With time already served, the man will be released in November.

The court heard Fisheries Officers watched the man and an associate for 4 hours while they were diving for abalone off Avalon Beach in June. The officers later intercepted the two men at the Avalon boat ramp and recovered 739 abalone, worth an estimated commercial value of $10,000.

The man pleaded guilty to trafficking a commercial quantity of abalone. He was also fined $250 for giving a false address and was ordered to forfeit his diving equipment. The Magistrate also ordered the man to be prohibited from possessing any abalone for 10 years, possessing any abalone diving equipment on or within one kilometre of the sea or being on board a boat carrying commercial abalone diving equipment. Micro-chipped Native Fish Lead to Substantial Fine

In September, a fisherman caught with a haul of illegal (micro-chipped) fish fillets in his freezer, was fined a total of $1,500 in the Kerang Magistrates’ Court. The Cohuna man was found guilty of illegally taking fish, catching Murray cod during the closed season and two counts of using commercial fishing equipment without authorisation.

The fish, including golden perch and Murray cod, were implanted with microchips when discovered by fisheries officers in an illegal net in Pyramid Creek, near Kerang, in October last year. Fisheries Officers suspected the man when they found the illegally set traps in Pyramid Creek. Officers obtained a search warrant for his home after the nets were emptied.

The court heard, although the fish had been filleted, the microchips were intact and detected by a scanner during the search of his house. The court also ordered the man to pay $2,400 in costs in addition to his $1,500 fine.

The Minister Responsible for Fisheries, Bob Cameron, said “Fisheries Officers were becoming increasingly innovative in the battle against illegal fishing activity. Poaching is big threat to the sustainability of Victoria’s fisheries and has a negative impact on both the resource and recreational opportunities. We need to be smarter than the thieves we are catching and we will use whatever technology is available to us.” Subscribe On-line to Fish-e-Fax

The Department’s first issue of Fish Fax was in December 1999 and was distributed to angling clubs, associations and some recreational fishing licence sellers. Since then, its distribution has increased substantially and it has developed into Fisheries Victoria’s primary communications vehicle for recreational fishing issues informing recreational fishers about changes to regulations, fish stocking, special events, Ministerial announcements and enforcement news.

Most recently, Fish Fax has been re-formatted and undergone a minor name change to Fish-e-Fax, reflecting an ever-increasing electronic distribution via email. Individual anglers can now subscribe to Fish Fax on-line, free of charge, via http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/dpi/corporate/fish-sub.nsf/main2/ Victorian Water Level Update

For the week ending 29 September, 2004:

Batyo Catyo 0 Bellfield 16% Blue Rock 82% Buffalo Lake 63% Cairn Curran 22% Dartmouth 50% Dock 0 Eildon Lake 39% Eppalock 11% Fyans Lake 27% Glenmaggie 99% Greens 35% Hepburn 81% Hume 43% Kangaroo 98% Laanecoorie 50% Lauriston 70% Lonsdale 2% Malmsbury 21% Mokoan 35% Mulwala 96% Newlyn 91% Nillahcootie 100% Pine 0 Pykes Creek 26% Reedy /Middle 89% Rocklands 11% Taylors 73% Toolondo 0 Tullaroop 25% Upper Coliban 54% Waranga 96% Wartook 95% William Hovell 102%

Published by the Victorian Government Department of Primary Industries, 1 Spring Street, Melbourne, September 2004. For more information call the Customer Service Centre on 136 186 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 of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purpose and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Issue 130, 14 October 2004 ISSN 1443-0592

More Water, More Trout Stocking

Recent rainfall and good run-off has seen some improvement in water levels in a number of lakes and reservoirs, allowing Fisheries Victoria to undertake more trout stocking.

There’s been particularly noticeable improvement around Ballarat and north to Maryborough and Castlemaine.

Lake Wendouree’s water level has risen and boating access is once again permitted. Wendouree already received 4,000 rainbow trout yearlings in September and will receive a further 2,000 per month in each of October, November and December. Wendouree will also receive 6,000 brown trout this season, of which 3,000 are provided by Fisheries Victoria and 3,000 by the Ballarat Fish Acclimatisation Society.

Hepburn Lagoon and Newlyn Reservoir, north east of Ballarat, have both recovered significantly following early spring rain. Hepburn has been stocked with 5,000 brown trout and 5,000 rainbow trout. Newlyn has received 3,600 brown trout with a further 4,000 to come.

Further north near Newstead, Cairn Curran Reservoir and Tullaroop Reservoir have also experienced rising water levels and are now holding 22% and 27% respectively.

Cairn Curran has received 8,000 brown trout this season with further allocations possible depending on rainfall in October and November. Cairn Curran was not stocked last season because of very low water levels over summer.

Tullaroop will receive 5,000 brown trout in October to accelerate recovery following recent poor recruitment from inflowing drought affected creeks. All brown trout stocked into Tullaroop will be fin-clipped so they are distinguishable from the wild trout.

Closer to Melbourne, Lake Bostock near Ballan, has recovered from less than 5% and is now holding more than 25%. It will receive 3,000 brown trout and 2,000 rainbow trout this season.

Near Kyneton, Lauriston Reservoir, currently 70%, has been stocked with 7,500 brown trout and Malmsbury Reservoir, currently 21%, will receive 2,000 brown trout in October.

All of these trout stockings are part of a Statewide fish stocking program that releases more than 1 million fish annually to improve recreational fishing opportunities for anglers. $3,000 Fine for Illegally Fishing in the Yarra River

A man who used goldfish and European carp as bait to catch Murray cod, in the Yarra River, was convicted and fined a total of $3,000.

The 32 year old man from Briar Hill faced four charges of illegally possessing commercial fishing equipment and one of possessing a noxious species. He was fined $500 on each of the first four charges and $1,000 for possessing noxious species.

Ringwood Magistrates Court was told Fisheries officers found 3 mesh nets, a fyke net and 92 set lines, or springers, during a search of the back yard and a shed at the man’s home, north east of Melbourne, in March of last year.

DPI’s Fisheries Operations Manager, Scott Falconer, said the conviction sent a clear message about the dangers of irresponsibly releasing noxious species into Victoria’s waterways.

“Apart from the possibility of transferring diseases to native fish stocks the goldfish and carp have the potential to escape and proliferate, causing severe damage to our inland waterways,” Mr Falconer said.

Grants Available to Improve Victoria’s Recreational Fishing

Organisations with initiatives to improve recreational fishing in Victoria are being urged to apply for funding under this year's round of Recreational Fishing Grant Program.

These grants play an important role in providing Victoria's recreational fishers with improved access to waterways, better fishing facilities and increased fish stocking.

Successful grants allocated in past years have funded projects aimed at improving fish habitats, fisheries research, improving road access to popular fishing locations, fish stocking, and constructing fishing access points such as fishing platforms and board walks.

Fish stocking grant applications close on 14 January 2005. All other grant applications close on 28 February 2005.

Grant Application forms are available from the Department of Primary Industries' Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or from the DPI website at http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing and follow the link to Your licence fees at work page of the site.

VRFish Fishing Code of Conduct

In August, the Victorian Recreational Fishing peak body (VRFish) released a Fishing Code of Conduct brochure.

Funded by the Recreational Fishing Licence Trust Fund, the brochure suggests ways in which recreational anglers can minimise their impact on the environment whilst maximising their enjoyment. The brochure is available from VRFish on (03) 9412 5164.

© State of Victoria, Department of Primary Industries 2004 Reproduction is authorised – call 136 186 for conditions. 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 of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purpose and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Issue 131, 28 October 2004 ISSN 1443-0592 Snapper Poacher Fined $3,200

A Melbourne man, described by a magistrate as a predatory fisherman, has been fined a total of $3,200 after being caught with more than five times the legal daily limit of snapper.

The 59-year-old man from Windsor was intercepted by Fisheries Officers who found 53 snapper (daily limit 10) and 33 Australian salmon (daily limit 20), hidden beneath the flooring of his vessel at Black Rock last April.

He was fined $1,200 for taking and possessing the snapper, $1,000 for exceeding the limit on salmon, $500 for taking undersized fish and $500 for hindering an Authorised Officer.

The magistrate said the man’s offences were aggravated by the fact he’d hidden his catch under the flooring and that he’d offended before. The magistrate said his predatory fishing habits were a threat to Australia’s fisheries. The vessel used to catch the fish was forfeited.

Mornington’s Senior Fisheries Officer, Rod Barber, said the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) was committed to protecting the fisheries from unscrupulous thieves disguising themselves as recreational fishers.

“This result sends a clear message to the community that people seeking to profiteer from illegal fishing practices will be dealt with harshly. Port Phillip Bay is one of Victoria’s most precious recreational fisheries, but it’s under constant threat from unlicensed commercial harvesting,” Mr Barber said.

New Base to Protect Peninsula Fisheries

On 18 October, the Minister responsible for Fisheries, Bob Cameron, officially opened the new DPI office at Mornington that combines modern, functional accommodation, with space for boats and for storing seized equipment. The $800,000 complex will provide a secure, efficient and effective work place for Fisheries Officers as they continue to protect the region's fisheries.

"DPI Fisheries Officers based at Mornington have an important role in ensuring our fisheries are protected and sustainable for future generations. In particular, the Fisheries Officers are responsible for reducing illegal fishing, including lucrative abalone poaching in the central zone abalone fishery. Officers also oversee recreational fishing in Western Port and Port Phillip Bays, local rock lobster fisheries and local Marine National Parks." Mr Cameron said. Fish, Chips and Radios Lead to a National Science Award

Large pieces of wood, radio transmitters and micro-chipped black bream are the key ingredients of a research project that has won a major national award for a young Victorian scientist.

Dr Jeremy Hindell from the Department of Primary Industries research arm has taken an innovative approach to working out what factors link fish to aquatic habitat.

Understanding how fish species interact with their habitats is crucial for ecologically sustainable fisheries management.

Dr Hindell, says submerged, large, woody debris is a conspicuous fish habitat in estuarine systems around Australia providing shelter, feeding and breeding areas for valuable recreational and commercial fisheries.

“Estuaries are particularly important as nurseries for juvenile fish and as spawning locations for adults,” Dr Hindell said.

“During the past two years catchment managers have been placing artificial habitat structures in the tributaries of the Gippsland Lakes. We are trying to find out how and when juvenile and adult black bream use natural, rather than artificial woody debris.”

To do that Dr Hindell plans to implant electronic tags into juvenile and adult black bream then monitor their movements using a series a strategically placed listening stations.

“The implanted transmitters emit a unique signal that can be detected at the listening stations and when the fish swim within range their details, including identity, the time and the date, are recorded and stored automatically,” Dr Hindell said.

The findings will have applications in the use of artificial habitats in enhancing fishing productivity in estuarine systems and improve our ability to manage black bream stocks across southern Australia in a sustainable manner.

Dr Hindell’s research won him the Commonwealth Government’s Science and Innovation Award for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for 2004.

He received his award - $8,000 for the research project along with a certificate and plaque at a ceremony at the Australian Museum in Canberra.

North East Trout Enforcement

Two men, one from Narre Warren in Victoria and the other from St Mary's in NSW were recently fined $400 each in the Wodonga Magistrates court.

Both men pleaded guilty to taking trout during the salmonid (trout and salmon) closed season. The offences were committed in the Eight Mile Creek, a tributary of Lake Dartmouth.

For more information about Victoria salmonid fishing regulations refer to the 2005-2005 Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide or ring the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

© State of Victoria, Department of Primary Industries 2004 Reproduction is authorised – call 136 186 for conditions. 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 of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purpose and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Issue 132, 11 November 2004 ISSN 1443-0592 Trout Assessment Results from Bushfire Affected Rivers

Despite widely held fears, new research has shown that the devastating Alpine bushfires of 2003 did not have a catastrophic impact on trout fisheries in the North East and Gippsland.

Scientists from the Primary Industries Research Victoria’s (PIRVic) facility at Snobs Creek found the fires had only affected trout populations in localised areas.

Importantly the research, funded as part of the Bracks Government’s Bushfire Recovery Program, supports recent angler reports that trout fisheries in the Ovens, Mitta Mitta, Kiewa, Nariel, Timbarra, Thowgla, Dargo, Bonang and Tambo Rivers seem largely unaffected.

Most of the 29 sites surveyed in autumn 2004 had trout populations similar to those anticipated had the fires not occurred.

Surveys failed to catch trout in only six of the streams assessed as being generally suitable for trout.

The Department plans to stock the , Suggan Buggan River and the Buckland River in the next two to three weeks to accelerate the natural recovery process that seems well underway.

Recent anecdotal reports on two streams supports our expectation that trout should quickly recolonise affected streams from connected waterways where self-sustaining populations have survived.

Small numbers of brown trout were reported as being caught by anglers in the Crooked River at the opening of this year’s trout season in early September. Fly fishermen have also reported capturing brown trout of varying size from the Cudgewa Creek. The Department will continue to monitor the recovery process in affected waters this summer. This monitoring will provide guidance on the need for future stocking in these waters.

The Department’s bushfire recovery program compliments its drought recovery program for trout fisheries that was recently outlined in Fish Fax 130. High Compliance Rates amongst Port Phillip Bay Recreational Anglers

Fisheries Victoria is pleased to report a 98% compliance rate with fisheries recreational licences and catch requirements across Port Phillip Bay.

Over the recent four-day weekend/Melbourne Cup period Fisheries Victoria Officers checked: • 1,094 recreational anglers, and • 5 recreational charter vessels, and patrolled along the Marine Parks and Sanctuaries across Port Phillip Bay.

The vast majority of people who were inspected were aware of licence requirements and catch limits.

A number of Penalty Infringement Notices had to be issued to anglers who were found to be: • possessing more than three snapper equal to or greater than 50cm, • fishing without a Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence, and • possessing under-size fish.

In addition, five official warnings were issued to recreational anglers for fishing within the boundary of the Point Cook Marine Sanctuary.

These compliance activities form part the Government's continued pro-active approach to ensure a sustainable future for fishing in Port Phillip Bay.

One offence was detected as a result of a 13FISH call from a member of the public. Another call provided information to initiate a significant on-going investigation.

Members of the public who observe any apparent illegal fishing activity are reminded to call 13FISH (13 34 74) at any time of day seven days a week.

Lake Hume Poachers Caught

Last week, Wodonga fisheries officers and local Police apprehended three Melbourne men for allegedly using gill nets in Lake Hume.

The men, aged 48, 53 and 54 will be summonsed to appear in the Wodonga Court for using commercial fishing equipment without authority.

Fisheries Officers had been informed of one gill net discovered by a recreational angler.

After three days of undercover surveillance, fisheries officers located another two gill nets, halfway between Bethanga Bridge and Bowna.

The gill nets contained about ten carp and 19 golden perch, the largest of which weighed 6.8kg

The alleged offence is the first detected since Fisheries Victoria assumed sole fisheries management responsibility for Lake Hume, and NSW Fisheries for all of Lake Mulwala, in September 2004.

© State of Victoria, Department of Primary Industries 2004 Reproduction is authorised – call 136 186 for conditions. 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 of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purpose and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Issue 133, 25 November 2004 ISSN 1443-0592 Eildon Pondage Stocking & Research

In August 2004, the Minister responsible for Fisheries, Bob Cameron, announced that the Recreational Fishing Licence (RFL) Trust Fund had allocated $ 107,000 to Fisheries Victoria to stock additional trout into the Eildon pondage and undertake a 12-month creel survey.

The additional 2,000 trout will be a mixture of brown trout and rainbow trout to be released over 2 years.

Fisheries Victoria already stocks nearly 6,000 trout into the Eildon pondage every year. All of these fish are 2 and 3-year-old trout, weighing between 1 and 4 kilograms each.

The creel survey commenced in September and will ‘benchmark’ the pondage fishery by answering the following questions:

• Who catches what, where, when and how? • How long do stocked trout remain in the pondage before they are caught? • Where do anglers come from and how much do they spend on their visit to the pondage? • How satisfied are anglers with their fishing experience at the pondage?

This information will be used by fisheries managers to optimise the stocking strategy and, where possible, further improve fishing opportunities in the pondage.

All of the trout released into the pondage will be individually dart tagged to assist fisheries scientists in their investigations.

Whether or not anglers keep or release their catch of trout from the pondage, they are encouraged to report their capture to the phone number on the tag, making sure to note the: • tag number, • date of capture, and • broad location of the capture.

Tags should not be removed from trout that are released in case other anglers subsequently catch the same fish.

Anglers are reminded that the pondage has a daily bag limit of 5 trout. The pondage trout stockings are part of a Fisheries Victoria’s Statewide fish stocking program that stocks more than 1 million fish annually to improve recreational fishing opportunities for anglers. New DPI Marine Research Centre Opens at Queenscliff

Last week, the Premier, Steve Bracks, officially opened DPI’s new $ 20 million marine research centre.

Located on the shores of at Queenscliff, the new facility will accommodate 84 staff including scientists and the team operating the multi award winning Marine Discovery Centre.

What was waste land, off limits to everyone, has been returned to the community as an ‘environmentally friendly’ building in a public park, offering boardwalks and panoramic views of Swan Bay.

DPI Queenscliff has established a reputation as a world leading and award-winning research organisation, internationally recognised for knowledge of fisheries assessment, fish and shark biology and fish ageing techniques.

The science undertaken at the DPI Queenscliff is crucial to the continued sustainable use and management of the State’s aquatic resources.

The centre will also house the Victorian Marine Science Consortium - a unique collaboration between:

• DPI Queenscliff • Monash University

• Deakin University • University of Melbourne

• RMIT University • Victoria University of Technology delivering relevant and cost-effective research on Australia's south-eastern marine environments.

New Boating Safety Officers Take to the Water

Earlier this week, the Minister for Transport, Peter Batchelor, announced the appointment of six roving Boating Safety Officers to keep Victoria's coastal and inland waterways safe.

There had been 50 boating fatalities in Victoria in the last four years, with 14 of those in the last 12 months.

The officers – the first of their type – will provide recreational boaters with expert safety advice, conduct vessel and boat safety equipment checks and inspect waterway navigation aids and safety signage.

The officers will operate in three teams of two in small inflatable craft, giving them access to boaters right across the state.

The program recognises the importance of having skilled maritime staff on the water and at boat ramps, and to liaise with community groups on boating safety throughout the year.

For further information on boating safety issues visit www.marinesafety.vic.gov.au

© State of Victoria, Department of Primary Industries 2004 Reproduction is authorised – call 136 186 for conditions. 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 of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purpose and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Issue 134, 9 December 2004 ISSN 1443-0592 Season Opening for Murray Cod

Last week, the Minister responsible for Fisheries, Bob Cameron, announced the opening of the recreational fishing season for Murray cod.

“Murray cod are considered the ‘icon’ native fish of the Murray Darling basin”, Mr Cameron said.

Victoria sustains many wild populations of Murray cod, particularly in the lower reaches of northern flowing inland rivers. Where natural spawning is insufficient to support recreational fishing, Murray cod are stocked by Fisheries Victoria as part of a statewide fish stocking program that sees more than 1 million fish released annually.

Last summer, more than 325,000 Murray cod were stocked by Fisheries Victoria and angling organisations.

Unfortunately, illegal poaching of large Murray cod continues in the Murray Darling Basin.

To catch these thieves, Fisheries Officers conduct operations, some of which are coordinated with interstate Fisheries agencies given that the illegal cross border native fish trade often occurs across jurisdictions.

During the Melbourne Cup break in November, Fisheries Officers from Bendigo and Swan Hill conducted 43 random vehicle inspections over a 3-hour period on a northern Victorian highway. Unfortunately Murray cod were found in contravention of the closed season, along with some undersized golden perch, in two of the stopped vehicles.

These random inspections will continue across northern Victoria to ensure anglers are complying with the regulations.

Mr Cameron said Victoria’s hotline for reporting illegal fishing activities, 13FISH (13 3474) was proving a success and he urged anglers fishing for Murray cod to report any sightings of commercial fishing gear in northern Victorian rivers and lakes.

In Victoria there is a minimum legal length for Murray cod of 50 cm and a bag/possession limit of 2 fish per day of which only one can be longer than 75cm.

They must also be landed whole so fisheries inspectors can enforce the legal minimum and maximum length regulations. Tagged Snapper and Australian Salmon Recaptured in Port Phillip Bay

In October 2004, a commercial fisherman recaptured a tagged snapper off Altona in Port Phillip Bay measuring 66cm and weighing 3.35kg. The fish had been caught, tagged and released in December 1997 in Corio Bay by a Geelong VICTAG angler. At the time, the fish measured 29cm. The snapper had been at liberty for 2,495 days (or nearly 7 years) and had grown 37cm.

Around the same time, an Australian salmon tagged by a Warrnambool Fishcare Volunteer on Victoria’s southwest coast was recaptured in Port Phillip Bay. The fish was initially tagged and released at Killarney Beach on 19 August 2004, at which time it measured 39.5cm.

A recreational angler recaptured the fish on 21 October 2004 at Kirk’s Point in Port Phillip Bay and reported the capture to VICTAG. The fish, having been at liberty for only 63 days, had travelled approximately 400 kilometres along the coast in an easterly direction. The recaptured salmon had not grown during its short time at liberty.

Australian Salmon are a migratory species capable of travelling long distances. Most previous recaptures of Australian salmon that have been tagged and released in western Victorian waters have shown movement in a westerly direction, approximately 2,500km across the towards Western Australia. For more information see Fish Fax Issue 92.

Enforcement Outcomes

Four people from Reservoir were convicted and fined between $ 400 and $ 800 each for possessing undersize fish and more than twice the catch limit. The offences were committed near Cape Patterson. All equipment was forfeited.

A person from Belmont was convicted and fined $ 300 for not having a Recreational Fishing Licence. The offence was committed near Wongarra.

Two people from Mornington were fined $ 250 each for using commercial equipment, possessing undersize snapper and failing to return unwanted fish to the water without injury. The offences were committed near Mornington.

Victorian Water Level Update

For the week ending 6 December, 2004: Batyo Catyo 0 Bellfield Res. 13% Blue Rock 94% Buffalo Lake 100% Cairn Curran 23% Dartmouth 45% Dock Lake 0 Eildon Lake 43% Eppalock 12% Fyans Lake 33% Glenmaggie 94% Greens 70% Hepburn 80% Hume Res. 54% Kangaroo 90% Laanecoorie 58% Lauriston 68% Lonsdale 0% Malmsbury 18% Mokoan 34% Mulwala 93% Newlyn Res. 89% Nillahcootie 99% Pine Lake 0 Pykes Creek Res. 28% Reedy /Middle 99% Rocklands 13% Taylors Lake 58% Toolondo Res. 0 Tullaroop 27% Upper Coliban 65% Waranga Basin 88% Wartook 88% William Hovell 101%

© State of Victoria, Department of Primary Industries 2004 Reproduction is authorised – call 136 186 for conditions. 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 of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purpose and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Issue 135, 23 December 2004 ISSN 1443-0592 Community Support Needed to Stem Native Fish Poaching

Northern Victoria’s precious native fish stocks appear to be increasingly targeted by fish thieves after the detection and removal of more than a dozen illegal nets from a popular creek near Mildura.

Following a recent surveillance operation, Fisheries Officers from Bendigo and Swan Hill recovered fourteen mesh nets, totalling approximately 400 meters in length, and a drum net.

The illegal fishing equipment had been set along nearly 3 kilometres of creek.

All of the nets were concealed and tied off below the surface of the water.

Bendigo Senior Fisheries Officer Eain McRae said that the nets were pulled out after it became apparent that the fish thieves had abandoned the equipment.

Based on the poor condition of some of the dead fish, the nets appeared to have been in the water for several weeks without being checked.

The nets contained a large number of dead and dying bony bream, several golden perch to 1.5kg and carp. In addition, the nets had captured several tortoises, the largest of which measured more than 45cm in length.

Fisheries Officers released some of the more recently entangled golden perch that were still alive.

The discovery of these nets coincides with the recent opening of the season for the recreational taking of Murray Cod.

“The Department would like to remind the community that netting and other breaches of recreational fishing regulations adversely impact on fish stocks.”

“In turn, this can have a negative economic impact on recreational fishing and the local businesses that depend on it,” Mr McRae said.

“We urge local communities to take a stand against illegal fishing activities and report any illegal or suspicious behaviour to the DPI 24 hour reporting phone line – 13 FISH (13 34 74).” Limits Continue on Dusky Flathead and Gippsland Lakes Bream Stocks

Interim recreational catch limits for dusky flathead, along with the increased minimum size limit for bream in the Gippsland Lakes and its tributaries, will remain in place for a further 12 months.

The bag and possession limit for dusky flathead of five fish, of which no more than one may exceed 60cm, was introduced in December 2003 following concerns about increased angler catches using increasingly effective fishing methods. The minimum size limit for dusky flathead remains at 25cm.

There has been widespread angler support for the dusky flathead catch limits, and monitoring has indicated that these limits have been effective in containing the size of daily bags. Stakeholders will be consulted during 2005 regarding a proposal to retain the dusky flathead catch limits on a longer term basis via changes to fisheries regulations.

An increase in the minimum size limit, from 26cm to 28cm, for bream in the Gippsland Lakes and tributaries was also introduced in December 2003, following declines in catches. Gippsland Lakes bream fishery indicators have remained at low levels during 2004. While habitat and environment conditions – including the recent drought - may be primarily responsible for the current low level of bream stocks, it is both necessary and consistent with sustainability principles, to maintain stricter controls on commercial and recreational bream fishing until there are signs of recovery.

Fisheries Victoria will continue monitoring the impact of the increased size limit on fishing for Gippsland Lakes bream, and continue to consult with stakeholders on longer-term arrangements for the management of the recreational and commercial bream fisheries.

Mosquito Borne Disease – Avoid Getting Bitten by Mosquitoes

The Department of Human Services has enlisted Fisheries Victoria in highlighting the risk of mosquito born diseases. Mosquitoes can carry diseases including Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus, Dengue fever and Murray Valley encephalitis. The best way to avoid disease is to avoid being bitten.

People contracting mosquito borne diseases in Victoria (such as Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus) commonly report having been fishing before becoming ill. Diseases transmitted by mosquitoes are widely known for their debilitating and persistent symptoms. Their repercussions on a person’s physical, mental and social function can be significant.

You can use simple self-protection measures to prevent getting bitten and reduce the risk of being infected with a mosquito-borne disease. • Where possible avoid being outside when mosquitoes are most active. Most mosquitoes are more active around the hours of dusk and dawn. In coastal regions some species can be active throughout the day. • Cover up with long, loose fitting clothing, preferably light in colour. Mosquitoes are more attracted to dark colours and can bite through tight fitting clothing. Perfumes and aftershave lotions are also said to attract mosquitoes. • Use a mosquito repellent containing DEET or Picaridin, preferably a lotion or gel. • Use screens on your tents if you are camping. For further information contact your local council or the Communicable Diseases Section, Department of Human Services, phone (03) 9637 4126 or visit www.health.vic.gov.au/ideas

© State of Victoria, Department of Primary Industries 2004 Reproduction is authorised – call 136 186 for conditions. 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 of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purpose and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.