DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES North East Fishery Management Plan Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series - No. 48 Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series North East Fishery Management Plan
No. 48 August 2007
North East Fishery Management Plan
August 2007
Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series No. 48
North East Fishery Management Plan
Published by Department of Primary Industries Preferred way to cite this publication: Fisheries Victoria, Department of Primary Industries (2007). PO Box 4440 North East Fishery Management Plan. Fisheries Melbourne Victoria 3001. Victoria Management Report Series No. 48. © The State of Victoria, 2007. Copies are also available from the website: This publication is copyright. No part may be
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North East Fishery Management Plan ii
Table of Contents
Executive summary ...... 1
Introduction ...... 2 North East Region ...... 2 Management units...... 4 Lowland (warm-water) rivers ...... 4 Midland (mixed) rivers...... 4 Upland (cold-water) rivers...... 5 Impoundments ...... 5 Key introduced recreational fishery species...... 8 Biology and ecological requirements of key introduced recreational fishery species ...... 8 Biology and ecological requirements of key native recreational fishery species...... 9 Commercial fishing...... 10
Current management arrangements ...... 11 Aboriginal stewardship...... 11 Legislative framework...... 12 Victorian Government policy ...... 14 Policy implementation tools ...... 16 Management of non-fisheries issues...... 17
Preparation of the North East Fishery Management Plan...... 21 Steering committee...... 21 Planning process...... 21 Public consultation...... 21
North East Fishery Management Plan...... 23 Scope of plan...... 23 Definition of the fishery...... 23 Duration of the plan...... 23 Review of the management plan...... 23 Requirements of the Fisheries Act 1995 ...... 23 Management goal and objectives ...... 24 Identification and prioritisation of strategies ...... 24
North East Fishery Management Plan iii Sustainable use of fish resources ...... 26 Strategy 1 - Demonstrate the sustainable use of key recreational fish species ...... 26
Recreational fishing opportunities...... 30 Strategy 2 – Classify waters within the North East Fishery...... 30 Strategy 3 – Quantify the social and economic benefits of alternative trout fishing regulations within the North East Fishery ...... 30 Strategy 4 – Maintain stock-enhanced fisheries within the North East Fishery...... 31 Strategy 5 – Provide new fishing opportunities in the North East Region ...... 32 Strategy 6 – Monitor fishery management and stocking success within Lake Hume...... 33 Strategy 7 – Encourage responsible recreational fishing behaviour ...... 33 Strategy 8 - Improve access to fisheries resources...... 34
Maintenance of fish habitat ...... 35 Strategy 9 - Identify habitat requirements of key recreational species...... 37
Research and monitoring...... 38 Planning and priorities...... 38
Fisheries compliance for the North East Fishery ...... 40
Management plan implementation ...... 42
References ...... 43
Glossary...... 45
Abbreviations...... 46
Appendices ...... 47 Appendix 1: Membership of steering committee ...... 47 Appendix 2: Management units and key recreational fishing species of the North East Region...... 48 Appendix 3: Family Fishing Lakes of the North East Fishery ...... 48 Appendix 4: Fish stocking programs for 05-06 for the North East Fishery (number of fish) ...... 49 Appendix 5: Ministerial guidelines ...... 50 Appendix 6: Summary of key issues raised during public consultation...... 51 Appendix 7: Summary of objectives, strategies and actions for management of the North East Fishery ...... 55
North East Fishery Management Plan iv
Executive summary
The purpose of the North East Fishery • Investigation of the development of a small, Management Plan (NEFMP) is to specify the limited-take trout cod fishery in selected objectives, strategies and actions for managing impoundments in the North East Region to fishing activities within the North East Fishery. provide new fishing opportunities. The North East Fishery includes several popular • Preparation of information packages on habitat recreational fisheries of statewide significance. The and environmental conditions required to North East Fishery is considered by many to be to sustain the production of key recreational the premier trout fishery in Victoria and draws fishery species including trout, redfin, Murray visitors from across the State and elsewhere in cod, Murray spiny crayfish and golden perch, Australia. Other popular recreational fishery and provision of the information packages to species in the North East Fishery include redfin, habitat resource managers. golden perch and the iconic Murray cod which is • The Victorian Recreational Fishing Peak Body Australia’s largest freshwater fish. Recreational (VRFish), to liaise with anglers to identify fisheries based on trout, redfin and native species opportunities to improve access to fisheries are major social and economic contributors to resources; engage local government, water regional communities in the North East. authorities and land managers to seek improvements to road and track access to The NEFMP prescribes fishery management fisheries resources; and promote the interests of arrangements in accordance with a nationally anglers in the North East Fishery. agreed framework for applying the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development to fisheries. If information from these programs indicates a need to alter arrangements to ensure sustainable The NEFMP describes the main fishing waterways use or to meet changing demands for recreational and impoundments, and key recreational target fishing opportunities, changes will be considered species; current management arrangements for in consultation with stakeholders. recreational fishing activities; goals, objectives, performance indicators, targets and actions for Annual progress reports and a five-year review management of recreational fishing activities; and process will allow the arrangements to be adapted processes for participating in management of other to changing future circumstances, ensuring relevant issues, to ensure possible negative sustainable use of fisheries resources with consequences to fish habitat are identified and optimum economic and social benefits to the responsible agencies notified. community. Actions to be implemented in the next five years The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is include: charged with the sustainable development of • A research angler diary program for the iconic Victoria’s primary industries for the benefit of all trout fisheries in the North East Region. Victorians, now and into the future. The Fisheries • An assessment of the sustainability of the division (Fisheries Victoria) works with its recreational harvest of Murray cod, Murray stakeholders to facilitate the sustainable spiny crayfish and Macquarie perch. development of Victoria’s recreational fishing and manage Victoria’s fisheries resources for the benefit • Preparation of a Stream Classification Model for of the community. the waters of the North East Fishery to define the waters to be classified as Native, Mixed or A North East Reference Group will be established Salmonid fisheries. to work with the DPI to deliver the desired • Quantification of the social and economic management outcomes for the North East Fishery. benefits of possible alternative trout fishing It is proposed that the group include regulations within the North East Fishery. representatives nominated by VRFish, Fisheries • Ongoing stocking of fish in support of Victoria and the North East CMA. recreational fishing in suitable waters. • Monitoring of fish populations and angler catch and effort in Lake Hume.
North East Fishery Management Plan 1 Introduction
The Fisheries division (Fisheries Victoria) of the CMA. However, the NEFMP recognises that Department of Primary Industries (DPI) works management of fishery resources must also occur with its stakeholders to facilitate the sustainable at larger scales across Catchment Management development of fisheries resources and is Authority boundaries. Fisheries Victoria has responsible for ensuring that these resources are identified management units where similar species maintained by careful management of commercial and ecological characteristics are found and and recreational fishing. A key task in sustainable manages these units on a statewide basis. management is the development and All inland waters in Victoria are defined as a implementation of fishery management plans. Fishery by virtue of the use of recreational fishing Fishery management plans specify the objectives, equipment. The NEFMP will provide management strategies, actions and performance measures for direction for fishing activities across the inland managing fishing activities in accordance with the area administered by the North East CMA and principles of Ecologically Sustainable included in the North East Fishery. This area Development (ESD). includes all inland waterways (lakes and rivers) in the Kiewa, Ovens and Upper Murray Basins. Recreational fishing is the primary fishing activity in Victoria's rivers, tributaries, lakes and The goal of the NEFMP is to manage fisheries impoundments. Other fishing activities in inland resources in the North East Region in accordance areas of Victoria include commercial bait fishing with principles of ESD (Fletcher et al. 2002). The and aquaculture (which are managed through aim of ESD is to enable the ongoing use, licensing). As such, inland fishery management conservation and enhancement of the fisheries plans focus on managing recreational fishing resources such that ecological processes are activities with the aim of enhancing maintained into the future and, where possible, environmental, social and economic outcomes. usage is enhanced. In the context of the NEFMP, Inland fishery management plans also recognise ESD involves research to demonstrate the the importance of fisheries resources to Aboriginal sustainable harvest of fisheries resources, communities. identification of the habitats and aquatic environments on which fisheries resources Effectively managing inland fisheries requires the depend, and enhancing social and economic implementation of appropriate fisheries benefits for all Victorians. management tools (for example, bag and size limits), but also a recognition that other anthropogenic activities in the catchment are North East Region equally, if not more, important in sustaining fish The North East Region covers an area of almost stocks. Therefore, inland fishery management two million hectares extending from the steep plans must be prepared with a strong focus on rocky headwaters of the Great Dividing Range, to establishing partnerships with relevant catchment the milder terrain of the northern foothills, and to and water management agencies. the Riverine Plains of the southern Murray-Darling Basin (Figure 1). The three major catchments of the The North East Catchment Management Authority region, all of which are dominated by the Great (North East CMA) is one of 10 Catchment Dividing Range, are the Upper Murray, Kiewa and Management Authorities that have responsibility Ovens catchments (NECMA 2004a). for managing catchments and waterways in Victoria. Catchment Management Authorities The Murray River is part of NSW and is not develop and implement Regional Catchment included in the Victorian North East Region. Strategies and their substrategies, the Regional Victorian waters include Lake Hume, but do not River Health Strategies. include the Murray River or Lake Mulwala. To create effective alignment of catchment and The Upper Murray catchment occupies the eastern fishery management strategies and the efficient part of the region and is mountainous with delivery of management actions, the North East elevations of up to 1980 metres above sea level. Fishery Management Plan (NEFMP) has been The Mitta Mitta River drains over half of the aligned with the boundaries of the North East catchment, and other short watercourses drain directly into the Murray River.
North East Fishery Management Plan 2
The Kiewa River catchment occupies the central The people of the North East Region value the part of the region, extending from the Bogong waterways and surrounds, and participate in High Plains to the Murray River. The catchment is activities including recreational fishing, boating, long (100 kilometres) and narrow (< 32 kilometres), waterskiing, canoeing, bushwalking and camping. and the terrain ranges from steep hills to river Recreational fishing is an important secondary floodplains. Another small catchment (Indigo purpose for many impoundments in the Region Creek) drains to the Murray River below Lake including lakes Hume, and Dartmouth. Guided Hume, to the north of Barnawartha. recreational fishing tours are also becoming an The Ovens catchment occupies the western part of important drawcard and are gaining in popularity. the region. The upper third of the catchment Tourism infrastructure and businesses such as comprises forested, mountainous ranges that reach tackle shops and accommodation providers within alpine elevations (for example, Mt Feathertop, Mt the North East Region derive significant revenue Hotham, Mt Howitt and Mt Buffalo). The terrain from anglers visiting the region to fish. across the remainder of the catchment ranges The North East Region of Victoria supports high between semi-cleared foothills and valleys of the quality salmonid, redfin and native recreational Ovens and King rivers and their tributaries, and fisheries which provide significant social and the riverine plains and floodplains of the Lower economic value to the region’s communities. Key Ovens River and the Murray River. native recreational fishery species such as Murray The Great Dividing Range influences the climate of cod and Murray spiny crayfish also have the North East Region, which varies dramatically significant ecological value. The foothills of the across the region. Average annual rainfall ranges Great Dividing Range in the North East Region are from 500 millimetres on the northern plains to regarded by many as providing some of the best more than 2000 millimetres in the alpine areas, wild trout fishing opportunities in Victoria. much of this falling as snow. Approximately 60 per Murray cod, golden perch, redfin and Murray cent of annual rainfall occurs between May and spiny crayfish are popular angling species in the October, with flooding common in the Ovens lower reaches of the major river systems, and in catchment (North East Regional Catchment and impoundments in the North East Region. Fisheries Land Protection Board 1997; Department of Victoria stocks many of these fishery species into Natural Resources and Environment 2001). impoundments and stocks golden perch and Murray cod into several rivers in the North East Temperatures also vary dramatically, depending Region. on topography and location. Maximum temperatures greater than 38 °C are common away The major rivers in the region include the Mitta from the foothills and humidity levels are usually Mitta River (Upper Murray catchment), King low. In winter, temperatures range between 10 °C River, Ovens River, Buffalo and Kiewa rivers. and 16 °C in the flatter country, but reach close to Through these waterways, the region contributes zero in the mountain regions (DNRE 2001). 38 per cent of total surface water volume in the Murray-Darling Basin (NERCLPB 1997). Land in the North East Region is predominantly used for forestry and parks, followed by Water is harvested from the main tributaries to agriculture. Approximately 43 per cent of the total irrigate pastures and crops, and supply more than area of agricultural production is used for irrigated 20 towns (including Wodonga and Wangaratta) and dryland pastures, which support beef, sheep with drinking water. Two of Victoria’s major water and dairying industries. Horticultural crops storages, Lake Hume (> 3 million megalitres) and including vegetables and wine grapes are grown Lake Dartmouth (4 million megalitres), supply mostly in the Ovens catchment (NERCLPB 1997). water via the Murray system for domestic use and irrigation downstream as far as Adelaide The North East Region includes the municipalities (NERCLPB 1997). The water released from Lake of Wodonga, Indigo, Wangaratta, Alpine, Towong Hume accounts for more than 25 per cent of and parts of Moira and East Gippsland (Figure 1). average flow in the Murray River. Lake Dartmouth The North East Region has a population of nearly acts as a carry over storage during drought (Upper 95,000. The most populated areas include the North East Water Quality Working Group 2001). municipalities of Wodonga and Wangaratta, which Regulation of river systems may affect the combine to make up almost 50 per cent of the total sustainability of fish populations by removing or population of the region (NECMA 2004a). modifying environmental cues necessary for spawning.
North East Fishery Management Plan 3 The Rocky Valley Reservoir (28,400 megalitres) is Lowland (warm-water) rivers the major water storage in the Kiewa River The Lowland rivers management unit refers to the catchment (UNEWQWG 2001). Lake Buffalo on the lower reaches of the larger rivers which flow in Buffalo River (24,000 megalitres) and Lake William mature valleys over broad alluvial plains. Lowland Hovell on the King River (13,500 megalitres) are rivers are characterised by a wide river channel, the only two constructed water storages within the sediment bed bottoms, a wide floodplain and Ovens catchment (NECMA 2000). warm waters. Sections of the Upper Kiewa River, Nine-Mile, The rivers and tributaries of this management unit Clear and Hurdle creeks, and Lake Hume have support numerous fish species, although by virtue been recognised as Proclaimed Water Supply of their warmer water and other habitat Catchments. The water resources in these areas are conditions, key recreational angling species are protected for either hydroelectric power golden perch, Murray cod and redfin. Murray generation or water supply (UNEWQWG 2001). spiny crayfish are taken from the lowest reaches of the Ovens and Kiewa rivers. Golden perch have Management units been stocked in the lower Ovens for several years. As a basis for strategic statewide fisheries The Lower Ovens River supports one of the key management, Fisheries Victoria has identified remnant self-sustaining Murray cod populations in regions with similar environmental, Victoria. geomorphological and fishery species The Lowland rivers management unit characteristics. Similar areas have been grouped encompasses the lower reaches and tributaries of into management units (Figure 1). The North East the Ovens River below Wangaratta and Kiewa Region contains the following fisheries River below Kergunyah, where they drain into the management units which will assist in identifying Murray River. and describing issues. Examples of other Lowland rivers include the • Lowland (warm-water) rivers lower reaches of Black Dog, One Mile, Diddah • Midland (mixed) rivers Diddah, Huon, Indigo and Reedy creeks and their • Upland (cold-water) rivers tributaries (Figure 1). • Impoundments. Many of the smaller rivers west of Wodonga such Fisheries management units are a tool to assist in as the Black dog, Diddah Diddah and Indigo do the identification and prioritisation of issues at a not support strong recreational fisheries as many strategic level. Fisheries management units allow frequently dry out in summer, retaining only common issues to be grouped together and small, disconnected pools of water. addressed with a strategic approach and in particular, recognising the North East CMA’s Midland (mixed) rivers model for investment, allow the establishment of Midland rivers are characterised by widening partnerships for management outcomes at valley channels with gravel beds migrating into common geographic scales. sediment covered beds with some floodplain Management units will not be used as a vehicle for development. The upper and lower reaches of this introducing different fishing regulations at smaller management unit are characterised by a mixing spatial scales within the waters of the North East zone of warmer and cooler waters. Region. Therefore, the need for detailed Midland rivers are usually described as ‘mixed descriptions of boundaries is largely redundant fishery’ reflecting the mix of warm water and cold and is not provided in the NEFMP. In addition, water species that occur in this management unit. boundaries may also change seasonally as a result The most popular fishery species include Murray of fluctuations in river flows and water levels. cod, golden perch, redfin and brown and rainbow The following sections provide information on the trout. Trout populations in this management unit recreational fishing species generally found in each are self-sustaining and no stocking occurs. management unit. Information has been obtained Golden perch and Murray cod are regularly taken from the Guide to Inland Angling Waters of Victoria from Buffalo River downstream of the Lake and
North East Fishery Management Plan 4
Midland rivers including the Cudgewa and Tailrace rivers are targeted by fishers using fly- Corryong creeks also contain small populations of fishing or lure-fishing techniques. Murray cod. Premier Rivers Examples of Midland rivers in the North East To cater for developing and experienced anglers, Region include the middle sections of the King, sections of three Victorian rivers will be developed Ovens and Kiewa rivers and sections of the and promoted as Premier Rivers. The Premier Koetong, Deadman and Fifteen Mile creeks. rivers will be developed over the life of the project in conjunction with local stakeholders. Upland (cold-water) rivers Preferred river stretches have been selected in Upland rivers can be generally characterised as consideration of their location within the State, valley channels with primarily gravel bed and high recreational angling value, suitable areas for little or no evidence of a floodplain. Many rivers access to the river and the species of fish that and tributaries in Upland rivers support self- anglers are likely to catch. Within the North East sustaining brown and rainbow trout populations Region, the Kiewa has been selected as a Premier which are the dominant fishery species in this River. management unit. An information package will be developed for The Upland rivers management unit includes each of the river stretches identifying key access waterways around the townships of Omeo, Mt points and the type of fishing experience and Beauty, Bright, Mitta Mitta, Myrtleford and facilities that they provide. Corryong. The upper reaches of the Mitta Mitta, Ovens and Impoundments Kiewa rivers and Nariel Creek are examples of The impoundments unit describes all static water Upland rivers. bodies that support or have supported fish species targeted by recreational fishers across the North Within the Upland rivers management unit, some East Region. The primary purpose of areas are defined as ‘Tailrace’ rivers. In the North impoundments is to provide a water supply for the East Region, the Fisheries Regulations 1998 defines region, but many impoundments have been these areas as the Mitta Mitta River and its stocked and are popular areas for recreational tributaries upstream of Peters Bridge (Tallandoon) fishing. to the Dartmouth Pondage and the Kiewa River and its tributaries upstream of Keegan's Bridge The most popularly fished impoundments and the (near Dederang). ‘Tailrace’ rivers are formed when key recreational target species are described in cool water is released into rivers from Appendix 2. In summary, lakes Hume, Dartmouth impoundments. and Banimboola (Dartmouth Pondage), and Mt Beauty Pondage are considered the most popular Current regulations for ‘Tailrace’ rivers can be impoundments for recreational fishing. This is found in the Victorian Fishing Guide, but at the time followed by lakes Buffalo and William Hovell. of writing, the regulations include a range of bag and size limits and a closed season. Lake Hume is one of Australia’s premier inland fisheries and key recreational angling species are ‘Tailrace’ rivers are closed to all fishing from trout, golden perch, redfin and Murray cod. Lake midnight of the Queen’s Birthday weekend in June Hume is regionally important for tourism as it each year to midnight on the Friday before the first provides for year round angling opportunities for Saturday in September. a range of different species in a location close to During this period, fishing is permitted in other Albury/Wodonga. Lake Hume is currently stocked rivers and streams, but taking trout is prohibited. with brown trout and golden perch. Therefore, impoundments provide an important Lake Hume is an irrigation storage and while year-round recreational fishing opportunity for water levels may be low in extremely dry years, trout anglers in the North East Region. small boat access to the remaining large body of ‘Tailrace’ rivers support significant numbers of water is possible. There is a small commercial carp large trout (> 1 kilogram) because habitat fishery in Lake Hume operating under permit. conditions, including year round water In 2004 New South Wales and Victoria agreed that temperatures and flows, are favourable to for the purposes of fisheries management, supporting self-sustaining trout populations. Victorian fishing regulations would apply in Lake Hume and NSW fishing regulations would apply
North East Fishery Management Plan 5 in Lake Mulwala. Lake Hume includes the Murray In the Alpine region, Rocky Valley and Pretty River arm of the lake, from the weir wall upstream Valley dams sit at the head of the Kiewa system. to the point where Seven Mile Creek enters the These two small storages provide a niche fishery Murray River on the northern bank of the Murray for anglers visiting the high country. River; and the Mitta Mitta River arm of the lake, Lake Buffalo sits in the upper reaches of Buffalo from the weir wall upstream to the Murray Valley River and is a mixed fishery, with trout and redfin Highway Bridge situated east of Tallangatta. as the predominant species. Recent stockings of Lake Dartmouth, located on the Mitta Mitta River, golden perch and Murray cod, instigated by local is principally a trout fishery for both rainbow and anglers and supported by Fisheries Victoria, have brown trout. There is a very limited take of improved fishing opportunities for these species. Macquarie perch. Trout fishing in Lake Dartmouth Lake Buffalo provides good opportunities for is allowed year-round and provides angling anglers in the Ovens Valley, and provides for year- opportunities for the region when access to other round trout fishing. Its close proximity to the waters is restricted during the salmonid closed towns of Myrtleford and Bright make it an season. Most fishing activity is from boats, because important tourism destination. of limited shore access. Lake Dartmouth is a large Lake William Hovell is on the King River and is storage and less likely to be drawn down to the recognised as a valuable trout fishery. It is a small low levels of other storages in the region. storage which provides year-round fishing access. Lake Banimboola, below Lake Dartmouth, and Family Fishing Lakes locally known as Dartmouth Pondage, is also an The Impoundments management unit also important trout fishery. It provides angling includes water bodies managed as part of Fisheries opportunities during the salmonid closed season, Victoria's Family Fishing Lakes Program, and when weather conditions on Lake Dartmouth previously known as the Small Waters Program. make it unsuitable for boat fishing. Banimboola This Program stocks on-grown trout and native has been stocked for the past five years with both species into selected urban lakes that allow easy rainbow and brown trout. access for young and disabled anglers in close Mt Beauty Pondage is a small regulating pondage proximity to regional centres. Family Fishing on the Kiewa River at Mt Beauty. It is regularly Lakes in the North East Region are detailed in stocked with both rainbow and brown trout. Mt Appendix 3. Beauty Pondage is an important water body as it allows for trout fishing all year round, has good access for bank fishing, and allows for high numbers of anglers to access a relatively small surface area. The pondage sits below the township of Mt Beauty and provides fishing opportunities for visitors to the region through easy bank access.
North East Fishery Management Plan 6
Figure 1. Map of the North East Region Fishery Management Units
North East Fishery Management Plan 7 Juvenile brown trout feed mainly on aquatic and Key introduced recreational fishery terrestrial insects; whereas adults feed on molluscs, species crustaceans and small fish. Introduced fish species provide important Brown trout mature at three to four years of age. recreational fishing opportunities in the North East Spawning season extends from autumn into Region. The North East is considered by many to winter. Females use their tail to excavate be the premier trout fishery in Victoria and draws depressions in the stream bed and lay an average visitors from across the State and elsewhere in of 1,600 eggs for each kilogram of body weight Australia. The recreational trout fishery is a major (Payne et al. 1990). After spawning, eggs are social and economic contributor to regional covered by dislodging gravel upstream of the communities. According to the National spawning site (Cadwallader and Backhouse 1983). Recreational Indigenous Fishing Survey, the Fish migrate upstream into smaller tributaries and overall harvest of trout was about 0.8 million fish, feeder streams, or spawn locally in resident rivers. 45 per cent of which were taken in Victoria, 30 per Trout require a gravel substrate for the deposition cent in New South Wales and 26 per cent in of eggs to ensure sufficient oxygen supply. Tasmania. Of the Victorian trout catch, 30 per cent were taken in the Upper Murray catchment of the Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) North East Region, with 68 per cent from Rainbow trout is native to the pacific coast of impoundments and the remainder from rivers and North America. They were introduced to Australia streams. in the 1890s from New Zealand where it had previously been introduced from California. As Redfin is the most commonly taken fish by number was the case with brown trout, it was introduced in the North East Region, closely followed by to satisfy a sport fishing market (McDowall 1996). brown trout. More than 90 per cent of redfin taken in the North East Region were caught in Lake Rainbow trout are able to tolerate slightly higher Hume (Henry and Lyle 2003). water temperatures than brown trout. This species is more successful in lakes than in rivers and While introduced recreational fishery species streams. provide important social and economic benefits to regional communities, their management requires Spawning requirements for this species are similar consideration of the adverse impact they can have to those of brown trout, although they spawn later on native species. McDowell (2006) reported that in the year, during winter and early spring. trout species have had a major impact on native Adults feed on aquatic and terrestrial insects, fish species, being implicated in the decline of molluscs, crustaceans, fish eggs and small fishes several species such as native galaxiid and pygmy (including other trout). Juveniles feed perch. predominantly on zooplankton. The upland rivers management unit provides the Biology and ecological predominant suitable habitat for trout. requirements of key introduced Redfin (Perca fluviatilis) recreational fishery species Redfin, also known as English perch, was Brown trout (Salmo trutta) introduced from Europe during the 1860s Brown trout is native to the cool and cold waters of (McDowall 1996). Europe, and was introduced to Australia in the 1860s from Scotland as a recreational sport fish Redfin prefer lakes and still, slow flowing rivers (McDowall 1996). Its distribution has increased with abundant aquatic vegetation. It feeds on through a combination of translocation and crustaceans, worms, molluscs, insect larvae and migration. smaller fishes. Vegetation plays an important role in the life cycle of redfin. During spawning, the The ideal habitats for this species are cool, well- female disperses eggs amongst aquatic plants and oxygenated waters, such as rivers and streams submerged logs. with moderate to fast flow. Most suitable waterways tend to exist in mountainous areas and Redfin are known to be susceptible to the lethal feature adequate cover in the form of submerged endemic virus, epizootic haematopoietic necrosis rocks, undercut banks and overhanging virus (EHNV), particularly during summer vegetation. Impoundments where suitable water months. During an initial epidemic, high adult and quality, habitat and food exist may also support juvenile mortality occurs. Most mortalities occur in brown trout.
North East Fishery Management Plan 8
juveniles. Infection is characterised by necrosis of Golden perch (Macquaria ambigua) the kidney, spleen, liver and pancreas. Golden perch occur naturally in Victorian tributaries of the Murray-Darling system, except Other species higher altitude streams. They occur in a variety of Some fishers catch other introduced species in the habitats, but most frequently in warm, turbid, North East Region including common carp sluggish inland waters and associated backwaters (Cyprinus carpio). Carp are listed as a noxious fish and billabongs. species in Victoria and must not be returned alive to the water if caught. Golden perch can grow to 75 centimetres in length and 23 kilograms in weight, but are more Biology and ecological commonly less than 5 kilograms. They have a wide temperature tolerance and may be found in water requirements of key native ranging from 4 to 37 °C. recreational fishery species Although less than 5 per cent of the Victorian Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii) golden perch catch is taken from the North East Murray cod is Australia’s largest native freshwater Region, it is an important recreational fishery fish and occurs naturally in upper reaches of the species in the region. Within the North East Murray-Darling system where the water is Region, most of the catch is taken from Lake relatively clear. Murray Cod are widely distributed Hume, where stocking supports the population, throughout the Murray-Darling River system and with a smaller proportion taken from the Ovens in some localities they are abundant. Although the River (Henry and Lyle 2003). total range of Murray cod has remained relatively constant, the species has undergone an extensive Macquarie perch (Macquaria australasica) decline in abundance since European settlement of Macquarie perch occur naturally north of the Great Australia, especially in the last 70 years (Rowland Dividing Range in tributaries of the Murray- 2005). Reasons for the decline may include habitat Darling system. loss and degradation, pollution, barriers to fish Macquarie perch may attain a weight of 3.5 passage, flow regulation, cold water releases and kilograms, but in Victoria it more commonly fishing. reaches 35-40 centimetres and weights of 750 Murray cod occur most frequently in sluggish, grams to 1 kilogram. Males can mature at 2 years turbid waters, usually in deep holes, where logs of age and up to 21 centimetres; females at 3 years and stumps afford cover and provide spawning of age and up to 30 centimetres, although local sites. It may live and breed in lakes where water conditions may induce the species to breed at conditions and habitat are suitable. smaller or larger sizes. Murray cod can attain 1.8 metres in length and Female Macquarie perch of 30 centimetres or 113.5 kilograms, but commonly reaches 55-65 larger may produce between 50,000 and 110,000 centimetres and weights of 2-5 kilograms. It is eggs. Spawning usually occurs during spring or usually sexually mature at four years of age and summer (October-January) with water grows rapidly in the first four to five years with temperatures between 16 °C and 22 °C. Breeding some individual fish reaching 64 centimetres in the occurs in flowing water on rock or gravel fifth year. substrates. Eggs hatch after 10 to 18 days. Growth can be rapid, a five-year-old fish being 38 Spawning occurs in the spring and summer centimetres. Fish of 10 years of age have been months in water temperatures between 16 and collected. 21 °C. Females can lay up to 40,000 eggs which are deposited in hollow logs or shallow water. Eggs Macquarie perch are carnivorous, taking aquatic hatch six to 13 days later, with juvenile fish feeding insects, with some crustaceans and molluscs. freely about three to four weeks later. The abundance and distribution of Macquarie The Ovens River is the most important Murray cod perch has been reduced by the construction of fishery in the North East Region. Approximately dams on streams, changes to river flow and 20 per cent of the Victorian Murray cod is taken temperature regimes, siltation of spawning from the Ovens River with significant numbers streams and impact of introduced species caught from Lake Hume (Henry and Lyle 2003). including trout and redfin. The largest remaining The mid-lower Kiewa is also a key Murray cod Victorian self-sustaining endemic population of fishery in the North East Region. Macquarie perch occurs in Lake Dartmouth. Very
North East Fishery Management Plan 9 few Macquarie perch are taken by recreational Murray spiny crayfish are exposed to a number of fishers in the North East Region. threats associated with stock and supply of water for domestic use and irrigation uses. It is likely to Murray spiny crayfish (Eustacus armatus) have been severely affected by in-stream Murray spiny crayfish (or Murray River crayfish) alterations on the Murray and other river systems is the largest of the genus Eustacus of which there such as desnagging, culverts, weirs and river are ten known species in Victoria (Geddes 1990). regulation (Horwitz 2005). Murray spiny crayfish may reach 3 kilograms and individuals do not reach sexual maturity until they Other species are between 15 to 20 centimetres total length and Yabbies (Cherax destructor) are regularly caught by between six and nine years old. anglers in the North East Region. River blackfish (Gadopsis marmoratus and G. bispinosus) are also Larger individuals previously caught in the occasionally caught by fishers in the North East Murray River may have been between 20–50 years Region. of age, but fishing pressure makes it unlikely that individuals will survive to that age now. In lowland rivers such as the Murray and lowland Commercial fishing tributaries, the species constructs burrows in the Commercial fishing activity within the North East clay river banks for shelter. In the upland rivers Region is limited. with stony beds, the species tends to use the There is no commercial take of native or interstitial spaces between boulders and cobbles on introduced fish species which have recreational the river bed for shelter. value. Commercial take is limited to bait and The Murray spiny crayfish inhabits large and small noxious species. streams across all management units in the North Bait licences East Region. The species prefers faster flowing cool Six bait licences presently operate within the North water habitats of the main channels of rivers, in East Region. These licences allow for the harvest of contrast to the yabby, which prefers slow warm bait species for sale using prescribed commercial water and billabongs. fishing equipment. The number of bait licences Of the Victorian take of Murray spiny crayfish, fluctuates with demand. almost 20 per cent is caught in the Ovens River in Noxious species permits the North East Region (Henry and Lyle 2003). Key Four noxious species permits allow commercial Murray spiny crayfish fisheries occur in the Ovens, operators to fish for carp in the North East Region, lower Kiewa and Murray rivers. with only one permit holder regularly operating in The Murray spiny crayfish has been listed as a the region. threatened taxon under the FFG Act and is considered threatened because of its exposure to overfishing and habitat modification to a large part of its range, and egg predation by introduced trout (Horwitz 1990, Yen and Butcher 1997). There has been a documented decline of the species in other States (Geddes 1990) and records of the species support the premise that there has been a reduction in the range of the species within Victoria (Horwitz 1995).
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Current management arrangements
interests and responsibilities for the management Aboriginal stewardship of these resources. The Aboriginal people of the North East have an intimate relationship with the region which Information regarding Aboriginal cultural stretches back over thousands of years and associations and usage of waterways, fisheries and continues into the future. The relationship is other natural resources arises continually from reflected throughout the region in cultural sites new research. Where appropriate, this information including middens, scarred trees and rock art and can be considered by fisheries and land managers is based on a long tradition of stewardship, working towards the sustainable use of these utilisation and cultural significance. For Aboriginal resources. people, cultural values are intertwined around All sites of cultural significance and artefacts are traditional uses, spiritual connection, ancestral ties protected by the new Aboriginal Heritage Act and respect for waterways, land and the resources which is set to commence in May 2007. The Act they provide. replaced the Aboriginal cultural regime in Victoria Many cultural sites are associated with waterways which was governed by the Aboriginal and Torres and during access, recreational anglers and other Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 users may inadvertently cause damage to sites of (Commonwealth legislation) and the Archaeological significance to Aboriginal people. and Aboriginal Relics Preservation Act 1972 (Victoria). The Aboriginal people of the North East historically utilised many fishery resources Key features of the new Act include: including Murray cod, golden perch and Murray • the creation of the Aboriginal Heritage Council spiny crayfish. In addition to these species, with membership consisting of traditional Aboriginal people highlight the value of owners who will advise on the protection of supporting ecosystems and habitats for these Aboriginal heritage resources, and the importance of factors such as • the use of cultural heritage management plans water flow, temperature patterns and snags to the for certain development plans or activities health of fisheries resources. • the ability for registered Aboriginal parties to evaluate management plans, advise on permit Aboriginal people acknowledge that significant applications, enter into cultural heritage anthropogenic modifications have occurred in the agreements and negotiate repatriation of North East through the construction of Aboriginal human remains impoundments, altered flooding regimes, de- snagging and increased visitation. The impact of • alternative dispute resolution procedures. these changes on habitat diversity, ecosystem Enquiries in relation to registered or noted sites of integrity and increased pressures on sites of cultural significance should be directed to cultural significance concern the Aboriginal people Aboriginal Affairs Victoria. Any proposed works of the North East. The ongoing environmental or use of Crown land are required to be carried out health of waterways, the sustainable use of in accordance with the ’future acts’ provision of fisheries and the management of sites of cultural the Native Title Act 1993, and the Aboriginal Heritage significance are key objectives for the people of the Act 2006. North East. Customary fishing A primary goal of the Aboriginal people of the Fisheries Victoria has been working with North East is to increase community and Aboriginal community representatives, other government awareness of Aboriginal values and Australian fisheries authorities and other fishing cultural connectedness with ‘country’ as a tool for stakeholders to develop: a national set of greater Aboriginal involvement in the principles and pathways to facilitate definition and management of the waterways and resources in lasting recognition of customary fishing practices; the region. Aboriginal people wish to build and increased opportunities for economic engagement strengthen partnerships with recreational fishing of Aboriginal communities in fisheries-related organisations, government agencies that share enterprises; and increased Aboriginal participation in all aspects of fisheries use and management.
North East Fishery Management Plan 11 Following the development of a Victorian recreational fishing opportunities for the customary fishing policy, Fisheries Victoria may benefit of present and future generations. consider local actions to provide for customary • To facilitate access to fisheries resources for fishing access in accordance with the agreed commercial, recreational, traditional and non- national set of principles. consumptive uses. Customary fishing practices by Aboriginal • To encourage the participation of resource Australians are not currently identified as a users and the community in fisheries distinct type of fishing activity under Victorian management. fisheries legislation, and non-commercial fishing The Act provides for the development, by Aboriginal Australians, is therefore, treated as implementation and review of fishery recreational fishing. The Fisheries Act 1995 does management plans; facilitates participation of provide for the issue of permits to facilitate the stakeholders in fisheries management via fisheries taking of fish for specified Aboriginal cultural co-management arrangements and prescribes ceremonies or events. Unless exempted or holding enforcement powers to assist in achieving a permit issued under the Fisheries Act, Aboriginal compliance with fishing controls. Australians are required to hold a recreational fishing licence. The Regulations prescribe detailed management arrangements for individual commercial and recreational fisheries, including licence Legislative framework requirements, restrictions on fishing equipment Fisheries Victoria is responsible for ensuring the and methods, restrictions on fishing catch and/or sustainable use of fisheries resources and seeks to effort (bag limits, size limits, closed seasons/areas), maintain, and where possible improve, and penalties for breaches of fishing controls. recreational fishing opportunities. It is important to note that the provisions of The following sections describe the policy, fisheries legislation can only be applied to the legislative tools, management processes and control of fishing activities. Other human activities current controls relevant to recreational fishing in (for example: catchment land use; foreshore Victoria. These current management arrangements management; and competing water-based provide a framework for the sustainable recreational activities) that may directly or management of fisheries resources within the indirectly affect fish habitats, fishery resources or North East Region. the quality of fishing, are managed by different Fisheries Act 1995 agencies under a variety of legislation. The Fisheries Act 1995 (the Act) is administered by Recreational fishing regulations the DPI. Fishing activities in all Victorian inland Fisheries regulations exist to meet the expectations waters are managed under the provisions of the of Victoria’s recreational anglers. They ensure fish Act and the Fisheries Regulations 1998 (the resources are conserved, their habitats protected Regulations). and fishing activities are managed so that resource The Act provides a legislative framework for the use is sustainable and fishing practices and fisher’s regulation and management of Victorian fisheries behaviour are socially acceptable. and for the conservation of fisheries resources, Recreational fishing licence including their supporting aquatic habitats. The A Recreational Fishing Licence is required for all objectives of the Act include: forms of recreational fishing in Victorian inland • To provide for the management, development waters. Some sectors of the community, including and use of Victoria's fisheries, aquaculture people under 18 or over 70 years of age, holders of industries and associated aquatic biological a Victorian Seniors Card, and recipients of various resources in an efficient, effective and age, disability or veterans benefits, are exempt ecologically sustainable manner. from the need to hold a licence. • To protect and conserve fisheries resources, Recreational Fishing Licence Trust Account habitats and ecosystems including the Revenue from recreational fishing licence fees is maintenance of aquatic ecological processes spent to improve angling opportunities and fish and genetic diversity. habitats in Victoria. The Fisheries Resource • To promote sustainable commercial fishing Allocation Committee (FRAC) which includes and viable aquaculture industries and quality representatives of the recreational fishing sector, determines priorities and makes recommendations
North East Fishery Management Plan 12
to the minister responsible for fisheries on how the pressure and provide for sustainability for the money should be spent. Every year the Victorian fishery resource. However, many of these limits Government, through the Recreational Fish have been adopted on ethical or cultural grounds, Licence Trust Account, disburses revenue derived such as the definition of a reasonable day’s take for from the sale of Recreational Fishing Licences to personal use. projects that will improve recreational fishing in Requirement to land fish in whole or carcass Victoria. On average $1.2 million of funding is form granted to projects each year. For some fish species with high commercial Grants are allocated to projects in one of four market value there is a requirement to retain categories: captured fish in whole or carcass form until after they have been landed (brought ashore and away • recreational fishing access and facilities (but from inland waters) in order to ensure compliance not recreational boating related infrastructure with recreational size and catch limits. Fish species such as boat launching ramps) required to be landed in whole or carcass form • recreational fisheries' sustainability and habitat include Murray cod, golden perch, Macquarie improvement including fish stocking perch, eels and Murray spiny crayfish. In the case • recreational fisheries research of fish ‘carcass’ means a fish which has been scaled • recreational fisheries-related education, and gutted, but has not been headed or filleted. information and training. Salmonid regulations review Recreational fishing equipment In 2004, the minister responsible for fisheries The Regulations define ‘recreational fishing approved the scope of a review of salmonid fishing equipment’ as including a rod and line, handline, regulations in Victoria. A stakeholder reference dip/landing net, bait trap, spear gun, hand-held committee (SRC) comprising participants from the spear, bait pump, recreational bait net and Victorian Recreational Fishing Peak Body recreational hoop net. Recreational use of any (VRFish), Fisheries Co-Management Council and equipment not included in this definition is Fisheries Victoria was established to perform the prohibited in all Victorian inland waters. The review. Stakeholder comments were obtained number and maximum permitted dimensions of through a series of regional fishing community dip nets, bait traps, bait pumps, recreational bait meetings. nets and recreational hoop nets are prescribed in The SRC considered salmonid fishing regulations the Regulations and summarised in the Victorian including key issues identified in the terms of Recreational Fishing Guide. reference such as the duration and timing of the Inland waters annual closed season, size limits and the list All lakes, impoundments, rivers and creeks of the Family Fishing Lakes. The SRC established a North East Region are classified as ‘inland waters’ consensus position on each of the issues and for the purposes of the Regulations. Restrictions on provided recommendations to the Minister who use or possession of recreational fishing equipment has since endorsed changes to the Regulations. The in Victorian inland waters are prescribed in the Fisheries (Salmonid) Regulations 2006 came into Regulations and summarised in the Victorian effect on 6 June 2006. Changes to the Regulations Recreational Fishing Guide. Most notably, anglers included an additional 24 lakes in the schedule of are currently restricted to using no more than two waters managed as Family Fishing Lakes With lines each in inland waters. The aim of defining respect to the North East region; the change fishing equipment is to help provide for an involved renaming the small waters as Family equitable share of the resource. Fishing Lakes (Appendix 3). . A total of more than 50 lakes are now managed as Family Fishing Lakes Size and catch limits and will be stocked with ‘ready to catch fish’ in the Legal minimum sizes, bag limits, possession limits lead up to the June and September school holidays (in, on or next to fishing waters) and boat/vehicle (subject to suitable water levels). The SRC limits for fin fish and invertebrate species are recommended that other salmonid fishing prescribed in the Regulations and summarised in regulations remain unchanged. the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide. Further limits may be introduced by a Fisheries Notice Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 when a resource threat is recognised. The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) is Some size and catch limits have been introduced as administered by the Victorian Department of measures to protect fish stocks from heavy fishing Sustainability and Environment (DSE). The FFG
North East Fishery Management Plan 13 Act provides an administrative structure to enable Parks, State Parks and Wilderness Parks as defined and promote the conservation of Victoria's native in the National Parks Act. flora and fauna and to provide for a choice of The two Heritage Rivers within the North East procedures which can be used for the Region are the Lower Ovens River from Killawarra conservation, management or control of flora and to Lake Mulwala and the Upper Mitta Mitta from fauna and the management of potentially Glen Valley to the tail waters of Dartmouth Dam. threatening processes. The FFG Act provides for the listing of species, Environment Protection and Biodiversity communities or threatening processes. Conservation Act 1999 The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Following the listing of a species, community or Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act) is threatening process, Action Statements are administered by the Commonwealth Department prepared to identify what has been done to of the Environment and Water Resources. The conserve the species and what will be done in the EPBC Act provides for the identification of key future. They provide background information threatening processes and the protection of critical about the species, including its description, habitat. The Act also promotes the conservation of distribution, habitat, life history, the reasons for its biodiversity and provides for the protection of decline and the threats which affect it. listed species, protected areas and communities in Action Statements are designed to apply for three Commonwealth areas. to five years, after which time they are reviewed Under the EPBC Act, the Commonwealth Minister and updated
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according to the principles of Ecologically means allocating fisheries resources in the public Sustainable Development (ESD). These principles interest and growing the value is about having include: viable fishing industries. (See Figure 2).
• ensuring that fishing is carried out in a Securing the biologically and ecologically sustainable fish manner
• ensuring that there is equity within and between generations regarding the use of fish resources Success • maximising economic and social benefits to the = fish for now and community from fisheries within the constraints of sustainable utilisation the future
• adopting a precautionary approach to Growing the Sharing the management – particularly for fisheries with value fish limited data
• ensuring that the processes and procedures Figure 2. The Fisheries Victoria vision of success. involved in management of a fishery are appropriate, transparent and inclusive. Fisheries Victoria’s vision and directions underpin There is an expectation in Australia and its projects, policies and services. Fisheries worldwide that utilisation of fish resources will be Victoria’s vision and strategic directions will be managed according to these ESD principles, and achieved with the cooperation and support of the these principles have been incorporated into the community, industry and other government NEFMP. agencies. They will also be achieved within the legislative framework established by the Act and Fisheries Victoria’s Strategic Direction the Regulations. Fisheries Victoria manages fisheries resources by developing and implementing policies and Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management projects and delivering a wide range of services. Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management (EBFM) describes and implements the ecological objectives The objectives of fisheries management are of ESD. An ESD approach provides for broader changing with community expectations; economic, social and environmental factors to be previously, fisheries were managed for maximum considered in decision-making for fisheries yields and providing for maximum jobs. Fisheries management and is reflected in the objectives of are now managed for maximum sustainable yield the Fisheries Act. and viable industries. Management has moved from being reactive to more adaptive and The objective of EBFM is to sustain healthy fish proactive and is now focussed on securing a high resources and the ecosystems on which they quality natural resource base for the long term as depend. Applying an ecosystem-based approach well as generating jobs and other economic and to fisheries management involves the social benefits in local communities. consideration of the cumulative impacts of human activities (including fishing) on the ecosystems that Fisheries Victoria’s role is delivered in the context support our fisheries resources. of increasing competition for water and for access to fisheries resources, as well as increasing EBFM recognises that excessive fishing activity can pressure on fish habitats as a result of other uses in be a threat to our aquatic resources (through stock the catchments. With this in mind, the depletion and/or decreased biodiversity), but, in establishment of clear directions for Fisheries some cases, environmental variability and land- Victoria is critical to the maintenance and effective based activities may be more important in management of the state’s fisheries. determining the sustainability of fish stocks. Fisheries Victoria’s vision of success is to develop An ecosystem-based approach recognises the and manage Victoria’s fisheries resources within uncertainty that characterises our knowledge of an ecologically sustainable development (ESD) fisheries and supporting ecosystems and allows for framework to ensure fish now and for the future. this uncertainty by applying a risk-based approach with evidence-based decision making where Securing fisheries resources is about knowledge is incomplete. demonstrating sustainability, sharing the fish
North East Fishery Management Plan 15 Fundamental to EBFM is a commitment to Meetings include representatives from Fisheries adaptive management. This means that Victoria (DPI), the DSE, the DPI Science, Water management of human and other activities is Management Authorities, Catchment Management modified in response to the performance of Authorities, VRFish, the FCC and other fisheries and ecosystem indicators, which show the stakeholders as required. effectiveness of current management The meetings aim to: arrangements. Management arrangements are also modified in response to improved knowledge, • review the current stocking plan and identify changes in societal values and technological necessary modifications developments. • draft the stocking plan for the coming year Fisheries Victoria undertakes a risk-based • identify management questions to be approach to implement EBFM so that the highest answered by stock or catch assessments risks to fisheries and/or supporting ecosystems are • identify current fishery management issues. addressed as a priority. Appendix 4 provides a list of fish stockings for the past year (2005-2006) for the North East Region. Policy implementation tools Fishery co-management arrangements Translocation Guidelines Co-management is a participatory arrangement Translocation of live aquatic organisms poses an that brings industry, community and government ecological risk through the potential transmission together to participate in the management of a of diseases, potential impacts on biodiversity from natural resource. It assists those involved by changes in genetic integrity and direct improving their collective understanding of competition, and the establishment of feral and or individual stakeholder needs and aspirations and exotic populations (DPI 2003). by identifying behavioural modifications that can The Victorian Government has developed increase the long term viability of the resource Guidelines for Assessing Translocations of Live Aquatic and, therefore, continued access to that resource by Organisms in Victoria 2003 (DPI 2003) to meet its user groups. obligations under the National Policy for the The co-management of fisheries within Victoria is Translocation of Live Aquatic Organisms 1999 a process involving three entities. The first (MCFFA 1999). This commonwealth policy comprises the peak bodies, including VRFish. requires all states in Australia to develop assessment measures for the translocation of The second entity comprises the Fisheries Co- aquatic organisms, including fish. Management Council (FCC) and its expertise- based committees. Stocking proposals in public and private waters will be assessed in accordance with the Guidelines Finally, the third entity is the government for Assessing Translocations of Live Aquatic agencies, including the DPI of which Fisheries Organisms in Victoria (Translocation Guidelines) Victoria is a division. and any associated protocols approved by the The above co-management entities will ensure that Secretary, DPI. the fisheries interests are appropriately To ensure that existing fish stocking programs, and represented and considered during consultation new proposals which have manageable risks, can processes regarding decisions that may impact on proceed without the need for individual risk the fishery. assessments, protocols for public water stockings Regional recreational fisheries consultation have now been developed. The Protocols for the meetings Translocation of Fish in Victorian Inland Public Waters The release or stocking of fish into inland waters is (Protocols) will ensure consistency with the recognised as a fisheries management tool, to Translocation Guidelines. Importantly, fish create, maintain and or enhance recreational stocking proposals that meet the criteria outlined fisheries. Fish are routinely released throughout in the new protocols will not require an individual Victoria every year for this purpose. risk assessment. An important component of the Protocols are the policy statements relating to The DPI holds annual consultative meetings stocking of salmonids and native species. These (CONS) each year as a forum to discuss fish statements determine where and what species stocking, fish population surveys and other related Fisheries Victoria stock. recreational fisheries management issues.
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In order to assess a proposed translocation, In addition to pressure due to water availability, consideration is given to the potential hazards, the species adapted to the highest elevations and likelihood of the hazard occurring and coldest environments will have nowhere to retreat consequences of that hazard. The risks that may to as the climate warms (DSE 2004). Fisheries arise as a result of translocations are outlined in resources such as trout and Macquarie perch the Guidelines. The risks are assessed in terms of: which prefer cooler water temperatures may experience reductions in available habitat and • The likelihood and consequences of escape therefore suffer reduced viability in previously and or release suitable areas. Reduced flows could affect river • The likelihood and consequences of survival connectivity and reduce spawning cues for fish • The likelihood and consequences of and have a deleterious effect on other aquatic establishment of a feral population. organisms on which fisheries resources depend. More information on the Translocation Guidelines Climate change is identified as strategic priority and associated Protocols can be obtained from the for action in the Victorian Government’s Growing DPI website:
North East Fishery Management Plan 17 Under the White Paper Securing Our Water Future, quality and quantity, flow, in-stream and riparian CMAs are appointed as the community caretaker flora and fauna, fisheries and recreation (NECMA of rivers and water resources. The North East 2004). CMA will be responsible for the operational Fishing is listed as a social value in the Strategy; management of the Environmental Water Reserve therefore many of the actions listed will have (EWR) and provide input into the production of positive outcomes for recreational fishing. the Northern Sustainable Water Strategy on priorities for enhancement of the EWR. The North East CMA has developed a number of resource condition targets that are relevant to the Sustainable Water Strategy NEFMP. These targets include: As part of the Our Water Our Future action plan, • enabling better fish migration into the King five regional Sustainable Water Strategies will be River from the Lower Ovens River by created to plan for water security across Victoria. improving fish passage through Wangaratta The Northern Victoria Region Sustainable Water Weir Strategy (SWS) will aim to secure water supplies for homes, business, industry, agriculture and • investigation of opportunities to provide fish environment for the next fifty years. passage through Dartmouth Dam • investigation of the feasibility of fish passage The SWS will be responsive to changing water at Lake Buffalo. needs and will include actions to ensure sufficient water supplies in the event of continued low The Strategy has been endorsed by the North East inflows to reservoirs, as experienced over the past CMA Board and the Minister for Environment. ten years. Carp control The SWS for the Northern Victorian Region will The National Management Strategy for Carp consider all water sources including rivers, Control (MDBC 2000) is the key policy driver and reservoirs, aquifers as well as recycled water and outlines strategies which aim to: storm water. • prevent the spread of carp • reduce the impacts of carp to acceptable levels Key objectives of the SWS will include: • Protecting and where necessary, improve the • promote environmentally and socially health of aquifers and rivers. acceptable application of carp control programs • Making best use of water resources locally and throughout the region • improve community understanding of the impacts of carp and the management strategies • Understanding the implications of climate change and being prepared for a range of • promote the cost efficient use of public possible future scenarios. resources in carp eradication and control programs. North East Regional River Health Strategy The North East Regional River Health Strategy At a state level, the Victorian Pest Management - A (NERRHS) has been prepared to provide broad Framework for Action (VPMF) (DNRE 2002) sets out level strategic direction for the future management the guiding principles of how pests will be of waterways in the North East CMA area. The managed in Victoria. The VPMF provides a Strategy, which has a five-year life-span, will be mechanism for considering terrestrial and aquatic used to guide Government investment and, (freshwater and marine) weed, and vertebrate and regionally will direct the development of an invertebrate pest management in Victoria. There is annual works program. The NERRHS sits jointly scope for other declared noxious aquatic species to under the North East Regional Catchment Strategy be considered by the VPMF. (RCS) and the Victorian River Health Strategy The North East CMA have a strategic action in the (VRHS). It provides the necessary link between the River Health Strategy to reduce the abundance of objectives of the State and the objectives of our carp in the Ovens River and community community and is an integral part of the Victorian engagement priority actions of encouraging carp legislative framework to protect the State’s eradication programs. waterways (NECMA 2004). Management and regulation of water The NERRHS combines all elements of river The movement, regulation and delivery of water management under one umbrella document. It resources from rivers, lakes and groundwater integrates river health programs into a multi- supplies are overseen by a number of public and disciplinary framework and considers water private stakeholders within the North East Region.
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Goulburn-Murray Water (G-MW) operates and Stream Flow Management Plans regulates the rural water supply system The purpose of Stream Flow Management Plans throughout the North East Region. (SFMPs) is to provide for a balanced and sustainable sharing of stream flows between water On behalf of the Murray Darling Basin users. SFMPs set out clear objectives and actions Commission (MDBC), G-MW is responsible for the and aim to provide a negotiated EWR that management of water conservancy and supply on provides for the long term health of the river. The the regulated rivers within the North East Region. plans emphasise water sharing between Water from Lake Dartmouth on the Mitta Mitta consumptive users and the environment during River catchment is released to meet consumptive periods of flow stress. SFMPs develop rules for and environmental entitlements in Victoria, New how licences are managed to meet agreed South Wales and South Australia. G-MW is solely objectives developed by a community based responsible for the management of water consultative committee. conservancy and supply from Lake Buffalo and Lake William Hovell in the Ovens River and King Stream Flow Management Plans are being River catchments. developed for Upper Ovens and Kiewa rivers in the North East Region. G-MW is obliged by the Murray Darling Basin Agreement (MDBA) and the Bulk Water Urban water services Entitlements (BEs) it holds, to release passing The regional urban water authority is North East flows from its reservoirs to meet downstream Water which is responsible for providing water environmental needs and consumptive releases to and sewerage services to 36 towns, villages and meet the needs of primary entitlements held by cities in the North East Region, serving an irrigators, stock and domestic users and urban estimated population of 95,000 people in an area of water authorities. The BEs specify the volumes and approximately 20,000 square kilometres. North timing of passing flows. East Water operates twenty nine separate water supply systems throughout the region that draw Consumptive releases are determined by orders water supply from a wide range of sources placed by primary entitlement holders and urban including groundwater, reservoirs and directly water authorities. G-MW also has delegated from rivers and streams. ministerial responsibilities for the supervision of licensed diversions (private pumping) waterways There are a number of hydro-electric power and groundwater throughout the North East companies responsible for management of water Region. through renewable energy power generation assets in the North East Region. Hydro-electric power The New South Wales Government operates Lake stations are situated on Dartmouth Dam, Hume Hume at the junction of the Murray and Mitta Dam and Lake William Hovell and the Upper Mitta Rivers. G-MW’s role on this reservoir is Kiewa River catchment and are operated by limited to management of the foreshore down to private companies. actual water level on the Victorian side. The management controls within the North East Environmental Water Reserve Region’s rivers are outlined in Table 1. The Water Act 1989 establishes the Environmental Water Reserve (EWR) as the legal share of water Murray Darling Basin Commission for the environment. The aim of the EWR is to The MDBA for the co-operative management of provide a specific entitlement for the environment the natural resources of the region, has been which can be used to help achieve environmental signed by the governments of the Commonwealth, objectives. These objectives may include New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia protection, or enhancement of fish populations. and Victoria. The Agreement was initiated by the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council in 1987 The EWR may be maintained or enhanced in and has been administered by the MDBC since unregulated river catchments through the 1994. preparation of Stream Flow Management Plans or in regulated river catchments through either Under the Murray-Darling Basin Initiative, the specific Environmental Entitlements (bulk signatories of the MDBA along with the associated entitlements for the environment) or conditions on communities are working together to develop and existing Bulk Entitlements such as those outlined implement long-term, strategic, coordinated in Table 1. responses to environmental and economic threats in the region.
North East Fishery Management Plan 19 Examples of natural resource management issues Local government manages a range of issues that which the MDBC are dealing with include The can impact fisheries resources and recreational Living Murray Initiative, Integrated Catchment fishing opportunities. Applications for planning Management (ICM), and implementation of the permits, review of planning overlays and zones, MDB Cap on diversions, water trading, native fish and the maintenance of roads and tracks can all and salinity management. have an impact on angler access to fisheries resources, and the habitats that support these Local government resources. Local government also has a role in Across the North East Region there are eight local implementing environmental programs (for government bodies: Towong Shire, Wodonga City, example, weed management on land they control) Indigo Shire, Wangaratta Rural City, Alpine Shire and engaging community groups in natural and parts of the East Gippsland and Moira shires. resource management projects.
Table 1. North East Region River Management Controls Catchment Entity Management Control Date Murray Goulburn-Murray Water Bulk Entitlement (River Murray – G-MW) 1999 Conversion Order Kiewa Australian Gas Light Company Bulk Entitlement (Kiewa – Southern 1997 (previously Southern Hydro) Hydro Ltd Pty) Conversion Order Kiewa Australian Gas Light Company Bulk Entitlement (Bogong Village) 1997 Conversion Order Kiewa Australian Gas Light Company Licence under the National Parks Act 1975 Kiewa Australian Gas Light Company Memorandum of Understanding 1998 regarding Environmental Performance with the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA Victoria) Ovens Goulburn-Murray Water Bulk Entitlement (Ovens System – G- 2004 MW) Conversion Order
North East Fishery Management Plan 20
Preparation of the North East Fishery Management Plan
Steering committee Public consultation The NEFMP was prepared by Fisheries Victoria, The first step in the development of the NEFMP assisted by a steering committee comprising key was to seek the views of recreational fishers and stakeholders including the VRFish, the FCC, the other community interests, regarding values and North East CMA, Aboriginal interests, the DSE, G- issues associated with fishing in the lakes and MW and the DPI. rivers of the North East Region. The role of the steering committee was to advise In February 2006, public meetings were held at the Executive Director, Fisheries Victoria, DPI, Corryong, Wangaratta, Wodonga and Melbourne with respect to the conformance of the NEFMP to canvass the views of the community. with the requirements of the Fisheries Act 1995 and Information was sought to determine: the Ministerial guidelines, and to respond to • the species of fish most important for community consultation on the draft NEFMP. recreational fishing across the inland North A list of the steering committee members is East Region provided in Appendix 1. • factors the community believes are limiting their ability to target or catch these species Planning process • opportunities to enhance recreational fishing The process for developing the management plan across the inland North East Region. includes the following steps: More than 170 people attended the four public 1. Public meetings to identify recreational fishing meetings. Participants included representatives values and issues across the region from angling clubs, non-club members who actively fish and other members of the public with
2. Fisheries Victoria conducts an issues a general interest in local resource management identification workshop with input from the issues. North East CMA A total of 246 written submissions were also
3. Steering committee meetings to evaluate issues received. This information helped to guide the and options for addressing those issues drafting of the NEFMP so that it had a strong focus identified through public meetings and the on addressing fishing-related issues that matter to issues identification workshop recreational fishers and the local community.
4. Preparation of a draft management plan An overview of some of the feedback received, addressing the issues identified and included: developing the options for dealing with the issues • In the upland waterways, the most popular angling species was trout (both brown and
5. Providing the public and stakeholders with an rainbow). Some anglers requested new opportunity to comment on the draft regulations for trout including modified closed management plan seasons/areas, size/bag limits and lure-only 6. Finalisation of the draft management plan waters. Some anglers also reported small following stakeholder submissions catches of Macquarie perch in Lake Dartmouth. 7. Declaration of the management plan in the • In lowland waters, the most popular angling Victorian Government Gazette. species were Murray cod, golden perch and redfin. Some anglers also reported some bycatch of trout cod in the Ovens River.
North East Fishery Management Plan 21 • In midland waterways, the popularity of • Poor water quality was identified as a recreational fishery species reflected the mix of significant issue limiting recreational fishing native, trout and redfin species found in this opportunities and anglers recognised the management unit and anglers expressed potential influence that broader catchment preferences for all species in this region. activities can have on fisheries resources. • Some anglers requested more fish stocking in a Anglers expressed the view that the bid to improve fishing opportunities, although management of these issues is as important as other anglers recognised that environmental direct management of fish stocks to the future and habitat constraints can limit the carrying sustainability of fisheries. capacity of waterways. • Anglers were concerned about access to • There was concern regarding in-stream, waterways in parts of the region where fishing riparian and surrounding habitats and opportunities are curtailed by private recognition of the importance of the condition property, poor condition or closure of tracks or of these habitats to fisheries resources. While a general lack of information regarding the anglers understood the reasons for willow status of land and its ability to be legally removal, some areas were identified where accessed by the general public. Some anglers large-scale removal had caused temporary suggested methods including signage and changes to water temperature and habitat stiles to improve access to fishing suitability for trout. opportunities. • Variable and low water flows are impacting on • Anglers were generally concerned about carp the recreational fishing potential in many populations in the region, but a small number rivers and some impoundments in the region. of anglers accepted their value as a While most anglers accept that low flows are a recreational target species for beginners and result of reduced rainfall in recent years, some others believed that carp populations were indicated that water diversions and flow decreasing overall. variability in rivers such as the Kiewa are Appendix 6 further describes the list of issues having an impact on fishing activities and summarised above and includes the policies, suggested that these arrangements be process and responsible agencies and references to reviewed. NEFMP sections where appropriate.
North East Fishery Management Plan 22
North East Fishery Management Plan
this is managed through commercial licensing Scope of plan processes for bait. The overall purpose of the NEFMP is to formalise management arrangements for the North East The North East Fishery is therefore defined as all Region in accordance with the provisions of the recreational fishing activities in waters within the Act, the Ministerial guidelines and the national geographical boundaries of the North East CMA Fisheries ESD Reporting Framework. region. To this end the NEFMP specifies goals, objectives, Duration of the plan strategies and actions for management of fisheries The NEFMP will provide the basis for the resources across the North East Region. management of the North East Fishery for a period The NEFMP builds on community feedback and of five years. identifies the most valued recreational fishing assets in the Region and describes the highest Review of the management plan priority strategies and actions to mitigate Review of the NEFMP and preparation of a new issues/risks that could impact on these fishing NEFMP will commence twelve months prior to the assets. scheduled expiry of the NEFMP. The review will The NEFMP also identifies recommended actions examine all aspects of fisheries management by stakeholders and other management agencies to against the defined goals, performance indicators ensure that processes for management of other and targets, and will examine the need for new or values and uses of the Region's waterways amended objectives as a result of monitoring and includes identification and minimisation of research information obtained. potential adverse impacts on fish habitat and Should there be a need for the Minister to amend fisheries. the NEFMP prior to this review, notice of this The NEFMP contains a section describing research intention will be published in the Victoria and monitoring information needed to address the Government Gazette and there will be formal identified management objectives and consultation with stakeholder groups. performance indicators; a section outlining compliance with fishing controls in the region; and Requirements of the Fisheries Act a section describing implementation and future review processes. 1995 The Act stipulates that a fishery management plan Definition of the fishery must: As gazetted on 31 March 2006, the NEFMP will • define the fishery to which it relates provide management direction for fishing • be consistent with the objectives of the Fisheries activities across the inland area administered by Act 1995 and with any Ministerial guidelines the North East CMA. This area includes all inland issued with respect to the preparation of the waterways (lakes and rivers) in the Kiewa, Ovens management plan and Upper Murray Basins. • include the management objectives of the Regulation 107 of the Regulations describes all management plan inland waters in Victoria as a fishery by virtue of • specify the management tools and any other the use of recreational fishing equipment. measures to be used to achieve the objectives Recreational fishing equipment relevant to the of the plan waterways in the NEFMP includes a rod and line, • include guidelines for the criteria to be used in handline, dip net, bait trap, landing net, and respect of the issue of licences and permits and recreational hoop net. Up-to-date information on in respect of the renewal, variation or transfer permitted recreational fishing equipment can be of licences found in the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide. • as far as is known, identify critical components The North East Fishery, for the purposes of this of the ecosystem relevant to the plan and plan, does not include commercial bait fishing as current or potential threats to those
North East Fishery Management Plan 23 components, and existing or proposed targets and information needed to address each of preventative measures these objectives are provided in the following • specify performance indicators, targets and sections and are summarised in Appendix 7. monitoring methods Performance indicators • as far as relevant and practicable, identify any Performance indicators are provided for actions other biological, ecological, social and that Fisheries Victoria has responsibility for economic factors relevant to the fishery implementing. These indicators provide a means covered by the plan, including its current of tracking progress on an ongoing basis. status, human uses and economic value; measures to minimise its impact on non-target As part of the ongoing implementation of the species and the environment; research needs management plan, performance indicators may be and priorities; the resources required to further refined using data from monitoring implement the plan. programs and surveys. The Act also indicates that each management plan Performance indicators are not provided for may: actions that other agencies are responsible for implementing. VRFish representatives requested a • specify the manner in which fishing capacity is performance indicator and target for the action for to be measured and the fishing capacity so which they have responsibility under Strategy 2. measured Targets • specify the duration of the management plan Targets provide a longer-term measure for the • specify procedures and conditions for review Objectives of the NEFMP. Targets should be of the plan achieved through the successful implementation of • include any other relevant matters. the NEFMP. Additional direction on the development of the NEFMP has been provided by the gazettal of Identification and prioritisation of Ministerial guidelines on 31 March 2006 (see strategies Appendix 5). During the development of the NEFMP, the risks to the biological, environmental, social and Management goal and objectives governance components of the fishery were Goal considered in accordance with the principles of The goal of the NEFMP is to manage recreational ESD. fisheries resources in the North East Region in accordance with ESD principles. This includes Nine strategies have been identified to address the identifying the habitats and aquatic environments goal of managing fisheries resources in the North East Fishery in accordance with the principles of on which fisheries resources depend, and enhancing the social and economic benefits to all ESD. The Strategies were identified as a result of Victorians. the Planning Process outlined on page 21. The nine strategies fit into three broad themes Objectives reflecting the objectives of the NEFMP, while the • Biological - To conserve and ensure sustainable use of key fish stocks across the Governance objective is addressed through the planning process, and the implementation and North East Fishery. reporting against the NEFMP. • Social - To maintain and where possible enhance recreational fishing opportunities The themes are presented under the following across the North East Fishery. chapters in the NEFMP: Sustainable Use of Fish • Environmental - To promote protection of the Resources (Biological objectives); Recreational habitats and environments which are essential Fishing Opportunities (Social objectives); and for production or maintenance of fisheries Maintenance of Fish Habitat (Environmental resources across the North East Fishery. objectives). • Governance - To achieve maximum Biological objectives community participation, understanding and The biological objective considers the support for the management of fisheries sustainability of harvesting fish species and resources across the North East Fishery. ecosystem components such as bait, bycatch and More detailed accounts of the strategies, impacts on non-target fish species. The risk of management actions, performance indicators, impacts to most ecosystem components was
North East Fishery Management Plan 24
assessed as low under current management Environmental objectives arrangements. The environmental objective considers the influence of habitat and environment factors such The NEFMP addresses the biological objective as catchment and riparian activities affecting water through Strategy 1 which requires the collection of quality, water extraction affecting water levels and information that will demonstrate the harvest of flows in rivers and dams, and weirs that act as a trout, Murray cod, Macquarie perch and Murray barrier to fish migration. spiny crayfish is sustainable. Although the potential risks associated with these Social objectives processes are significant for fisheries resources in The social objective considers the economic and the North East Region, these components are social benefits that recreational fishing provides to primarily managed by agencies other than the North East Fishery. Fisheries Victoria. For this reason, Strategy 9 aims The key recreational fish species, including trout, to provide appropriate information on the redfin, Murray cod, golden perch and Murray environment and habitat requirements of fisheries spiny crayfish, draw many visitors to the North resources to the North East CMA and water East Region and provide significant economic and authorities to assist them with management. social value to Victoria. Governance objectives The following strategies address the social A key component of this objective is the objective: implementation of the NEFMP and the public participation in the development of the NEFMP
• Strategy 2 and 3 – classification of waters and through public meetings, submissions and through quantification of the social and economic the stakeholder steering committee. The actions, benefits of alternative fishing regulations for performance measures and targets for each trout strategy for which Fisheries Victoria is responsible, • Strategy 4 and 5 – Maintain the stock enhanced combined with the annual reporting against these fishery in the region, and provide new fishing performance measures, aims to address the opportunities for native fish, in recognition of Governance objective of the NEFMP. the increased economic and social value that stock-enhanced fisheries can provide More detailed accounts of the strategies, • Strategy 6 – monitoring of fishery management management actions, performance indicators, and stocking success within Lake Hume targets and information needed to address each of these objectives are provided in the following
• Strategy 7 – opportunities to improve access to sections and are summarised in Appendix 7. fisheries resources.
North East Fishery Management Plan 25 Sustainable use of fish resources
the NEFMP. The future vulnerability of these Strategy 1 - Demonstrate the species to overfishing will be considered through sustainable use of key recreational ongoing statewide fishery management processes. fish species Surveys to gather fishery data are costly. There is a An objective of the NEFMP is to ensure the need to prioritise monitoring programs to focus on sustainable use of fisheries resources. key recreational fish species considered potentially at risk from overfishing. Trout, Murray cod, Managing the sustainable use of key recreational Macquarie perch and Murray spiny crayfish are species requires a basic understanding of the likely the four species in North East Region considered stock structures of fish populations, the fishing to be most at threat from overfishing. Further pressure being exerted on them, and an information is required to assess whether fishery understanding of broader environmental impacts management arrangements are appropriate for on recruitment. This information can then assist these species. resource managers in making decisions on management controls used to actively regulate the Information collection is a key focus of the actions sustainable use of recreational fishery species. in Strategy 1. Where anecdotal or other information sources raise concerns regarding the The key recreational introduced fishery species in sustainability of the recreational harvest of fishery the North East Region are redfin and trout. Redfin species, Fisheries Victoria has a number of are widespread, breed regularly, readily recolonise adaptive management tools available which may depleted waters and are presently not vulnerable be employed to safeguard stocks while data is to overfishing. The public consultation process collected through the monitoring program. identified concerns from anglers that in addition to fluctuations in trout abundance caused by habitat Trout and environment conditions, trout may be Trout is an icon species in the North East Region vulnerable to overfishing in localised and is extremely popular as a recreational angling circumstances. species. Trout are stocked in several lakes and impoundments in the North East Region. In The key native fishery species in the North East streams, trout fisheries are based on self-sustaining Region include Murray cod, golden perch, Murray wild populations. spiny crayfish and yabbies. Murray cod, Murray spiny crayfish and Macquarie perch are all listed Anecdotal information obtained from verbal and as threatened under the FFG Act and recreational written submissions during the two phases of fishing is provided for through a GIC Order. public consultation in February and October 2006 Demonstrating that the recreational take of these indicated that some anglers were concerned that species is sustainable is a high priority for Fisheries too many trout were being taken in some locations. Victoria. Monitoring of fish stocks assists fishery managers Current regulations for Macquarie perch provide in making appropriate management decisions. for a bag limit of one in Lake Dartmouth in the Fishery independent monitoring programs are North East Region. Although the recreational take already in place in accordance with the outcomes of Macquarie perch is small, anecdotal reports determined at the annual North East Regional received through the public consultation process Recreational Fisheries Consultation meetings. indicated that the species may be experiencing overfishing. Additional data on trout populations can also be collected by anglers themselves. A cost-effective Golden perch are extensively stocked across the and efficient fishery monitoring technique for region, while yabbies are widespread, breed recreational target species is through a research regularly, and readily recolonise depleted waters. angler diary program. The Regulations manage recreational fishing take and redfin, yabbies and golden perch are not Information collected from a research angler diary presently vulnerable to overfishing. As such, program over a number of years can provide fishery managers with scientifically valid strategies and actions to monitor the sustainable harvest of these fishery species are not described in information on catch and effort rates of the target
North East Fishery Management Plan 26
species. This information can be used as a basis for Murray cod are also listed as a Nationally reviewing the appropriateness of current fishing Threatened species under the EPBC Act and a regulations. National Recovery Plan for the species is currently in preparation. This ongoing program will rely on experienced and highly skilled volunteer anglers undertaking There is strong anecdotal evidence from recent research angling trips targeting trout in accordance recreational fishing reports that Murray cod with prescribed methods. Fishing location and abundance is increasing in some areas. Over the technique are varied within the identified rivers to last 70 years, the species has undergone a decline ensure a representative sample of the stock of a in range and abundance in all major tributaries of targeted species in the waterway is sampled. The the Murray River in Victoria (Cadwallader and program will collect information on abundance, Gooley 1984; Koehn 2005a). length and age (through the removal and aging of While environmental changes are considered the otoliths). main cause of the substantial decline in abundance Priority will be given to establishing research of Murray Cod (National Murray Cod Recovery angler diarists specifically targeting trout in the Team 2006), recreational fishing in some areas may Kiewa River as a Premier River (See page 5) and be leading to an unstable population structure other rivers identified through VRFish (Nicol et al. 2005). Current fishing regulations consultation outlined in Strategy 3. mean that recreational angling is unlikely to constitute a significant impact on the species. Information from research angler diaries, angling club records, creel surveys may also be used when Information such as an assessment of recruitment, undertaking reviews of data collected from the mortality of different age classes, and the level of research angler diary program. take, especially of large adults would assist management for recovery (Koehn 2005b). The Action Fisheries Research and Development Corporation Fisheries Victoria to seek funding from the (FRDC) have recently approved an application for Recreational Fishing Licence Trust Account or funding of a project to assess the sustainability of other sources to implement a trout research recreational fisheries for Murray cod in the Murray angler diary program in at least one river in the darling basin. North East Fishery. The project aims to gather information including: Performance indicator A research angler diary program is in place in • additional data on gross angler harvest at least one river in the North East Fishery. including detailed information on catch from individual rivers or basins. Target The recreational harvest of trout is sustainably • data to determine whether current size limits managed in response to information collected allow enough mature fish to remain in the from monitoring programs including research population to provide natural recruitment angler diaries. sufficient to sustain the fishery. • further information on release survival, to Murray cod assist in the development of stock assessment Murray cod is Australia’s highest profile native models. freshwater fish species. It was a major target of • further information on population structure commercial inland fishers until these fisheries and dynamics and, with particular reference to were closed in recent years. Murray cod is the recreational fisheries management, subject of recreational fisheries throughout the information regarding size at maturity and Murray Darling Basin and the fishery is based on whether this is constant across the basin. both wild and stocked populations. At the time of publishing, the bag/possession limit In the Draft Native Fish Strategy for the Murray– is two of which no more than one fish may be Darling 2002–2012, the MDBC outlined a number equal to or exceed 75 centimetres. The minimum of initiatives directly relevant to Murray cod. legal size is 50 centimetres in length and a closed Murray cod was listed as a priority for research at season applies from 1 September to 30 November an FCC research strategy meeting and the need for inclusive. Up-to-date information on current a project has been identified. regulations can be found in the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide.
North East Fishery Management Plan 27 Information including size at maturity, angler Murray spiny crayfish populations will be harvest levels and hooking survival estimates will assessed through a fishery independent sampling enable fisheries managers to more effectively program that builds on past monitoring sites to predict the impacts of recreational fishing on increase our understanding of any changes in the Murray cod populations. stock status over time. Monitoring and population programs are described in the Action Statement on Action Murray spiny crayfish (DSE 2003) and include: Fisheries Victoria in consultation with the FRDC, North East, North Central and • Survey the streams in those catchments most Goulburn-Broken CMAs and DSE to assess the likely to contain populations of Murray spiny sustainability of the recreational harvest of crayfish in order to determine the distribution Murray cod, given current environmental and abundance of the species. Information constraints on fish populations. collected will include in-stream and riparian habitat data. Performance indicator The sustainability of the recreational fishery • Develop a population model for Murray spiny harvest of Murray cod is assessed. crayfish. • Undertake periodic monitoring to refine and Target validate the population model. Bag and size limits that are appropriate to ensure the harvest of Murray cod is sustainable. Action Fisheries Victoria, in consultation with the Murray spiny crayfish North East CMA and DSE, to seek funding to Murray spiny crayfish is also a high priority for the establish a monitoring program, to inform the establishment of monitoring programs as this development of population model to assess the species has a limited geographic distribution, has sustainability of the current recreational harvest been greatly impacted by habitat alteration and of Murray spiny crayfish. degradation and has been affected by high levels of fishing pressure. These threats are recognised in Performance indicator the species listing as threatened under the FFG Recommendations made on the Act. appropriateness of current bag and size limits in accordance with information that is collected Murray spiny crayfish is endemic to the Murray from the Murray spiny crayfish monitoring River Basin. It is vulnerable to environmental and program. fishing pressure due to slow growth rate, long life span and low fecundity with annual breeding Target (Horwitz 1990). Bag and size limits are adjusted to ensure the harvest of Murray spiny crayfish is sustainable. Murray spiny crayfish are listed as Threatened under the FFG Act. Allowable take as a Macquarie perch recreational fishing species is provided for through Macquarie perch has a limited geographic a GIC Order. At the time of publishing, the distribution and has been greatly impacted by bag/possession limit was five per person per day, habitat alteration and degradation. These threats of which no more than one can exceed 12 are recognised by the listing of the species as centimetres occipital carapace length (OCL) and a threatened under the FFG Act and endangered minimum legal size of 9 centimetres OCL. It is an under the EPBC Act. offence to take berried (egg laden) females at any Macquarie perch are endemic to areas north of the time. A closed season applies from 1 September to Great Diving Range in the Murray River Basin. 30 April inclusive. Up-to-date information on current regulations can be found in the Victorian Recreational fishing for the species is provided for Recreational Fishing Guide. through a GIC Order. The only location in the North East region where Macquarie perch may be Currently, there are limited data on the levels of taken is Lake Dartmouth. At the time of recreational take of this species and its total publishing, the bag/possession limit was one per population abundance. Information on the harvest person per day with a minimum legal size of 35 and a population model is needed to improve centimetres. A closed season applies from 1 understanding of the stock status and to ascertain October to 31 December inclusive. Up-to-date the sustainability of current fishing controls. information on current regulations can be found in the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide.
North East Fishery Management Plan 28
Currently, there are limited data on the levels of Performance indicator recreational take of this species, or its total The status of the Macquarie perch population population abundance. Anecdotal reports suggest in Lake Dartmouth is assessed. that the sustainability of the Macquarie perch Target fishery in the North East Region should be Bag and size limits for Macquarie perch investigated. provide for a sustainable fishery. Action Fisheries Victoria, in consultation with the DSE and G-MW to seek funding to investigate the population status of Macquarie perch in Lake Dartmouth.
North East Fishery Management Plan 29 Recreational fishing opportunities
Strategy 2 – Classify waters within Strategy 3 – Quantify the social the North East Fishery and economic benefits of Public submissions regarding the Draft NEFMP alternative trout fishing indicated support in the recreational angling community for a classification system for waters regulations within the North East within the North East Fishery. Angling groups Fishery including the Australian Trout Foundation (ATF) The public consultation and submission process and Native Fish Australia (NFA) called for a revealed some interest in providing access to a statewide Stream Classification Model (SCM) to small number of waterways in the North East describe the primary fishing activity within a Region for fishers using particular trout fishing particular section of a stream encompassing techniques. Native, Salmonid, or in some cases Mixed fisheries. Submissions pointed to the New Zealand, NSW and Tasmanian trout fisheries where rivers are The SCM will build on the Management Units managed either as fly-fishing only, fly- and described in the NEFMP and provide additional artificial-lure fishing only, or all fishing methods detail regarding boundaries for Native, Salmonid (including bait fishing). In addition to these and Mixed fishery waters. The SCM will aim to regulations, trout fisheries are managed with a bag align with Government legislation and policy and limit, a closed season and either a minimum or provide clarity for recreational anglers and maximum size limit. fisheries managers. The NEFMP recognises that the SCM may require flexibility to account for Some submissions recommended selected streams boundaries which may alter seasonally due to in the upland areas of the North East Region as fluctuations in river flows and water levels and candidate waterways for fly-fishing or artificial- other habitat conditions. lure only fishery management regimes. Action Competition for fish resources may exist where The ATF, NFA and the VRFish to prepare a fishers prefer different techniques (for example SCM for the waters of the North East Fishery to fly/lure fishing or bait fishing), catch different define the waters to be classified as Native, numbers of fish (for example bag limit, or catch- Mixed or Salmonid fisheries. and-release) or have different expectations regarding the value of the fish resource. When a Management decisions will be taken so that particular fish stock or fishing location is subject to they are not inconsistent with the SCM or two or more competing uses, there is a need to broader government policy. determine how best to share the resource equitably Performance indicator among all members of the community and a SCM to be developed with broad agreement resource allocation decision is required. between ATF, NFA and VRFish. The Fisheries ESD Reporting Framework requires Targets (amongst other things) that measurable Fisheries Victoria to consider the SCM in management objectives and performance fisheries management decision making for the indicators be identified and implemented for the North East Fishery. biological sustainability, resource sharing, economic and social dimensions of each individual fishery. Prior to the 2002 Victorian State election, the FCC presented a paper to the then Minister for Energy and Resources that focused on the resource sharing (allocation) aspect of wild fish resources. The paper discussed some of the policy issues surrounding fish resource allocation, identified allocation policy options available to Government,
North East Fishery Management Plan 30
and provided a decision and implementation trout fishing regulations within the North East framework for translating a chosen policy option Fishery. into specific allocation objectives or targets for a Performance indicator given fish resource. Resource allocation for the trout fishery in the The FCC paper identified three alternative North East Fishery is based on the Balanced approaches or models for arriving at decisions on Outcome model and is therefore unbiased and the most appropriate allocation of access to or reflective of community values and aspirations. benefits from common pool fish resources: Target • ‘Economic Model’ - an approach designed to Alternative management arrangements are maximise net economic benefits from the use implemented if positive social and economic of fish resources. benefits are demonstrated through the Balanced • ’Community Interest’ Model - an approach Outcome resource allocation model. designed to maximise social equity in the use of fish resources. Strategy 4 – Maintain stock- • ’Balanced Outcome’ Model - an approach enhanced fisheries within the designed to achieve a mixture of net economic benefit and social equity in the use of fish North East Fishery resources. Populations of brown and rainbow trout are widespread throughout the North East Region and To achieve community equity, resource allocation provide for popular recreational fishing decisions must be based on knowledge of the opportunities in the rivers, streams and ramifications for the economic and social impoundments of the region. Fisheries in the rivers dimensions of the fishery. Resource allocation and streams of the region are primarily based on decisions should consider the needs of all users in self-sustaining wild populations, whilst those in the community and compare the economic and impoundments are primarily based on stocked social values of alternative allocations of the fish. Fisheries Victoria appreciates that some wild fishery resource. populations have low fish population densities or In 2004, the Government adopted the FCC fisheries small size fish which are insufficient to sustain a resource allocation decision framework and viable fishery, but stocking is not always the endorsed the use of a mixture of economic and solution. social values (‘Balanced Outcome’ Model) as the The primary reason wild trout abundance may not preferred method for making allocation decisions. be high in a given river or stream is related to the Information requirements for the ‘Balanced carrying capacity of that stream, which is Outcome’ Model are twofold: determined by environmental conditions such as food and habitat availability, water flows, water • unbiased estimates of the preferences of the temperatures and spawning opportunities. community for alternative ways of accessing, using or benefiting from the fish resources Natural variation in trout abundance often occurs • unbiased estimates of the net or marginal between seasons as a consequence of climate economic value under alternative management induced fluctuations in stream flow and regimes. temperature. Trout in Victorian rivers are often subjected to less than ideal conditions during A combination of this information can then be summer. High water temperatures impact trout used to decide on the optimal allocation of the populations by restricting their distribution, shared fishery resource among potentially inhibiting their growth and even causing mortality competing users. in extreme cases. Higher stream flows help buffer Action against stream temperature changes, however, Fisheries Victoria, in partnership with VRFish, natural events such as drought have an to seek funding and lead a contracting process uncontrollable negative effect on stream flow, for the development of independent social and habitat and in turn, trout quality and abundance. economic valuation studies to identify an Stocking additional trout, particularly into streams appropriate resource allocation for the trout where habitat and environment conditions are fishery in the North East Fishery, based on the unfavourable, places pressure on the existing self- Balanced Outcome model. sustaining populations. Recent research has VRFish to undertake consultation to identify confirmed that the return from stocked trout is candidate rivers to be used in the quantification generally minimal when they are released into a of social and economic benefits of alternative
North East Fishery Management Plan 31 river or stream containing a self-sustaining trout and other environmental conditions when making population (Stoessel 2006). stocking decisions. The maintenance of stock-enhanced fisheries in Action impoundments is important because of the social Fisheries Victoria to continue to stock native and economic benefits the fisheries generate. and salmonid fish in support of recreational fishing in suitable waters in accordance with Impoundments in North East region provide year established environmental constraints and round trout fishing opportunities as unlike rivers consideration through the North East Regional and streams, there is no closed season. The closed Recreational Fishing Consultation meetings. season in rivers and streams aims to protect spawning trout in self-sustaining populations. Performance indicator Stocking programs managed consistent with Most impoundments within the North East Region Guidelines for Assessing Translocations of Live are stocked with brown and rainbow trout in Aquatic Organisms in Victoria and Protocols for support of recreational fishing. Between April and the Translocation of Fish in Victorian Inland Public November each year, Fisheries Victoria releases Waters, and outcomes of North East Regional between 50,000 and 60,000 trout across the region Recreational Fishing Consultation meetings. (Appendix 4). Most trout are released as yearlings weighing between 80 and 100 grams (20-25 cm in Target length). Small numbers of larger trout are stocked Existing brown trout and rainbow trout, and during holiday periods for direct put-and-take native fisheries are maintained as agreed at fisheries in Family Fishing lakes (Appendix 3) annual North East Regional Recreational which are small impoundments close to urban and Fisheries Consultation meetings. regional centres. Some Family Fishing lakes are also stocked with natives. Strategy 5 – Provide new fishing Between November and April each year, Fisheries opportunities in the North East Victoria also stocks between 70,000 and 100,000 native fish fingerlings averaging less than one Region gram each. Golden perch and Murray cod are During consultation, some anglers expressed stocked into various waterways in the North East interest in enhancing fishing opportunities for fish Region in support of recreational fishing species in areas which are easily accessible to the (Appendix 4). public. Trout cod are considered by many to be a valuable native fish species, but recreational take is Stocking locations, species and numbers are currently prohibited in Victoria. determined at annual consultation meetings (Regional recreational fisheries consultation Through the National Recovery Plan for Trout cod meetings for fish stocking proposals, pg 16). The (1998 – 2005), the Ovens river was stocked for ten current stocking regime aims to strike a balance years with the aim of re-establishing a self- between the carrying capacity of the impoundment sustaining population in this system. This project and the social value that stocked fisheries provide. was administered by the DSE. As discussed in the Translocation Guidelines Since the stocking program began, trout cod have section (pg 11), the Protocols for the Translocation of become a significant bycatch for anglers in the Fish in Victorian Inland Public Waters (the Protocols) Ovens River and anglers are now calling for the have been developed to manage fish opportunity to legally take trout cod. translocations. The Protocols aim to provide The DSE has commenced monitoring the success appropriate protection of the environment whilst of the stocking program to determine the level of maximising social, environmental and economic natural recruitment, the extent of distribution of benefits derived from the activities. The Protocols population from original release sites and age and describe a set of conditions under which the risks length of trout cod at sexual maturity. of translocation are considered minimal, acceptable, or manageable. Where a translocation The Draft Trout Cod Recovery Plan (NSW DPI does not conform to one of these protocols, a risk 2005) recognises that controlled fishing for trout assessment must be conducted and considered by cod, in enclosed waterways such as the Translocation Evaluation Panel. In addition to impoundments, may lead to the growth of fishing- the criteria outlined in the Protocols, the North based tourism and greater economic and social East Regional Recreational Fisheries Consultation benefits for regional communities. The Plan also meetings (pg 16) consider angler expectations, notes that legalisation of a fishery for trout cod in proximity of other stocked waters, catch return of rivers would only be possible where the long-term stocked fish to anglers, water quality and levels, recovery of the species was successful.
North East Fishery Management Plan 32
Native Fish Australia prepared a Proposal for the Licence Trust Account revenue), Fisheries Victoria establishment of recreational fisheries for trout cod in commenced an assessment of angler use patterns, Victoria (NFA 2006). The proposal reviews and fishing preferences and catch levels for the Lake prioritises candidate waters for stocking with trout Hume. cod to provide for a recreational fishery in Victoria To date, the project has included a twice annual and identifies Lake Kerford, Lake Sambell and monitoring of fish populations, a trial stocking of Lake Buffalo as potential sites for stocking trout yearling brown trout and a creel survey to cod for recreational purposes due their size and determine angler use patterns and catch rates of all position. fish in the Lake including the stocked brown trout. Fisheries Victoria will investigate the option of Action developing a small, limited-take fishery in selected Fisheries Victoria to continue to monitor fish impoundments, commencing with trout cod, with populations and undertake angler creel surveys the possibility of considering Macquarie perch and in Lake Hume during 2007. catfish as candidate species in the future as identified through consultation processes. Performance indicator Results of angler preferences and catch levels Action incorporated into fishery management Fisheries Victoria to engage DSE regarding the strategies including planning of future development of a small, limited-take trout cod stockings of Lake Hume. fishery in selected impoundments in the North East Region to provide new fishing Target opportunities. Fisheries management in Lake Hume recognises survey results and employs adaptive Performance indicator fishery management where appropriate. Fisheries Victoria and DSE reach agreement reached regarding the development of a trout cod fishery and Fisheries Victoria determines a Strategy 7 – Encourage responsible process for establishing the fishery. recreational fishing behaviour Target Recreational fishers have contributed to the A new fishing opportunity for trout cod is identification of responsible fishing behaviour established in selected impoundments in the through the development of a Victorian Recreational North East Region. Fishing Code of Conduct. This document was released by VRFish in 2004 and provides guidance to recreational fishers on issues such as protecting Strategy 6 – Monitor fishery the environment, respecting the rights of others, management and stocking success attending fishing gear, being aware of and within Lake Hume complying with fishing restrictions, returning of Lake Hume is a significant recreational fishery for unwanted fish to the water, valuing fish caught Victoria and, particularly in recent years, has come and passing on fishing and local knowledge to to be regarded as a high quality mixed fishery for new fishers. trout, redfin and golden perch. The National Strategy for the Survival of Released In 2004, NSW and Victoria agreed that, for the Line Caught Fish is an initiative of the Fisheries purposes of fisheries management, Victorian Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) in fishing regulations would apply in Lake Hume association with Recfish Australia and the and NSW fishing regulations would apply in Lake Australian National Sportsfishing Association Mulwala. (ANSA). The main aim of this strategy is to improve the survival rate of fish caught by hook Prior to this agreement, NSW Fisheries stocked and line (that are undersized or unwanted), Lake Hume with golden perch, Murray cod and through a better understanding of the effects of trout. Fisheries Victoria continued to stock Lake fishing catch and release on the survival of Hume with these species and has identified the released fish, and through adoption of ‘best need to better understand fish stock status and practices’ in handling released fish. Further angler use of the Lake. In 2004, Fisheries Victoria information on the National Strategy for the commenced a research project to identify potential Survival of Released Live Caught Fish can be opportunities for improving management obtained from
North East Fishery Management Plan 33 through appropriate outlets in the region, policy Access for Recreational Fishing (VRFish 2004) including agents who sell recreational fishing has reviewed this issue and made a number of licences, fishing-dependent tourism businesses recommendations, which, if implemented, will and fishing clubs. improve angler understanding of access issues across the state. Strategy 8 - Improve access to Work to upgrade roads and tracks is prioritised by fisheries resources the relevant land managers and is based on Public consultation during the management available funding and the needs of the community. planning process identified opportunities for The most effective way to achieve improvements improving access recreational to fishing. to roads and tracks is by engaging the relevant land managers and providing information on the VRFish in their access policy, VRFish Policy Paper - most valued recreational fisheries to influence Access for Recreational Fishing (2004), describes their prioritisation processes. access as ‘…the ease to which recreational fishers reach fishing waters or fisheries to conduct their A list of issues (including access) raised at public recreation in accordance with the Fisheries Act and meetings is provided in Appendix 6. This list will other laws, regulations and codes.’ assist VRFish in setting future priorities when engaging other agencies. VRFish, as the peak body representing recreational fishing interests, is well placed to take a lead role Most waterways in the North East Region have in seeking improvements to recreational fishing been used historically by Aboriginal people. The access, particularly in light of recent policy reviews Aboriginal communities have developed a (VRFish 2004). Other agencies, including Fisheries database of culturally significant sites and can Victoria, may assist (for example, facilitating provide advice to land managers on appropriate discussions between government agencies) for consideration of cultural heritage issues when actions or initiatives being led by VRFish for high access improvements are under development. priority projects that have multiple benefits for a Where improvements to access may impact on range of user groups. culturally sensitive areas, the local Aboriginal community can provide advice to ensure cultural Land-based angling is the most common method heritage issues are sensitively managed. of recreational fishing in the waterways of the North East Region. Boat-based angling occurs in Action all impoundments in the North East Region and Fisheries Victoria in partnership with VRFish, along most rivers. During public consultation, to develop an angler access map and road recreational fishers did not identify particular signage for major rivers in the North East issues associated with access to these areas. Region. However, VRFish may wish to explore this issue further. Where appropriate, Fisheries Victoria to consider facilitating meetings between relevant Many anglers raised concerns about public access land managers and VRFish, to assist in during the public consultation. Submissions developing access improvements for indicated that access issues were widespread and recreational fishers difficult to prioritise. VRFish to consult with anglers and identify Public consultation identified some general themes opportunities to improve access to fishery including: resources in the North East Region. • uncertainty regarding the rights of anglers to VRFish to engage relevant land managers to gain access across land (Crown land, Crown promote road and track access for important land lease, or private land) that is adjacent to recreational fishing locations within the North the fishery East Region.
• roads and tracks that need upgrading to allow VRFish to engage local government, where greater vehicle access appropriate, to promote the maintenance of • infestation of weeds (introduced species) angler access through the development of limiting access to the fishing water, and for policies that will recognise the importance of aquatic weeds impacting the ability to fish the maintaining access to recreational fisheries. margins of some waterways. Anglers identified issues relating to a lack of VRFish to implement policy actions in its Access knowledge regarding the legal status of land for Recreational Fishing to improve the understanding of their rights to access land adjoining the waterway (Crown frontages, private land etc) and their right of access. The VRFish adjoining recreational fisheries.
North East Fishery Management Plan 34
Maintenance of fish habitat
There is conclusive evidence worldwide that the habitat and water flow. Natural variation in fish sustainable use of any fishery resource is abundance often occurs between seasons as a dependent not only on controlling the impacts of consequence of climate induced fluctuations in fishing on fish stocks, but also on the integrity of stream flow and temperature. For some native and the aquatic habitats and the ecological processes introduced fish species (particularly brown trout), that support the fishery. water temperature can strongly influence reproduction capacity and limit distribution. Inland waters in the North East Region are facing increasing pressures from human population Trout in Victorian rivers are often subjected to less growth and associated agricultural, industrial, than ideal conditions during summer. High water urban and tourism development. temperatures impact trout populations by restricting their distribution, inhibiting their Fisheries Victoria manages the sustainable use of growth and even causing mortality in extreme fisheries resources, but habitat and environment cases. Higher stream flows help buffer against are key supporting components of fisheries and stream temperature changes, however, natural these factors are primarily managed by other events such as drought have an uncontrollable agencies. Consequently, to more effectively negative effect on stream flow, habitat and in turn, achieve our ascribed ESD outcomes, Fisheries trout quality and abundance. Victoria seeks to influence the conduct of others. Fishery advocacy involves providing information The North East Regional Catchment Strategy and exercising persuasion to influence outcomes in identifies sediment runoff as the major cause of favour of fisheries and Fisheries Victoria. algal blooms followed by inefficient fertiliser use, natural causes, irrigation run off and septic tanks Within the North East Fishery, four priority issues (NECMA 2004a). have been identified by Fisheries Victoria, and reinforced through public consultation, as The primary policy driver for improving water potential threats to the habitat or ecological quality within the North East Fishery is the North processes for key recreational species: East Regional River Health Strategy (NECMA 2004). Although the North East CMA coordinates • poor water quality (from catchment-related the water quality strategy, the responsibility to processes) implement various components of the strategy • reduced water flows and diversions includes water authorities and land managers. • barriers to fish migration Water flows • riparian vegetation (including introduced The amount and timing of water moving down species such as willows). rivers can have a major impact on the production Water quality of fishery resources. In addition to natural Poor water quality, including increased variation, water flows have changed as a result of sedimentation and turbidity, primarily resulting extraction and diversions for irrigation and from catchment related factors such as land use, domestic water supply needs. can have a significant impact on fisheries Water flows are managed in accordance with Bulk resources. Water Entitlement and individual extraction For example, stock access, removal of riparian licences in regulated streams. In unregulated vegetation and land clearing can lead to increased systems, Stream Flow Management Plans are being erosion of nutrient-laden sediments. These developed to manage the Environmental Water sediments can reach waterways increasing nutrient Reserve to the degree that flows are affected by levels that may result in algal blooms and licensed use. sedimentation loads which may result in loss of The Stream Flow Management Plans for the Kiewa spawning sites and reduced recruitment for River and Upper Ovens River are scheduled for fisheries resources. development during 2007 and are intended as Water quality can influence the carrying capacity tools to develop the Environmental Water Reserve of waterways for many fishery species. Carrying in these systems. capacity is determined by the quality of in-stream
North East Fishery Management Plan 35 Barriers to migration The North East CMA, under their Willow Policy, Barriers to fish migration such as weirs, limit have identified strategies to reduce the impact of opportunities for mobile fish species to access exotic vegetation including willows and has other areas within a waterway. Key native specific actions to remove willows throughout the recreational fishery species such as Murray cod North East Region including in the Ovens, King, and particularly golden perch, are capable of Buffalo and Kiewa rivers and tributaries and moving significant distances to breed or access around Lake Hume. food resources. For many fishery species, willows provide a The Victorian Government officially launched the degree of protection from temperature State Fishway Program (SFP) in 1999 in response fluctuations. Large scale removal of riparian to a statewide inventory that identified nearly canopy (including willow) can affect summer 2,500 structures in rivers and streams that restrict stream water temperatures. The degree, to which fish passage and overall river health. Since the this occurs however, is primarily dependent on launch of the SFP, CMAs, water authorities and stream size and area removed, and can be DSE have been working towards improving native predicted using remote sensing data to assess the fish migration and movement through the riparian canopy type or by models such as installation of fishways at priority sites across STREAMLINE (Rutherford et al. 1999). Victoria. The SFP has seen fishways installed at Replacement of willow with appropriate native nearly 60 priority sites across Victoria for a net vegetation is an important part of restoring river gain of at least 4500 kilometres of riverine habitat health. To assess the effectiveness of restoration being reinstated for fish passage. projects, some long term monitoring is essential The Victorian River Health Strategy (DNRE 2002a) and to maximise the benefit of such a program, includes targets for the provision of fish passage seasonal influences on the parameters of interest either through installation of fishways or removal need to be considered. or modification of barriers on rivers identified as As part of the NERRHS, research needs were priorities. Priority barriers for removal or prioritised and high priority was developing a modification for fish passage have been collated by technique to determine the short and long-term CMAs and Melbourne Water for their impacts of willow removals on river health. management regions. Prioritisation was based on Currently Murray Darling Freshwater Research information such as: presence of migratory fish Centre is working with North East CMA to species with high conservation status; length of develop a monitoring program for pre and post waterway made accessible; condition of the river restoration works. One site was monitored in 2005 system; potential negative impacts (including and studies are currently underway to broaden the potential spread of noxious or introduced species); scope of monitoring to determine the impacts of and approximate cost of fishway/removal. willow removal on river health. The SFP identified the Tea Garden Creek weir on Fisheries Victoria will provide information to the the Ovens River as a high priority. G-MW operates North East CMA regarding the optimum the weir to manage flows from the Ovens to meet conditions including water temperatures for key irrigator demands along Tea Garden Creek. A recreational fishery species to assist in assessing study to ascertain the value of fish ladders on the the implications of removal of large tracts of weir has already been undertaken and, a further riparian vegetation. study of pumping to Tea Garden Creek and removing the existing weir is currently underway. River Tender project The River Tender project combines river health The North East CMA has also identified actions to objectives, native vegetation protection and a minimise significant barriers to fish migration in market-based incentive scheme for private the Ovens, King, Mitta Mitta and Buffalo rivers. landholders who own or manage riparian Degradation of riparian vegetation vegetation. Willow removal Jointly funded by the Victoria Water Trust River restoration projects are an investment in the (Healthy Rivers Initiative) and the North East long term long health river systems. Willows and CMA, the River Tender project involves running a other exotic riparian vegetation threaten to impact pilot project in the Ovens River valley to develop vegetation diversity and willows also seed on and trial the approach to encourage community sediment deposits where they migrate engagement in riparian conservation, restoration downstream. and rehabilitation.
North East Fishery Management Plan 36
The pilot River Tender is aimed at protecting and For Murray spiny crayfish and Murray cod, past enhancing existing native vegetation along the projects have identified the habitat and ecological banks of the Ovens River and its associated conditions required to sustain production, floodplain, wetlands, and creeks. including the importance of riparian vegetation. There is also an opportunity to collect further The project objective is to achieve measurable information on in-stream and riparian habitat to improvements including reduced erosion, greater assess current habitat status during monitoring biodiversity and higher water quality in the Ovens programs established as part of Strategy 1. Where River by assisting landholders to carry out work the North East River Health Strategy has identified on their land or lands they manage. areas as a high priority for restoration, these data Eligible landholders can lodge a bid for the will assist the North East CMA in targeting specific amount of funding they would need to enable areas requiring habitat protection and them to undertake works identified in an agreed rehabilitation. management plan. Successful landholders will Action receive an initial payment followed by annual Fisheries Victoria to collate information on payments on completion of works set out their habitat and environmental conditions required management agreement with River Tender. to sustain the production (spawning, More information on River Tender can be found at recruitment, survival, growth and movement)
North East Fishery Management Plan 37 Research and monitoring
Information derived from research and monitoring Fish habitat is an essential component of effective fisheries As described in Strategy 9, habitat and management. environmental conditions are critical to the production of key fisheries resources. Targeted research projects and ongoing monitoring provide information on the status of Fisheries Victoria has a fishery advocacy role to key fish stocks, habitats and environmental provide information on the environmental and conditions important for maintenance of key fish habitat needs of key recreational target species to stocks, and evaluation of the effectiveness of new other agencies to inform their policy and or altered fishery management measures. investment processes. The habitat and environmental needs required to Planning and priorities sustain the production (spawning, recruitment, Research and monitoring programs will focus on survival, growth and movement) of golden perch three priority areas: the status of key fisheries and will be assessed in a literature review. Gaps fish stocks, resource allocation in salmonid identified in the literature review may be fisheries and the environmental and habitat factors addressed in future research and monitoring influencing the recruitment success of fisheries programs. resources. Potential funding sources Monitoring of fish stocks Funding of research and monitoring programs for As described in Strategy 1, the recreational fish the NEFMP will be sought from the Fisheries stocks that require monitoring and research in the Victoria program budget, the Recreational Fishing North East Region are trout, Murray cod, Licence Trust Account and through the North East Macquarie perch and Murray spiny crayfish. CMA Regional Catchment Investment Plan. The aim of these monitoring programs is to collect Table 2 provides a summary of research and information that can be used in fisheries monitoring projects and information on costs and management processes such as future fisheries responsible agencies. stock assessments to guide decision-making on the appropriateness of current bag and size limits. Murray spiny crayfish will be assessed in a fishery independent sampling program that builds on past monitoring sites and reveals stock status over time. An application to fund this project will be made through the Regional Catchment Investment Plan with an in-kind contribution from the DPI.
North East Fishery Management Plan 38
Table 2. Summary of fishery research and advocacy projects required to address the NEFMP objectives Project Relevant Responsibility Key Total Potential funding Maximum Strategy/ partners estimated source contribution Progress cost by Fisheries Victoria Research angler 1B Fisheries Victoria VRFish $10,000 per Fisheries Victoria $5,000 (in diary program for annum program budget, kind) trout in the North RFL Trust East Fishery. Account Research project to 1B Fisheries Victoria North $40,000 per North East, CMA, $10,000 per assess the East, annum DSE, FRDC, DPI annum (in- sustainability of the CMA, kind) current recreational DSE, harvest of Murray FRDC spiny crayfish
Research project to 1A Fisheries Victoria North $100,000 North East, $10,000 (In- assess the East, per annum Goulburn Broken, kind) sustainability of the Goulbur North Central current recreational n Broken, CMAs, DSE, harvest of Murray North FRDC, QDPI, DPI, cod Central RFL Trust CMAs, Account DSE, FRDC
Research project to 1B Fisheries Victoria DSE, G- $10,000 RFL Trust assess the MW Account, DSE, G- sustainability of the MW current recreational harvest of Macquarie perch
Quantify the social 3B Fisheries Victoria VRFish $50,000 RFL Trust $10,000 (In- and economic Account kind) benefits of alternative trout fishing regulations within the North East Fishery
Monitor fishery 6A Fisheries Victoria N/A $75,000 RFL Trust $37,500 management and Account, Fisheries stocking success in Victoria program Lake Hume budget
Develop information 9B Fisheries Victoria N/A $10,000 Fisheries Victoria $10,000 (in- packages regarding program budget kind) habitat requirements of key recreational fishery species
Progress A – Underway at the time of publication of the NEFMP B – Scheduled for commencement during the life of the NEFMP
North East Fishery Management Plan 39 Fisheries compliance for the North East Fishery
The waterways of the North East Fishery are recreational fishing activity. For some species, classed as Victorian inland waters. Unless specific management arrangements are in place exempted, anglers are required to hold a that may include catch and size limits and the Recreational Fishing Licence (RFL) to closure of particular areas to the use of certain recreationally fish these waters. The requirement types of fishing equipment. for an RFL applies to the taking of or attempting to High levels of voluntary compliance require take, any species of fish by any method. The effective education and community awareness licence covers other activities such as bait programs which promote and support close and collection, gathering shellfish and crayfish or ongoing cooperation between fishers and the DPI, yabby fishing. Details of entitlements under this a high level of community awareness and licence and other important information for understanding about management objectives and anglers can be found in the Victorian Recreational strategies. Perhaps most importantly, it requires a Fishing Guide,
North East Fishery Management Plan 40
Actions • undertake targeted compliance operations Fisheries Victoria to: as required to achieve fisheries objectives defined in the NEFMP • provide information on Fisheries Regulations • consider the Action Statement on Murray spiny crayfish during prioritisation • promote community reporting of suspected processes for future education and illegal fishing activities through 13 FISH compliance programs. • use information derived from fishery Performance Indicator compliance risk assessments, 13 FISH Compliance with fishing controls of at least reports, and historical patrol activities to 90 per cent is achieved. prioritise, plan and target patrols and inspections to achieve compliance with Target fishing controls within the North East Compliance programs are adequately Fishery in line with a statewide resource implemented to ensure ongoing access to risk-based prioritisation process recreational angling species.
North East Fishery Management Plan 41 Management plan implementation
The NEFMP provides direction for recreational recommendations on future research directions. fisheries management for the North East Fishery. Fisheries Victoria will establish the group within the first twelve months of declaring the Initially, most fishery management measures for management plan. Terms of reference to guide the the North East Fishery will remain unchanged group will be issued by the Executive Director, with a focus on reviewing appropriate resource Fisheries Victoria, DPI. allocation, establishing programs to monitor the status of key recreational species and identifying Ongoing implementation of the NEFMP will key environmental threats to fisheries resources. require action by the DPI in conjunction with recreational fishers, VRFish and other stakeholders If information from these programs indicates a to establish the required fishery monitoring and need to alter fishery management arrangements in research programs, to carry out day-to-day the future to ensure sustainable use or to meet management activities, and to ensure compliance changing demands for recreational fishing with fishery management arrangements. opportunities, then changes will be considered in consultation with stakeholders. Key actions required to facilitate implementation of this plan are summarised in Appendix 7. Any proposed changes to fisheries regulations may be subject to a Regulatory Impact Statement An annual progress report will be prepared by (RIS) process under the provisions of the Fisheries Victoria on the implementation of the Subordinate Legislation Act 1994, which includes NEFMP and will provide details of progress extensive consultation with stakeholders. against key performance indicators. Annual reports will be available on the DPI website at The NEFMP will come into effect following a
North East Fishery Management Plan 42
References
Cadwallader, PL, and Backhouse, GN (1983). A To’ guide for wild capture fisheries. Final guide to the freshwater fish of Victoria. Report for FRDC Project 2000/145. Fisheries Victorian Government Publishing Office, Research and Development Corporation, Melbourne. 249 pp. Canberra. Cadwallader, P.L. and Gooley, G.J. (1984). Past and Geddes, M.C. (1990). Crayfish. in: (Mackay, N and present distributions and translocations of Eastburn, D. eds), The Murray. pp 302-307. Murray Cod Maccullochella peelii and Trout Murray Darling Basin Commission Canberra, Cod M. macquariensis (Pisces: Percichthyidae) Australia. in Victoria. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Henry, GW and Lyle, JM (2003). The National Victoria 96(1): 33–43. Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Survey. Department of Natural Resources and Australian Government Department of Environment (DNRE) (2001). North East Soil Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Canberra. Health Action Plan: A Component of the Horwitz, P (1990). A taxonomic revision of species North East Regional Catchment Strategy. in the freshwater crayfish genus Engaeus Department of Natural Resources and Erichson (Decapoda: Parastacidae). Environment, Rutherglen. Invertebrate Taxonomy 4: 427-614. Department of Natural Resources and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Environment (2002). Victorian Pest (IPCC) (2007) Climate Change 2007: The Management - framework for action. Physical Science Basis. Summary for Department of Natural Resources and Policymakers. IPCC Secretariat, Geneva, Environment, Melbourne. Switzerland. Department of Natural Resources and Koehn, J. D., (2005a). The loss of valuable Murray Environment (2002a). Victorian River Health cod in fish kills: a science and management Strategy. The State of Victoria. perspective. Pp. 73-82. In: Lintermans, M. and Department of Primary Industries (2003). Phillips, B. (eds.). Management of Murray cod in Guidelines for Assessing the Translocation of the Murray-Darling Basin: Statement, Live Aquatic Organisms in Victoria. recommendations and supporting papers. Completed by the Victorian Aquatic Proceedings of a workshop held in Canberra, 3-4 Organisms Translocation Guidelines Steering June 2004. Murray-Darling Basin Commission Committee. DPI, Melbourne. and Cooperative Research Centre for Freshwater Ecology, Canberra. Department of Primary Industries (DPI) (2006). Action Agenda on Climate Change and Koehn J. D. (2005b). Threats to Murray cod. Pp. 30- Greenhouse: growing sustainable primary 37. In: Lintermans, M. and Phillips, B. (eds.). industries. Department of Primary Industries Management of Murray cod in the Murray- Victoria. Darling Basin: Statement, recommendations and supporting papers. Proceedings of a workshop held Department of Sustainability and Environment in Canberra, ACT3-4 June 2004. Murray- (DSE) (2003). Action Statement for Murray Darling Basin Commission and Cooperative Spiny Crayfish (Euastacus armatus). The State Research Centre for Freshwater Ecology, of Victoria. Canberra. Department of Sustainability and Environment McDowall, R (1996). Freshwater Fishes of South (2004) Climate Change in the North East Eastern Australia. Reed Books, Chatswood Region. Department of Sustainability and N.S.W. Environment. McDowall, R.M (2006). Crying wolf, crying foul, or Fletcher, W.J., Chesson, J., Fisher, M., Sainsbury, crying shame: alien salmonids and a K.J.., Hundloe, T., Smith, A.D.M. and biodiversity crisis in the southern cool- Whitworth, B. (2002). National ESD reporting temperate galaxioid fishes? Rev Fish Biol framework for Australian Fisheries: The ‘How Fisheries 16:233–422.
North East Fishery Management Plan 43 Ministerial Council on Forestry, Fisheries and North East Catchment Management Authority Aquaculture (MCFFA) (1999). National Policy (2004a). North East Regional Catchment for the Translocation of Live Aquatic Strategy. North East CMA. Organisms – Issues, Principles and Guidelines Payne, N.R., Korver, R.M., MacLennan, O.S., for Implementation. Ministerial Council on Nepszy, S.J., Shuter, B.J., Stewart, T.J., and Forestry, Fisheries and Aquaculture. Thomas. E.R. 1990. The harvest potential and Murray-Darling Basin Commission (2000) The dynamics of lake trout populations in National Management Strategy for Carp Ontario. Ontario Ministry of Natural Control. Murray-Darling Basin Commission, Resources, Toronto, Ont. Lake Trout Synth. on behalf of the Carp Control Coordination Pop. Dyn. Work. Group Rep. Group. Rowland, S.J. (2005). Overview of the history, NSW DPI (2005). NSW DPI (2005). Trout cod. fishery, biology and aquaculture of Murray Maccullochella macquariensis. Draft Recovery cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii). Pp. 38-61. In: Plan. NSW Department of Primary Industries. Lintermans, M. and Phillips, B. (eds). Management of Murray Cod in the Murray- National Murray Cod Recovery Team (2006). Darling Basin: Statement, recommendations and Background and Implementation Information supporting papers. Proceedings of a workshop held for the National Recovery Plan for the Murray in Canberra, 3-4 June 2004. Murray-Darling Cod Maccullochella peelii peelii (Mitchell, 1838). Basin Commission and Cooperative Research Draft for Stakeholder comment. Department Centre for Freshwater Ecology, Canberra. of Sustainability and Environment, Canberra. Melbourne. Rutherford, J.C., Davies-Colley, R.J., Quinn, J.M., NFA (2006). Proposal For The Establishment Of Stroud, M.J. and Cooper, A.B. (1999) Stream Recreational Fisheries In Victoria For The Shade: Towards a restoration strategy, NIWA Bluenose Or Trout Cod Maccullochella and Department of Conservation, Wellington, macquariensis. Native Fish Australia. New Zealand, 161 pages. Nicol, S., Todd, C., Koehn J. and Lieschke J. (2005). Stoessel, D. (2006) Macalister River Creel Survey. How can recreational angling regulations help Fisheries Victoria Research Report Series. meet the multiple objectives of Murray cod populations. Pp. 98-106. In: Lintermans, M. Upper North East Water Quality Working Group and Phillips, B. (eds.). Management of Murray (UNEWQWG) (2001) Upper North East Cod in the Murray-Darling Basin: Statement, Victoria Water Quality Strategy: An Action recommendations and supporting papers. Plan within the North East Regional Proceedings of a workshop held in Canberra, 3-4 Catchment Strategy. Upper North East Water June 2004. Murray-Darling Basin Commission Quality Working Group, Department of and Cooperative Research Centre for Natural Resources and Environment, Freshwater Ecology, Canberra. Canberra. Wodonga. North East Regional Catchment and Land VRFish (2004). VRFish Policy Paper - Access For Protection Board (NERCLPB) (1997) North Recreational Fishing. VRFish, Victoria. East Regional Catchment Strategy. North East Yen, A.L. and Butcher, R. J. (1997). An overview of Regional Catchment and Land Protection the conservation of Non-marine Invertebrates Board. Department of Natural Resources and in Australia. Endangered Species Program, Environment. Environment Australia, Canberra. North East Catchment Management Authority Internet Sites (NECMA) (2000) Draft North East Native Department of Primary Industries Vegetation Plan. North East Catchment http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/angling/ Management Authority. Department of the Environment and Water North East Catchment Management Authority Resources http://www.environment.gov.au/ (NECMA) (2004). Draft North East Regional River Health Strategy. North East Catchment Department of Sustainability and Environment Management Authority. http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/ North East Catchment Management Authority http://www.necma.vic.gov.au/
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Glossary
Anthropogenic – resulting from the influence of production (of fish species) – refers to biological human beings on natural processes processes, such as spawning, recruitment, survival, growth and movement, that drive Berried – refers to female Murray spiny crayfish changes in the abundance and distribution of a carrying eggs under the tail species Ecologically Sustainable Development – Using, salmonid – fish belonging to the family conserving and enhancing the community’s Salmonidae and including both brown (Salmo fisheries resources so that ecological processes, on trutta) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). which life depends, are maintained, and the total quality of life, now and in the future, can be Target –provides a longer-term measure for the increased. Objectives of the NEFMP. Targets should be achieved through the successful implementation Introduced – a species that has been translocated of the NEFMP. outside of its natural distribution or range. Translocation – the deliberate human-assisted Objective – a longer-term description of what we movement of live aquatic organism using are trying to achieve through the implementation associated transport media. of the management plan.
Performance indicator –used as a means of tracking progress of implementing actions on an ongoing (usually annual) basis.
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Abbreviations
CMA Catchment Management Authority DNRE former Department of Natural Resources and Environment DPI Department of Primary Industries DSE Department of Sustainability and Environment ESD Ecologically Sustainable Development FCC Fisheries Co-Management Council FFG Act Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 G-MW Goulburn-Murray Water MDBC Murray Darling Basin Commission NEFMP North East Fishery Management Plan North East CMA North East Catchment Management Authority PIRVic Primary Industries Research Victoria RCS Regional Catchment Strategy RFL Recreational Fishing Licence RRHS Regional River Health Strategy SCM Stream Classification Model VRFish Victorian Recreational Fishing Peak Body
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Appendices
Appendix 1: Membership of steering committee The NEFMP Steering Committee is independently chaired by Mr Neil Ward and includes the following members: Mr Christopher Collins, FCC Mr Stafford Simpson, Victorian Recreational Fishing Peak Body Mr Norman Jones, Victorian Recreational Fishing Peak Body Ms Veronica Lanigan, North East CMA Miss Bianca Huider, G-MW Mr Kevin Atkinson, Regional Coordinator for the North East Cultural Heritage Program Ms Pettina Love, Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation (replaced by Mr Alan Murray, Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation from June 2006) Mr Tony Long, DSE Mr Greg Hayes, DPI (replaced by Ms Karen Weaver in October 2006) Joy Sloan, DPI Mr Neville Fowler, DPI.
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Appendix 2: Management units and key recreational fishing species of the North East Region
Key recreational fishing species Lowland rivers golden perch, Murray cod and redfin Midland rivers trout, redfin, golden perch and Murray cod Upland rivers trout Impoundments Lake Hume trout, golden perch, redfin and Murray cod Lake Dartmouth trout Dartmouth Pondage trout Mt Beauty Pondage trout Rocky and Pretty Valley trout Lake Buffalo trout, redfin, golden perch and Murray cod Lake William Hovell trout
Appendix 3: Family Fishing Lakes of the North East Fishery The Family Fishing Lakes Program, previously known as the Small Waters Program, stocks on-grown or advanced yearling 200 gram fish rainbow trout into suitable impoundments. They are generally of 5 acres in surface area or less and have a daily bag limit of five trout and no size limit; with the exception of the Premier Lakes. The primary purpose is to provide a recreational fishing experience to junior or disabled anglers. To achieve this, the waters are located close to populated areas and have good access. The stockings are aligned with the second and/or third term school holidays plus any Fishing Week or junior fishing clinic events. This generally coincides with water temperatures best suited to trout. In most instances rainbow trout are stocked as they are normally bigger than the available brown trout at that time of year and are reputedly easier to catch by inexperienced anglers. There are more than 50 Family Fishing Lakes across Victoria, eight of which are located in the North East Fishery: • Allans Flat Dredghole (Yackandandah) • Anderson Lake (Chiltern) • Fosters Dam (Glenrowan) • Harrietville Dredge Holes (Harrietville) • Kerford Lake (Beechworth) • King Lake (Rutherglen) • Mt Beauty Pondage (Mt Beauty) • Sambell Lake (Beechworth) For more information on Premier Lakes and Family Fishing Lakes, visit
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Appendix 4: Fish stocking programs for 05-06 for the North East Fishery (number of fish) Water Stocked Month/ Year Fish Size Golden perch Murray cod Trout cod Brown trout Rainbow trout Allans Flat Dredgehole 04/06 0.85 1,000 6-9/05 400 Amaroo Lake 04/06 39 500 Anderson Lake 04/06 0.85 1,000 10/05 300 Banimboola Lake 11/05 2,000 12/05 3,300 Buffalo Lake 03/06 1.7 1,000 Cudgewa Creek 02/06 0.64 5,000 Hume Lake 11/05 1.5 30,000 03/06 0.5 28,300 7-10/05 50,000 Kerford Lake 03/06 0.5 5,000 Mitta Mitta River 04/06 0.6 10,000 Mount Beauty Pondage 11/05 920 11/05 80 11/05 1,000 Ovens River 01/06 1 10,400 Sambell Lake 03/06 0.5 5,000 6-9/05 1000
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Appendix 5: Ministerial guidelines
I, Bob Cameron, Minister for Agriculture, pursuant to section 28(2) of the Fisheries Act 1995 (the Act), issue the following guidelines with respect to the preparation of a Fishery Management Plan for the inland North East Region.
1. Fisheries Victoria of the Department of Primary Industries will be responsible for the preparation of the Fishery Management Plan. The plan must be consistent with the objectives of the Act. 2. The Management Plan must be consistent with all existing Government legislation and Departmental policies. 3. The Fisheries Co-Management Council will oversee the process for the preparation of the Fishery Management Plan. The plan must comply with Part 3 of the Act. 4. The Fishery Management Plan will be prepared with input from all major affected stakeholder groups, including recreational fishing interests and indigenous interests. 5. The inland North East Region includes the Upper Murray Basin, Kiewa Basin and Ovens Basin as defined by the North East Catchment Management Authority in addition to Lake Hume as defined by the Fisheries Regulations 1998. 6. The Fishery Management Plan will identify factors, including habitat and water management issues, impacting fisheries resources. 7. The Fishery Management Plan may identify opportunities to maintain or enhance the recreational fishing experience. 8. The Fishery Management Plan may specify appropriate management controls with regard to recreational fishing and may recommend options to assist in managing related activities. 9. The Fishery Management Plan will identify research and information needs to support the sustainable management of fisheries resources. 10. The Fishery Management Plan will include processes for reporting to the Victorian community on achievements of the Plan.
BOB CAMERON Minister for Agriculture
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Appendix 6: Summary of key issues raised during public consultation Public consultation for the NEFMP involved two opportunities to comment; one period of public consultation occurred prior to drafting the NEFMP and a second round of consultation involved an opportunity to comment on the draft NEFMP. In February 2006, public meetings were held at Corryong, Wangaratta, Wodonga and Melbourne to canvass the views of the community following which 246 written submissions were received. These initial submissions assisted in the preparation of a draft NEFMP. A summary of the key issues raised during the initial public consultation period is presented below. Issue category Issue raised through public consultation Policies, processes or responsible agencies
Trout management Trout are a key fishery species in the North East Region. Strategy 2 in the NEFMP aims to provide clarity regarding (‘blue ribbon’ Changes suggested to Fisheries Regulations including: waters classified as Salmonid (trout), Native or Mixed fisheries. waters) • reduced bag limit (1 or 2) and altered size limits Strategy 3 in the NEFMP seeks to measure the social and • artificial lure only – no bait. extended closed seasons to protect economic benefits of alternative trout fishing regulations within spawning stocks (beginning of May – beginning of September) the North East Fishery. This may include the option of additional licence fees for areas with alternative regulations. • total closure to fishing in some tributaries to protect spawning stocks. • catch and release code of conduct Willingness to purchase a ‘blue ribbon’ licence with funding directed to enforcement. Stocking Request for stocking of trout in popular areas such as King River below Regional recreational fisheries consultation meetings and the William Hovell, Ovens at Bright, Nariel, Cudgewa, Thougla. Call for Translocation Guidelines sections of the NEFMP outline the DPI stocking of larger fish into King, Buffalo, Kiewa and Mitta Mitta, Upper policy regarding stocking. Ovens, 15 Mile Creek, Hurdle, Ryans, Buffalo and Rose rivers. Some submissions supported ‘put and take’ fisheries in readily accessed rivers, particularly prior to holiday seasons. Request for stocking Macquarie perch in cool alpine or sub-alpine rivers and impoundments such as the upper Ovens and Mitta catchments. Other submissions viewed stocking waters with vigorous natural recruitment as inappropriate, but identified that it can be useful tool to aid recovery from acute man-made or natural disaster. ‘stocking was for many years seen as the great cure all for management of fisheries’ Classification of River reaches should be ‘classified’ in detail and allocated to either trout Strategy 2 aims to develop a Stream Classification Model to rivers or native species. classify waters as Salmonid (trout), Native or Mixed fisheries. Suggested classification systems included streams classified either as The NEFMP has also identified broad Management Units with ‘managed for the sustainability and enhancement of trout, mixed or similar environmental, geomorphological and fishery species native species’ or ‘areas that need to be protected for any endangered characteristics. species’ Strategy 3 contains an action for the Australian Trout Foundation,
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Issue category Issue raised through public consultation Policies, processes or responsible agencies
Other submitters were opposed to detailed classification and saw it as Native Fish Australia and the Victorian Recreational Fishing Peak Body being divisive and ineffective due to fluctuating boundaries. For (VRFish) to prepare a more detailed Stream Classification Model for the example: ‘I am opposed to the declaring of designated species waters of the North East Fishery to define the waters to be classified as waters…this may fail to protect some species or result in inappropriate Native, Mixed or Salmonid fisheries. species being stocked.’ Enforcement Concern that fisheries enforcement is ineffective. For example: ‘obvious The Fisheries Compliance section in the NEFMP outlines lack of funding to Fisheries Victoria resulting in too few inspections’ Fisheries Victoria’s policy and prioritisation strategy for Suggestion for Honorary Wardens: ‘We recommend exploration of compliance. appointing members of the angling community as volunteer fisheries and conservation officers. This could help resolve resource issues and would go some way toward defusing the perceived conflict (in some quarters) between the objectives of anglers and those of environmental conservation and healthy fisheries. Anglers’ objectives regarding environmental conservation are largely consistent with environmental policy (clean rivers, environmental flows, healthy vegetation and wildlife) and are therefore a force for conservational good. For most trout anglers, a love of trout fishing is a symptom of their love for natural wilderness and conservation rather than the reverse’ Some anglers expressed a desire to pay extra for licence fees to provide more enforcement officers Access difficulties Call for partnerships with land-holders for access through properties. To be considered by VRFish as part of implementing VRFish Examples of some of the issues identified included: ‘The closure of Policy Paper - Access For Recreational Fishing. vehicle access tracks to fishing spots, particularly in the Limestone Creek Upper Murray area.
Some submissions called for a map with access points and others requested standardised signage and stiles to assist anglers in accessing rivers. Anglers noted that this may assist in more effectively distributing angler effort. Some submissions called for family-friendly tourism opportunities The government initiative of Family Fishing Lakes and tourism opportunities are outlined in the Appendix 3. (relationship with local tourist organisations) Weeds Submissions found weeds create access difficulties in some rivers To be considered by VRFish as part of implementing VRFish sections for example: Rose/Dandongadale Rivers, Thougla below Green Policy Paper - Access For Recreational Fishing. Wattle Gap Track. Blackberry, gorse, and broom are considered most serious.
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Issue category Issue raised through public consultation Policies, processes or responsible agencies
Trout cod Trout cod numbers in the Ovens have increased and restocking program Strategy 5 describes the current status of trout cod and the may need to be reviewed. For example, ‘trout cod are in plague policy of Fisheries Victoria in relation to a trout cod fishery. proportions in the lower Ovens River and below Lake Mulwala in the Murray River.’ Some suggested a small take fishery be considered. Others saw the restocking program as ‘an attempted act of appropriation of a public mixed fishery by an ideologically driven green elite.’ Murray cod Some submissions discussed the sustainability of Murray cod. Some sustainability submissions believed the current bag and size limits for the species to be too generous, whilst others cited anecdotal evidence of high recreational catches. Some submissions were concerned that the wording of the draft strategy was unclear. Carp Some submissions found European carp to be a significant agent of The Carp Control section of the NEFMP outlines the processes degradation of our streams and suggested targeting carp for control and currently in place to manage carp. eradication through methods including commercial fishing, RFL funding for clubs to conduct electrofishing, stocking large Murray cod, or a carp bounty. Research Some submissions called for surveys to assess the effectiveness of Strategy 6 in the NEFMP outlines current research to assess the stocking programs and habitat condition to ensure optimum conditions effectiveness of stocking programs in Lake Hume. Fisheries for fish survival and sustainability. Victoria also conducts regular monitoring work on waterways in Some submissions called for surveys of trout abundance in areas the North East Region to determine the abundance of fishery including the King River below William Hovell, Ovens at Bright, Nariel, species. Cudgewa, Thougla. Some submissions suggested anglers could provide catch data to DPI via an online database with RFL funding. Recreational Some submissions were concerned that licence fees are directed to The Recreational Fishing Licence Trust Account section of the Licence Fees catching abalone poachers and not enforcement of trout. There was NEFMP describes the projects funded by Recreational fishing concern that RFL moneys are not put towards trout stocking, habitat licence fees. No RFL monies were directed to abalone improvement or enforcement. compliance. Some submissions requested a reminder letter for licence renewal. Current Fisheries Victoria policy reflects a business case study Some submissions were concerned that numbers of licences didn’t add regarding reminder letters for RFLs which rejected the proposal. up and that some recreational fishers were avoiding carrying a licence. Recreational Fishing Licence figures are consistent with exemptions for licence holders. Willow removal Submissions generally supported willow removal, but were concerned The Degradation of Riparian Habitat section in the NEFMP that removal of large stretches of river at once provides no protection for describes the background to riparian vegetation issues.
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Issue category Issue raised through public consultation Policies, processes or responsible agencies
fish resources, particularly when native vegetation is not replanted. Removal causes increased water temperature, fish kills, algal growth, increased pollution and erosion. Environmental Submissions were concerned about water use in the region and some The Management and Regulation of Water section of the flows believed that ‘water is wasted and not directed into environmental NEFMP outlines the agencies responsible and rules for water flows.’ management in the region. Some called for more ‘flow balancing’ of hydro-electric dam releases on the Kiewa and the minimum water release into the Mitta from Dartmouth increased to 400 megalitres/day. For example: ‘Minimum environmental flows are inadequate to provide for fishery and other biota.’ And ‘Bulk entitlements mean that many use their whole entitlement sometimes frivolously.’ Land use issues Submissions were concerned about livestock damage to riparian Stock access on private properties. vegetation and called for restrictions on stock access. Runoff from forestry (siltation) and agriculture practices (fertilisers and chemicals) causing run-off and siltation, sewerage and septic tanks. In stream habitat, Submissions were concerned about dredging and river engineering Dredging no longer occurs in the North East Region and the snags and river works resulting in habitat modification. For example: ‘streams are North East CMA has programs in place to improve river health modification turned into drains without consideration of fisheries habitat’ in the region, specifically to increase woody habitat loads in Some submissions were concerned that Fisheries managers are unaware channel inline with natural tree fall (no de-snagging). of the benefits of snags and re-snagging and placement of lunkers in rivers can be important for fisheries
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Appendix 7: Summary of objectives, strategies and actions for management of the North East Fishery
Objective Strategy Actions Performance Target Schedule Responsibility Indicator Biological - To Strategy 1 – Fisheries Victoria to seek funding A research angler The recreational Ongoing. To begin in Fisheries conserve and Demonstrate from the Recreational Fishing diary program is in harvest of trout is first year of declaring Victoria ensure the sustainable Licence Trust Account or other place in at least one sustainably managed the NEFMP subject to sustainable use of use of key sources to implement a trout river in the North in response to funding. key fish stocks in recreational research angler diary program in East Fishery. information collected the North East fish species. at least one river in the North East from monitoring Fishery Fishery. programs including research angler diaries. Fisheries Victoria in consultation The sustainability Bag and size limits Ongoing. To begin in Fisheries with the FRDC, North East, North of the recreational that are appropriate to first year of declaring Victoria and Central and Goulburn-Broken fishery harvest of ensure the harvest of the NEFMP subject to DSE CMAs and DSE to assess the Murray cod is Murray cod is funding.
sustainability of the recreational assessed. sustainable. harvest of Murray Cod given
current environmental constraints on fish populations. Fisheries Victoria, in consultation Recommendations Bag and size limits are Ongoing. To begin in Fisheries with the North East CMA and made on the adjusted to ensure the first year of declaring Victoria and DSE, to seek funding to establish appropriateness of harvest of Murray the NEFMP subject to DSE a monitoring program, to inform current bag and spiny crayfish is funding. development of a population size limits in sustainable. model to assess the sustainability accordance with of the current recreational harvest information that is of Murray spiny crayfish. collected from the Murray spiny crayfish monitoring program. Fisheries Victoria, in consultation The status of the Bag and size limits for Ongoing. To begin in Fisheries with the DSE and G-MW to seek Macquarie perch Macquarie perch first year of declaring Victoria and funding to investigate the population in Lake provide for a the NEFMP subject to DSE population status of Macquarie Dartmouth is sustainable fishery. funding.
perch in Lake Dartmouth. assessed.
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Social - To Strategy 2 – The ATF, NFA and the VRFish to SCM to be Fisheries Victoria to To begin in first year ATF, NFA maintain and Classify waters prepare a Stream Classification developed with consider the SCM in of declaring the and VRFish where possible within the Model (SCM) for the waters of the broad agreement fisheries management NEFMP subject to enhance North East North East Fishery to define the between ATF, NFA decision making for funding. recreational Fishery. waters to be classified as Native, and VRFish. the North East Fishery. fishing Mixed or Salmonid fisheries. opportunities in Management decisions will be the North East taken so that they are not Fishery inconsistent with the SCM or broader government policy. Strategy 3 – Fisheries Victoria, in partnership Resource allocation Alternative Ongoing. To begin in Fisheries Quantify the with VRFish, to seek funding and for the trout fishery management first year of declaring Victoria social and lead a contracting process for the in the North East arrangements are the NEFMP subject to economic development of independent Region is equitable, implemented if funding. benefits of social and economic valuation unbiased and positive social and alternative studies to identify an appropriate reflective of economic benefits are trout fishing resource allocation for the trout community values demonstrated through regulations fishery in the North East Fishery, and aspirations. the Balanced Outcome within the based on the Balanced Outcome resource allocation VRFish North East model. model. Fishery. VRFish to undertake consultation to identify candidate rivers to be
used in the quantification of social and economic benefits of alternative trout fishing regulations within the North East Fishery.
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Social - To Strategy 4 – Fisheries Victoria to continue to Stocking programs Existing brown Ongoing Fisheries maintain and Maintain stock- stock native and salmonid fish in managed consistent with trout and rainbow Victoria where possible enhanced fisheries support of recreational fishing in Guidelines for Assessing trout, and native enhance within the North suitable waters in accordance with Translocations of Live fisheries are recreational East Fishery. established and environmental Aquatic Organisms in maintained as fishing constraints and consideration Victoria and Protocols for agreed at annual opportunities in through the North East Regional the Translocation of Fish in North East the North East Recreational Fishing Consultation Victorian Inland Public Regional Fishery meetings. Waters, and outcomes of Recreational North East Regional Fisheries Recreational Fishing Consultation Consultation meetings. meetings. Strategy 5 – Provide Fisheries Victoria to engage DSE Fisheries Victoria and A new fishing Ongoing. To Fisheries new fishing regarding the development of a DSE reach agreement opportunity for begin in first Victoria opportunities in the small, limited-take trout cod fishery reached regarding the trout cod is year of North East Region. in selected impoundments in the development of a trout established in declaring the North East to provide new fishing cod fishery and Fisheries selected NEFMP opportunities. Victoria determines a impoundments in subject to process for establishing the North East funding
the fishery. Region. Strategy 6 – Monitor Fisheries Victoria to continue to Results of angler Fisheries Ongoing Fisheries fishery monitor fish populations and preferences and catch management in Victoria management and undertake angler creel surveys in levels incorporated into Lake Hume stocking success Lake Hume during 2007. fishery management recognises survey within Lake Hume. strategies including results and planning of future employs adaptive stockings of Lake Hume. fishery management where appropriate.
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Social - To Strategy 7 – VRFish to facilitate the distribution of the Ongoing VRFish maintain and Encourage Victorian Recreational Fishing Code of where possible responsible Conduct through appropriate outlets in the enhance recreational fishing region, including agents who sell recreational behaviour. recreational fishing licences, fishing- fishing dependent tourism businesses and fishing opportunities in clubs. the North East Fishery Strategy 8 - Improve Fisheries Victoria in partnership with Ongoing VRFish access to fisheries VRFish, to develop an angler access map resources and road signage for major rivers in the North East Region.
Where appropriate, Fisheries Victoria to consider facilitating meetings between relevant land managers and VRFish, to assist in developing access improvements for recreational fishers VRFish to consult with anglers and identify opportunities to improve access to fishery resources in the North East Region. VRFish to engage relevant land managers to promote road and track access for important recreational fishing locations within the North East Region. VRFish to engage local government, where appropriate, to promote the maintenance of angler access through the development of policies that will recognise the importance of maintaining access to recreational fisheries. VRFish to implement policy actions in its Access for Recreational Fishing to improve the understanding of their rights to access land adjoining recreational fisheries.
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Environmental - Strategy 9 – Identify Fisheries Victoria to collate information on Prior to the Information on the Complete Fisheries To promote habitat habitat and environmental conditions review of the habitat within the first Victoria protection of the requirements of key required to sustain the production NEFMP, requirements of two years of habitats and recreational species. (spawning, recruitment, survival, growth information key recreational declaring the environments and movement) of trout, redfin, Murray packages on the species is being NEFMP which are cod, Murray spiny crayfish and golden production used by the North essential for perch. requirements of East CMA and G- production or trout, redfin, MW in their policy In accordance with the Fisheries Victoria maintenance of Murray cod, development and Advocacy Strategy, Fisheries Victoria to fisheries Murray spiny investment provide information packages regarding resources across crayfish and programs. trout, redfin, Murray cod, Murray spiny the North East golden perch are crayfish and golden perch to the North East Fishery provided to the CMA and G-MW to assist in the North East CMA prioritisation of strategies and actions. and G-MW to Fisheries Victoria and the DSE to collect inform reviews of information on in-stream and riparian management habitat data for Murray spiny crayfish strategies. during monitoring programs established in Strategy 1.
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