Fisheries Co-management Council Annual Report 2002-03 The Fisheries Co-Management Council is a Statutory Body established under the Fisheries Act 1995 to promote the co-management of Victorian fisheries. Council defines co-management as ‘aquatic biological resources managed cooperatively by government and user groups’. Fisheries Co-Management Council Level 6 369 Royal Parade Parkville, VIC 3052 Telephone: (03) 9347 9299 Facsimile: (03) 9347 9399 Email: [email protected] Website: www.fcc.vic.gov.au Executive Officer – Nik Phizacklea Communications Manager – Jess Strickland Administration Officer – Alison Cobbledick

Published by the Fisheries ©The State of Victoria, Co-Management Council, Parkville, Fisheries Co-Management Council, Victoria, October 2003. October 2003 Also available from This publication is copyright. No part www.fcc.vic.gov.au may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the Photographs by R. Sthradher, the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. Fisheries Co-Management Council and the Department of Primary ISBN 0-9580439-2-2 Industries Note: This publication may be of Printed by Work and Turner, assistance to you, but the State of Tullamarine, Victoria Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is Design by Griffin Graphics, Diamond without flaw or is wholly Creek, Victoria. appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for an error, loss or other consequences which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. ii Contents

Organisational Structure iv

Chair’s Introduction 1

Vision 2

Mission 2

The Council and Fishery Committees 3

Operations 5

Statutory Functions and Responsibilities 6

Implementation of the Fisheries Act 1995 7

Key Stakeholders 13

Fisheries Stakeholder Relationships 14

Ministerial Advice 15

Fisheries Management Plans 16

RFL Trust Account & Grants Program 17

Status of Victoria’s Fisheries Resources 2002/03 18 - Abalone Fishery Committee Review 28 - Commercial Rock Lobster & Giant Crab Fishery Committee Review 31 - Recreational Marine Fishery Committee Review 39 - Scallop Fishery Committee Review 45 - Commercial Bays & Inlets Fishery Committee Review 55 - Research Committee Review 62 - Inland Fishery Committee Review 70 - Aquaculture Committee Review 74

Revenue & Expenditure 81

General Information 84

Compliance Index 86

The Fisheries Co-Management Council Annual Report 2002 – 2003 has been prepared in accordance with S.92(1) of the Fisheries Act 1995 and the Financial Management Act 1994. iii Organisational Structure

Victorian Government Minister for Agriculture The Hon. Bob Cameron MP

Fisheries Fishery Co-Management Council Committees

Executive support

iv Chair’s Introduction

Management of Victoria’s fisheries has undergone a number of significant changes in 2002/2003. The functions of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment were transferred to the Departments of Primary Industries and Sustainability and Environment. Fisheries management is now the responsibility of the Minister for Agriculture, The Hon. Bob Cameron MP. We welcome Minister Cameron’s enthusiasm and commitment to his portfolio and thank Minister Broad for her support of Council’s endeavours. A very detailed review of Victoria’s fisheries management was concluded when the Environment and Natural Resources Committee’s second report was tabled in Parliament in June 2002. The report outlines an ambitious agenda for Council Chair John Sherwood and Minister Cameron, Victorian fisheries and provides a at the FCC Office Opening comprehensive overview of supported and three are supported similar audit. In his forward to the important issues for fisheries in principle. We look forward to Rock Lobster Management Plan management including ecologically working with Government, our Minister Cameron states: sustainable development (ESD), stakeholder groups and the wider resource allocation, quota based “…the development of these Plans community to implement these has been achieved through extensive management, compliance and recommendations. enforcement, cost recovery and consultation with key stakeholder groups. The planning process has royalties. The report promotes the The development of management been overseen by the Fisheries Co- gathering of more and better plans, which incorporate the management Council, and effective information on fish stocks and the principles of ESD is a central task for stakeholder input was achieved utilisation of that information to Fisheries Victoria. Management plans through a Steering Committee with support sustainability and recovery for the Rock Lobster and Giant representatives from major groups and to minimise activities resulting in Crab fisheries were finalised in 2003, who were all invited to participate. adverse impacts on fish stocks. The adding to those already declared for A draft Plan was released for public report encourages a shift to whole- abalone, eels, and the Bendigo and comment and submissions from the of-ecosystem management. In its Goulburn–Eildon regions. public have been taken into response the Government has Environment Australia audited the consideration in the preparation of supported 46 of the Report’s Abalone Management Plan during the final Plan.” recommendations, given in principal 2003 and determined that it met the support to another 16 and partially Commonwealth’s ESD requirements, Council believes the process has supported three others. Ten of the allowing export approval for the reflected the best principles of co- 12 recommendations specifically fishery. This was a significant management. The model is mention Council, seven are fully achievement – the rock lobster and currently being applied to the giant crab plans are to undergo a development of management plans for Victoria’s newly declared aquaculture zones. 1 The sustainability of fisheries is commercial fishing licences for these David Hewat - For service as a intimately linked to the marine and waters. This acquisition has added to successful entrepreneur freshwater ecosystems which uncertainty within the commercial translating skills to others in the support them. These ecosystems are fishing sector and highlighted the community vulnerable to a range of threats and need for a clear fisheries resource Corrie Banks - For long service this review year saw continuing allocation policy. to recreational angling and drought coupled with severe boating bushfires in north–east Victoria, This period has also seen significant place considerable pressure on both changes within the Co-Management Also, Richard McLoughlin, Executive inland fisheries and aquaculture Council. One of the first tasks of the Director of Fisheries Victoria and I enterprises. In these and other cases Council was the appointment of were formally recognised by the long-term solutions require new Fishery Committees. These State Government for our cooperation between many Committees have a rich blend of contributions to the creation of organisations. Over the coming year experience and enthusiasm. We Victoria’s system of marine national Council will continue to develop its have also been fortunate to recruit parks and marine sanctuaries. links with natural resource agencies excellent staff as vacancies have This report outlines Victoria’s of relevance to fisheries. Fisheries arisen. The move to new offices in progress in meeting the objectives of Victoria, the Victorian Coastal March this year, coupled with a new its Fisheries Act 1995. It contains Council, Environment Protection logo and corporate identity some new sections and is presented Authority, Department of completed Council’s transformation. in an altered format to make it a Sustainability and Environment, Parks I believe these changes have resulted more informative document. Victoria, Catchment Management in a Fisheries Co-Management Council Council are committed to and Water Authorities all have better equipped to work for the continuously improving the Annual important roles in ecosystem sustainability of our State’s fisheries. Report and welcome any comments management. The commitment of Council and leading to its enhancement. During the reporting period the Committee members to fisheries I am grateful for the support of all State Government committed to and the environment was associated with Council and with the enhancement of recreational recognized in the wider community them look forward to facing the fishing opportunities in Gippsland’s during the year. National Centenary fisheries challenges in the year bays and inlets by declaring Fishery Medals were awarded to: ahead. Reserves primarily for the benefit of Lyn Warn - For service to the recreational anglers. Creation of two commercial fishing industry of of these Reserves at Lake Tyers and Victoria Mallacoota Inlet has involved the Bronwyn Burton - For service to compulsory acquisition of the environment Assoc. Prof. John Sherwood Chair, Fisheries Co-Management Council

FCC vision: The sustainable use of aquatic biological resources, managed in partnership for the benefit of the community.

FCC mission: To develop partnerships and provide well rounded advice promoting the ecologically sustainable development of aquatic biological resources.

2 The Council and Fishery Committees

Council and Committee In November 2002 Fishery Robert Krix (Fisheries Revenue membership is expertise based. Committee members were Allocation Committee), Bernie Between them members have high appointed for a term of three years. Dean (Minister for Agriculture’s level skills, experience and Council is committed to the Office), Gary Backhouse (Arthur knowledge in recreational fishing, appointment of independent Chairs Rylah Institute) and David Smith aquaculture, commercial fishing, fish to Fishery Committees and where (Marine & Freshwater Resources processing, fish marketing, consumer possible this was achieved in the Institute). issues, environmental science, November round of appointments. indigenous culture and fisheries Council welcomes newly appointed Council and Committee members management. Fisheries Co- members and thanks all outgoing attended an inaugural joint meeting Management Council (FCC) Committee members for their in December 2002. This provided a principles and processes are contribution and support of the co- unique opportunity for all members supported by the eight Fishery management process. to discuss common issues and Committees who provide FCC with concerns. The event was expert advice. Prior to the November 2002 commended by attendees and appointments, Council reviewed and Council will endeavour to hold such Council members are appointed by updated the Operational Guidelines a meeting annually. the Governor in Council and Fishery for Fishery Committees. These Committee members by the Minister Guidelines will continue to be Fishery Committees held an for Agriculture, pursuant to the reviewed annually. Operational aggregate 23 meetings. Both Council provisions of the Fisheries Act 1995. Guidelines for Council are under and Committees also dealt with a review. number of issues out of session. Current Council members were appointed in May 2002 for a three Council held 11 meetings during the All Fishery Committees made good year period and following an initial reporting period, two of which progress against their Work Plans term of 15 months, the Chair was included the attendance of Fishery and were assisted by a dedicated re-appointed in May 2003 for a Committee Chairs. Other visitors to Council member who undertook a three year term. Council meetings included Peter liaison role, designed to maintain Dundas-Smith (Fisheries Research & good communications and Development Corporation), Kelly strengthen links between Council O’Shanassy and Vicki Barmby and Fishery Committees. (Environment Protection Authority), Council: Chairperson John Sherwood - Associate Professor, School of Ecology and Environment, Deakin University Members Principal area of expertise Dr Bronwyn Burton Environment and conservation Mr Tom Davies Processing/marketing Mr David Hewat Indigenous culture/aquaculture Mr Lance Lloyd Freshwater Ecology/environmental science Mr Richard McLoughlin Fisheries management Mr Roy Palmer Consumer issues/marketing Mr Peter Rankin Aquaculture Ms Lyn Warn Commercial wild fish harvesting Mr Nik Phizacklea (resigned Feb 03) Recreational fishing 3 Fishery Committees: Abalone Fishery Committee Inland Fishery Committee Research Committee Mr Neil Ward – Chairperson Mr Graeme Creed – Chairperson Dr Garth Newman – Chairperson Mr Robert Coffey Mr Bill Allan Mr Corrie Banks Dr Robert Day Mr Stephan Gabas Ms Catherine Bell Mr Dallas D’Silva Mr Geoffrey Hall Dr Catherine Oke Ms Alice Marriot Mr Greg Hayes Mr Stephen Rodis Mr David Tonkin Mr Robert Loats Dr David Smith Mr Alexander Ziolkowski Mr Darren O’Shannassy Dr John Kennedy - resigned Dec 03 Aquaculture Committee Recreational Marine Fishery Commercial Rock Lobster and Giant Mr Ernie Hicks – Chairperson Committee Crab Fishery Committee Ms Margaret Brett Mr Corrie Banks – Chairperson Ms Tia Navanteri – Chairperson Mr Anthony Forster Ms Vicki Barmby Ms Yvonne Edmondson Mr David Harris Dr John Hawkins Dr Matt Edmunds Mr Hugh Meggitt Mr David Kramer Mr David Molloy Mr John Mosig Dr Murray MacDonald Mr Brampton Le Page Mr Antonio Mozqueira - resigned Mr Martin Owen March 03 Mr David Lucas Mr Gerrie Reid Commercial Bays and Inlets Fishery Mr David Johnston Committee Commercial Scallop Fishery Mr Barry McKenzie – Chairperson Committee Mr Arthur Allen Mr Michael Hince – Chairperson Mr Robert Baldini Mr Arno Blank Mr Stephen McCormack Dr Brett Light Mr Clifford Rossack Mr Steve Mantzaris Mr Jonathan Sumby Ms Tia Navanteri Awaiting new member Mr Christopher Newman Mr John Stivala

4 Operations

The 2002/2003 year has been one of change and renewal for the Fisheries Co-management Council (FCC). Following the November 2002 State elections, the functions of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment were transferred to the Departments of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and Primary Industries (DPI). FCC previously reported to the Minister for Energy, Resources and Ports, The Hon. Candy Broad MLC who was advised by Trent Kear. FCC now reports to DPI’s Minister for Agriculture The Hon. Bob Cameron MP who was initially assisted by Advisor Bernie Dean and recently by Advisor The Minister for Agriculture Bob to fisheries management issues. Cameron Robinson. Cameron officially opened the FCC Council welcomes constructive FCC’s Executive Officer Doug Hall offices on 14th May 2003. feedback on the site, which is completed his contract in October Representatives of the four regularly reviewed and updated. 2002 and Administration Assistant recognised Peak Bodies; Victorian In conjunction with the review of its Jamie Brown resigned her part-time National Parks Association, Victorian corporate image, Council undertook position to take up a full time Aquaculture Council, Seafood an internal audit of its operations teaching position in January 2003. Industry Victoria and Victorian and direction. Council also Council thank Doug and Jamie for Recreational Fishing, attended the considered the stakeholder views their contributions and wishes them event, as did representatives from expressed in the Environment and both well in their future endeavours. the Victorian Coastal Council and the Victorian Catchment Natural Resource Committee’s Jess Strickland commenced as Management Council. (ENRC) Inquiry into Fisheries Communications Manager in August Management: First Report as an 2002 and Alison Cobbledick In conjunction with the office external audit and the Government commenced as Administration relocation, a new FCC logo was supported findings of both the First Officer in October 2002. In developed. This retains the values and Second ENRC Reports as February 2003 Nik Phizacklea incorporated in the original design - direction indicators. The outcome of resigned his position on Council, the three fish shapes are these deliberations together with taking on the role of Executive representative of habitat, Government policy commitments Officer. Council appreciates the sustainability and viability - the main provided the foundation for the dedication of this new staff team. themes of the Fisheries Act 1995. FCC 2003-2006 Business Plan. This The interlinked fish are also symbolic plan provides strategic direction for After six years at its Fink Street of fisheries co-management in the FCC over the next three years Kensington office, FCC moved to Victoria representing Government, and has recently received Ministerial improved accommodation at recreation and industry working approval. A copy of the FCC Parkville in March 2003. Council together. Business Plan can be downloaded acknowledge the assistance of from www.fcc.vic.gov.au. Fisheries Victoria with the The FCC website was redeveloped relocation, which has contributed to during the year to provide an a new image for the FCC. introduction to the FCC, as well as a forum to facilitate community input

5 Statutory Functions and Responsibilities

The functions of the Fisheries Co- • To advise the Minister on the The functions of the Fishery Management Council as prescribed introduction and issue of Committees as prescribed under under section 91 of the Fisheries Act recreational fishery licences in section 94 of the Fisheries Act 1995 are- marine waters and on the 1995 are- • To promote co-management of priorities for dispersement of • To advise the Fisheries fisheries; funds obtained from such Co-Management Council on the • To oversee the preparation of licences; management of the fishery in Management Plans and to advise • To prepare, publicise and respect of which it is appointed; the Minister in respect of distribute codes of practice that • To advise the Fisheries proposed management plans; provide guidance to the holders Co-Management Council in • To advise the Minister on state- of fishery licences or permits respect of the preparation of the wide priorities for fisheries under this Act, on best practice management plan for the fishery; management and fisheries concerning any matter relevant • To advise the Minister upon the research, and on matters relating to the holders of fishery licences request of the Minister in to intergovernmental agreements or permits; relation to any matter relevant and arrangements; • To publicise and distribute such to the fishery that relates to a • To advise the Minister on the codes of practice that have been proposed fisheries notice; operation, resourcing and prepared by a recognised peak • To carry out any other function administration of the Act and on body or a fishery committee; conferred on the Fishery any matter relating to the • To carry out any other function Committee by or under this Act achievement of the objectives of conferred on the Fisheries or any other Act; the Act or which is referred to Co-Management Council by or • A fishery committee may request the Fisheries Co-Management under this Act or any other Act. the assistance of the Fisheries Co- Council by the Minister; Management Council in respect of • To promote investigation into any matter relevant to the fishery and research, education and or relating to another fishery; training on any matter relating to • If a fishery committee provides fisheries; any advice to the Minister under dot-point 3 above, the fishery committee must at the same time give a copy of the request and the advice to the Fisheries Co-management Council.

6 Implementation of the Fisheries Act 1995

The objectives of the Fisheries Act June 2003 provide significant A member of the Aquaculture 1995 as set out in section 3 are- advances in fisheries management Committee is participating as a a) To provide for the management, and their implementation will Steering Group member in the development and use of provide an opportunity for stocks to review of the Victorian Aquaculture Victoria’s fisheries, aquaculture rebuild, thereby ensuring that the Strategy (VAS). The original purpose industries and associated aquatic fisheries are biologically and of the VAS was to develop a biological resources in an economically sustainable into the profitable, diverse, ecologically efficient, effective and future. The principles of Ecologically sustainable and well managed ecologically sustainable manner; Sustainable Development (ESD) are aquaculture industry. Subsequent b) To protect and conserve fisheries fundamental to these plans. investment, development and resources, habitats and (See also section on Fisheries growth opportunities have ecosystems including the Management Plans) contributed to the need for the maintenance of aquatic ecological review as background to the Council and relevant Fishery processes and genetic diversity; identification of new strategic Committees have submitted advice directions. These directions will be c) To promote sustainable contributing to the issue of quota established by a soon to be formed commercial fishing and viable orders for the abalone, rock lobster Aquaculture Advisory Group. aquaculture industries and quality and scallop fisheries. In forming this recreational fishing opportunities advice both Committees and FCC has developed a paper which for the benefit of present and Council considered protection of outlines policy options and a future generations; habitat and resource, sustainability of decision making process for d) To facilitate access to fisheries the fishery and viability of the industry. determining fisheries resource resources for commercial, FCC were particularly pleased that allocations. It is expected that the recreational, traditional and non- the Minister accepted their paper will receive whole of consumptive uses; innovative quota level and fishing government endorsement in the e) To promote the welfare of period advice for the scallop fishery. near future. The application of persons engaged in the models proposed in the paper will The Abalone Fishery Committee commercial fishing industry and ensure the allocation of fishery (AFC) and Council offered advice to facilitate the rationalisation resources in accordance with the supporting abalone beach weighing, and restructuring of the industry; objectives and principles of ESD. which was subsequently introduced Implementation of a resource f) To encourage the participation of st at the start of the fishing year on 1 allocation policy is fundamental to resource users and the April 2003. In keeping with a the development of management community in fisheries responsibility under the Victorian plans particularly those for bays and management. Abalone Fishery Management Plan inlets. The process will enhance the AFC will be advising the Minister Report on progress in achieving the individual and community wellbeing whenever trigger reference points objectives of the Fisheries Act 1995: and welfare and provide for are reached. Subsequent to this In carrying out its functions under intergenerational equity. advice the AFC intend to seek input the Fisheries Act 1995, the Fisheries from industry. FCC endorsed the Basslink Code of Co-Management Council (FCC) Conduct, which outlined steps to notes the following progress on The abalone, eel, rock lobster and manage anchoring and fishing over achieving the objectives of the Act: giant crab fisheries are currently or near the cable. being assessed for export A) Resource Management accreditation by Environment The Government has given various Australia. It is anticipated that the levels of support for Development and Use abalone fishery will achieve recommendations promoted in the During the year in review, FCC has accreditation in the near future. All Environment and Natural Resources overseen preparation of the Rock export fisheries have until 1st Committees (ENRC) Second Lobster and Giant Crab Fishery December 2004 to achieve Report resulting from their Inquiry Management Plans. These Plans, accreditation. into Fisheries Management. The which were ultimately declared in 7 supported recommendations include development or an attention focus Reserve. Around 40 people those relating to the gathering of away from those who have a good attended each meeting including more and better information on fish compliance record. representatives from the commercial stocks and the sustainability of and recreational sectors, Fisheries fisheries and the regular updating of The Government’s in principle Victoria, Parks Victoria and a that information. Also, the Research support for Fisheries Victoria to representative from FCC. Committee of FCC is to provide provide a publicly available Commercial and recreational fishing advice to Fisheries Victoria and the breakdown of costs involved in are legitimate activities in Marine Marine and Freshwater Systems managing fisheries in Victoria, Parks, Marine Reserves and Marine Platform (MFSP) on the nature and identifying wherever possible costs and Coastal Parks. No restrictions to amount of fisheries independent involved in managing particular these activities will eventuate data to be created and used in the fisheries, is also supported by through this management planning preparation of fisheries assessment Council. process. Recreational and Commercial reports. MFSP are to continue to fishing is allowed in Corner Inlet lead the production of these B) Protection of Resources, Habitats Marine National Park until 1 April reports, the scope of which is to be and Ecosystems 2004. The FCC continues to be expanded to ensure they provide involved in consultation processes Rock Lobster and Giant Crab information adequate to meet for development of these Fishery Management Plans, which guidelines and benchmarks for management plans. were released in June 2003, include environmental assessment. in their purpose the establishment of Council and Fishery Committees Council supports the Government’s arrangements to manage the have offered comment on Draft commitment to eco-system/ commercial and recreational catch Flora and Fauna Guarantee (FFG) geographical area based at levels which protect the future Action Statements which address management and assessment availability of the resource. The Plans potentially threatening processes for: incorporating where appropriate the also formalise management within a - removal of woody debris from management of particular fish framework of ESD. Victorian rivers and streams species targeted by more than one In November 2002 Parliament - degradation of native riparian fishing sector. FCC also views passed legislation to introduce vegetation along Victorian rivers development of stream flow Marine National Parks and Marine and streams management plans, which recognise Sanctuaries, the aim of which is to - alteration to the natural flow and flow related impact on fish and protect representative examples of natural temperature regimes of fisheries, as a positive step to Victorian marine ecosystems into rivers and streams protect environmental values. the future. Implementation of these - introduction of live fish into Council note that the interests of marine protected areas is expected waters within Victorian river indigenous fishers, fishing charter to have some impact on both catchments operators, fishing guides and commercial and recreational fishing - Southern Bluefin Tuna subsistence fishers continue to be because of their ‘no take’ provisions. - Great White and Grey Nurse addressed by Government. However, it is recognised that marine protected areas will assist Sharks Fisheries enforcement is an essential fish stocks to rebuild. Existing - FFG listed sea birds component of fisheries management Regulations will continue to apply to Council is also committed to the and Council note that fisheries all Marine and Coastal Parks and development and implementation of officers are to retain the lead role in Reserves which have not been Action Statements leading to the enforcement and that they will included in the new National Parks enhancement of populations of continue their co-operation with the and Sanctuaries. Water Police. Implementation of the listed threatened species to levels Government’s “Enhanced Fishery In June 2003 two public meetings that will enable the de-listing of the Compliance” initiative incorporating were held to initiate management species. planning for geographically related the engagement of additional The Inland Fishery Committee and clusters of these various parks and fisheries officers and investigators to Council have offered advice on reserves - Corner Inlet Marine improve compliance with fisheries development of Drought National Park, Corner Inlet Marine legislation is welcomed as is the 24 Contingency Plans and recovery and Coastal Park, Nooramunga hour, 7 day a week telephone mechanisms, which aim to protect, Marine and Coastal Park, Wilsons reporting service. conserve and rebuild habitats and Promontory Marine National Park, resources affected by the ongoing Council encourages continued effort Wilsons Promontory Marine Park drought. to simplify fisheries legislation and Wilsons Promontory Marine particularly where this facilitates 8 Fisheries Victoria have taken a Effects Statement. The VCA have released by recreational fishers in number of positive actions to held a number of stakeholder sheltered coastal temperate protect habitat and stocks for the meetings to discuss issues and ecosystems future, including: concerns and to provide input into • protection of large woody debris the studies. Representatives from the The FCC is currently assisting FRDC in drought affected FCC, aquaculture, commercial and in the evaluation of project impoundments - introduced via a recreational sectors attended. proposals for the 2004/05 funding Fisheries Notice round. A member of FCC’s Aquaculture • introduction of a spiny crayfish Committee continues to participate closed season and the temporary C) Stakeholder Opportunities in the development of the States closure of Waranga Basin to the FCC participated in planning for Guidelines for Assessing harvest of crayfish development of new aquaculture Translocations of Live Aquatic zones, which will provide significant • a bass stocking program in East Organisms. These Guidelines opportunity for further Gippsland rivers provide a structured and transparent development of the States • development of a stocking approach to managing the risks aquaculture industries. Members are proposal for Murray cod and associated with translocations in a involved in preparation of golden perch into the State’s way that is consistent with the Management Plans for these zones. North West drought secure nationally adopted approach. The The first of these, the Pinnace waters. Draft Guidelines were released for Channel Management Plan, is to be public comment during the term and • initiation of assessment of fire completed in the near future. affected waters in the State’s are expected to be declared in the North East and in Gippsland. near future. The Inland Fishery The Government has asked Council Committee and Council have to prepare a brief for development The FCC provided input to the provided comment on the Draft of a Seafood Industry Strategy. This review of a State Environment Guidelines. will identify a shared vision for the Protection Plan (SEPP). The review, industry and provide an integrated The Natural Resource Management conducted by the Environment approach to strategic planning. Ministerial Council (NRMMC) Protection Authority (EPA), involved Related to this, Council has initiated developed a framework for national a public and transparent process. planning for a Seafood Industry cooperation on coastal issues. The The SEPP provides a legislative Workshop at which sustainable NRMMC endorsed an outline framework to protect aquatic fisheries will be promoted to food framework paper and sought environments and their industry and consumer groups. It is comments regarding themes and environmental, social and economic hoped that this Workshop will also priority actions that might be values. provide a valuable opportunity to included within the framework. The broaden networks within the An Abalone Compliance Strategy FCC participated in a stakeholder industry and promote the principles was introduced during this report workshop and provided comment on of co-management. period, directed toward protecting the development of the framework. stocks from illegal exploitation. The The Victorian Government made a FRDC funding makes an important Strategy aims to achieve optimum policy commitment during the contribution to the financing of compliance levels with a view to November 2002 election to research in Victoria and as a result enhancing resource sustainability. An progressively introduce recreational of FCC’s assistance in the provision annual review of the Strategy will be fishing only zones at Lake Tyers, of advice, three projects were conducted by the Abalone Anderson, Mallacoota, Sydenham, successfully approved for funding Compliance Standing Committee, Tamboon and Shallow Inlets and to in the 2003/04 round. These which comprises representatives examine proposals for the projects are: from industry, Department of establishment of further recreational • Evaluation of methods of Primary Industries and Victoria fishing only zones. These zones will obtaining annual catch estimates Police. Achievements will be provide enhanced opportunities for for individual Victorian bay and assessed against performance recreational anglers. indicators specified in the Strategy. inlet recreational fisheries • Spawning sources and migration Drought has had a severe impact on The Victorian Channels Authority patterns of Victorian snapper inland recreational fishing and (VCA) is conducting an investigation • National strategy for the survival aquaculture industries. Aquaculture into channel deepening within Port of released line caught fish: farmers along the Murray have Phillip Bay and has commenced Survival of snapper and bream participated in a number of meetings preparation of an Environment with Fisheries Victoria, EPA and Goulburn Murray Water at which 9 information was shared so that steps The FCC offered advice on a • that the Fisheries Co- could be taken to minimise proposal to establish a Developing Management Council investigate economic impacts. Most of Victoria‘s Fishery for the commercial the management of subsistence salmonid farms reduced stocking harvesting of Velvet Crabs. The type fishing by non-indigenous levels by freezing product and of management arrangements communities and that they holding back production. In addition applied to a developing fishery provide subsequent advice to a number of farms invested heavily ensures exploitation is undertaken in Government in oxygen supply units to keep their an ecologically sustainable manner. • that Total Allowable Catches fish alive. The approach to developing (TAC) be applied to each fisheries in Victoria is to facilitate discrete fish stock recognising the The Council notes the Governments controlled and conservative ecological position and support for the continued liaison exploitation of suitable fisheries importance of the target species with stakeholders and the resources while data is gathered on and being especially conservative development of policy to ensure the fishery. if sound supporting data is not that Victoria’s rivers, streams and available. Further, that setting of impoundments provide sustainably FCC also supported Draft a TAC be supported by a fishery managed trout and native fisheries Guidelines to assist the application management plan. for recreational anglers. Further that and assessment for an ‘indigenous this process will involve Fisheries cultural ceremonial use’ general Victoria in continuing to undertake fisheries permit. Prior to giving its E) Welfare of Industry Personnel surveys to assess fish populations in support Council consulted with the FCC seeks to balance the welfare of the key self-sustaining trout streams. Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust, who persons engaged in the commercial also indicated their support for the fishing industry with environmental It is also noted that consideration Guidelines. The Guidelines are and resource sustainability issues. will be given to amending the designed to assist the Secretary of Abalone Quota Management the Department of Primary During the year, FCC submitted Scheme to provide for grading Industries when assessing advice on proposed regulations to auditing levels according to past applications for general fisheries provide for the determination and performance. permits for indigenous cultural payment of compensation in relation ceremonial purposes and to to the compulsory cancellation of D) Resource Access reinforce that fishing for indigenous fishery access licences. It was understood that the regulations In February 2003, the Minister for cultural events will be consistent were to be first used to address Agriculture endorsed and adopted with ESD principles. the cancellation of fishery access the FCC’s Framework for Resolving Council notes that the Environment licences at Lake Tyers and Fisheries Access Disputes. This and Natural Resources Committees Mallacoota Lower Lake. Framework outlines the principles, Second Report contains mechanisms and processes to recommendations relating to access Later in the year, the Minister resolve fishery access disputes in to fisheries resources for accepted a recommendation from Victoria’s bays and inlets and open commercial, recreational, traditional the Council that the scallop fishing coastal waters. FCC is currently and non-consumptive uses. The season be extended. This facilitating the resolution process Council looks forward to the recommendation initially proposed outlined in the Framework, for an implementation of these by the Commercial Scallop Fishery alleged dispute between recreational recommendations some of which Committee provided enhanced and commercial sectors over access directly involve the Fisheries Co- fishing opportunities. to Australian Salmon. Management Council. The The Abalone Fishery Committee Council and Fishery Committees recommendations include: supported conducting a socio- have assisted with the provision of • the allocation of fishery economic survey of the abalone advice regarding the declaration of resources between competing sector (harvesting and processing). Lake Tyers, Mallacoota, Anderson, sectors. Council understands that The survey was proposed in order Sydenham, Tamboon and Shallow the paper which they developed to fill gaps in economic, social and Inlets as Fisheries Reserves primarily on this issue has been endorsed governance data and to provide the for the benefit of recreational in principle and that it currently necessary statistical framework fishers. FCC will continue to provide awaits whole of Government required to assist the performance advice as required on proposals to ratification monitoring process laid out in the establish further recreational fishing Victorian Abalone Fisheries only zones.

10 Management Plan. To date, the level and that this process will be used F) Co-management of industry response to the survey to ensure that allocation issues Promoting the participation of has been disappointing. are addressed. resource users and the community • that the FCC endorsed policy FCC requested that drought relief in the management of Victoria’s entitled “policy for the appraisal be considered for Aquaculture fisheries continues to be a high and administration of developing farmers affected by drought priority for the FCC. This is reflected fishery programs in Victoria” will conditions. in the actions set out under the be used as the basis for the three key result areas of Council’s Council believes it is appropriate initiation, evaluation and 2003-2006 Business Plan: that industry and the tertiary management of new fisheries. • Promote the management of training sector offer refresher Victorian fisheries in accordance Other ENRC recommendation technical training to licenced fishers. with the principles of ESD supported by the Government It is acknowledged that Fisheries concern quotas and royalties. The • To be recognised as a key Victoria and the Government, Government has acknowledged the advisory body for aquatic issues particularly through FarmBis, have need for a strategic approach to • To develop effective working provided subsidised training evaluating the application of quota relationships with all Stakeholders opportunities to assist industry management systems to individual persons in their business fisheries and for criteria for their FCC and the Commercial Scallop development, management and self- assessment. Quota allocation Fishery Committee continue to liaise improvement skills. mechanisms must avoid the giving of with SeaNet Victoria for the development of a Code of Practice In responding to the Regulatory an advantage or disadvantage to any for commercial fishing operations Impact Statement (RIS) for Fisheries group or sector. This principle within the Victorian fishery. The (Fees & Levies) Regulations 2003, applies equally to a new or code will assist the scallop industry Council supported an increase in established fishery and was applied to reduce environmental risks and to various fishing fees and levies by an independent panel during the efficiently manage other key aspects including the levy for Seafood implementation of quota of their operations. Industry Victoria (SIV). The latter management arrangements for the increase enhances the capacity of Rock Lobster and Giant Crab During the year, the FCC SIV to provide more timely and Fisheries. The Government has also participated in the development of effective advice to Government acknowledged that it is appropriate the Rock Lobster and Giant Crab concerning sustainable commercial that participants have access to Fishery Management Plans. The wild fish harvesting. timely and accurate information commercial and recreational fishing prior to the implementation of community and other stakeholders Council acknowledges the transitional arrangements for quota made a significant contribution and Government supported management. provided constructive input into recommendations from the what was an excellent co- Environment and Natural Resources Government has also indicated that management process. Abalone Committees (ENRC) Second royalties should be considered for all Fishery Committee Members Report which relate to the welfare activities associated with the attended the Abalone Fishery of persons engaged in the commercial exploitation of the Assessment/Management Workshop commercial fishing industry and to public fishery resources and that the conducted in May 2003 at which the facilitation of the rationalisation development of a comprehensive planning for the subsequent stock and restructuring of the industry. royalty regime should be addressed assessment and TAC setting process The recommendations include: following the introduction of full commenced. Members of the • allocation of fishery resources in cost recovery. The development of Abalone and Commercial Rock accordance with the objectives this royalty regime will occur in Lobster & Giant Crab Fishery and principles of ESD, including consultation with the FCC and Peak Committees have participated in the enhancing individual and Bodies. Where royalties are applied stock assessment workshops for community wellbeing and welfare they are to take into account the their respective industry groups. As and providing for capacity of the fishery to pay and an outcome of these meetings the intergenerational equity regardless of the mode used to Committees provided Total • recognition that the collect royalties, the royalty component is to be clearly indicated Allowable Catch (TAC) Government’s Regulatory Impact recommendations to the Minister. Statement process is the primary in any financial statement. mechanism to identify social, environmental and economic impacts of fisheries regulations 11 The opening of Council’s new office by the Minister for Agriculture during May 2003 provided an ideal opportunity for an open promotion of co-management to primary stakeholders including representatives from the four recognised Peak Bodies and the Victorian Coastal Council and the Victorian Catchment Management Council. The Chairs of the Peak Bodies were also invited to two meetings of Council and other invited guests throughout the year included Fishery Committee Chairs, John Sherwood, Ministers advisor Cameron Robinson and FCC representatives from the Fisheries Executive Officer Nik Phizacklea, at the FCC Office Opening Research and Development Corporation, Environment The FCC subsequently undertook • Department of Primary Protection Authority, Fisheries this role and continues to exercise Industries’ enhanced level of Revenue Allocation Committee, the leadership directed toward a communication particularly Arthur Rylah Institute and the resolution of this issue. relating to the strategic priorities Marine and Freshwater Resources for deploying enforcement Institute. Council’s Chair and In its response to the ENRC resources and the value and Executive Officer attended the recommendations, the Government effectiveness of these strategies VRFish Annual General Meeting and has confirmed its commitment to a Council Member attended the the participation of resource users Future Reporting Annual General Meeting of the and the community in fisheries In presenting the foregoing report Victorian Game Fishing Association. management. While the FCC and on “progress in achieving the Presentations were made at both of relevant Fishery Committees have a objectives of this Act”, it is these meetings and to a meeting of statutory role to play, other recognised that it is not possible to the Victorian Coastal Council. Stakeholders are either involved or are proposed to be involved in define a measurable endpoint for The executive staff of Council and issues including the: fisheries management - where all the their counterparts from the Peak • development of stream flow Act’s objectives will be ‘achieved’. Bodies held an inaugural meeting management plans Therefore it is not feasible to and agreed to establish regular • review and auditing of fisheries evaluate ‘progress’ in terms of meetings to address common issues. policies to ensure that the use of reaching this hypothetical state. The FCC Executive Officer and the fisheries resources provides What can be done however is to FCC Communications Manager met maximum environmental, interpret ‘progress’ as continuous with the Executive Officers of the economic and social benefits to improvement in the way fisheries Victorian Coastal Council and the Victorians resources are managed on behalf of Victorian Catchment Management all Victorians. Adoption of this • development of policies and Council to strengthen ties between approach will involve stakeholders actions to ensure that Victoria’s the respective organisations setting performance targets for each rivers, streams and particularly with regard to the year. Rather than have these goals impoundments continue to development of Management Plans. established in isolation Council provide sustainably managed believes they should be set Following a “Future of Recreational trout and native fisheries for according to the principles of co- Fishing in Victoria” workshop recreational anglers management. Currently Council is convened by Fisheries Victoria in • development of compliance considering mechanisms by which November 2002, FCC Members policy the various stakeholders can work offered the services of Council to • simplification of fisheries co-operatively in this target setting facilitate further discussion on issues legislation as appropriate exercise and how they can then involving stakeholder representation. • development of a cost recovery be involved in collectively policy for most fisheries considering progress made against agreed milestones.

12 Key stakeholders

• Minister for Agriculture • Victorian Catchment Management Council • VRFish • Marine and Coastal Community Network • Seafood Industry Victoria • Catchment Management Authorities • Victorian Aquaculture Council • Metropolitan, Regional and Rural Water Authorities • Victorian National Parks Association • Victorian Environment Assessment Council • Department of Primary Industries -Fisheries Victoria • Indigenous Communities • Environment Protection Authority • The broader Victorian Community – users and user • Parks Victoria groups, business, consumers, environmental groups • Department of Sustainability and Environment - • Fisheries Research & Development Corporation Parks, Flora & Fauna Division • Environment Australia • Department of Infrastructure • Federal Government agencies • Victorian Coastal Council

13 Fisheries Stakeholder Relationships

Fishery Users/ Industry and Beneficiaries Community Bodies Custodian Manager

Minister

Fisheries Commercial Fishers Co-Management Council

Recreational Fishers Secretary DPI

Fishery Committees

Consumers Fisheries Victoria

Seafood Industry Indigenous Victoria Communities

Environmental/ Victorian Non-consumptive Aquaculture Council

Wholesalers/ Retailers Victorian National Parks Association

Input/lobbying Processors Advice

VRFish

Aquaculture

14 Ministerial advice

Council and Committees have • Seafood Industry Strategy and provided advice to the Minister on Council and Committee the following issues: Vacancies – March 2003 • Deputy Chairperson for Fisheries • Fisheries Co-Management Co-Management Council – July Council Corporate Identity – 2002 March 2003 • Extension of the Scallop Season • Nominations for the Fisheries – July 2002 Revenue Allocation Committee • Condition of Infrastructure at – March 2003 several Victorian Ports – July • Scallop Fisheries Notices and 2002 Quota Orders – March 2003 • Fishery Committee Review and • Proposed Cancellation of Fishery Appointment Process – July 2002 Access Licences and Declaration • Recommended Appointments to of Fisheries Reserves – March Fishery Committees – October 2003 2002 • Fisheries Co-Management • Government Response to the Council Office Opening – April first ENRC Inquiry 2003 Recommendations – October • Regulatory Impact Statement, 2002 Fisheries (Compensation & • ENRC Inquiry into Fisheries Procedures) Regulations – May Management, Second Report – 2003 October 2002 • Management Plans for the Rock • Proposed Cancellation of Fishery Lobster & Giant Crab Fisheries – Access Licences and Declaration May 2003 of Fisheries Reserves – October • Fisheries Co-Management 2002 Council Business Plan – May 2003 • Abalone Total Allowable Catch • Further Scallop Fisheries Notices for 2003/04 – December 2002 and Quota Order – May 2003 • Establishing a Developing Fishery for Velvet Crabs – January 2003 In its 2003-06 Business Plan, Council outlines its commitment to be • Quota Orders for Rock Lobster recognised as a key advisory body and Giant Crab Fisheries – on aquatic issues. To this end, February 2003 Council will continue to provide both proactive and reactive independent advice to the Minister and key stakeholders.

15 Fisheries Management Plans

One of the functions of the Fisheries and communication between impacts on wildlife and a robust Co-Management Council, under Steering Committee members and rock lobster stock assessment that section 91(b) of the Fisheries Act their constituents ensured that the incorporates the effects of marine 19 95 , is to oversee the development fishing community was kept fully protected areas. of management plans prepared informed and involved in this under Part three of the Act and to process. Council endorsed the Implementation of the plans will give advise the Minister in respect of comprehensive and consultative fish stocks a chance to re-build and proposed management plans. process followed in the preparation ensure that the fisheries are of the plans and commends all those biologically and economically During the reporting period, who participated. sustainable in the future. Fisheries Victoria, with the assistance of a Stakeholder Steering The plans provide significant Completion of these two plans Committee and with the oversight advances in fisheries management in means Victoria now has six declared of the Fisheries Co-Management Australia. They include a transparent management plans: Council, prepared management co•management process for Total - Rock Lobster Fisheries plans for the Rock Lobster and Allowable Catch (TAC) setting Management Plan Giant Crab fisheries. against specified performance - Giant Crab Fisheries measures and management triggers, Management Plan The development of these Plans, resource sharing by the allocation of - Abalone Fisheries Management while a challenging task, was a recreational TAC, a commitment Plan completed in less than 12 months. to quantify and manage the This accomplishment was achieved - Goulburn-Eildon Region Fisheries recreational catch, solid progress Management Plan through effective co•management, towards sound environmental - Bendigo Region Fisheries as the representatives on the practices by improved monitoring of Management Plan Steering Committee worked bycatch and byproducts and fishery cooperatively to reach compromises - Eel Fisheries Management Plan and positive outcomes. Networking

16 Recreational Fishing Licence Trust Account & Grants Program Recreational Fishing Licence Trust has also been made to provide Fisheries Revenue Allocation additional funding of $452,000 to Account: those projects extending into 2004 Committee: The RFL Trust Account was and 2005. All funds available to the A Fisheries Revenue Allocation established under the Fisheries RFGP during 2002/03 have been Committee (FRAC) was also (Amendment) Act 2000, and came allocated to eligible projects. established under the Fisheries into effect on 1 April 2001. Revenue (Amendment) Act 2000, and came derived from the sale of During 2002/03 RFL revenue also into effect on 1 August 2001. The Recreational Fishing Licences (RFL), funded other major items including: FRAC’s role is to advise the Minister which is paid into the RFL Trust • $580,000 for the Salaries & for Agriculture on how RFL revenue Account, funds eligible Recreational Operating expenses of ten may be used to contribute to the Fishing Grant Program (RFGP) Fishing Officers provision of healthy fisheries and projects to improve Victoria’s • $500,000 for the final repayment diverse and fulfilling recreational recreational fishing. to State Treasury for the buy- fishing opportunities and fishing- back of 108 commercial fishing related services to all Victorians. The Recreational Fishing Grants licences in Victoria’s bays and Committee comprises six members – two representatives of DPI, two Program 2002/03: inlets • $350,000 for Administration of members of the Fisheries Co- The Department of Primary the RFL and Recreational Fishing Management Council or of a fishery Industries (DPI) operates an annual Grants Program committee, and two representatives Recreational Fishing Grants Program of Victoria’s recreational fishers’ • $300,000 to Victoria’s (RFGP). The RFGP comprises four peak body. project categories including; recreational fishers’ peak body Recreational fisheries sustainability • $200,000 for RFL sales and habitat improvement (inc. fish commissions paid to sales outlets Annual Report: An annual report is tabled in stocking); Recreational fishing access •$114,000 for the voluntary buy- Parliament each year in October and facilities; Recreational fisheries out of the remaining commercial concerning all RFL Trust Account related education, information and fishing licences from 28 inland revenue and expenditure. The training; and Recreational fisheries waters research. report is available on the • $50,000 for RFL and RFGP Department of Primary Industries’ In 2002/03 over $1.7 million of RFL related community information web site by going to the revenue was disbursed from the RFL Approximately 225,000 licences Recreational Fishing,‘Your fishing Trust Account to 53 RFGP projects were sold of which approximately licence fees at work’ section at including 18 Access & Facilities 80 % were for one year, 5% for 28 www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing projects, 17 Education, Information & days and 15% for two days. Training projects, 10 Research Approximately $3.85m was received projects, 4 Sustainability & Habitat from the sale of these licences. Improvement projects, and 4 Fish stocking projects. A commitment

17 Revenue and Expenditure

Fisheries Co-Management Council Statement of Income and Expenditure 1st July 2002 to 30th June 2003: 2000/01 2001/02 2002/03 Income State Recurrent Funding 400,000.00 400,000.00 450,000.00 Operating Expenses Payroll Tax 5.63 12,481.39 14,907.34 Employee Super Contributions 344.94 6,248.87 10,531.99 Work Care levy 0.84 1,175.24 2,025.54 Property Rental Payments 22,100.04 16,657.65 34,434.02 Property Maintenance Costs 898.85 1,253.01 Cleaning Services 1,068.27 1,077.33 1,616.68 Telephone Expenses 5,408.35 8,778.64 9,520.09 Postal Expenses 3,908.10 2,331.07 1,111 . 9 0 Courier Fees 347.16 220.83 Printing 4,388.00 10,912.51 9,383.05 Other Office Expenses 5,492.04 4,312.96 10,740.15 Text & Reference Books 1,553.24 308.91 345.51 Newspapers 1,917.10 31.91 71.29 Incidentals 6,109.89 3,265.32 786.69 EDP Consumables 3,136.82 276.38 609.00 EDP Hardware Purchases 3,813.64 EDP Licence Fees 1,991.91 1,227.43 58.50 EDP Software Purchases 5,192.79 Maintenance - Networks 600.00 354.55 5,780.56 Maintenance - Office Equipment 1,001.84 1,427.75 2,013.80 Office Equipment Hire/Lease 532.00 14,570.33 Office Equipment 9,887.50 7,200.00 3,002.93 Vehicle Hire - External 64.20 149.50 54.04 Vehicle Hire - NRE/DPI Fleet 4,269.18 13,356.10 Advertising 5,356.83 5,157.01 14,637.13 Contract Services FCC Administration 136,568.27 83,829.28 128,401.95 Outsourced Administration 4,000.00 41,184.00 Outside Contractors 19,220.00 60,800.43 8,602.73 Sitting Fees 60,542.50 71,257.50 71,792.50 Airfares 529.15 775.72 2,314.31 Vehicle per km payments 56,824.76 49,003.90 Insurance premiums 772.06 2,031.18 793.72 Personal Expenses 55,961.10 20,437.88 14,023.01 Seminar & Course Attendance Fees 2,232.74 Total 362,365.90 398,517.84 454,809.01 81 Fisheries Victoria – Department of Primary Industries Statement of Income and Expenditure 1st July 2002 to 30th June 2003: Income State Recurrent Funding 14,832,168.58 Depreciation and Amortisation 403,852.56 Accrued Leave Entitlements 585,100.29 15,821,121.43 Commonwealth Industry Funding Balances B/fwd 433,659.70 NHT 80,817.74 Research and Development Corporation 1,125,671.99 Australian Fisheries Management Authority 1,282,133.59 Miscellaneous Industry 984,760.83 3,907,043.85 Other Funding SIV/VAC Levies 391,297.00 Capital Charge 851,988.87 1,243,285.87 TOTAL 20,971,451.15 Miscellaneous Revenues (Consolidated Revenue) Commercial Fisheries Licences 6,015,531.25 Sale of seized Goods/Abalone 64,672.27 Expenditure Salaries 6,760,234.80 Payroll Tax 439,378.83 Fringe Benefits Tax 17,713.95 Employer Superannuation 647,053.30 Workcover 131,983.82 Long Service Leave 161,005.76 Operating Expenses 6,674,798.12 Transfer to Portfolio Management to Fund FCC 0.00 Total State Recurrent Funding 14,832,168.58 Capital Charge 851,988.87 VAC/SIV Levies 391,297.00 NHT 65,389.03 Research and Development Corporation 1,135,971.16 Australian Fisheries Management Authority 1,323,973.26 Miscellaneous Industry 982,006.15 TOTAL DISCRETIONARY EXPENSES 19,582,794.05 Depreciation and Amortisation 403,852.56 Accrued Leave Entitlements 585,100.29 TOTAL OUTPUTS APPROPRIATIONS 20,571,746.90 RFL Trust Bal B/fwd 534,965 Revenue 3,828,277 4,363,242 * Expenditure 4,284,089 Bal C/fwd 79,153 * Includes repayment to Treasury of $.5m re Buyback repayments 82 Fisheries Division - DPI Statement of Income & Expenditure 1 July 2002 - 30 June 2003 ( by Outputs) Output Income $ Expenditure $ Variance $ Sustainable Fisheries Utilization Services 10,332,634 10,135,699 196,935 Industry & community Compliance Services 8,908,673 8,738,878 169,795 Aquaculture & Fishing Industry Development 1,730,144 1,697,170 32,974 20,971,451 20,571,747 399,704

83 General Information

Establishment of Fisheries Co-Management Council and Fishery Committees: The Council was established in July 1996 in accordance with S.90 (1) of the Fisheries Act 1995. Members were appointed for a three year term ending on 31 July 1999. Councils first meeting was held in September 1996. Fishery Committees were established by the Minister in May 1997, on the recommendation of the Fisheries Co-Management Council, in accordance with S.93 (1) of the Fisheries Act 1995. The members were appointed for a three year of Primary Industries (DPI), in term ending on 31 May 2000. Fishery National Competition Policy: The requirements of the National accordance with Government Committees held their first meeting directives. in September 1997. Competition Policy are taken into account by Council, when providing Four primary goals have been Publications: advice to the Minister. assumed by DPI with regard to people management practices: The Fisheries Co-Management • Develop and sustain an Council has produced the following Pecuniary Interests: organisational culture in which publications during the 2002-2003 Declarations of pecuniary interests policies, practices and services financial year, which are available on have been duly completed by all are adapted to the needs of the request: relevant officers. These and other information listed under Part 9.1.3 community Annual Report July 2001 – June 2002 (iv) of the Financial Management Act • Ensure that the diversity of the 1994 are available to the Minister, workplace reflects the diversity Members of Parliament and the Freedom of Information: of the community public on request. Requests for access to documents under the Freedom of Information Act • Ensure a workplace free from 19 82 are to be made to the Building Act 1993 – Building policies and practices that Executive Officer, Fisheries discriminate against staff or Maintenance Provisions: potential staff Co-Management Council. The Fisheries Co-Management • Ensure that staff have access to a Council does not own the building During 2002-2003 the Fisheries fair and efficient grievance review in which it carries out its business Co-Management Council did not process to resolve perceived and is not liable for its maintenance. receive any direct requests for breaches of merit and equity. access to documents under the Freedom of Information Act 1982. Merit & Equity: Superannuation: Victorian Public Service merit and The Fisheries Co-Management equity principles are applied in the Consultancies: Council does not employ its own appointment and management of During 2002-2003 the Fisheries staff and therefore does not operate staff. The Fisheries Co-Management Co-Management Council did not a superannuation scheme. engage any consultants. Council follows the merit and equity principles used by the Department

84 Whistleblowers: Ph: 03 9637 8571 Statement of Income & The Whistleblowers Protection Act Fax: 03 9637 8129 Email: [email protected] Expenditure: 2001 came into effect on 1 January Council declared a deficit of 2002. The Act is designed to protect The Ombudsman Victoria $4,809 at the end of the 2002-2003 people who disclose information Level 22, 459 Collins Street financial year. about serious wrongdoing within the Melbourne VIC 3000 Victorian Public Sector and to Ph: 03 9613 6222 Financial Statement: provide a framework for the Toll Free: 1800 806 314 investigation of these matters. The Fisheries Co-Management Council maintains its own financial The Protected Disclosure Multicultural Issues: records using the Microsoft Excel Coordinator for the Department of The Fisheries Co-Management software package. Council also Primary Industries (DPI) acts as an Council is aware of the maintains a database containing a agent for the Fisheries Co- Governments policies on Register of Assets. The Council does Management Council, to receive communication with the community. not have any financial delegation disclosures under the Act and FCC does not produce any general separate from Department of applies DPI procedures in managing fisheries information. Primary Industries and audited disclosures. There were no financial statements associated with disclosures during the 2002-2003 year. Cultural Diversity, Women, Youth the Council, form part of the accounting of the Department. Disclosures of improper conduct by and Indigenous Affairs: the Fisheries Co-Management The Fisheries Co-Management Council or its employees may be Council considers Government Administrative Operations: made to the following: policies in these four community Operation are managed in Stuart Atkins, Protected Disclosure areas when making appointments to accordance with DPI procedures Coordinator Council and Committees and in and guidelines for expenditure, DPI, PO Box 500 interactions with the community. purchasing, reporting, occupational East Melbourne VIC 3002 health and safety and industrial relations and related issues.

Expenditure Comparison: 1997/98 1998/99 1999/00 2000/01 2001/02 2002/03 Income: $500,000 $450,000 $450,000 $400,000 $400,000 $450,000 Expenditure $501,742 $330,088 $396,138 $362,365 $398,517 $454,809

85 Compliance Index

Clause Disclosure Page Report of Operations Charter & purpose 9.1.3 (i) (a) Manner of establishment and Relevant Minister 84 9.1.3 (i) (b) Objectives, functions, powers and duties 6 9.1.3 (i) (c) Services provided and persons or sections of community served 6 Management & structure 9.1.3 (i) (d) (i) Names of governing board members, audit committee & chief executive officer 3 9.1.3 (i) (d) (ii) Names of senior office holders and brief description of each office 3 9.1.3 (i) (d) (iii) Chart setting out organisational structure iv 9.1.3 (i) (e) Workforce data and application of merit & equity principles 84 9.1.3 (i) (f) Application and operation of FOI Act 1982 84 Financial and other information 9.1.3 (ii) (a) Summary of financial results with previous four year comparatives 85 9.1.3 (ii) (b) Summary of significant changes in financial position 81 9.1.3 (ii) (c) Operational & budgetary objectives for the year and performance against 81 those objectives 9.1.3 (ii) (d) Major changes or factors affecting achievement of objectives N/A 9.1.3 (ii) (e) Events subsequent to balance date N/A 9.1.3 (ii) (f) Consultancies > $100,000 - Full details of each consultancy 84 9.1.3 (ii) (g) Consultancies < $100,000 - Number and total cost of consulting engagements 84 9.1.3 (ii) (h) Extent of compliance with Building Act 1993 84 9.1.3 (ii) (i) Statement that information listed in Part 9.1.3 (iv) is available on request 84 9.1.3 (ii) (k) Statement on implementation and compliance with National Competition Policy 84 9.8.2 (i) A statement of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) matters 85 9.8.2 (ii) OHS performance measures 85 Financial Statements Preparation 9.2.2 (ii) (a) Statement of preparation on an accrual basis 81 9.2.2 (ii) (b) Statement of compliance with Australian Accounting Standards and associated 85 pronouncements 9.2.2 (ii) (c) Statement of compliance with accounting policies issued by the Minister for Finance 85 Statement of financial operations 9.2.2 (i) (a) A statement of financial operations for the year 81 9.2.3 (ii) (a) Operating revenue by class N/A 9.2.3 (ii) (b) Investment income by class N/A 9.2.3 (ii) (c) Other material revenue by class including sale of non-goods assets and N/A contributions of assets 9.2.3 (ii) (d) Material revenues arising from exchanges of goods or services N/A 9.2.3 (ii) (e) Depreciation, amortisation or diminution in value N/A 9.2.3 (ii) (f) Bad and doubtful debts N/A 86 Clause Disclosure Page Financial Statements continued 9.2.3 (ii) (g) Financing costs N/A 9.2.3 (ii) (h) Net increment or decrement on the revaluation of each category of assets N/A 9.2.3 (ii) (i) Auditor-General’s fees N/A Statement of financial position 9.2.2 (i) (b) A statement of financial position for the year 85 Assets 9.2.3 (iii) (a) (i) Cash at bank or in hand not applic 85 9.2.3 (iii) (a) (ii) Inventories by class N/A 9.2.3 (iii) (a) (iii) Receivables, including trade debtors, loans and other debtors N/A 9.2.3 (iii) (a) (iv) Other assets, including prepayments N/A 9.2.3 (iii) (a) (v) Investments by class N/A 9.2.3 (iii) (a) (vi) Property, plant & equipment N/A 9.2.3 (iii) (a) (vii) Intangible assets N/A Liabilities 9.2.3 (iii) (b) (i) Overdrafts N/A 9.2.3 (iii) (b) (ii) Bank loans, bills payable, promissory notes, debentures and other loans N/A 9.2.3 (iii) (b) (iii) Trade and other creditors N/A 9.2.3 (iii) (b) (iv) Finance lease liabilities N/A 9.2.3 (iii) (b) (v) Provisions, including employee entitlements N/A Equity 9.2.3 (iii) (c) (i) Authorised capital N/A 9.2.3 (iii) (c) (ii) Issued capital N/A 9.2.3 (iii) (d) Reserves, and transfers to and from reserves (shown separately) N/A Statement of cash flows 9.2.2 (i) (c) A statement of cash flows for the year 81 Notes to the financial statements 9.2.2 (i) (d) Ex-gratia payments N/A 9.2.2 (i) (d) Amounts written off N/A 9.2.3 (iv) (a) Charges against assets N/A 9.2.3 (iv) (b) Contingent liabilities N/A 9.2.3 (iv) (c) Commitments for expenditure N/A 9.2.3 (iv) (d) Government grants received or receivable and source N/A 9.2.3 (iv) (e) Employee superannuation funds 84 9.2.3 (iv) (f) Assets received without adequate consideration N/A 9.4.2 Transactions with responsible persons and their related parties N/A 9.7.2 Motor vehicle lease commitments N/A 9.10 Consistency of Budget and Departmental Reporting [Departments only] N/A

87 Status of Victoria’s Fisheries Resources

nationally agreed Ecologically to 2000/01. Aquaculture production Introduction Sustainable Development Principles figures (by financial year, 1998/99 to This report was prepared by DPI’s applied to the management of 2000/01) are shown in Table 2. Victoria’s fisheries, as outlined in the Marine and Freshwater Systems Recreational fishing surveys for the Platform (MFSP, formerly MAFRI) on management plans and strategies relevant to each fishery. period 1998/99 to 2001/02 are behalf of Fisheries Victoria for the summarised in Table 3. These Victorian Fisheries Co-Management Consistent with previous reports, surveys are an important Council. It covers all the major for a number of fisheries in component of fisheries assessment fisheries and exploited species in freshwater for the and bays and and provide information on catches, Victoria, and some of the minor inlets, variability in population size catch rates as well as biological data. fisheries that are of special interest. and pressures on fish stocks are The MFSP, on behalf of Fisheries As an overall assessment, the clearly environmentally-driven or habitat-related as well as due to Victoria, was heavily involved in the Victorian community can be assured National Recreational and that its commercial and recreational exploitation. The continuing need to consider environmental drivers as Indigenous Fishing Survey. This fisheries are relatively well managed survey has provided a “snapshot” of and researched. Where problems part of fisheries performance assessment remains important for all catch and expenditure by recreational have been identified, management fishers in Victoria during 2000/01. responses are in place or are being stakeholders in Victoria’s fisheries. implemented, often with ongoing Critically, the ongoing nature and The survey estimated that nearly monitoring programs in place. severity of drought conditions in 550,000 Victorians aged 5 years or Formal Fishery Management Plans regional Victoria poses significant older went fishing as part of their are now in place for all key export challenges, with a number of recreational pursuits in the year fisheries. These plans also consider regional fisheries and aquaculture from May 2000 to April 2001. This recreational catches of the same operations facing potentially serious means that approximately 13% of species, providing a means to consequences if Victoria endures Victorians went fishing at least once. integrate management measures another hot, dry summer. Interestingly the NRIFS results show across sectors and representing a Table 1 gives annual commercial higher participation rates in rural major achievement in the last two landings in Victoria by licensing year and regional areas. Rates ranged years. Critically, there has been a (April-March) for the period 1996/97 from 15% in the Barwon region to comprehensive application of 25% in the Mallee and Wimmera

The term “uncertain” is used a number of times in these reports. Uncertain does not mean that we do not know a great deal about a particular species or fishery or that the fishery is at high risk. The term is used by scientists to reflect the nature of fishery resources: the status of these resources is usually inferred from indirect information such as catch rates; populations are naturally variable and there can be unpredicted dynamics; and there is often incomplete knowledge of particular life history stages and environmental interactions. Consequently fisheries science is moving towards explicitly recognising this uncertainty in risk assessments and other sophisticated quantitative assessment models. These methods are actively being utilised in Victoria.

18 region. The participation rate for Recreational fishers also caught The bulk of this report consists of a the Melbourne metropolitan area more flathead, snapper, black bream, series of summaries on the status of was 10%. and King George whiting in 2000/01 key fisheries, species or habitats. than the annual catch reported by These summaries have been Anglers in Victorian waters caught commercial fishers for the same developed from: more snapper and trout than anglers period. in any other State. The top 10 fin • Fishery assessment group fish species caught and kept by The NRIFS survey also showed that workshops, convened by DPI’s Victorian recreational fishers were in 2000/01 both freshwater and MFSP on behalf of Fisheries flathead (a total of 3.3 million fish marine recreational fishers released Victoria. The Groups include a kept), King George whiting (975,000), a substantial proportion of the fish broad representation from the redfin (950,000), Australian salmon they catch. For the most popular commercial and recreational (542,000), black bream (507,000), fish species caught, release fishing sectors, government pink snapper (475,000), trout percentages ranged from managers, scientists and (345,000), carp (328,000), mullet approximately 60% for black bream conservation interests. (302,000), and garfish (255,000) and brown trout to 24% for King • The results of recently completed (Table 4). George Whiting. research projects. • Updates of previous assessments.

Acknowledgments

This report was compiled and edited by Leanne Gunthorpe and David C Smith. The report was compiled by staff of the DPI’s Marine and Freshwater Systems Platform, particularly: Noel Coleman, Simon Conron, Wayne Fulton, Anne Gason, Geoff Gooley, Harry Gorfine, David Hobday, Greg Jenkins, Diane Mahon, Lachlan McKinnon, John Mercer, Alexander Morison, Geoff Nicholson, Terry Walker, and staff of the Catch and Effort Unit.

19 Table 1. Commercial fisheries production by licensing year 1998/99 to 2002/03.

Victoria Statewide (Scale fish) Commercial catch and value for each major species caught during 1998/99–2002/03 licensing years (April-March) Excludes landings from Commonwealth waters by the South East Fishery and Southern Shark Fishery. Value is estimated from the Melbourne Fish Market auction prices. Selected species Production (live weight, tonnes) Value ($’000) 1998/99 1999/00 2000/01 2001/02 2002/03 1998/99 1999/00 2000/01 2001/02 2002/03 Scale fish Anchovy, southern 145 135 182 200 76 337 337 340 449 254 Australian salmon 692 1,055 332 650 350 557 1,090 397 629 329 Barracouta 25 32 23 35 26 29 32 25 34 29 Bream, black 194 181 187 191 87 1,521 1,191 1,244 1,359 710 Bream, yellowfin 11 16 6 11 9 71 129 43 83 63 Carp, European 937 1,204 777 469 680 710 1,025 640 414 754 Eel, long-finned (wild) 34 28 54 39 25 352 337 644 469 124 Eel, short-finned (wild) 96 95 122 127 87 794 933 1,220 1,274 345 Flathead, dusky 2 1010 31121 Flathead, rock 56 55 69 90 75 184 195 260 344 301 Flathead, sand 15 15 13 16 15 23 23 23 35 32 Flathead, tiger 1 3477 37112421 Flathead, yank 9 6 13 16 20 15 10 24 34 43 Flathead, other 9 12 11 13 15 14 18 20 29 31 Flounder, greenback 29 19 15 17 19 150 108 89 113 144 Garfish, river 7 15 10 4 2 25 46 47 16 16 Garfish, southern sea 88 119 111 130 82 330 463 441 490 511 Herring cale 7 5311 8141020 Leatherjacket 36 35 45 36 21 62 61 84 71 47 Luderick 55 28 26 37 33 67 43 41 51 47 Mackerel, jack 2 2 16 54 7 2 2 13 41 10 Morwong, banded 12 17 9 12 8 96 198 166 275 182 Morwong, dusky 5 6574 799159 Mullet, red 2 3244 511122117 Mullet, sea 18 17 15 38 18 18 23 22 43 21 Mullet, sand 3 4 7 5 10 7 9 12 11 19 Mullet, yellow-eye 134 112 68 84 93 142 113 85 91 104 Mullet, other 2 4232 24342 Perch, estuary 5 3322 6237201514 Pike, short-finned 16 17 14 11 17 59 55 41 31 49 Pilchards 594 169 118 553 1,464 1,042 308 247 1,446 5,822 Ruff 1961938222511267234 Snapper 88 62 64 91 87 603 430 440 620 661 Sprat, sandy 45 126 40 28 84 71 163 53 32 96 Stranger 5 6641 1427941 Tailor 25 69 61 70 56 48 130 123 177 155 Trevalla, blue-eye 9 5000 5634001 Trevally, silver 81 64 75 105 61 131 122 198 257 178 Warehou, blue 2 4121 311464 Whiting, King George 221 224 171 112 105 1,510 2,158 1,828 1,449 1,196 Whiting, school 12 7 32 24 40 28 14 67 62 109 Wrasse, blue throat 18 15 13 14 15 22 147 125 138 152 Wrasse, saddle 12 10655 8294595151 Wrasse, unspecified 62 49 35 31 33 132 487 348 312 325 Other 47 23 309 236 37 141 64 407 534 108 Total 3,887 4,083 3,094 3,623 3,806 9,563 10,724 9,921 11,629 13,122

All data in this table have been computer validated only and do not include data received or processed after 30 June 2003.

20 Table 1. (Continued)

Victoria Statewide (Cephalopods, Shellfish, Echinoderms, Crustaceans, & Sharks) Commercial catch and value for each major species caught during 1998/99–2002/03 licensing years (April-March) Species Production (live weight, tonnes) Value($’000) 1998/99 1999/00 2000/01 2001/02 2002/03 1998/99 1999/00 2000/01 2001/02 2002/03 Cephalopods Calamari, southern 49 65 84 110 64 255 385 549 770 707 Cuttlefish 1 0 0 2 0 1 0 1 3 1 Octopus 24 36 58 37 30 73 136 214 122 122 Squid, arrow 11 14 7 4 10 16 18 9 5 12 Sub-total 85 115 149 153 104 345 539 773 900 842 Shellfish Abalone, blacklip 1,436 1,434 1,434 1,434 1,383 43,471 51,414 71,443 62,613 62,458 Abalone, greenlip 4 2 2 3 2 114 60 120 135 72 Mussel, blue (wild) 7 4 3 12 5 17 9 6 26 14 Periwinkles 15 8 7 2 3 21 15 14 4 6 Scallop, commercial1 1908008126163701,6521,8971,334 Other 6 11 1 1 3 3 30 2 4 8 Sub-total 1,487 1,459 2,247 2,264 2,012 43,663 51,528 73,237 64,679 63,892

Echinoderms Sea urchin, black 55 36 46 37 46 88 62 77 96 60 Sea urchin, white 4 29 14 8 7 7 56 22 19 7 Sub-total 59 65 60 45 53 95 118 99 115 67

Crustaceans Balmain bug 8 18 12 31 31 54 132 77 238 235 Crab, giant 53 29 22 9 9 1,628 1,037 688 321 382 Crab, sand 55 85 100 24 29 260 282 256 85 103 Crab, velvet 2 2 3 1 2 5 5 34 13 26 Crab, other 3 3 4 1 3 6 9 29 3 33 Prawn, eastern king 81 89 156 104 101 758 1,074 2,036 1,329 1,302 Prawn, school 14 19 8 3 7 131 237 110 44 92 Rock Lobster, southern 555 586 617 497 465 16,936 18,409 21,774 21,453 18,180 Yabbie 4 2 2 1 1 19 18 18 11 8 Other 4 3 2 3 2 3 48 35 54 43 Sub-total 779 836 926 674 650 19,800 21,251 25,057 23,551 20,404

Sharks2 Elephant fish 16 10 3 4 3 27 18 6 8 6 Shark, angel 2 2 2 4 3 3 5 5 9 8 Shark, gummy 58 52 30 33 29 408 378 233 263 229 Shark, saw 2 4 0 0 0 9 15 2 1 1 Shark, school 4 8 1 1 1 28 55 6 11 7 Shark, seven-gilled 3 4 3 4 3 13 15 11 14 11 Skate3 18 16 16 14 18 12 12 17 15 20 Other 4 6 6 7 9 22 21 15 22 29 Sub-total 107 102 61 67 66 522 519 295 343 311

Total 6,407 6,660 6,537 6,826 6,691 73,988 84,679 109,382 101,217 98,638

1Scallop live weights estimated from meat weights by multiplying by 6.5; 2shark carcass weight (beheaded and gutted with fins attached) for Victorian Proclaimed Waters only; 3weight of margins of pectoral fins (`flaps') only.

All data in this table have been computer validated only and do not include data received or processed after 30 June 2003

21 Table 2. Aquaculture fish production by financial year from 1998/99 to 2001/02.

Hatchery and Growout Production

Aquaculture growout production rose for most industry sectors in Victoria during the 4-year period from 1998/99 to 2001/02 when overall production rose from 2,306 to 3,361 tonnes, live weight, while the value of growout production rose from $15.1 million to $20.7 million. Adding the value of hatchery product for restocking public and private waters for recreational purposes, which has varied from $0.5 million to $0.7 million, gives a total overall rise-in value for the aquaculture industry from $15.6 million to $21.4 million. Abalone production was sold for the first time during 2000/01 at $232 thousand, which increased to $631 thousand during 2001/02.

Industry sector Fiscal year Hatchery Growout Total Numbera Valueb Weight Value Value (‘000) ($’000) (tonnes) ($’000) ($’000) Eelsc 1998/99 nad na 107 874 874 1999/00 na na 45 447 447 2000/01 na na 68 678 678 2001/02 na na 43 433 433

Salmonids 1998/99 6,720 38 1,294 8,821 8,859 1999/00 8,551 210 1,612 10,903 11,113 2000/01 7,720 121 1,732 11,136 11,257 2001/02 8,145 489 1,587 10,666 11,155

Warmwater 1998/99 1,372 469 2 30 499 finfish 1999/00 1,236 489 23 337 826 (inland) 2000/01 1,265 652 77 1,277 1,929 2001/02 536 201 105 1,931 2,132

Yabbies 1998/99 605 2 13 125 127 1999/00 384 3 15 174 177 2000/01 522 3 23 254 257 2001/02 566 7 31 338 345

Abalone 1998/99 2,720 na 0 nve nv 1999/00 6,075 na idf nv nv 2000/01 65,300 na 5 232 232 2001/02 20,034 na 13 631 631

Mussels and 1998/99 na na 888 2,536 2,536 other shellfish 1999/00 na na 972 2,362 2,362 (bivalves) 2000/01 na na 1,186 2,681 2,681 2001/02 na na 1,582 3,734 3,734

Ornamental 1998/99 na na nog 2,673 2,673 fish 1999/00 na na no 2,673 2,673 2000/01 na na no 2,713 2,713 2001/02 na na no 3,006 3,006

Otherh 1998/99ididididid 1999/00 id id id id id 2000/01 id id id id id 2001/02ididididid

Total 1998/99 11,417 509 2,306 15,059 15,568 1999/00 16,247 701 2,667 16,896 17,598 2000/01 74,807 776 3,090 18,969 19,745 2001/02 29,281 697 3,361 20,738 21,435 bvalue of only product sold for restocking of public and private waters for recreational purposes (this value does not include product sold to other farms or retained on a farm for growout); cmost of eel production data are obtained from Victorian monthly catch and effort return forms submitted by access licence holders (compliance 100% for all years); dna, not applicable; env, value is not applicable as abalone were not been sold in public markets; fid, insufficient data to report because there are less than five licence holders (policy requirement to protect commercial confidentiality of data); gno, number only of ornamental fish available (3,543,000 fish for 1998/99; 3,587,000 fish for 1999/00; 3,569,000 fish for 2000/01 and 3,871,000 fish for 2001/02); hmarine finfish, shrimps and aquatic worms.

22 Table 3. Summary of recreational fishing surveys 1998/1999 to 2002/03. (Note: numbers of fish reported for all surveys are unweighted numbers only, and are not the estimates of total catch). Area/Species Survey type Fishing region Year Number No. trips/ No. No. survey days interviews kept released Gippsland Lakes Species: black bream, Creel survey - Gippsland Lakes, Mitchel 98/99 161 1678 2732 5119 yellow-eye mullet, shore & boat River, Tambo River luderick, snapper (estuarine) Creel survey - Gippsland Lakes, Mitchel 99/00 134 1924 3232 3841 shore & boat River, Tambo River (estuarine) Creel survey - Gippsland Lakes, Mitchel 00/01 142 2281 5125 4075 shore & boat River, Tambo River (estuarine) Creel survey - Gippsland Lakes, Mitchel 01/02 86 1057 976 1638 shore & boat River, Tambo River (estuarine) (Up to 12/12/2002) Creel survey - Gippsland Lakes, Mitchel 02/03 45 765 1451 3496 shore & boat River, Tambo River (estuarine)

Western Port Species: KG whiting, Creel survey - boat Western Port bay 98/99 60 1606 13,197 16246 snapper, elephant fish, gummy shark, flathead Creel survey - boat Western Port bay 99/00 50 1458 8100 16136 Creel survey - boat Western Port bay 00/01 45 1005 4169 7809 Creel survey - boat Western Port bay 01/02 22 625 3350 6158

Marine waters Species: snapper, Charter boat marine waters (all) 98/99 16 353 5528 1416 KG whiting log-book program Charter boat marine waters (all) 99/00 27 398 22039 16742 log-book program Charter boat marine waters (all) 00/01 23 444 11787 5473 log-book program (Up to 28/3/2002) Charter boat marine waters (all) 01/02 5 89 3222 608 log-book program

Bay, inlet and coastal Species: black bream, Research angler bream waters, snapper in 98/99 12 424 4724 snapper, KG whiting program PPB, KGw in WP Research angler bream waters, snapper in 99/00 10 384 4552 program PPB, KGw in WP Research angler bream waters, snapper in 00/01 10 342 2384 program PPB, KGw in WP Research angler bream waters, snapper in 01/02 16 222 2269 program PPB, KGw in WP

All waters Species: all Fishing diary program Marine & fresh water (all) 98/99 40 522 4410 5956 Fishing diary program Marine & fresh water (all) 99/00 63 985 5143 6961 Fishing diary program Marine & fresh water (all) 00/01 73 1119 7021 7974 Fishing diary program Marine & fresh water (all) 01/02 69 1371 8355 8063

All waters National Survey Marine & fresh water (all) Households Species: all Fishing diary/telephone 00/01 1300 12,000 99,598 35,051

23 Table 4. Numbers retained and released for the most commonly caught fish species for Victoria. Estimated total weights are provided for some key species that are also caught commercially. Species Fish kept Fish released Fish released Total weight (number) (number) (percentage) (tonnes) Flathead - unspecified 3,316,071 2,657,435 44 597 Whiting - King George 975,349 302,701 24 215 Perch – redfin/ English 949,351 594,104 38 Salmon – Australian east/ west 541,852 435,461 45 271 Bream – black/ southern 506,704 836,477 62 203 Snapper – pink 474,879 401,036 46 332 Carp 328,189 62,467 16 Mullet – unspecified 301,448 187,607 38 60 Garfish – unspecified 255,199 66,376 21 26 Squid – unspecified 197,527 13,414 6 90 Trout – brown 194,035 304,779 61 Leatherjacket 166,378 62,059 27 50 Eel – unspecified 147,254 26,591 15 Trout – rainbow 144,102 246,049 63 Perch – golden/ yellowbelly 142,276 118,783 46 Wrasse – unspecified 120,570 380,843 76 84 Barracouta 108,895 22,383 17 65 Trevally – silver 107,241 66,533 38 38

24 Abalone

The Fishery: substantially less than the previous observations were used to assess Victorian abalone resources support estimate of 30–60 tonnes made whether or not a resource an export fishery that had a landed using limited data in 1997. sustainability issue existed. value of about $62M during 2001/02 Industry concerns about the efficacy and continues to be the most Assessment: of current LMLs to mitigate against valuable of Victoria’s state-managed Assessment of the fishery was based recruitment overfishing were fisheries. on a broad suite of fishery considered separately in the light of dependent and independent data. The commercial fishery commenced recent growth and size at maturity Combining these two categories of in 1962 and during its relatively short analyses. This work was data ensured that both the history has been subject to fairly commissioned and funded by harvested abalone and those intensive management in the form of industry associations. remaining on the reefs were legal minimum lengths (LMLs), accounted for during the assessment. There were no instances of biomass zonation of the fishery (Central, Results from data analyses were trigger activation at zonal and Eastern and Western), limited entry considered during two meetings of regional scales i.e. B /B > 90%. and quotas. As a consequence the current 2000 the Abalone Fisheries Assessment fishery has been relatively stable and Retention of the mature biomass at Group (AbFAG) convened during remunerative. The catching sector the year 2000 level (B ) with 70% October and November 2002. The 2000 has developed effective fishing confidence could be achieved with AbFAG drafted an agreed summary practices and equipment, and Maximum Constant Yields (MCY), of the status of the abalone efficiently provides a high quality expressed as percentages of total resource using the guidelines landed product. current and past catches, of: specified in the Abalone Management Plan. This summary Two species of abalone are caught, Zone % TAC2002/03 % Average was transmitted to Fisheries Victoria blacklip (Haliotis rubra) as the main Catch1996–2001 targeted species, and greenlip (H. and the AFC as the fishery Eastern 107 108 laevigata) mostly as a by-product assessment advice for 2002. Central 96 92 species that comprises less than one Western 101 96 The 2002 fishery assessment relied percent of the total catch. substantially on results from Size at maturity and growth analyses Since 1988 there has been an annual modelling the fishery. This modelling reinforced voluntary adoption by total allowable commercial catch incorporates the catch history from Eastern and Western Zone diver (TAC) of 1,440 tonnes (blacklip and all sectors (licensed commercial, association of size limits larger than greenlip combined), allocated as licensed recreational and illegal), the LMLs. 1,420 quota units among the 71 estimates of growth and natural A subjective assessment concluded current holders of Abalone Fishery mortality, fishery independent that 7 reefcodes where catch Access Licences. The catch is indices of relative abundance (Figure triggers were activated required processed by eighteen licensed 1, Figure 2, Figure 3) and length- further investigation and that processors, most of whom are frequencies at relatively high spatial another 3 should be monitored concentrated in the Central Zone. resolution. closely. These codes were also The recently completed National Consideration was also given to flagged for closer examination in Recreational and Indigenous Fishing catches on a reefcode basis, with 2003/04. Survey could not provide a very 2001/02 catches for each code precise estimate of the total catch of assessed against the maximum and Assumptions made to model the fishery remain unchanged from 2001. abalone by the recreational sector minimum catches reported for the To some extent the model is fitting because of the relatively low period 1988-2000. In instances number of fishers who took abalone where the contemporary catch for a better to fishery independent abundance than previously. Port during the survey period. The reef code was outside its historic Phillip Bay is still the worst fitted estimated total catch, however was range a more detailed examination less than 8 tonnes, which is of trends in abundance, catch rates region, however this seems to be a and commercial abalone divers’ reflection of the data rather than 25 the modelling framework. Although assessment also showed that there strong reliance on the relatively outputs show that the Western was capacity for an increase in TAC fewer years that exhibit strong Zone as a whole experienced a in the Eastern Zone. population recruitment becomes decline in biomass, exploratory data paramount and additional controls analysis reveals that this result was Reefcodes where the activation of on fishing mortality warranted. strongly influenced by declines in catch triggers was associated with abundance on some reefs west of localised stock depletion were The 2002 assessment highlighted the Portland. In contrast, reefs accessed mostly confined to the Portland need for consideration of managing from Port Fairy have generally region of the Western Zone. These this fishery at a higher spatial showed trends of increasing indicators were consistent with resolution than is currently the case. abundance. industry concerns about recruitment This finer scale management could over-fishing and high densities of include sub-zonal catch output An important priority for modelling predatory sea stars. controls. Controls on both catch and is the replacement of the existing minimum size for harvest should be model with the recently developed The overall pattern of results from recognised as inter-dependent national abalone fisheries model. size at maturity and growth analyses elements in the transition to finer- This is necessary to improve highlighted that minimum size limits scale management. modelling efficiency and to provide a should be increased in many more comprehensive diagnosis of instances. Reef scale studies of size at the reliability of model outputs. maturity have consistently shown Research needs However, before this transition can high spatial variability that reduces High priority items for research be achieved it will be necessary to the efficacy of current LMLs to include: run both models in parallel to conserve spawning potential among • Increased data acquisition and achieve concordance. This will be a fast growing stocks while potentially analysis to evaluate the setting of substantial undertaking that will be wasting yield from slow growing fine-scale LMLs. more demanding of resources than populations. However, on their own, • Model the Mallacoota Airport previous assessments and is unlikely conservative size limits do not Area as a separate region. necessarily guarantee that sufficient to be completed before 2004. • Properly define B in a population recruitment will occur in MSY contemporary context and a given time period to ensure that estimate its possible range of Management implications recruitment overfishing is avoided. values. If no allowance was made for the Although population recruitment reduction in numbers of abalone in patterns are poorly understood due • Selection of appropriate LML’s the catch following the introduction to sampling impediments, it is highly — pending advice from AFC. of beach weighing, then the 2002/03 probable that successive years of low • Model diagnostics refined. numeric values for the TACs in the settlement density are the norm • Analyse ecosystem data currently Western and Central Zones should rather than the exception for acquired during fishery satisfy the MCY strategy specified in abalone. Under these conditions, independent assessment surveys. the Abalone Management Plan. The

26 Central Zone Peninsula Region = Point Nepean to Flinders Otway Region = Gellibrand River to Cape Patton

Av. Prerecruits Av. Recruits Av. Prerecruits Av. Recruits Av. Prerecruits Av. Recruits

16 18 10 14 16 9

12 14 8 sect) 7 10 12 6 10 8 5 8 6 4 6 3 4 4 2 Abundance (no./transect) Abundance (no./transect) Abundance 2 (no./tran Abundance 2 1 0 0 0 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 Year Year Year

Phillip Island (8 sites) Wilsons Promontory Region Port Phillip Bay Av. Prerecruits Av. Recruits Av. Prerecruits Av. Recruits Av. Prerecruits Av. Recruits 12 16 14 45 25 10 40 12 20 8 35 15 10 30 10 6 8 25 5 6 20 4 0 15 (no./transect) (no./transect) 4 -5 2 10 abundance Recruit Pre-recruit abundance abundance Pre-recruit Abundance (no./transect) Abundance Abundance (no./transect) 2 5 -10 0 0 0 -15 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 19971998 1999 2000 2001 2002 Year Ye ar Year Figure 1. Fishery Independent Abundance for the Central Zone (unstandardised); recruits = abalone at or above the LML, Pre-recruits = sub-legal abalone down to 40mm below the LML.

Portland Region Western Zone Port Fairy Region

Av. Prerecruits Av. Recruits Av. Prerecruits Av. Recruits Av. Prerecruits Av. Recruits 18 18

Ab 16 16 18 un 14 14 16 da 14 nc 12 12 e 12 10 10 (n 10 o./t 8 8 ra 8 6 6 ns 6 ect 4 4 4 ) 2 (no./transect) Abundance 2 Abundance (no./transect) Abundance 2 0 0 0 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 Year Year Year Figure 2. Fishery Independent Abundance for Western Zone (unstandardised); recruits = abalone at or above the LML, Pre-recruits = sub-legal abalone down to 40mm below the LML.

Airport Region = all reefs north of Benedore Wingan Region = Benedore to Point Hicks

Av. Prerecruits Av. Recruits Av. Prerecruits Av. Recruits

20 10 18 9 16 8

14 sect) 7 12 6 10 5 8 4 6 3 4 2 Abundance (no./transect) Abundance 2 (no./tran Abundance 1 0 0 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 Year Year

Eastern Zone Conron Region = Beware Reef (3 sites)

Av. Prerecruits Av. Recruits Av. Prerecruits Av. Recruits

16 8 14 7 6 12 sect)

10 5

8 4 6 3

4 2 Abundance (no./tran Abundance Abundance (no./transect) Abundance 2 1

0 0 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 Year Year Figure 3. Fishery Independent Abundance for Eastern Zone (unstandardised); recruits = abalone at or above the LML, Pre-recruits = sub-legal abalone down to 40mm below the LML. 27 Abalone Fishery Committee Review:

The Abalone Fishery Management On-going and well-targeted research • sought advice on compensation Plan (AFMP), which was declared in will provide a better understanding for fishers affected by the April 2002, provides for future of the biology of abalone and will introduction of Marine Protected actions and strategies for sustainable increase appreciation of the Areas, management over the subsequent dynamics of the fishery. The • recommended TAC levels for the five years. The Abalone Fishery recreational abalone sector is small 2003/04 abalone fishery, Committee (AFC) is the by comparison to the commercial • supported the abalone beach cornerstone of co-management for sector, and estimates of the weighing Regulatory Impact the fishery. The AFC provides recreational catch do not Statement 2003 (beach weighing expertise based advice to the significantly affect sustainability effectively introduced from 1 Minister including Total Allowable projections. April 2003), Commercial Catch setting and fishery performance monitoring. Illegal fishing remains the greatest • did not support a Proposed The AFC seeks information from single threat to the ongoing viability Further Quota Order for the Fisheries Victoria, the Abalone of the fishery. The lack of any 2003/04 abalone fishery, Fishery Assessment Group (AbFAG) definitive estimate of the level of • proposed AFC appointment and commercial and recreational illegal activity leads to assumptions terms consistent with the divers. The AFC welcomed being made for inclusion in the abalone fishing season, modelling process that could result members from the Recreational • supported an abalone industry in incorrect outcomes. Marine Fishery Committee and socio-economic survey, Research Committee whose Industry stakeholders are developing • participated in an Abalone expertise is required to provide greater appreciation of the factors Fishery Assessment Workshop, rounded TAC setting advice. affecting the long-term sustainability and In their assessment of the abalone of the fishery. As a result, industry • provided advice regarding the use fishery, the AFC considers that has established a range of zonal and of motherships by abalone fishery science is relatively strong sub-zonal voluntary initiatives, fishers. and there appears to be an including forgone TAC, increased The AFC will be providing increasing level of acceptance of LML and re-distribution of effort, to appropriate advice following the fishery modelling tools. Indicators enhance stock levels. Sub-zonal activation of a number of trigger from modelling show that the ‘finer-scale’ management appears to points for 22 reef codes. They will resource is at a generally sustainable be appropriate for the Victorian also be participating in the AbFAG level, although industry initiatives abalone fishery and is considered by Workshop which provides a forum have been implemented to some to be necessary to decrease for scientists, resource users and encourage a general increase in the risks to resource sustainability. As managers and other stakeholders to retained biomass. This is required by the AFMP, the AFC will share information and to deliver underpinned by an emerging advise the Minister of the appropriate advice to assist the recognition that the probability-basis implications and benefits of these management of the fishery. of the model requires careful sub-zonal management options. consideration of the level of risk Operationally, the AFC held four which is acceptable and appropriate meetings during the year in review to protect the community’s and as a result: resource. • supported Fisheries Victoria’s Fishery management is still sharply development of mechanisms that divided along zonal lines. The AFC quantify recreational take, sees improving knowledge of the • requested regular catch updates and outputs from alternative characteristics of the fishery and *This review does not form part of the Marine communication and engagement computer modelling scenarios, & Freshwater Systems Platform ‘Status of between stakeholders as critical to Victoria’s Fisheries Resources 2002-03’ Report. the future well being of the fishery.

28 Southern Rock lobster

The Fishery: Western Zone: • The length-structured model was The southern rock lobster (Jasus • There are currently 85 licences in used to assess risks associated edwardsii) is fished commercially in the Western Zone. with various harvest strategies. Constant catch projections for southeastern Australia, · The Western Zone catch that southwestern Western Australia and the Western Zone from the was reported to the Quota model 5-20 years into the future New Zealand. The Victorian total Management System for the allowable catch is currently set at 510 showed that at the current TAC 2001/02 fishing season was 422 of 450 tonnes, there would be a tonnes with a landed value of $19 tonnes, a decrease of 67 tonnes million, representing 10% of total 80-85% probability that the from the previous season (Figure available biomass would be more landings in south-eastern Australia. 4). than 20% of Bavailable 1951. Egg • Fishing effort decreased by 25% production estimated by the Assessment: from the previous season as a length-structured model gave The annual stock assessment result of the introduction of similar results to previous workshop was held at DPI’s MFSP, Quota management. assessments with around 60% of Queenscliff in October 2002. Data · Catch rates during 2001/02 the production in 1951 currently inputs to the assessment were from increased in the Western Zone in the Western Zone. continuing monitoring of biological to 0.65 kg/potlift (0.59 kg/potlift parameters by DPI staff, commercial in 2000/01). Eastern Zone: fisher voluntary logbooks and daily • Size at onset of maturity (SOM) catch and effort returns, monthly • There are currently 54 licences in was estimated at 94.0 mm over the Western Zone. puerulus collector sampling, port the entire Western Zone. • The Eastern Zone catch in 2001/ measuring tag recapture returns and Estimates varied within the Zone 02 was 54.4 tonnes, a decrease of an annual fixed-site survey. from 93.1 to 106.3 mm. These 17.8 tonnes from the previous results indicate that there is a season (Figure 5). need for a review of legal minimum lengths (LML) in the • Effort decreased in the East by 61 Western Zone. thousand potlifts with the catch rate increasing slightly during 2001/02 to 0.35 kg/potlift. • Size at onset of maturity (SOM) was estimated at 113.6 mm in the Eastern Zone, 8.6 mm above the present LML. SOM varied within the Zone from 104.6 to 115.7 mm. These results show the need to review the female LML in the Eastern Zone. • Eastern Zone catch projections at the current TAC showed probabilities of achieving available biomass target of 20% of Bavailable 1951, increasing from 28% to 70% for 5 and 20 year projections respectively.

Figure 4. Reported rock lobster catch, effort and catch rate from the Western Zone. 29 Issues common to both zones Management Implications: • Monitoring of puerulus and pre- • The majority of licences are The current TAC’s in each Zone are recruits as an index of owned by individual fishers. consistent with the stock rebuilding recruitment variability should be continued. · A total of 22 species were strategy. Some changes in the reported as bycatch during the structure and operation of the • Failure of commercial fishers to 2001/02 fishing season. The most fishery were noted since the report tag recaptures is a major common species were octopus introduction of quota management, concern and urgently needs to (15.5 tonnes) and leatherjacket highlighting the need to maintain a be addressed. (5.3 tonnes). rigorous fishery independent annual • Changes to fishing practices survey. The level of fishing effort for • Incorporation of Marine brought about by the the 2001/02 season was reduced in Protected Areas (MPA’s) into the introduction of quota both Zones to levels that model showed an initial management and the implications approached the production reduction in available biomass this has on CPUE, need to be modelling targets outlined in followed by an increase at similar assessed. previous assessments. Further rates to before their • The impacts of legal minimum spatial refinement of the size at introduction. The result was a length on spawning and available onset of female lobster maturity led delay in the time to rebuild the biomass need to be determined to industry requesting a review of available biomass of around 5 before any changes to legal legal minimum lengths. years. Introduction of MPA’s in minimum length can be made. the Eastern Zone increased the • Further refinement of the length- rebuilding rate of the spawning Research Needs: structured model should biomass. • Continued collection of detailed continue and include greater • Puerulus settlement was above biological information and spatial resolution, seasonal average, equivalent to the estimates of population dynamics and sensitivity analysis settlement observed in 1995. parameters within each of pulse recruitment. · Analysis of monthly price and management Zone are necessary • The stock structure of southern catch rate data showed that the to reduce uncertainty in the rock lobsters is unknown value per potlift was highest assessments. although they are currently during January / February in both • Continuation of a fishery managed as if the resources of Zones and also during August in independent (fixed-site) survey is each state were separate stocks. the Eastern Zone. of high priority for future The implications of this are monitoring under quota concerned mainly with management. recruitment, particularly whether the South Australian and Tasmanian fisheries could impact on recruitment to Victoria. • Periodic surveys of industry to better document technological change should be continued. • Almost nothing is known of the environmental effects on availability and/or abundance, and recruitment of southern rock lobsters. Known impacts on the ecosystem should be documented. • The effects of Marine Protected Areas on lobster stocks needs to be monitored.

Figure 5. Reported rock lobster catch, effort and catch rate from the Eastern Zone. 30 Commercial Rock Lobster & Giant Crab Fishery Committee Review:

The Committee’s focus for the year During May 2003, the FCC displayed by all parties to achieve was their involvement in the considered and approved the consensus for the benefit of the development of fishery management planning process for the fishery. The process, which was fair plans for the rock lobster and giant development of the Management and transparent, carried an crab fisheries. The Committee had Plans and in June the Minister invaluable endorsement of the ethos two representatives on the approved and declared the plans. of co-management and facilitated management plan steering the completion of the plans in less committee, which also included a Several significant advances have than 12 months. The progressive representative from the Recreational been made by these plans: implementation of the plans will give Marine Fishery Committee. • A transparent co-management stocks the opportunity to rebuild process for TAC setting against and therefore ensure that the The steering committee had the specified performance measures fisheries are biologically and daunting mandate to steer the and management triggers. economically sustainable into the direction and develop the contents • Resource sharing by the future. of the management plans while allocation of a recreational TAC. adhering to tight timeframes. An During the year the Committee • A commitment to quantify and intense period of activity occurred supported advice to the Minister manage the recreational catch. between August and December promoting further quota orders for 2002. The first three steering • Retention of the cap on the total the eastern and western zones of committee meetings outlined the number of pots in the rock the rock lobster fishery and for giant goals and objectives for the plans as lobster fishery and the removal crab in the western zone for the well as strategies to resolve the main of giant crab pots, to address quota period from 1 April 2003 to issues. An open forum and stock sustainability and ecological 31 March 2004. The Committee assessment workshop was then held concerns. offered advice to the Minister for over 4-days. This forum solicited • Compliance with National the establishment of a developing constructive discussion and feedback Competition Policy where fishery for the commercial and assisted the resolution of some possible, but without harvesting of velvet crabs. There sensitive aspects of the plans. Two compromising ESD principles. was concern however about the further steering committee meetings • A process for moving towards unreasonable timelines associated were held prior to the presentation sound environmental practices. with the process and the lack of of the draft plans to the FCC and • Development of communication background information and their subsequent release for public and compliance strategies. consultation prior to the gazettal of comment and submission. The the Ministerial Direction. Commercial Rock Lobster and Giant The plans have since been an Crab Fishery Committee essential component of a submission The Committee are indebted to Lyn commented on these plans during to Environment Australia to obtain Warn the Council Liaison for her this period and their views along export accreditation. input and guidance. with those of other submitters were Throughout the management reviewed by the steering committee *This review does not form part of the Marine prior to a report being presented to planning process there was & Freshwater Systems Platform ‘Status of the Minister for Agriculture. overwhelming support and a Victoria’s Fisheries Resources 2002-03’ Report. remarkable degree of goodwill

31 Giant Crab

The Fishery: 24-hour potlift. A further fall in 1999/00 and 2000/01 seasons were a The giant crab (Pseudocarcinus gigas) catch to 9.5 tonnes occurred result of additional factors including is fished commercially across during the 2001-02 season at a reduced access to fishing grounds southern Australia with the rising catch rate for fishers due to mining exploration activities, Victorian catch representing around landing more than 1 tonne during low market price and fishers 25% of total landings. It is important the season (Figure 6). concentrating on lobster fishing as a to note that the Giant Crab fishery • The largest catches in the fishery result of the introduction of quota was managed by the were recorded during the 1992/ management. Commonwealth until late in 1997, 93 and 1993/94 fishing seasons in whereupon jurisdiction for the response to a developing export Management Implications: fishery transferred to Victoria under market when 226 and 122 tonnes The slow growth, high catchability an Offshore Constitutional were landed in each season and restricted range of giant crabs Settlement (OCS) agreement. The respectively. The catch rate make it particularly vulnerable to Victorian catch prior to the 1999/ during this period was 1.7 kg per overfishing. The decline in catch 2000 fishing season was around 50 24-hour potlift. rates over recent years combined tonnes with a landed value of • The fishery stabilised from 1994/ with only limited fishery and around $1.7 million. Catches have 95 to 1998/99 at an average population data for the giant crab since declined due to a fall in annual catch of 49 tonnes and a fishery, indicates a conservative participation in the fishery. catch rate of 0.73 kg per 24-hour management response would be potlift. This lower level of catch appropriate. Assessment: was in part due to the The third stock assessment introduction of a legal minimum Research Needs: length. workshop for this fishery was held in • The highest priority for research November 2002 at DPI’s MFSP, The current level of the giant crab is obtaining size structure and Queenscliff. biomass is uncertain. However, it growth data for stock assessment modelling by increasing data from • The catch of giant crabs for the appears that the decline in catch port measuring and on-board 1999-2000 and 2000-01 fishing rates during the mid-late 1990’s was due to fishing. Further decreases in measuring. seasons was around 18 tonnes taken at a catch rate 0.50 kg per catch and catch rates during the • Collection of size structure data is required in order to develop a length-based model of the Western Zone total landings (all fishers), fishery. effort and catch rates for fishers landing > 1 tonne • Size limits should be reviewed 250000 1.80 Total landings (kg) using the ‘per recruit’ model Effort (24 hr potlifts) 1.60 developed by SARDI. Historical 200000 Catch rate (kg / 24 hr potlift) 1.40 catch and effort data requires

g 1.20 some review to reduce errors in 150000 1.00 position and depth data. 0.80 100000 Potlifts or k or Potlifts 0.60

50000 0.40 Catch rate (kg / 24 hr potlift) 0.20 0 0.00 1990-91 1991-92 1992-93 1993-94 1994-95 1995-96 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 Fishing season

Figure 6. Total giant crab catch (kg), from the Western Zone for fishing seasons 1978-9 to 2001-02 (November – August). Targeted effort and catch rates from fishers landing more than 1 tonne in a season. 32 Snapper

The Fishery: recently there has been an Assessment: The main locations of the increasing trend in snapper catches This report updates a snapper commercial fishery are Port Phillip and catch rates of haul seines. assessment workshop was held in Bay and coastal Victorian waters. To There is a large recreational snapper February 2002. Research results catch snapper, commercial fishers fishery that consists of boat-based, were presented from the latest use mainly long lines and haul seines shore-based and charter boat biological studies, fishery monitoring in Port Phillip Bay; droplines and fisheries. Based on data collected by and modelling from the recently hand lines in Western Port bay; and anglers between May 2000 to April completed three-year research handlines, traps, gillnets and trawl 2001 during the National project, jointly funded by FRDC and nets in coastal waters. In 2001/02, Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Fisheries Victoria. most of the commercial catch (72%) Survey, the annual recreational was taken in Port Phillip Bay with Recent tagging studies have snapper catch taken from Victorian confirmed earlier indications that longlines and to a lesser extent with waters was estimated to be 475,000 haul seines. there are two stocks of snapper in fish and approximately 330 tonnes. Victoria effectively divided by The total commercial snapper catch The annual recreational snapper Wilson’s Promontory. Genetic from Victorian waters has fluctuated catch in Victorian waters is research also showed distinct in recent years, rising from about 50- therefore now much larger than the differences between the stocks in 60 tonnes in the mid 1990s to over commercial catch in terms of the Victoria and the main fishery in 90 tonnes in 1998/1999, falling to 61 number and weight of fish taken. South Australia, and distinct but tonnes in 1999/00, and was 74 The most important recreational minor differences in snapper from tonnes in 2001/02. These recent snapper fishery is in Port Phillip and eastern and western Victoria. catches are much lower than peak Western Port bays and the majority Tagging studies have shown that catches of 230 and 185 tonnes taken of the catch is taken by boat anglers. most recaptures of tagged snapper in 1978/79 and 1988/89. In Port Daytime anglers mainly catch small released in Port Phillip Bay occur Phillip Bay, the long term decline in snapper, whereas anglers fishing close to release locations with only a fishing effort of the long line fishery between dusk and dawn catch most small proportion of the tagged since 1978/79 has reduced of the large snapper. There are also snapper moving into eastern and commercial snapper production boat-based snapper fisheries in the western coastal waters. Similarly, in considerably (Figure 7). However, coastal waters off Lakes Entrance, western coastal waters, tagged there has only been a slight Corner Inlet, Warrnambool and snapper were also mostly reduction in haul seine fishing and Portland. recaptured as immature fish close to

Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/200-hook-lifts) Effort (hook-lifts) Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/shot) Effort (shots)

200--50 30--8 1.5E6 5000

-40 4000 150- -6

20- 1E6

-30 3000 Effort Effort Catch 100- Catch -4 Catch rate Catch rate

-20 2000

500000 10-

50- -2 -10 1000

0 0 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 Financial year Financial year Figure 7. Commercial catch, effort and catch rates for snapper taken by longlines (left) and haul seines (right) from Port Phillip Bay. 33 release locations, but as fish matured The size and age compositions of otolith microchemistry that most of the recaptures in Port Phillip Bay the western and eastern stocks the snapper from the western stock indicated that a proportion of the provide further positive indications are derived from Port Phillip Bay spawning stock moved eastwards. of the stock status. Ageing samples nursery grounds. A distinct chemical There was also eastward and north taken from the Port Phillip Bay signature from high Barium levels is eastward movements of snapper snapper fishery suggest that the incorporated into juvenile snapper from eastern coastal waters. stock comprises of several abundant otoliths when they are resident in Recaptures of snapper tagged in year-classes from spawning seasons Port Phillip Bay and sampling eastern Victorian waters indicate in the 1990s (90/91 92/93, 94/95, 95/ recreational and commercial catches that they are part of a snapper stock 96 97/98) and another abundant shows the importance of snapper that extends from east Gippsland as year-class from the 2000/01 derived from Port Phillip Bay nursery far north as Grafton in New South spawning season. The western and grounds to the fishery. Wales. eastern snapper stocks in Victoria consist of a relatively high Strong recruitment in Port Phillip Interpretation of the trends in the proportion of large fish and a wide Bay in five of the past nine years has commercial catch and effort data range of age classes that indicates produced large numbers of small are complicated by uncertainty low mortality rates. Snapper over 10 snapper that are yet to reach legal about the effects of the movement years old are common, and size. This means that the biomass of of snapper between Port Phillip Bay individuals over 20 years old are not the western stock is increasing and and open coastal waters and the unusual in Victorian waters. The recreational and commercial effects of their seasonal schooling oldest snapper recorded was a 39 fisheries in Port Phillip Bay are likely behaviour on these data. The year old fish taken recently by an to improve over the next few years. commercial and recreational angler in Western Port bay. These Recent modelling has shown that fisheries are largely based in Port stocks of large, old mature fish that much of the annual variation in Phillip Bay, which only reflects part are highly fecund probably make an snapper spawning success is related of the western stock, and there are important contribution to annual to fluctuations in environmental few data available from eastern spawning and support the fisheries factors such as water temperature, Victoria. There was no evidence of a for many years providing a natural the frequency of westerly winds, and long term trend in the long line buffer against sequential years of seasonal river flows into the top end catch rates, although there has been poor spawning success. Unlike other of Port Phillip Bay. These a recent decline since catch rates snapper populations in NSW or environmental factors seem to be peaked in 1990/91. Since 1995/96 South Australia, where only a few important in predicting snapper commercial haul seine catch rates age classes predominate, the size and abundance and subsequent catches, and anglers catch rates have been age structure of the Victoria snapper but exactly how the environment improving in Port Phillip Bay stocks effectively reduces the affects snapper stocks is yet to be providing very positive signs that impacts on the fisheries from determined. Improving our indicate the stock abundance of periods of low recruitment. understanding of environmental western snapper is increasing. influences on snapper spawning However, the number of small success will help in forecasting the Catch data provided by anglers as snapper being spawned and surviving abundance of snapper and effects on part of a fishing diary program does vary enormously from year-to- the recreational and commercial indicates that the abundance of year. It seems from research using fisheries in the future. snapper both above or below the LML in Port Phillip Bay has been a consistent in recent years (Figure 8).

2 2 retained released 1.5 1.5

1 1

0.5 0.5 Snapper per angler hour angler per Snapper Snapper per angler hour angler per Snapper 0 0 1998/1999 1999/2000 2000/2001 2001/2002 1998/1999 1999/2000 2000/2001 2001/2002

Figure 8. Mean catch rates (± 2 s.e.) for anglers targeting snapper in Port Phillip Bay and providing catch data as part of a fishing diary program (n=750 trips). 34 Management Implications: studies using archival and acoustic • Investigation of methods of There have been widespread tags could also provide insights into collecting fishery-independent perceptions of declining abundance coastal migrations and seasonal data for future assessments. of snapper in Port Phillip Bay. behaviour of snapper. • Monitoring of catch rates in all major sectors of the recreational However, there is little evidence for The current legal minimum length and commercial fishery. this apart from a decline in catch (27 cm TL) is substantially below the rates of the commercial long line average size-at-maturity for female • Development of methods to fishery since 1990/91. The long term snapper and provides little estimate the recreational catch in trend in long line catch rates, protection to the spawning a cost-effective manner. however, has been stable and the population. Forecasts based on yield • Development of recruitment size and age compositions show that and egg per recruit analyses also indices in Port Phillip Bay and the fisheries have been supported indicate higher catches in terms of other areas. by a sequence of strong year classes weight and value for the • Continued investigation of that have persisted for many years. recreational and commercial methods such as smart tags and This suggests that fishing mortality fisheries and increased egg otolith microchemistry to clarify for the western stock is production could be achieved at a the relationship between snapper comparatively low. The status of the higher minimum legal size. The in Port Phillip Bay and coastal eastern stock is uncertain as there benefits of a higher minimum size waters. are insufficient historical data limit include an increase in the size • Continue collection of otoliths available. of fish in anglers retained catch, from the Barium-rich year class higher commercial long line catch The western stock biomass is likely to monitor their relative rates, enhanced recovery of snapper to increase over the next few years abundance in different locations. as there is good evidence of much stock biomass and a greater spawning potential. However, an • Investigation of the relative higher recruitment in recent years importance of abundance and from trawl surveys as well as increase in minimum legal size would reduce the expected rise in the availability on trends in fisheries commercial haul seine and indicators. recreational catch rates. Ongoing number of fish caught associated • Maintenance of support for monitoring of the size and age with improving recruitment and reporting and analysis of tag compositions of snapper catches in have a short term impact on the recaptures. western and eastern Victoria will recreational and commercial haul show the importance of this seine fishery in Port Phillip Bay. • Identification of sources of recruitment to the commercial and Further data collection from creel recruitment to the fisheries. recreational snapper fisheries. surveys and hook mortality • Exploration of mechanisms Recruitment monitoring in Port experiments for line caught snapper underlying correlations between Phillip Bay and modelling with will allow modelling of the effects of environmental variables and environmental data will enable any proposed changes to these recruitment. management arrangements. improved forecasting capabilities. • Investigate the significance of However, the relative contribution variation in timing of spawning as of recruitment from Port Phillip Bay Research Needs: a factor in recruitment variability. and offshore areas to the Port Phillip • Development of quantitative • Quantification of the mortality of Bay fishery remains unknown. methods of stock assessment, in a undersized fish released in Further research based on otolith risk assessment framework, to commercial and recreational microchemistry will help to reveal provide increased predictive fisheries. the importance of Port Phillip Bay as capacity in a risk assessment a snapper nursery. Movement framework. • Ongoing monitoring of the size and age composition and total catch of all major sectors of the commercial and recreational fisheries.

35 Black bream

The Fishery: recruitment is evident in all black composition of the black bream Black bream are distributed in all bream stocks across Victoria. The retained by anglers. But the change estuaries across Victoria and are an factors underlying this variability in to the DBLs had little impact on the important target species in both growth are unknown. Recruitment in daily angler catches. Angler catch commercial and recreational Mallacoota Inlet appears to be more rates from the creel survey (for both fisheries. The Gippsland Lakes/Lake regular than in other inlets. Larger retained and discarded fish) were Tyers commercial fishery is by far and older bream are more common too variable to detect any changes the largest, contributing 83% of the in estuaries with smaller fisheries. that could be attributed to the shifts in the LML. Statewide commercial catch in 2001/ A predictive age-structured model 02, and 87% of the catch over the has been developed for black bream Length frequency and daily retained last 20 years. The commercial fishery populations, particularly for use with catch data from angler creels surveys landed 185 tonnes worth $1.3 million recreational fisheries. This model provided an excellent means of statewide in 2001/02, of which 154 used catch data from anglers assessing the compliance with any tonnes came from the Gippsland collected over successive years, and changes to the LML or DBL in a Lakes/Lake Tyers. Almost all the knowledge of the age and growth of recreational fishery. catch is taken in haul seines or mesh black bream, to estimate the likely nets. The estimated total catch by effect of changing the legal minimum Catch rates of black bream caught the recreational sector, from the length (LML) or daily bag limit by mesh nets in the Gippsland Lakes first National Recreational and (DBL). By projecting catch rates for have been steady over the past 3 Indigenous Fishing Survey for the each age-class in the fishery, the years (Figure 9). Total annual catch period May 2000 to April 2001 was impacts that such management by haul seines, which had been 507,000 fish and approximately 200 changes on bream stocks could be steady over the previous 4 years, tonnes. predicted. The impacts depended on declined substantially in 2001/02 as the rate of growth of bream and the effort declined (Figure 9). Catch Assessment: level fishing mortality. The potential rates by haul seines have not declined. The reason for the decline This report updates the last formal of this modelling approach in in effort by haul seines in 2001/02 is assessment held in May 2001. providing fishery management advice was illustrated using catch data from unclear. Recruitment to black bream the Gippsland Lakes and Sydenham Since 1995 an ongoing creel survey populations in Victoria is among the Inlet. has been undertaken in the most variable of all exploited fish Gippsland Lakes aimed a providing a species in Australia. Gaps of up to 12 The likely effects of alternative DBLs time series of bream catch rate and years between significant were evaluated using creel survey length frequency information to be recruitment episodes have been data from the black bream fishery in used as a performance indicator of recorded for some Victorian the Gippsland Lakes. Because the shore and boat based estuaries. However, strong year- relatively few anglers reached the recreational fisheries. Analysis of the classes may persist for periods of DBL for any of these species, 2001/02 catch data suggests retained over 15 years in a fishery. Growth reductions in the DBL usually have catch rates of bream were lower rates are also highly variable within little effect on the total catch. than the previous year (Figure 10). and among year-classes and among Modelling showed that a 20% Creel survey data has shown that estuaries. Fish may take only 3 years reduction in current fishing anglers, fishing for bream, rarely (in the Glenelg River) or up to 10 mortalities could be achieved by reach the bag limit and bream years (in the Gippsland Lakes) to reducing DBLs to 2-4 fish/angler/day discarded (caught then released) by reach the Legal Minimum Length. (black bream). Three changes to the anglers is almost always because the Analysis of data and samples LML and DBL for bream in the fish were under size. In previous provided by research anglers fishing Gippsland Lakes, that took place years there has been high discard in the Glenelg, Hopkins, Mitchell, between 1996 and 1997, provided an rates of black bream, but these have Betka and Snowy Rivers, and opportunity to test the results of recently decreased as the strong Sydenham and Mallacoota Inlets, has these models. The changes to the 1995 year class has grown to legal shown that variable growth and LML significantly influenced size size (Figure 11). The observed 36 Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days) Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days)

250--150 200--250 3000 1500

200- -200 150-

-100 2000 1000 150- -150 Effort Effort Catch Catch 100- Catch rate Catch rate

100- -100

-50 1000 500

50- 50- -50

0 0 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 Financial year Financial year Figure 9. Commercial catch, effort and catch rates for black bream taken by mesh nets (left) and haul seines (right) from the Gippsland Lakes and Lake Tyers. decline in the numbers of bream 2 discarded by anglers in recent years LML=24 LML=26 LML=24 LML=26 is possibly an indication that there 1.5 are fewer bream in the size group under the LML and therefore any improvement in retained bream 1 catches may not be sustained. Data on the age composition of 0.5 black bream from the Gippsland Lakes, revealed that the 1989 and bream retained per anglerhour 1995 year-classes are now dominant 0 in the Gippsland Lakes fishery. The Aut95 Aut96 Aut97 Aut98 Aut99 Aut00 Aut01 Aut02 Spr95 Spr96 Spr98 Spr99 Spr00 Spr01 Spr02 Jun97 Win95 Win96 Win98 Win99 Win00 Win01 Win02 Sum95 Sum9596 Sum9697 1987 year-class is now poorly Sum9798 Sum9899 Sum9900 Sum0001 Sum0102 Jul-Sept97 Oct&Nov97 represented, but members of the season 1995 year-class are now entering the Figure 10. Mean retained catch rates (± 2 s.e.) of bream by shore-based anglers targeting black bream in the fishery. The abundance of the 1995 Mitchell and Tambo Rivers . year-class as it enters the fishery, however, seems to be less than initially expected, possibly as the improved catch rates in the future as the Gippsland Lakes is lower than result of cormorant predation. shown by the experience with the areas such as Mallacoota Inlet, and Predation by cormorants is a 1995 year class mentioned above. suggests there is a higher mortality significant cause of natural mortality These catch rates of juveniles are rate, but it is unclear whether the of bream in the Gippsland Lakes, also still well below the catch rates total mortality level is of concern. which has been estimated to be observed in the late 1980s, when There also is some uncertainty as to equivalent to the combined effects catches in the same areas averaged whether the lower numbers of large of the commercial and recreational over 150 juvenile bream per seine fish may reflect size-related changes fisheries. Catch and age composition shot. The recent lower abundance in availability as it has been suggested data from samples collected by of juveniles may be the result of that large bream may move away research anglers fishing Sydenham several factors or combination of from the habitats fished by and Mallacoota Inlets and the factors including unfavourable commercial and most recreational Glenelg, Hopkins, and Betka Rivers environmental conditions for fishers. indicate recent strong year-classes in spawning success, reduced all these estuaries. abundance of mature fish, or a Management Implications: reduction in the area of habitat Growth of the 1995 year-class in the The latest monitoring of pre-recruit suitable for larvae or juveniles. Gippsland Lakes has been more abundance in the Gippsland Lakes in rapid than expected and the year- December 2002 has shown an The size composition of both the class is now a significant component increase in the catch rate of juvenile commercial and recreational catches of the Gippsland Lakes fisheries, but bream, suggesting the presence of are similar with a mode just above they appear to be less abundant on another stronger year class (Figure the legal minimum length and few reaching legal size than earlier work 12). This does not guarantee fish above 30 cm (FL). The proportion of large fish in catches in suggested they would be. They are

37 expected to help sustain the black 2 LML=26 LML=26 bream catches by the commercial LML=24 LML=24 and recreational fishery in the Gippsland Lakes, in the short term. 1.5 Catch rates from pre-recruit surveys in the Gippsland Lakes suggest a 1 higher abundance of juveniles in 2002, but it remains uncertain when or if this may lead to increased 0.5 recruitment to the commercial and recreational fisheries. The absence discardedbream perhour angler 0 of any very strong year-classes since Aut98 Aut99 Aut00 Aut01 Aut95 Aut96 Aut97 Spr98 Spr99 Spr00 Spr01 Spr95 Spr96 Win98 Win99 Win00 Win01 Win95 Win96 Jun97 1989 is also likely to keep catches Sum95 Sum9798 Sum9899 Sum9900 Sum0001 Sum0102 Sum9596 Sum9697 Jul-Sept97 and catch rates, in both commercial Oct&Nov97 and recreational fisheries, at or season below current levels in the Figure 11. Mean catch rates (± 2 s.e.) of bream discarded by shore-based anglers targeting black bream in the foreseeable future. Mitchell and Tambo Rivers . Black bream stock abundance and fisheries production is affected by 45 predation from Great Cormorants. Bream <15 cm 40 Predation by Great Cormorants is All areas size selective and contributes greatly 35 to pre-recruit mortality of fish under 30 the legal size and this needs be 25 incorporated into fisheries or 20 ecosystem models. Future stock assessments should explicitly consider 15 the effect of cormorant predation 10 No. bream/shot (+/- SE) (+/- bream/shot No. on the abundance of black bream. 5 The stocks of black bream in most 0 Victorian estuaries are characterised 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 by the predominance of only a few Figure 12. Average catch rates of juvenile bream from pre-recruit surveys in the Gippsland Lakes. strong year classes. Environmental variables are considered to be important in determining larval • Continue fishery-independent • Further investigation of the surveys of pre-recruit abundance relationships between year class recruitment success in the Gippsland Lakes but other factors, including a in the Gippsland Lakes. strength, growth and reduced abundance of mature black • Improve estimates of population environmental variables may provide a basis for predicting bream or a reduction in the area of parameters for black bream in habitat for young fish, may also be the Gippsland Lakes, particularly future recruitment in the important. growth, natural and fishing Gippsland Lakes and other mortality, and including estimates estuaries. Management measures that explicitly of post-release survival for • Monitor cormorant populations incorporate variable growth and discarded fish from all fishing and their diet in the Gippsland recruitment should be considered methods. Lakes regularly to determine for this species. • Extend recreational fishery variation in the impact of their monitoring programs within the predation on bream stocks. Research Needs: Gippsland Lakes to other • The important habitat linkages • Continue monitoring of locations in eastern and western need to be established for all life commercial and recreational Victoria. history stages of black bream. catch rates, size and age • Estimation of the importance of • Identification of and agreement composition to enable fish death events to stocks of on appropriate assessment assessment of year-class strength black bream in the Gippsland methods and performance and variation in growth rates, and Lakes. indicators for black bream stocks to forecast recruitment and in the Gippsland Lakes and future catches. elsewhere. 38 Recreational Marine Fishery Committee Review:

The Recreational Marine Fishery principle of resource allocation. The of an alleged dispute between Committee (RMFC) held three Plan establishes a share of the annual recreational and commercial fishing meetings during the year in review, Total Allowable Catch (TAC) in each interests over access to Australian two of which were joint meetings rock lobster zone for recreational salmon at selected coastal fishing with the Commercial Bays & Inlets take. The initial Total Allowable locations in Gippsland. Fishery Committee (CBIFC) with Recreational Catch (TARC) will be whom excellent operational 5% of the Western Zone TAC and There is increasing awareness and arrangements continue to be 10% of the Eastern Zone TAC. acceptance that the health and enjoyed. The two Committees have sustainability of recreational marine worked together to provide advice During the year the RMFC fisheries are dependent on water to the Minister of the day on supported Draft Flora and Fauna quality and habitat issues. This is cancellation of Fishery Access Guarantee (FFG) Action Statements even more important due to the Licences for Lake Tyers and for Southern Bluefin Tuna, Great current drought and recent Mallacoota Lower Lake and the White and Grey Nurse Sharks and bushfires. Areas like the Gippsland proposal to declare these two FFG listed sea birds, prepared by the Lakes are becoming increasingly a estuaries and Anderson Inlet as Flora & Fauna Division of the salt-water lake and river system Fisheries Reserves – proposals Department of Sustainability and instead of the estuary system they designed to enhance recreational Environment. once were. This highlights the fishing opportunities. importance of environmental water A RMFC member appointed to the flows in all rivers and streams. The Fishery Reserve Management Plans Fisheries Revenue Allocation proposed Fisheries Co-management for these three Inlets and for the Committee (FRAC), contributed to Council Environment & Habitat sub- recently declared aquaculture sites the provision of advice to the committee will address this issue. are to be developed in 2003/04 with Minister for Agriculture on the the involvement of RMFC. disbursement of Recreational Fishing Committee members attended a Licence funds. Two members of November 2002 workshop to The Government has also RMFC have been nominated for address the ‘Future of Recreational guaranteed continuing recreational FRAC membership for the August Fishing in Victoria’. Fisheries Victoria fishing access to Tamboon, 2003 – August 2006 term. is currently developing a Draft Sydenham and Shallow Inlets. Strategic Plan resulting from The Committee understands that objectives identified at the A RMFC member participated in the the fisheries resource allocation workshop. The Committee looks development of the Victorian Giant policy options and decision making forward to its continued Crab and Rock Lobster Fishery process paper, which was developed involvement in what will ultimately Management Plans, which were by the RMFC and CBIFC and be a Victorian Recreational Fishing declared in June 2003. The Rock endorsed by FCC, is receiving Strategy. Lobster Fishery Management Plan consideration by government. (RLFMP) confirms the existing recreational rock lobster fishing The Minister for Agriculture has regulations, and recognises the endorsed a fisheries access dispute *This review does not form part of the Marine resolution paper put forward by & Freshwater Systems Platform ‘Status of FCC and has directed the FCC to Victoria’s Fisheries Resources 2002-03’ Report. apply this process to the resolution

39 King George whiting

The Fishery: Assessment: catches from samples collected by The commercial fishery for King The report updates previous research anglers indicate that the George whiting produced 97 tonnes assessments of King George whiting. decline in catch rates is due to in 2001/02 worth $1.3 million and poorer recent recruitment the was the second most valuable finfish Annual commercial catches in Port fishery. Retained catch rates from fishery in that year. This catch was Phillip Bay, which had risen from 48- fishers who participate in the angler predominantly taken in Port Phillip 62t between 1993/94 and 1995/96, to diary program, however, have not Bay (51 tonnes or 62%), Corner Inlet over 100t in the last 3 years, have shown the same decline (Figure 17). declined again. This decline is (34 tonnes or 35%) and The total commercial catch of King Westernport Bay (7 tonnes or 7%). attributable to declines in both fishing effort and catch rates for George whiting in Corner Inlet in However, small quantities are also 2001/02 was the lowest since 1984/ taken in the Gippsland Lakes and both haul seines and mesh nets (Figure 13). Catch rates for mesh 85. The catch by mesh nets was the occasionally as far east as Mallacoota lowest since 1978/79, and the catches Inlet. The commercial catch is almost nets were below average in 2001/02 but for haul seines remained above by haul seines in the last 2 years exclusively taken by haul seines and have been two of the three lowest mesh nets. long-term average values. Catch rates by diary program anglers have since 1985/86 (Figure 18). These low King George whiting are also one of been lower in the last three years catches are the result of low catch the main target species of than in 1998/1999 (Figure 14). rates, as effort levels have been high recreational fishers in all three large in recent years. bays. The estimated total catch by Commercial catches in Westernport have declined from a recent peak of The size of fish landed by the the recreational sector, from the commercial fishery varies among first National Recreational and 17t in 1998/99. Commercial catch rates for both mesh nets and haul locations and between haul seines Indigenous Fishing Survey for the and mesh nets. The largest fish are period May 2000 to April 2001 was seines have remained relatively high, but low levels of effort in the last 3 caught in Westernport Bay 975,000 fish and approximately 215 (maximum size and proportion of tonnes. However, catch rates of years have led to low total catches (Figure 15). Creel survey data from fish over 30cm FL), followed by recreational fishers in Port Phillip Corner Inlet, whereas fish caught in Bay and Westernport Bay have boat-based anglers targeting King George whiting in Western Port bay Port Phillip Bay are smaller. The size declined in the past few years. King structure at these locations is similar George whiting are also caught by over the past three years shows a steady decline in retained catch rates to those from previous years. The anglers fishing in coastal waters close average size of fish taken in mesh to boat ramps at locations such as (Figure 16). Examination of data on the size and age composition of nets is larger than for haul seines, Portland, Apollo Bay, Walkerville and mainly because fewer small fish are Lakes Entrance.

Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days) Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days)

50--30 100--50 2000 2500

40- 80--40 2000 1500

-20

30- 60--30 1500 Effort Effort Catch Catch 1000 Catch rate Catch rate Catch

20- 40--20 1000

-10

500 10- 20--10 500

0 0 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 Financial year Financial year Figure 13. Commercial catch, effort and catch rates for King George whiting taken by selected types of mesh nets (left) and haul seines (right) from Port Phillip Bay. 40 caught. The size range of fish caught to oceanographic and settlement in 1994 and 1995. A by recreational fishers is similar to environmental conditions that decline in catch in 2000/01 & 2001/ that of the commercial fishery. influence the easterly transport of 02 is related to low settlement in larvae, the spawning grounds and 1998 and 1999 should soon be Monitoring of larval settlement in recruitment mechanism are reversed due to high settlement in juvenile habitats in Port Phillip Bay unknown. Although hydrodynamic 2000 and 2001. indicated that larval recruitment has modelling suggests that the increased markedly in the past two Victorian fisheries are sustained by Research Needs: years. The poor settlement in 1998 spawning in coastal waters of • Continued monitoring of catch/ and 1998 has resulted in a decline in western Victoria or eastern South effort, size and age compositions the King George whiting catch in Australia, this needs validation. 2000/01, however, high settlement in is required to enable the 2000 and 2001 should see this trend Current stock indicators from assessment of trends in the both reversed in the near future. catch rates in both the commercial recreational and commercial and recreational sectors, and from fisheries. Recent work on the environmental the size distributions, indicate a • Research on the age and determinants of recruitment success relatively stable although variable reproductive state of fish in of King George whiting has found resource. Catch rate trends tend coastal waters is needed to assess correlations between years of strong to be different for Port Phillip Bay the status of the coastal stock. westerly winds and higher and Western Port than for Corner Histological techniques need to commercial catches in subsequent Inlet, probably reflecting different be applied to find evidence of years. However, computer sources of larval supply to the spawning (post-ovulatory follicles) simulations suggest that this effect fisheries. Higher catch rates in the in King George whiting sampled may be mediated by the effects of late 1990s are consistent with during the winter spawning winds on food availability rather than relatively high levels of larval season, particularly from coastal on increased transport of larvae from spawning areas. 2 Management Implications: 1.5 Both sectors of the fishery are based on juvenile fish, predominantly 2–4 year olds, that leave the bays and 1 inlets as they mature. Spawning in coastal waters of south-east South Australia and western Victoria is 0.5 believed to be the main source of fish found in Port Phillip Bay, Westernport Bay and Corner Inlet. hour angler per KGw Retained 0 Although the level of larval 1998/1999 1999/2000 2000/2001 2001/2002 settlement is believed to be related Figure 14. Retained catch rates (± 2 s.e.) of King George whiting by fishing diary program anglers targeting King George whiting in Port Phillip Bay (n=336 trips).

Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days) Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days)

10--15 15--25 2000 1000

8- -20 800 1500

-10 10-

6- -15 600 Effort Effort Catch Catch 1000 Catch rate Catch rate Catch

4- -10 400

-5 5-

500 2- -5 200

0 0 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 Financial year Financial year Figure 15. Commercial catch, effort and catch rates for King George whiting taken by mesh nets (left) and haul seines (right) from Westernport Bay. 41 locations. Funds have recently • A stock assessment model • Investigate the potential for been awarded by the developed for King George otolith microchemistry to reveal Recreational Fishing Licence Trust whiting in South Australia needs the movement patterns of King Fund and Fisheries Victoria to to be evaluated and if possible George whiting, for both the undertake this research. adapted for use in the assessment spawning sources of larvae settling • The spawning grounds need to of Victorian commercial and in bays and inlets and also the be located and research is also recreational fisheries. movement of young adults from needed on the habitat use and bays and inlets onto the coast. movement patterns of older 1 juveniles (1+, 2+) in the major bays. • There is the possibility of using larval settlement as an index of future recruitment to the fishery. 0.5 Monitoring of larval settlement may then provide a good predictor of the likely catches in the fishery 2-3 years in advance. • Monitoring of the retained and discarded recreational catch by hour angler per KGw Retained 0 research anglers will also provide 1998/1999 1999/2000 2000/2001 2001/2002 useful information on Figure 16. Retained catch rates (± 2 s.e.) of King George whiting by boat-based anglers targeting King recruitment. George whiting in Western Port bay (n=1,786 trips). • On-going angler-based tagging is 2 providing useful information on growth and movement of King George whiting. 1.5 • Variability in growth between locations and seasons needs to modelled and selectivity of mesh and hooks determined. Discard 1 mortality of hook caught fish needs to be assessed. 0.5 Retained KGw per angler hour angler per KGw Retained 0 1998/1999 1999/2000 2000/2001 2001/2002 Figure 17. Retained catch rates (± 2 s.e.) of King George whiting by fishing diary program anglers targeting King George whiting in Western Port bay (n=533 trips).

Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days) Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days)

25--40 150--80 1500 2500

20- 2000 -30 -60

1000 100-

15- 1500 Effort Effort Catch -20 Catch -40 Catch rate Catch rate Catch

10- 1000

500 50-

-10 -20 5- 500

0 0 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 Financial year Financial year Figure 18. Commercial catch, effort and catch rates for King George whiting taken by mesh nets (left) and haul seines (right) from Corner Inlet. 42 Scallops

The Fishery: to zero in 1998 and 1999 when the population is below this size. There The scallop fishery targets the fishery was closed due to lack of is also a general agreement within commercial scallop, Pecten fumatus scallops (Figure 19). the industry that scallops should not be fished if there are more than Reeve, 1852 (synonyms Pecten alba Catches in 2002 were modest, being Tate, 1886 and Pecten meridionalis about 120 meats to the kilogram. 80 tonnes meat weight (616 tonnes Aditionally, the industry is Tate, 1886) which occurs along the total weight). coast of southeast Australia from constrained by strict quotas on how much can be taken. central New South Wales through Assessment Victoria to South Australia and Concern has been expressed over There are no recent assessments of around Tasmania. Scallops are found the ecological effects of scallop the Victorian ocean zone scallop in soft sediments ranging from mud fishing. Studies in Port Phillip Bay fishery. Two recent assessments of to coarse sand and usually lie buried suggest that the infauna is relatively the Bass Strait central zone scallop with only the flat valve visible. In unaffected by scallop dredging, fishery (managed by the Victoria the fishery operates in Bass possibly because it is adapted to Commonwealth) have concluded Strait. Fishing is mainly between living in unstable sediments and so that scallops stocks have were Lakes Entrance and Wilsons can also withstand the effects of depleted through overfishing during Promontory although scallops are scallop fishing. The same is probably the 1980s and have not yet fully also taken to the east of Lakes true for the infauna of Bass Strait, recovered. The same may be true of Entrance and, occasionally, off particularly since fishing generally stocks in the Victorian zone Apollo Bay in western Victoria. occurs at depths where sediment although some of the variation in disturbance by wave action is likely. The fishing season lies within the catches is undoubtedly due to period April to December with natural variation in reproduction, During 2002 by-catch taken during scallops generally being in best settlement and recruitment to the the scallop fishing season was condition (ie the adductor muscle commercial population. There are monitored. All the by-catch species and roe, the edible portion, show also now a number of conservation identified were of widespread their best condition) between measures in place to prevent future distribution and are unlikely to be August and October. Since the overexploitation of the stocks. There threatened by the scallop industry. A fishery began in 1970 catches have is a minimum size limit of 80 mm recent review of scallop fishing in been extremely variable, ranging shell length (ie the widest distance the central zone also concluded that from over 1400 tonnes meat weight across the shell). Scallops cannot be no (by-catch) species are threatened (11000+ tonnes shell weight) in 1993 fished if more than 20% of the by the industry.

1600 Management implications 1400 Scallop stocks will continue to fluctuate widely. Currently no formal 1200 stock assessments are carried out in 1000 the Victorian managed zone, but 800 limited industry surveys of potential 600 scallop stocks are provided for each 400 year. Previous attempts at stock assessments have not been entirely 200 successful because of the large area Meat Weight (tonnes) 0 over which the fishery occurs. However, some form of annual 0 2 2 74 94 stock assessment would be useful in 97 9 978 98 990 9 00 1 1 1 1 1986 1 1 1998 2 matching catch limits to available Year stock. Some form of pre-season monitoring of scallop size and Figure 19. Annual catches (meat weight in tonnes) of scallops in the Victorian ocean Zone scallop fishery, condition would also be useful in 1970 to 2002. 43 ensuring that the season does not research into the by-catch taken by, Research needs. open while scallops are still small or and the environmental impacts of, • Development of stock in poor condition (as has happened scallop fishing. In support of approval assessment methods for the in the past). to export if needed, some expansion ocean zone scallop fishery of these programs may be necessary. Traditionally scallops have been • Investigate correlations between exported. Recent federal legislation The minimum size limit was environmental conditions and (the Environment Protection and introduced in order to allow scallops growth and condition of scallops Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999) to reproduce two or three times • Investigate correlations between requires that from December 2003 before they are taken by the fishery. environmental conditions and the state fisheries will require a Fishery The reason for allowing scallops to success of reproduction and Assessment and approval from reproduce more than once is recruitment of scallops to the Environment Australia for exports because egg production increases commercial population. to continue. (Some exemption from with age. Allowing scallops to • Investigate the distribution of these requirements may be possible, reproduce several times therefore scallop larvae in relation to the at least in the short term, if state adds considerably to the distribution of scallop beds management of a fishery meets reproductive potential of the federal requirements for ensuring population. Research carried out by • Reassessment of the current size sustainability). Experience with the CSIRO in the 1980s suggested that limit, particularly in relation to central zone scallop fishery indicates the minimum size at which scallops the size limit proposed by CSIRO that management strategies aimed at are fished should be 80 mm shell • Collection of additional data on ensuing sustainability of the stock height. This equates to a shell length by-catch in the scallop fishery and protection of the environment of approximately 90 mm, which is 10 • Investigation of the ecological are seen as high priority by mm greater than the current limit. impacts of scallop fishing on the Environment Australia. Victoria Some reassessment of the current environment, particularly on the already has some management minimum size limit therefore seems epifauna measures (eg minimum size limit and desirable. • Characterisation of benthic a maximum 20% trashing rate) communities in areas fished for aimed at preventing overexploitation scallops and a comparison with of the stock, and has carried out communities in unfished areas.

44 Scallop Fishery Committee Review:

For the 2002 season industry scallops being quite small at around During the year: voluntarily imposed a closure of the 100 meats per kilo, sizes improved to • The Committee promoted the scallop fishery for the month of May 80-90 meats per kilo as the season need for a Management Plan for 2002, to allow indicative stock progressed. The appearance of the the fishery but accepted that assessment surveys to be scallops was excellent with very jurisdictional issues associated undertaken. These surveys, good colour and roe content. with Offshore Constitutional conducted in June 2002, encouraged Settlement arrangements must a seasonal opening. Consequently, The opening of the Victorian scallop first be resolved. fishery advantaged local fishers by the Committee supported the • A commitment was given to providing them with the opportunity extension of the scallop season from work with SeaNet in the to access local waters when adverse 1 August 2002 until 30 November development of a Code of weather conditions prevented them 2002. Seasonal results however Practice for the Bass Strait scallop from travelling to Commonwealth defied expectation with high trashing fishery. rates and poorly conditioned or Tasmanian waters. • The Committee was advised that scallops. Large quantities of spat and small there were no funds available for For the 2003 season and following scallops have been evident to the a licence “buy-back” program. preliminary surveys, the Committee east of Lakes Entrance suggesting • Work was programmed to recommended that a commercial that commercial beds may develop investigate the development of survey be conducted during the in this area in the next year or two. an industry position paper on month of May. The limited results of The most disappointing aspect of shucking at sea. the subsequent survey were the 2003 season thus far has been sufficiently encouraging to warrant The Commercial Scallop Fishery the particularly low price being paid Committee also has responsibility an extended season and the for scallops. This probably results Committee supported the for addressing Ocean Access issues from overseas buyers purchasing at a and Inshore Trawl issues as directed, reopening of the fishery for the rate which reflects Australia’s period 1 July 2003 to the end of though none have been presented inconsistent supply levels during the during the reporting period. November 2003 on relatively low last 6 or 7 years. This demonstrates catch limits. Though the season the importance of a predictable *This review does not form part of the Marine started poorly with the initial size of season in the market place. & Freshwater Systems Platform ‘Status of Victoria’s Fisheries Resources 2002-03’ Report.

45 Wrasse

The Fishery: 1998, but much of this decline was It appears that high catch rates have due to a reduction in fishing effort. been maintained by the industry The commercial fishery for wrasse Wrasse were taken along the entire fishing new areas. Recent catches targets two species: bluethroat Victorian coast but catches were appear sustainable but there is wrasse (Notolabrus tetricus) and, to a highest off central Victoria and off considerable latent effort in the lesser extent, the saddled wrasse (N. the west coast. fishery and, hence the potential for fucicola) although often the two increased targeting of wrasse. species are not distinguished on Bluethroat wrasse hatch as females catch returns. During the 1990’s live and some change to males after they The fishery is relatively “clean” with bluethroat wrasse became a sought- reach 4 years old. About 12% of low catches of by-product and by- after commodity for local and females change sex per year after catch species. Discards can be interstate restaurants. A live fishery age 4. The maximum observed age relatively high but discarded species developed quickly and by the late of bluethroat wrasse was 23 years of are returned to the water alive. 1990’s, was harvesting approximately age and of saddle wrasse was 16 The recreational catch exceeds the 40 tonnes of wrasse per year from years. Commercial catches of commercial catch and is likely to Victorian coastal waters. The female and male bluethroat wrasse continue to do so. The high rate of commercial fishery produced 51 were dominated by ages 5–9 years, discarding in the recreational sector tonnes in 2001/02 worth $0.51 and 8–17 years respectively. may lead to a significant additional million. The catch is taken primarily Most tagged bluethroat wrasse were mortality if post-release survival is low. by hand lines from coastal reefs. captured in the area they were There are currently 54 Wrasse The failure to separately identify released. However, movement of a (Ocean) Fishery Access Licences. each wrasse species on commercial few individuals over 10 km, returns remains an issue that hinders Recreational fishers also take wrasse suggested that some fish in Victorian the accurate determination of catch from coastal waters. The NRIFS waters move further than was trends for each of the targeted estimated that in 2000/01 the total previously thought. species. catch by recreational fishers was Modelling of the effects of changing 120,000 fish with an estimated fishing mortality and size at first weight of 84 tonnes. This catch Research Needs: capture showed that there is a exceeded the estimated commercial • Undertake ongoing monitoring of trade-off between yield and the catch in 2000/01 of 46 tonnes. length-frequency distributions of proportion of males in the Recreational fishers also released the commercial and recreational populations. 76% of their catch of wrasse. catches of both wrasse species, including the retained and There is a LML of 28 cm total length Management Implications: discarded components. for bluethroat wrasse that applies to Modelling results indicated that the • Undertake periodic “snapshots” both commercial and recreational current LML (28 cm) appears fishers, and a combined bag limit of of the age composition of appropriate for the estimated fishing catches. 5 wrasse of all species that applies to mortality. A LML of 26 cm would · Undertake per-recruit analyses recreational fishers only. give a higher yield but a LML of 30 for saddled wrasse to determine cm gives a higher proportion of the optimum size at first capture. Assessment: males. The results are important in a This report is drawn mainly from the sex-change species like bluethroat • Assess post-release survival for results of a recent project funded by wrasse where it is the number of the commercial and recreational Fisheries Victoria, Seafood Industry males in the populations that are fisheries. Victoria and FRDC on the fisheries most affected by exploitation rather • Determine the minimum biology of bluethroat wrasse in than egg production, which is proportion of males required to Victorian waters, which included an normally the case. Modelling maintain the reproductive output assessment workshop in May 2001. It suggested that the female of bluethroat wrasse populations. has been updated with more recent component of the population • Develop a cost-effective formal data on commercial and recreational achieves maximum reproductive stock assessment approach that catches. output at a size less than the deals explicitly with uncertainty current LML. and presents results in a risk Commercial catches have declined assessment framework. from a peak of over 90 tonnes in 46 Port Phillip Bay

The Fishery: the total commercial catch in Port to the voluntary buy-out of Like most bay and inlet fisheries, Phillip Bay (excluding abalone, rock commercial licences that took place several species are targeted with a lobster and blue mussels) has in 1999 and removed 54% of licences variety of fishing methods in Port declined due to reductions in from the Port Phillip Bay/ Phillip Bay. The main commercial commercial fishing effort that have Westernport fishery. The licences fishing methods are purse seines, resulted in much lower catches in removed had previously reported haul seines, mesh nets and longlines. the purse seine fishery (Figure 20) 14% of the total catch and 26% of In June 2002 there were 4 Fishery and all other fishing methods (Figure the total fishing effort for Port Phillip Access Licences in the Purse Seine 21). The purse seine fishery targets Bay over the period 1995-99. (Port Phillip Bay) fishery and 52 small pelagic species such as pilchards. The haul seine, gillnet and Data available for snapper (which Fishery Access Licenses in the Port are mainly taken from Port Phillip Phillip –Western Port fishery. In long line fisheries in Port Phillip Bay target a variety of higher value Bay) are discussed separately 2001/02, these commercial fisheries elsewhere in this report, and trends produced 727 tonnes valued at $3.0 species and catches consist mainly of King George whiting, southern for some other key species are million. The abalone and southern discussed below. rock lobsters fisheries, which also calamari, snapper, southern sea operate in parts of Port Phillip Bay, garfish, rock flathead, gummy shark, are described elsewhere in this and flounder. The status snapper Purse seine Fishery report. There is also a substantial and King George whiting are The purse seine fishery targeting recreational fishery in Port Phillip discussed elsewhere in this report. pilchards, anchovies and sprats has Bay with large numbers of anglers There has also been a long term historically been the major fishing from the shoreline, private reduction in commercial fishing component of the commercial boats and charter boats. For some effort with these types of fishing fishery by weight of landings. The species such as sand flathead and gear that has continued since 1978/ long term trend of increasing snapper, the number and weight of 79 reaching its lowest level in 2001/ pilchard catches and catch rates fish caught by anglers in Port Phillip 02. This trend in the Port Phillip Bay reversed, however, after the first Bay substantially exceeds the commercial fishery has been driven pilchard mortality in 1995 (Figure commercial catch. largely by the longline fishery, but in 22). Since then, pilchard catches, the last two years there has also purse seine fishing effort and catch The latest Port Phillip Bay Fin been a substantial reduction in rates have declined and reached Fisheries Assessment Report was fishing effort in the mesh net fishery. their lowest levels after the second published in 1998. In recent years, Part of this decline can be attributed pilchard mortality event in 1998. The

Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days) Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days)

2500--2500 1500--150 1500 10000

2000--2000 8000

1000 1000--100 1500--1500 6000 Effort Catch Effort Catch Catch rate Catch Catch rate Catch

1000--1000 4000 500 500--50

500--500 2000

0 0 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 Financial year Financial year Figure 20. Total commercial catch (tonnes), effort (days) and catch rate (kg/day) Figure 21. Total commercial catch (tonnes), effort (days) and catch rate (kg/ from the purse seine fishery in Port Phillip Bay. Data grouped by financial year day) from Port Phillip for all fishing methods except purse seines. Data from 1978/79 to 2001/02. grouped by financial year from 1978/79 to 2001/02. 47 Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days) Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days)

2500--2500 500--800 1500 1500

2000--2000 400- -600

1000 1000 1500--1500 300- Effort Effort Catch Catch -400 Catch rate Catch rate

1000--1000 200-

500 500

-200 500--500 100-

0 0 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 Financial year Financial year Figure 22. Pilchard catch (tonnes), effort (days) and catch rate (kg/day) Figure 23. Anchovy catch (tonnes), effort (days) and catch rate (kg/day) from Port Phillip with purse seines. Data grouped by financial year from from Port Phillip with purse seines. Data grouped by financial year from 1978/79 to 2001/02. 1978/79 to 2001/02.

Port Phillip Bay catch of pilchards has Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days) 400--200 fallen from over 2,000 tonnes in the 2500 early 1990s to 38 tonnes in 1998/99.

It has remained below 200t and in 2000 300--150 2001/02 it was 141 tonnes valued at

$0.43 million, showing little evidence 1500 Effort Catch 200--100 of a recovery of the Victorian Catch rate pilchard stocks. The diet of seabirds 1000 that used to feed on pilchards in 100--50 Port Phillip Bay has changed 500 considerably since the pilchard mortality events and this is an 0 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 indication of low levels of pilchard Financial year stocks in Victorian waters. Figure 24. Total catch (tonnes), effort (days) and catch rate (kg/day) from Port Phillip with haul seines (all categories). Data grouped by financial year from 1978/79 to 2001/02. The reduction in pilchard catches was partially offset by increases in the catch of southern anchovy and sandy sprat. In most years, the Haul seine Fishery In most years, the annual catch of annual anchovy catch has remained Haul seine fishing effort has King George whiting fluctuates below 200 tonnes, but after the first gradually decreased since 1978/79 between 50-135 tonnes. Since 1997/ pilchard mortality event the purse reaching levels of below 2000 days in 98, whiting catches have declined seine fishery targeted anchovy and the last 6 years. Since 1995/96, there from 131 to 51 tonnes with landings catches increased to 491 tonnes in has been a trend of increasing haul valued at $0.72 million in 2001/02. 1996/97 (Figure 23). Since then, seine catches and catch rates (Figure Southern calamari catches have purse seine fishing effort has 24) reversing long term declining increased since 1997/98 from 18 to declined to a very low level and trends since the early 1980s. These 60 tonnes in 2001/02 and were although catch rates remain at a high trends in the fishery are due to the valued at $0.47 million. Snapper level, anchovy catches have returned catches of the main species: King catches have remained below 100 to previous levels and were 136 George whiting, Southern calamari, tonnes since 1991/92 and 53 tonnes tonnes in 2001/02 valued at $0.29 Australian salmon and Southern sea were landed in 2001/02 valued at million. The sandy sprat catch garfish. These are targeted with $0.38 million. Southern sea garfish increased from 20 tonnes in 1997/98 different types of haul seines. catches were 26 tonnes in 2001/02 to 113 tonnes in the following year, Catches, effort and catch rates of valued at $0.11 million. Rock flathead but lower catches of 64 tonnes the fishing gears used most catches were 21 tonnes in 2001/02 were taken in 2001/02 valued at frequently for each species are show valued at $0.08 million. Gummy $0.07 million. above. shark catches were 14 tonnes in 2001/02 valued at $0.11 million. Flounder catches were 7 tonnes valued at $0.05 million.

48 Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days) Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days)

60--40 100--50 2500 2500

80--40 2000 2000 -30

40-

1500 60--30 1500 Effort Catch Effort -20 Catch Catch rate Catch rate

1000 40--20 1000 20-

-10

500 20--10 500

0 0 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 Financial year Financial year Figure 25. Southern calamari catch (tonnes), effort (days) and catch rate (kg/ Figure 26. Australian salmon catch (tonnes), effort (days) and catch rate (kg/ day) from Port Phillip with haul seines. Data grouped by financial year from day) from Port Phillip with haul seines. Data grouped by financial year from 1978/79 to 2001/02. 1978/79 to 2001/02.

Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days) Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days)

150--50 250--80000 2500 5000

-40 200- 2000 4000 -60000

100-

-30 1500 150- 3000 Effort Effort Catch Catch -40000 Catch rate Catch rate

-20 1000 100- 2000

50-

-20000 -10 500 50- 1000

0 0 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 Financial year Financial year Figure 27. Southern sea garfish catch (tonnes), effort (days) and catch rate (kg/ Figure 28. Total catch (tonnes), effort (days) and catch rate (kg/day) from Port day) from Port Phillip with haul seines. Data grouped by financial year from Phillip with hooks and lines (all categories). Data grouped by financial year from 1978/79 to 2001/02. 1978/79 to 2001/02.

Southern Calamari (Sepioteuthis more than 4000 days to less than catch rates have declined since the 3000 days, particularly over the last early 1980s reaching their lowest australis) decade (Figure 26). Typically catches levels in 1996/97. Since then, catches There has been a long term increase and catch rates fluctuate with peak have been stable at between 26 and in fishing effort with haul seines used catches taken in 1982/83, 1992/93 44 tonnes with increasing catch to target Southern calamari since and 1999/00. These cycles have been rates. The reasons for the much the late 1980s reaching more than attributed to high larval settlement lower catches and catch rates in 3000 days in 1998/99 (Figure 25). and recruitment, which are likely to 1995/96 and 1996/97 are unknown. The trends in catches and catch have contributed to the lower rates have generally followed the catches and catch rates in 2001/02 Hook and Line Fishery trends in fishing effort, but the and will continue to effect the haul There has been a substantial long highest catches (60 tonnes) were seine fishery in the future. taken in 2001/02 and catch rates term decline in hook and line fishing reached their highest levels on effort from more than 4000 days to record. Southern sea garfish less than 1000 days (Figure 28). (Hyporhamphus melanochir) Snapper is the main species targeted Australian salmon (Arripis trutta There has been a long term decline by the commercial fishery with hook in fishing effort with haul seines used and line. While catches have and A. truttaceus) to target Southern sea garfish from declined with fishing effort, catch There has been a long term decline more than 4000 days to a little over rates have fluctuated reaching their in fishing effort with haul seines used 2000 days (Figure 27). Catches and highest levels in 1987/88, 1990/91 and to target Australian salmon from 49 2001/02. The recent increase in the Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days)

150--100 catch rate since the mid 1990s to 2000 their highest levels in 2001/02 is due to higher snapper recruitment and -80 lower levels of fishing effort. Strong 1500 year-classes of snapper have begun 100- to recruit to the recreational fishery -60 Effort Catch 1000 and catches and catch rates have Catch rate also increased in the haul seine -40 component of the commercial 50- 500 fishery. These trends suggest that the -20 snapper stocks are re-building, but there is uncertainty as to the use of 0 snapper long line catch rates as an 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 index of abundance (see status Financial year report on snapper). Figure 29. Total catch (tonnes), effort (days) and catch rate (kg/day) from Port Phillip with mesh nets (all mesh sizes). Data grouped by financial year from 1978/79 to 2001/02. Mesh Net Fishery Assessment The mesh net fishing effort was stable fluctuating from 1500 to 2500 A general fishing diary and charter Bay, although 54% of licences were days between 1978/79 and 1998/99. boat logbook program has provided bought out, these had reported only Over the last 5 years, there has catch rate and size frequency 26% of the fishing effort over the been a substantial decline in mesh information for snapper and King previous 5 years. George whiting in Port Phillip Bay net fishing to less than 1000 days in The Port Phillip Bay commercial the last two years (Figure 29). since 1998. For 2000/01 and 2001/02 catch records have been consistent fishery has a history of shifts in Although the catches, which mainly importance of species, as catches consist of King George whiting, have with a higher abundance of snapper (15-40 cm TL) and a lower increase and decrease in response to fluctuated with fishing effort, catch local fish stock abundance and rates have gradually increased abundance of King George whiting (>20cm) relative to the late 1990s. natural fluctuations in recruitment. throughout the 1990s and reached However, the effects of the pilchard their highest levels for 15 years in From previous daytime and night time surveys, it is known that the mortality events in the late 1990s are 2001/02. The recent increase in the unprecedented and it is not known catch rate is probably due to both recreational catches are substantial, particularly for sand flathead, King how the clupeid stocks will respond. higher recruitment and lower levels The reduction in pilchard stocks has of mesh net fishing effort. George whiting and snapper, but there are no current estimates impacted the penguins and gannets available. For some species such as but the ecological impact on other Recreational Fishery Assessment sand flathead and snapper, the species is unknown. There may have The recreational fishery in Port recreational fishery takes greater been some increase in the stocks of Phillip Bay is very large in terms of numbers of fish than the commercial anchovy and sandy sprats which the the numbers of anglers and the fishery. purse seine fishery have targeted, catches taken from the shoreline, but the principal market for the private boast and charter boats. purse seine fishery is for pilchards. From surveys conducted between Management Implications: The purse seine fishery will recover 1989-94, the mean annual total catch Commercial fishing effort has when there is an improvement in in the daytime recreational fishery declined substantially in Port Phillip pilchard recruitment and movement was estimated to be 469 tonnes and Bay. There has been a major of juveniles into Port Phillip Bay. the mean annual fishing effort was reduction in fishing effort by the The haul seine fishery is based on estimated to be 2.7 million angler purse seine and hook and line several key species that fluctuate in hours. Although more than 62 fishery to the lowest levels on local abundance from year to year. species are taken by anglers from record. There has also been a Total catches and catch rates are the bay, the main species are sand significant reduction in mesh net maintained by using different fishing flathead, King George whiting, fishing in the last two years and a gear to target these species. In the snapper, southern sea garfish, gradual reduction in haul seine last two years, there have been southern calamari, and yellow-eye fishing. Only some of this decline can higher catches of southern calamari mullet. be attributed to the buy-out of commercial licences. In Port Phillip and lower catches of King George

50 whiting and Australian salmon. The Research Needs: • Updated and ongoing estimates long term reduction in southern sea • Continuation and expansion of of catches and catch rates in all garfish catches probably reflects a the monitoring of size and age sectors of the recreational change in the types of haul seines composition of main commercial fishery. being used in the fishery and the and recreational species, in each • Improved knowledge of basic relative market price. The species sector of the fisheries. biology (e.g. growth, size at composition and catch rates in the maturity, fecundity, early life haul seine fishery are expected to • Development of methods to monitor and predict the history) of key species (flathead, fluctuate with natural cycles in garfish, anchovy, yellow-eye recruitment and local abundance. abundance of pre-recruits of key species other than King George mullet, calamari, flounder, The hook and line fishery has Australian salmon). declined to its lowest level, but the whiting. • Identification of major spawning commercial fishery is expected to • Improved understanding of the areas for key species. improve given higher levels of stock structure of pilchards and snapper recruitment and higher anchovy. • Development of appropriate and catch rates. Similarly, the mesh net • Quantification of the mortality of cost-effective performance fishery is expected to improve undersized fish released in indicators, reference points, and following the reduction in fishing recreational fisheries. assessment methods for each of the sub-fisheries. effort and higher catch rates. • Knowledge of the composition and quantity of bycatch and of bycatch mortality in the mesh net fishery is important for assessing the sustainability and impact of this fishing method.

51 Gippsland Lakes and Lake Tyers

The Fishery: Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days) 800--200 The Gippsland Lakes and Lake Tyers 8000 commercial fisheries are multi-

600--150 method and multi-species fisheries. 6000 Over 50 species are caught using 14 Effort different gear types, and the fisheries Catch 400--100 4000 include operators with 5 different rate Catch types of Access Licences (Gippsland Lakes, Gippsland Lakes Bait, 200--50 2000 Gippsland Lakes Mussel Dive, Lake

Tyers and Eel Fishery Access 0 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 Licences). Large mesh seine nets and Financial year mesh nets account for the majority Figure 30. Total commercial catch, effort and catch rate for all species except carp by all gear types from the of the catch, but electrofishing, bait Gippsland Lakes and Lake Tyers. pumps and garfish seines also take significant quantities of fish. are lower than those reported in tailor valued at $ 0.11 million, 44 the 1980s (Figure 30). The total tonnes of yellow-eye mullet valued at In June 2002 there were 18 Fishery catch taken by mesh nets has $ 0.05 million, and 19 tonnes of silver Access Licences in the Gippsland increased since 197/98, largely due to trevally valued at $ 0.05 million. Lakes Fishery, 10 in the Gippsland increasing catch rates (Figure 31). The most important catching Lakes (Bait) Fishery, 3 in the Catch rates by haul seines have also methods vary among species. Mesh Gippsland Lakes (Mussel Dive) Fishery, increased greatly over the same nets are used to catch the majority 3 in the Lake Tyers Fishery, and 3 in period, but the total reported catch 1 of the black bream, yellow-eye the Lake Tyers (Bait) Fishery. has not changed greatly because of mullet and luderick, but haul seines declining levels of reported effort Since the mid 1980s carp have take the majority of the tailor and (Figure 31). This decline in effort is become the dominant catch, and silver trevally. have comprised over 50% of the partly attributable to the effect of total weight but black bream is the buy-out of licences in 1999. The area of the Gippsland Lakes from which most fish are caught has most valuable species. The total In 2001/02 the fisheries produced a changed over time. For example, catch of species other than carp has total of 849 tonnes valued at $2.0 Lake Wellington produced a been relatively constant over the million. This total included 463 significant proportion of the black past 4 years, although the total tonnes of carp valued at $ 0.42 bream catch (from mesh nets) in a fishing effort has decreased slightly, million, 154 tonnes of black bream few years in the mid 1980s and early but overall catches and catch rates valued at $ 1.1 million, 49 tonnes of

Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days) Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days)

400--400 400--150 1500 3000

300--300 300-

1000 -100 2000 Effort Effort Catch 200--200 Catch 200- Catch rate Catch rate Catch

500 -50 1000

100--100 100-

0 0 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 Financial year Financial year Figure 31. Total commercial catch and effort by mesh nets (left) and haul seines (right) for all species except carp from the Gippsland Lakes and Lake Tyers.

1 Lake Tyers was closed to commercial fishing in April 2003 with the cancellation of the 3 remaining Lake Tyers Fishery Access Licences. Lake Tyers is to become a recreational fishing only reserve, although commercial eel fishing and collection of bait are still to be permitted. 52 1990s but only a minor amount in bream in June 2000, and for black Important issues in interpreting recent years. bream May 2001. catch rate trends are alterations to habitat (in terms of wetland-lake The recreational fishery targets For details on the status of black interactions, water extraction, mainly black bream, but a variety of bream, see the black bream section nutrient inputs, and other catchment other species including yellow-eye of this report. effects), migration and movement mullet, tailor, flathead, snapper, Catch rates for yellow-eye mullet by (for prawns and tailor), and market luderick, King George whiting, silver mesh nets have remained low but trends that have affected the relative trevally and leatherjacket are also the catch and catch rates by haul value of species. The recent buy-out taken. There are no recent seines have increased (Figure 32). of commercial licences has also estimates of total catch in the Catch rates for luderick increased reduced numbers of licences by recreational fishery, but previous for both mesh nets and haul seines 40%. Predation by cormorants is an estimates (from surveys in 1979-83) in 2001/02 (Figure 33). The increase important source of natural were of total catches of over 230 produced higher catches than mortality but mainly for black tonnes of bream, 20-30 tonnes of reported for the previous 7 years bream. Fluctuations in the bait yellow-eye mullet, tailor and flathead, for mesh nets and 3 years for haul fishery have been attributed to and smaller quantities of other species. seines. The total catch of Australian changes in salinity and interactions Catch rates of black bream by shore- salmon continues to fluctuate between algal blooms and sea grass. based anglers in the lower reaches markedly, but the catch rate in 2001/ of the inflowing rivers have remained 02 was the highest recorded since Management Implications: steady at around 0.5 fish per hour. 1978/79 (Figure 34). The total catch The fishery operates as a series of of tailor by mesh nets increased for For a detailed account of the status separate sub-fisheries, and each has the fourth successive year and catch of black bream, the management its own specific issues. These issues rates remained high; catch rates by implications and the research needs are often not directly linked to levels haul seines have also increased for for this species, see the section on of fishing effort or specific fisheries each of the past 5 years (Figure 35). black bream. management regulations. Like other The catch rate of silver trevally by bay and inlet fisheries, the Gippsland haul seines has increased for each of Lakes fishery operates against a Assessment: the past 4 years, so that the total This report updates the assessment background of high natural variability catch has been maintained even with in population size for most of the workshops held for the Gippsland declining effort levels (Figure 36). Lakes fishery for species other than key species. Habitat degradation and

Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days) Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days)

150--50 100--150 4000 1500

-40 80-

3000

100- -100 1000 -30 60- Effort Effort Catch Catch 2000 Catch rate Catch Catch rate Catch

-20 40-

50- -50 500

1000 -10 20-

0 0 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 Financial year Financial year Figure 32. Catch and catch rates for yellow-eye mullet caught by mesh nets (left) and haul seines (right) in the Gippsland Lakes and Lake Tyers.

Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days) Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days)

50--15 20--25 4000 1500

40- -20 15- 3000

-10 1000 30- -15 Effort Catch Effort Catch 10-

2000 Catch rate Catch rate

20- -10

-5 500

1000 5- 10- -5

0 0 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 Financial year Financial year Figure 33. Catch and catch rates for luderick caught by mesh nets (left) and haul seines (right) in the Gippsland Lakes and Lake Tyers. 53 Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days) • Knowledge of the composition 25--60 1500 and quantity of bycatch and of bycatch mortality in the mesh net 20- fishery for assessing the

-40 1000 sustainability and impact of this 15- fishing method. Effort Catch Catch rate Catch • Estimates of the survival rates of 10-

-20 500 fish discarded from both commercial and recreational 5- fisheries.

0 • Monitoring of the size and age 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 Financial year composition of key species in the Figure 34. Catch and catch rates for Australian salmon caught by haul seine in the Gippsland Lakes commercial and recreational and Lake Tyers. fisheries.

Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days) Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days)

50--20 25--50 4000 1500

40- 20--40 -15 3000

1000

30- 15--30 Effort Catch Effort Catch -10

2000 rate Catch Catch rate Catch

20- 10--20

500

-5 1000 10- 5--10

0 0 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 Financial year Financial year Figure 35. Catch and catch rates for tailor caught in the Gippsland Lakes and Lake Tyers. its impact on fish stocks is also an proportion of the fish surrounded • Continued collection of a time important management issue. by a haul seine escape the net; they series of fishing catch and effort Nevertheless, if the recent low levels also suggest that released fish have a information in both commercial of recruitment for black bream high chance of survival. and recreational fisheries to continue, some measures to reduce provide indicators of recreational fishing mortality may be necessary. Research Needs: fishery trends and fluctuations in the status of fish stocks. Recent research on the impact of • Investigation of the relative the haul seine fishery was conducted influence of non-fishery related • Knowledge of the critical habitats in Corner Inlet and Port Phillip Bay factors on catch rates. for various life stages of but has implications relevant to the • Development of appropriate and commercial fish in the Gippsland Gippsland Lakes. The haul seine cost-effective performance Lakes. methods used in the Gippsland indicators, reference points, and • Monitoring of the abundance and Lakes are similar to those used in assessment methods for each of diets of piscivorous birds in the Port Phillip Bay. The findings of this the sub-fisheries. Gippsland Lakes. study suggest that a significant • The effects of carp on the system are also of concern, in particular Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days) their effects on sea grass habitats 60--80 1500 within the Lakes, is an ongoing concern. -60 • Improved knowledge of basic 40- 1000 biology (e.g. growth, size at Effort Catch maturity, fecundity, early life -40 Catch rate Catch history) of key species (garfish,

20- 500 yellow-eye mullet, silver trevally, -20 Australian salmon).

0 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 Financial year Figure 36. Catch and catch rates for silver trevally caught by haul seine in the Gippsland Lakes and Lake Tyers. 54 Commercial Bays & Inlets Fishery Committee Review:

During the year in review the tensions associated with ever offered advice on Draft Flora and Commercial Bays & Inlets Fishery increasing competition for access to, Fauna Guarantee (FFG) Action Committee (CBIFC) met three and a share of, Victoria’s fish Statements associated with times, including two successful joint resources. Once resource allocation potentially threatening processes for: meetings with the Recreational is clarified, the CBIFC look forward • removal of woody debris from Marine Fishery Committee (RMFC). to working with the RMFC in the Victorian rivers and streams The Committee are committed to development of management plans • degradation of native riparian extending this most effective for the Bay and Inlet Fishery vegetation along Victorian rivers working relationship, which including, Port Phillip, Western Port, and streams exemplifies good co-management. Corner Inlet and Gippsland Lakes. • alteration to the natural flow and A key concern of the CBIFC is the During the year, the CBIFC offered natural temperature regimes of creation of security and a level of advice to the Minister on the rivers and streams certainty for bay and inlet fishers. cancellation of Fishery Access • introduction of live fish into Central to this is the adoption of a Licences for Lake Tyers and waters within Victorian river Resource Allocation policy by Mallacoota Lower Lake and on the catchments Government – a submission on this proposal to declare these two issue was jointly prepared by the estuaries and Anderson Inlet, as The Committee looks forward to CBIFC and RMFC and is currently Fisheries Reserves. Advice was also 2003/04 as a productive year and awaiting whole of Government offered on the Regulatory Impact one in which they assist the endorsement. This policy is a Statement, Fisheries (Compensation development of aquaculture and precursor to the development of and Procedures) Regulations 2003, fishery management plans and codes fishery management plans. relating to the compensation of practice. package proposed for the The Committee believes that compulsory acquisition of Fishery adoption of an Allocation Policy has Access Licences. The CBIFC also *This review does not form part of the Marine the potential to assist in resolving & Freshwater Systems Platform ‘Status of Victoria’s Fisheries Resources 2002-03’ Report.

55 Corner Inlet - Nooramunga Commercial Fishery

The Fishery: for King George whiting, flathead million, 43 tonnes of rock flathead The commercial fishery is based in (sand and yank), and snapper. Small worth $0.165 million, 52 tonnes of the large open areas of Corner Inlet amounts of commercial long lining silver trevally worth $0.13 million, 8 to the west, and the numerous are conducted and occasionally tonnes of greenback flounder worth sheltered waterways around the significant quantities of sand crabs are $0.059 million, and 6 tonnes of islands that make up the area known caught using commercial crab traps. gummy shark worth $0.050 million. as Nooramunga to the east. The The commercial fishery in Corner fishery is one of the State’s oldest, Inlet produced 351 tonnes in 2001/02 Assessment: providing fish during the gold rush worth $1.6 million, and was the third The total catch from the Corner era about 140 years ago. Currently most productive bay and inlet Inlet/Nooramunga fishery has been the main components are fishery after Port Phillip Bay and the relatively stable over the past 20 commercial seine net and mesh net Gippsland Lakes. In 2001/02 the years (Figure 37), reflecting the lack fishing for King George whiting, rock fishery produced 34 tonnes of King of change both in total fishing effort flathead, southern sea garfish, George whiting worth $0.44 million, and catch rates. This stability has yellow-eye mullet, southern calamari, 78 tonnes of southern sea garfish occurred despite changes in catch silver trevally, gummy shark and worth $0.32 million, 26 tonnes of and effort by different gear types, flounder and recreational line fishing southern calamari worth $0.18 with an increase in effort by haul seines and a reduction by mesh nets over the past decade (Figure 38).

Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days) Catch rates across many species

400--150 3000 have increased in the past 5 years. King George whiting remains the 300- most valuable component of the -100 2000 catch. The catch and catch rates of Effort Catch 200- King George whiting have been Catch rate Catch described elsewhere in this report. -50 1000 The catch rates of rock flathead by 100- mesh nets have increased over the past 3 years to close to the peak

0 seen in 1993/94, but catches have 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 Financial year increased only slightly because of Figure 37. Total catch, effort and catch rate for all species caught by all gears from Corner Inlet. declining effort levels (Figure 39).

Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days) Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days)

150--150 400--250 1500 2500

-200 2000 300-

100--100 1000

-150 1500 Effort Effort Catch Catch 200- Catch rate Catch rate Catch

-100 1000

50--50 500

100- -50 500

0 0 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 Financial year Financial year Figure 38. Total commercial catch, effort and catch rate for mesh nets (left) and haul seines (right) for Corner Inlet.

56 Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days) Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days)

80--80 20--15 1500 2500

2000 60--60 15-

-10 1000

1500 Effort Effort Catch 40--40 Catch 10- Catch rate Catch rate Catch

1000

500 -5

20--20 5- 500

0 0 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 Financial year Financial year Figure 39. Catch, effort and catch rates for rock flathead caught by mesh nets (left) and haul seines (right) in Corner Inlet.

Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days) Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days)

80--50 40--20 2500 2500

-40 2000 2000 60- 30--15

-30 1500 1500 Effort Catch Effort 40- Catch 20--10 Catch rate Catch Catch rate Catch

-20 1000 1000

20- 10--5 -10 500 500

0 0 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 Financial year Financial year Figure 40. Catch, effort and catch rates for southern sea garfish caught by Figure 41. Catch, effort and catch rates for calamari caught by haul seines in haul seines in Corner Inlet. Corner Inlet.

Catch rates, and total catches by generally declining (Figure 43). The Management Implications: haul seines have been all been catch of yellow-eye mullet by mesh The increase in fishing effort by haul increasing over the past 5 years nets is relatively small. Gummy shark seines has been offset by a decrease (Figure 39). Southern sea garfish are are caught almost exclusively by in mesh net effort, with the result taken predominantly by haul seines mesh nets and catches and catch that total catch has been relatively and total catches by this gear type rates are quite variable with no stable. The shift to ringing seines as over the past 3 years have been the distinct trends over the longer term the major contributor to the catch highest recorded since 1978/79, (Figure 44). Total catches of flounder should reduce any concerns about reflecting both the higher levels of have declined since 1978/79, but this by-catch issues in this fishery, as this effort and high catch rates (Figure decline is evident only in the mesh method has been shown to have 40). The catch and catch rates of net sector which has historically high survival rates for most released calamari have been at record high been the main method of catching fish. The diverse species range levels over the past 4 years (Figure this species; catches by haul seines exploited reduces the reliance of the 41). Silver trevally are also have been variable but higher in the fishery on the abundance of any predominantly taken by haul seines past 5–6 years (Figure 45). Catch single species. The recent declines in and both catch rates and catches rates by both methods show peaks catches of King George whiting have have also reached record high levels and troughs that generally coincide, been counteracted by increased in 2001/02 (Figure 42). Catches of suggesting that they reflect catches of rock flathead, garfish, and yellow-eye mullet by haul seines underlying changes in the abundance silver trevally. The catch and catch have been relatively constant but of the species. rate indicators are influenced by a have been maintained in recent range of factors that include changes years by the increased haul seine in stock abundance, fishing practices, effort as catch rates have been target preferences and gear types.

57 Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days) Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days)

3--4 60--30 1500 2500

2000 -3

2- 40--20 1000

1500 Effort Effort Catch -2 Catch Catch rate Catch rate Catch

1000

1- 500 20--10

-1 500

0 0 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 Financial year Financial year Figure 42. Catch, effort and catch rates for silver trevally caught by mesh nets (left) and haul seines (right) in Corner Inlet.

Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days) Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days)

8--15 40--30 1500 2500

2000 6- 30-

-10 1000 -20

1500 Effort Effort Catch 4- Catch 20- Catch rate Catch rate Catch

1000

-5 500 -10

2- 10- 500

0 0 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 Financial year Financial year Figure 43. Catch, effort and catch rates for yellow-eye mullet caught by mesh nets (left) and haul seines (right) in Corner Inlet.

Research Needs: • Knowledge of the composition • Knowledge of the critical habitats • Development of appropriate and and quantity of bycatch and of for various life stages of cost-effective performance bycatch mortality in the mesh net commercial fish in Corner Inlet. indicators, reference points, and fishery is important for assessing • Improved knowledge of basic assessment methods for each of the sustainability and impact of biology (e.g. growth, size at the sub-fisheries. this fishing method. maturity, fecundity, early life • Information is required on the • Continued collection of data on history) of key species (garfish, spawning locations of King the size and age composition of silver trevally, calamari, flounder, George whiting that provide the major species in the commercial Australian salmon). recruits on which the Corner fishery, particularly King George • Collection of data on the Inlet fishery. whiting and rock flathead. targeting, retained and discarded • Identification of the • More detailed analysis of catch catch composition, size environmental factors that are and effort data to examining the composition of recreational associated with the occurrence effects of changes to fishing anglers, including those using of strong and weak year classes practices, targeting preferences charter boats. of rock flathead, would provide a and gear used on fishing power. potential predictor of future • Monitoring the abundance of catches of this species. King George whiting and other key species prior to their recruitment to the fisheries.

58 Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days)

15--15 1500

10--10 1000 Effort Catch Catch rate

5--5 500

0 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 Financial year Figure 44. Catch, effort and catch rates for gummy shark caught by mesh nets in Corner Inlet.

Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days) Catch (tonnes) Catch rate (kg/day) Effort (days)

60--50 20--10 1500 2500

-40 -8 2000 15-

40- 1000

-30 -6 1500 Effort Effort Catch Catch 10- Catch rate Catch rate Catch

-20 -4 1000

20- 500

5- -10 -2 500

0 0 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 80/81 85/86 90/91 95/96 00/01 Financial year Financial year Figure 45. Catch, effort and catch rates for flounder caught by mesh nets (left) and haul seines (right) in Corner Inlet.

59 Habitat – Habitat Suitability Modelling

Introduction: process of HSI modelling involves and one pelagic invertebrate species Habitat Suitability Modelling (HSM) deriving suitability indices (SI’s) for (southern calamari). Where the is a spatial analysis technique used to each species by lifestage and season information was available, suitability estimate the distribution of a that indicate a preference or affinity indices have been developed for selected fish species by linking level for selected environmental newly recruited juveniles in several environmental and habitat data with variables (eg. salinity, depth, seasons, which allows the indices to species life history tables in a GIS. temperature, substrate etc). reflect changes in habitat use with age. The environmental parameters HSM uses theoretical and/or To date habitat suitability indices empirical models to produce maps that have been investigated are have been developed for several life depth, sediment type, habitat type, of habitat suitability for a selected history stages of each of five species fish species, or to predict the effects distance from the mouth of the bay in Port Phillip Bay using existing and, for juveniles, salinity variation. of environmental change. fisheries independent data sets. The Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) These species include five of the Data from a range of projects have Modelling project aims to determine most important commercial and been used to develop the models. the habitat requirements of selected recreational demersal species in Port Ongoing projects will also provide fish species and incorporate this Phillip Bay (sand flathead, rock data that will be incorporated into information into a Geographic flathead, King George whiting, the modelling process as it becomes Information System (GIS). The snapper and greenback flounder) available, including habitat use in

Figure 46: Habitat layers are reclassified with Habitat Suitability Indices derived from analysis of commercial catch and effort statistics and fishery independent monitoring data and then combined to provide a predictive map of habitat suitability classes (low to high). This example presents the results of preliminary HSI modelling for King George whiting in Port Phillip Bay from commercial catch and effort statistics.

60 shallow water and data on newly The environmental data has been tool will allow Fisheries Victoria and settled snapper in several Victorian incorporated in a GIS and other agencies to readily identify the bays and inlets. preliminary habitat suitability spatial distribution of important fish distribution maps using the above habitats and identify implications of To compliment the fishery data are currently being produced changes to these habitats. independent data, commercial (Figure 46). fishery catch and effort statistics were also used to investigate the This project is funded by Fisheries Research Needs: habitat characteristics for the Victoria and the Fisheries Research • To enhance the capacity of the locations of commercial catches. and Development Corporation. Port Phillip Bay habitat suitability This analysis has produced some model to predict distribution of promising results and is helping to Management Implications: adult fishery habitat in the critical confirm the habitat affinities of shallow water habitats. The results of this project will be species determined from the fishery • To develop a GIS based habitat used by Fisheries Victoria in its independent data. suitability model for the advocacy role for the sustainable Gippsland Lakes. management of marine habitats. The provision of this interactive mapping

61 Research Committee Review:

The Research Committee held four • National strategy for the survival assessment the Research Needs and meetings during the year. It also of released line caught fish: Priorities document will be exercised the role of the Victorian Survival of snapper and bream reviewed. Determination of the Fisheries Research Advisory Board released by recreational fishers in efficacy of FRDC/Fisheries Victoria (VicFRAB) to the Fisheries Research sheltered coastal temperate research and development in & Development Corporation ecosystems Victoria will also be addressed. (FRDC). The role of the VicFRAB is to encourage research providers to Funding for the development of a For early 2004, the Committee is submit research proposals paper outlining the options for planning a stakeholder workshop to responsive to management needs, to fisheries research and development enhance collaboration between advise providers on proposals and to investment in Marine Protected researchers, fisheries managers and evaluate these and advise the FRDC Areas was also approved. The total the commercial and recreational accordingly. first year funding for these projects fishing sectors. The workshop will was approximately $265,000. The also provide the opportunity for FRDC funding makes an important return on investment for Victorian stakeholders to participate in setting contribution to the financing of remains significantly above 7:1. research and development priorities. research in Victoria and as a result of VicFRAB’s advice, three projects Based on the document previously For the 2004/05 FRDC funding year, were successfully approved for prepared by the Committee entitled the Fisheries Co-management funding in the 2003/04 round. These ‘Research Needs and Priorities for Council will resume its position as projects are: Fisheries in Victoria 2001/02 – 2005/ the VicFRAB. The Research • Evaluation of methods of 06’, an assessment has commenced Committee will continue to provide obtaining annual catch estimates of the current aquatic research independent in-depth technical for individual Victorian bay and projects and their relevance to analysis and reporting advice. inlet recreational fisheries research needs and priorities for fisheries in Victoria. This assessment • Spawning sources and migration *This review does not form part of the Marine will be completed early in the new & Freshwater Systems Platform ‘Status of patterns of Victorian snapper reporting year. On the basis of this Victoria’s Fisheries Resources 2002-03’ Report.

62 Inland Fisheries

Routine Fishery Assessments levels still has the fishery ranked as Five Surveys were requested at the Carp Population Biology the third highest tonnage, and now March/April 2002 Cons meetings for The Fishery: the 7th most valuable fin fish fishery. the financial year 2002/2003 and The 1999 increase was due to Carp is widely acknowledged as a market expansion based on exports continuation of the Lake pest species within Australia. It is a Purrumbete monitoring program; all and broadening into fishmeal, pet noxious species and it is illegal to food and fertiliser products (import of which have been completed and return it to the water in Victoria. It reporting is in progress (Table 5). replacement). The recent fishery is mainly caught recreationally as by- decline is related to reduced carp- catch and the recreational fishery is abundance probably caused by Fish Stocking Information not large. The few anglers that drought conditions across Victoria The Marine and Freshwater Systems target the species mainly do so, and especially in Gippsland. Platform continued to undertake under special licence, to return them trout and native fish stocking to the water. Estimates of the throughout 2001-02. The following recreational catch are available from Assessment: fish were released; current research in three Victorian Research information on carp has • Trout Cod 51,000 freshwater fisheries; Dartmouth been gathered to assist the • Silver Perch 20,000 Reservoir, Lake Mokoan and management of this species as an exotic feral pest. In 1998, research • Golden Perch 570,000 provisional estimates for the mid- Goulburn River. priorities at both Federal and State • Murray Cod 380,000 levels identified a lack of basic • Australian Bass 50,000 The Victorian commercial carp catch biological information, and rose from 800t in 1997; to 1,177t in knowledge of movement within and • Rainbow Trout 144,000 1999; then declined to 568t in 2001/ between stocks, as bottle-necks in • Brown Trout 150,000 02. The 1999 catch was worth this management process. • Atlantic Salmon 15,000 $956,000 and was the highest Consequently, NRE research was tonnage and 4th most valuable focussed on these two areas. DPI Victorian fin fish fishery. A high research has specifically focussed on proportion (probably >>80%) of the former. Fisheries Victoria funded this catch comes from the Gippsland the MFSP in 1998 to investigate Lakes. The reduction to 2001/02 variation in carp population

Table 5. A summary of progress to date on 2002/03 program of freshwater recreational fisheries assessments.

Region Cons Priority Water Subject 2001/2002 2002/2003 Reporting Year Survey Survey Schedule SW 2001 High Purrumbete Lake Trout Creel assessment Creel assessment Full report in 2002 prep 03/05 NW 2002 2 Cairn Curran Native- Social Survey Full report in Murray Cod Aug -Dec 02 (last prep 03/01 surveyed Mar 98) Gipps. 2002 2 Morwell River Trout Dec 02 (last Full report (above Glenmaggie) surveyed 3/84) 03/02 NW 2002 1 Lake Eppalock Native Sept 02 (last Survey surveyed 9/99) completed, data to be incorporated in larger Eppalock project. NE 2002 High Ovens River Trout Jan 03 (last Full report (above Porpunkah) surveyed 1/98) 03/03 Gipps. 2002 1 Macalister River Trout Feb 03 (last Full report (above Glenmaggie) surveyed 3/99) 03/04 63 dynamics across Victoria; to explore (APE) between readers and for each Irrigation system, whereas 90% of currently available and potential of two readers over time. Precision males in the Murray at Barmah were control methodologies; and develop was assessed by re-reading sub- 14.4 years, or less. Longevity was computer simulation models to assist samples and APE was <5% in all similar for both sexes within a stock pest management. cases. It is concluded that but varies considerably among examination of thin otolith sections stocks. Longevity of the stock in Currently available options for is a suitable method for the Lake Wellington, Gippsland is control include capture (commercial determination of annual age surprisingly high (ie. 12 years for fisheries), exclusion (screening) and estimates for common carp aged 0– females, 13 years for males) for a water level manipulation (wetland 14 years. commercially fished stock, and may draw-downs etc). CSIRO has also be an indicator of under- patented gene-technology Carp has a high annual fecundity exploitation. Growth modelling has approaches to vertebrate pest (0.12 to 1.54 million oocytes per fish) been carried out for all stocks so far (including fish) management which is positively correlated with where carp have been aged and keys methods such as the ‘daughterless’ caudal fork-length and total weight for length at age have been carp and is developing the but not age. The relationships developed. Using these keys, technology for use on gambusia and between length or weight and mortality rates have been estimated carp in collaboration with the annual fecundity were statistically for males, females and juveniles. Murray-Darling Basin Commission, significant and best described with five state fisheries agencies and the the simple linear or quadratic CARPSIM was developed a simple Fisheries Research and Development regressions. Mean relative fecundity age-based model to simulate the Corporation. was 0.163 million eggs kg-1 whole effects of a range of management weight. Egg size was estimated from scenarios. The model simulates Over 10 tonnes of carp from more oocyte diameter in carp from eight change in population biomass by age than 10 key populations across stocks. Egg size was proportional to and sex-specific growth and Victoria were sampled by MFSP maternal size but not age. simulates change in population during 1999–2002. Information was abundance through recruitment and gathered on age distribution, growth Seasonal trends in gonadosomatic sex-specific mortality. Using empirical rates, survival estimates, recruitment indices, together with the changes in stock-recruitment data and and reproductive biology. Carp- the macroscopic and microscopic stochastic components derived from fishing by-catch was studied and condition of ovaries, demonstrated local hydrological data or the gear-selectivity compared. that spawning generally peaks during southern oscillation index the model spring–early summer, but also occurs simulated the population dynamics Key findings included: through until autumn and can even of carp populations over 200 years start in late winter at some sites. In For the 1999 year-class in Hut Lake using biological parameters Victoria, this species is a multiple near Barmah the absolute age at previously estimated for two spawner with asynchronous oocyte first otolith annulus formation was Victorian populations within the development and a protracted confirmed as age-1 year, by repeated Murray–Darling basin. Carp spawning season. Stocks generally sampling of a discrete young-of-year management scenarios simulated contain both females that spawn cohort. included the effects of fishing the once, and females that spawn spawning stock; of fishing the whole The annual periodicity of annulus repeatedly, within a spawning season. stock; of spawning or recruitment formation for common carp was In the Campaspe Irrigation district sabotage; and of driving the confirmed in a mark-recapture supply channels, patterns of spatial population sex ratio towards male experiment when 19 recaptured and temporal abundance indicated dominance. Model predictions adult common carp, from an original that juvenile recruitment by suggests that faster growing, shorter- stocking of 141 marked by injection immigration was common. Sampling lived populations may be better with oxytetracycline (OTC), showed efficiency in the channels, with a controlled by molecular methods visible fluorescent marks on their single pass of the boat-electrofisher, inducing male-dominance, or otoliths. Time at liberty for these fish varied from 6–13% and estimates of spawning sabotage type methods ranged from 6 to 25 months and total standing stock range from 0 to whereas slower growing, long-lived their ages on recapture ranged from 619 kg ha–1 with a mean of 144 kg populations may respond best to 3 to 14 years. There was complete ha–1. removal type approaches. agreement between increment Unselective removal, such as counts outside the OTC mark and In this study, carp have been aged up poisoning or trapping all age-classes time at liberty. Precision estimates to 32 years old. However, longevity is more likely to cause pseudo- on age-determinations were is variable and 90% of males were extinction at levels of instantaneous calculated as average percent error 5.5 years or less in the Campaspe fishing mortality (F) >0.7; while size-

64 selective removal at similar F levels period during spring as river activities targeting carp control that may only be useful to reduce the temperature reached 17ºC followed are contained within the network of biomass below 60% of virgin by a series of minor spawnings over supply channels offer little threat to biomass. CARPSIM simulations show summer and autumn and local or regional biodiversity or that the probability is small for any occasionally into early winter. Note fisheries. Note that this may not removal-based method achieving that water temperatures across apply to other irrigation supply <10% of virgin biomass when F <1.4. much of Victoria rarely exceed the systems that source water from suggested upper thermal-limits of natural systems of higher biodiversity Management Implications: carp spawning. Carp management or fisheries value. strategies relying on sabotaging Range spawning activities should It should be noted that the Carp are still expanding their concentrate efforts on periods when Campaspe irrigation supply channels geographic range and abundance in water temperature first reaches return little, or no, water to the Victoria. Recent colonisation of 17ºC in the spring. However, if the Campaspe river system once it is unregulated, upland streams and management activity cannot be extracted. Combined with the strong recruitment after maintained over a prolonged period physical structure of the water- environmental flow allocation in the it is likely that subsequent minor control structures, this suggests that Murray River suggests that river spawnings will occur. Furthermore, if juvenile carp emigrating from the restoration alone may not effectively spring spawning is simply prevented system would be unlikely to form a control carp populations. without the removal of the spawning source of recruitment for the river stock, it is likely that many mature system. Any emigrating juveniles Reproduction adults will simply delay their main from the downstream-end of each Fecundity is potentially high and spawning activity until later in the channel are likely however, add to proportional to maternal size but season. Wherever possible, the the stock in the main Waranga- not age. Mean relative fecundity (per removal of female spawning biomass Mallee supply channel. kilogram of maternal bodyweight) in late winter is probably the best was constant across all sizes and ages The experimental observations way of preventing subsequent examined. Therefore, the weight of made in parallel with acrolein recruitment. mature females in the population herbicide treatment indicate that determines egg production and for a boat-electrofishing is comparatively Campaspe Irrigation Channel Populations given mature-biomass of any age or inefficient as a control method in Evidence of spawning was detected size structure, similar quantities of channels, as it sampled only 6–13% in the irrigation supply channels in eggs will be produced. Egg size of carp present. the Campaspe irrigation system. (mean oocyte diameter) also However, an important component Standing stock estimates were increased proportionally with of recruitment was by immigration variable and although a high biomass maternal size. Large eggs confer a of juveniles ~100–200 mm LCF from was occasionally present of up to survival advantage in many fish the Campaspe River. Carp of this 650 kg ha-1, the average was only species. Carp-control methods that size could potentially be screened 144 kg ha-1. Carp population density cause the removal of large females out of inflows to the system as a in the Campaspe irrigation supply may also be advantageous if these preventative measure. channels was usually well below the fish would potentially have level at which significant contributed better quality eggs than Carp are the dominant fish species environmental impact is said to the remaining smaller females. in this irrigation supply network. occur. Studies that have identified Management actions such as size- Despite extensive sampling of the such critical levels of biomass have selective harvesting at levels that channels using electrofishing and however, been mainly concerned reduce the average size of spawning observations of fish-kills after with impacts on water-quality and females in the stock may cause some herbicide treatment, few native fish vegetation communities. It is possible reduction in average egg-quality. or macro-crustacean species were that physical damage to channel However, if recruitment captured or observed. Those that banks identified by the irrigation compensation occurs as a density- were, are regionally and nationally industry does occur with the dependant process when a share of common (eg. yabby, flat-headed observed carp population biomass the mature-biomass is removed, gudgeon and Australian smelt). The and structure. then the number of eggs produced channel system draws its water from may not decline. the Campaspe River, which has a Current channel-management slightly more diverse fish community, activities with the potential to Spawning seasons were prolonged but generally offers a source- negatively impact carp include often for six months or more and community that is currently of low acrolein treatment and water draw- contained multiple spawning events. biodiversity. Therefore management down. An apparent doubling of the Usually there was a main spawning 65 total mortality rate observed in one The approximate standing-stock flooding occurred. However, note channel relative to another was estimates made for Millewa Forest that 19 consecutive age-classes were probably due to a 3-fold increase in and Moira Lake are low in present in this stock during the acrolein treatments and a winter comparison to densities said to have study. This suggests that significant draw-down in water-levels. Note ecological impact. Commercial recruitment had occurred at least in however, that despite this sampling harvesting of stranded carp stocks each of the preceding 19-years showed no detectable difference in from Moira Lake in autumn 2001 despite variation in hydrology. indices of carp abundance or was successful in removing a large biomass between these two biomass (ie. 76 tonnes). Again Control Scenarios channels. Escalating the channel- observations indicated that the Previous estimates of population management strategy to mandatory majority of the catch was sexually reduction on application of annual water-draw-downs and mature carp and no significant by- daughterless-carp pest-control annual acrolein treatment may catch of native fish species was methods may be overly optimistic. further increase carp mortality rates. recorded. Scenarios tested with CARPSIM However, it is are uncertain whether assumed reduction to a 1% female Estimates of average adult mortality this would significantly reduce population over a 50-year period. rates (Z) are lower than those used abundance or biomass without Results are expressed within a risk in previously published models of additional control measures such as assessment framework, derived from potential pest-control methods. screened inflows (see comments 1000 replicate runs of each scenario Lower mortality rates have above regarding recruitment via of the model. Models were run implications in terms of potentially immigration). with hydrological and climate-based increasing the likelihood of recruitment variability, and with persistence and the resilience of Barmah Lake Populations starting parameters from both populations in the face of Carp are again the dominant fish (Campaspe & Barmah) populations management actions designed to species in the fish community. to produce estimates of time to control them in comparison with During three years of sampling one- quasi-extinction. If success is defined previously modelled simulations. day per month mainly using here as the population reaching electrofishing and fyke-nets, over 2 Recent radio-telemetry studies of a quasi-extinction, depending on the tonnes of carp were captured from small number of carp in the Barmah combinations of recruitment a 500 m reach adjacent to Barmah area suggest that small males may be variability and starting population, Lake compared to less than 100 kg the most mobile component of the CARPSIM simulations suggest an of native fish species. In the river population. However, the current 80% chance of success after 75–97 channel boat-based electrofishing study of the age-structure of the years. That is 80% of model runs was a practical method to harvest population suggests that this does simulated quasi-extinction after 75– carp. Most carp in the river channel not equate to greater loss-rates for 97 years. were large enough to be sexually- males in the Barmah stock, in-fact Spawning sabotage is a risky strategy mature and abundance was high the reverse is true. Carp from the and is only appealing when during low-water periods when mid-Murray River show sexual- extremely high probabilities of access to the floodplain was limited. dimorphism in growth, maturation recruitment failure (eg. 99 years in By-catch did contain small numbers and mortality rates. One of the 100 years) could be achieved. of native fish species that are listed manifestations of these characters is Furthermore, when recruitment in Victoria, as threatened (ie. silver a changing sex-ratio over time failure could only be achieved at low perch), or part of the threatened whereby older age-classes are male rates (up to 8 years in every 10 lower-Murray fish community (ie. dominated. This knowledge is critical years) there was a >5% chance that golden perch & Murray cod). in developing realistic population virgin biomass was exceeded in the However, electrofishing was used as models of carp stocks and if carp long-term. a non-destructive sampling tool and control methods such as all threatened or high value daughterless carp are deployed Unselective removal controls (eg. specimens were returned alive to where population sex-ratio’s may be trapping of all age-classes) applied to the water. Use of fyke-nets was used as a performance measure for feral carp stocks have potential to effective only as a sampling tool for the technology. drive the population to quasi- relatively small numbers of juvenile extinction when the fishing mortality In the mid-Murray River and Barmah carp inhabiting the shallow floodplain rate (F) can be raised, by the Forest wetlands there was evidence wetlands. Most of the native fish by- control-efforts, to over 0.7 year-1. It that year-class strength was catch from netting came when gill should be noted that current proportional to annual flows and nets were set in the flooded forest maximum estimates of fishing juvenile abundance was highest in a targeting spawning carp. mortality rate within the actual year when significant wetland 66 populations that were simulated are density data was used to estimate á Recently anglers have raised significantly less than this (ie. 0.3 and â in the current simulations, the concerns that the stream does not year-1 for Barmah and 0.2 year-1 for better estimation of the parameters maintain acceptable catch rates over Campaspe). describing the stock-recruitment the trout open season and that the relationship is a clear knowledge-gap. reported low catch rates reflect too Size-selective removal controls (eg. Direct estimation of á and â from much angling pressure. Some anglers fishing mature adults only) even observation of stock-recruitment would like to see altered fishing when exerted at a fishing mortality data for a given carp stock is regulations that impose more -1 rate (F) of greater than 2.1 year , practically a very difficult task, restrictive bag limits, possibly even are unlikely to drive a stock to quasi- normally requiring long-term data regulations making the fishery a extinction levels. However, useful on densities or absolute abundances catch and release only water. levels of biomass reduction may be of fish various life-history stages. achieved when F can be maintained However, given reliable population Prior to any consideration of -1 at 0.7–1.4 year . Very high rates of density estimates (biomass or changing the current regulations in -1 fishing mortality (>2.1 year ) are abundance) CARPSIM can be fitted the Rubicon River, fisheries necessary to reduce biomass to less to estimate á and â, perhaps managers had to first determine than 10% of the original unfished achieving more realistic outputs for a whether a problem exists. This biomass. given stock. This may be a more study undertook an investigation fruitful area of research than into the Rubicon River recreational Simulated carp population trout fishery to benchmark the trout trajectories show cyclic behaviour attempting to directly measure the stock-recruitment relationship. population and investigate the that seems related to sexual impact of angling across the trout dimorphism in rates of maturity. open season. With perturbations in recruitment Research Needs: driven by stochastic environmental • More suitability-profiles of carp Uncertainty about the impacts of events, these cycles persist stocks for various management angling on trout population has been throughout the modelled period strategies especially at the noted as an impediment to (200 years). It is unlikely that any geographic extremes of the improved recreational fisheries in current data sets exist to test species range. the Goulburn Eildon Fisheries whether such cycles are a real • Quantitative assessments Management Plan (NRE 2001). characteristic of feral carp stocks. including whole-stock carp Research aimed to quantify fishery However, if feral carp stocks do population/biomass estimates. performance and assess the undergo cycles in abundance, the necessity to reduce harvest in the detection of trends in abundance • Life-history of movement & Goulburn tributary streams was listed due to any management strategy will migration for Murray-Darling as a research priority of the plan. be more difficult and will need to carp stock take such abundance-cycles into • Further development and Research Objectives account. implementation, on a trial-scale, of biological control methods The principle aim of the study was to determine if any changes in the In the populations that were · Exploration of the impact of abundance and structure of the simulated the estimates of natural predation, on carp stocks, and trout population in the Rubicon mortality rate (M) ranged from 0.2 – carp control efforts 0.3 year-1. The fishing mortality rates River occur over the open trout (F) applied in simulated fishing season, and whether any detected scenarios only begin to have Rubicon River trout change is related to angler harvest. significant effects on the populations when they are 2–3 times estimates fishery study Management Questions of total mortality (M). More • Does the catch rate in the significant effects of fishing were The Fishery Rubicon decline markedly over achieved with F set at four-times and The Rubicon River is a relatively the trout season? six-times M. small tributary of the Goulburn • Can the fishing quality of the CARPSIM outputs are clearly River near Thornton, Victoria. The Rubicon be maintained over the sensitive to the parameters that stream maintains a relatively cool entire trout season? dictate the scale and shape of the flow of water in the lower Rubicon • Are current management stock-recruitment relationship. In the downstream of the Rubicon ‘1’ prescriptions appropriate to Ricker stock-recruitment relationship power station. Such conditions are maintain the Rubicon River trout these parameters are á and â. While ideal for trout and the river supports fishery over a season? empirical stock and recruitment significant self-sustaining populations of brown and rainbow trout. 67 Research Questions Population estimates at several more occaisions in the 2002-2003 • Are there any changes in fish reference sites were undertaken at season than the 2001-2002 season. stocks over the angling season? the beginning, middle and end of the Water temperatures in excess of trout season. The study sites were 19ºC affect trout feeding and this • Is any change in fish stocks located in the middle to lower also possibly impacted on anglers by related to angler harvest, sections of the stream downstream producing low catch rates at certain migration or environmental of Rubicon. times. If the river was not pecieved conditions? to be fishing well then again, anglers Three temperature loggers were set may not have botherd making the trip. The study had three main in the Rubicon River at the Rubicon components: a creel survey to Salmon Farm inlet channel, the establish annual catch and harvest, a Thornton-Taggerty Road bridge at fishery dependent fish survey to Tumbling Waters and the bridge at monitor trout populations across the the end of Christies Lane. The trout angling open season and the loggers were set to record hourly deployment of temperature loggers temperature readings in degrees to monitor water temperature Celsius. across the season. Total angler effort, total catch and Research Summary total harvest estimates were Mean monthly catch rates for brown determined from creel surveys. A trout from Sept to June (fish per stratified random sampling roving hour) for the two trout seasons creel survey was undertaken over studied are shown in Figure 47. two trout season from September There was no aparent decrease in 2001 to early June 2003. The study catch rates across either trout was stratified daily into mornings, season. midday and evenings and by type of day including weekdays, weekends, Anglers fishing the Rubicon are and long weekends/public holidays. already practicing catch and release Days between weekends and a sole (Table 6). public holiday such as Cup Day were The drop in angler effort during the classified as long weekends. Clerk 2002-203 season is possibly an visits were selected by unequal artefact of the drought. It is probability without replacement. speculated that due to negative This was done to obtain a better publicity about the drought and spread of clerk visits across the water levels and temperatures in season so an investigation of trends Lake Eildon and the the Goulburn in seasonal catch rates could also be River during the last trout season undertaken. Anglers were Figure 47. Mean monthly catch rates for 2001-2002 that many anglers may not have intercepted while fishing and asked a and 2002-2003 trout open season in the Rubicon bothered to fish the Rubicon. Also series of questions regarding fishing River (September to June) the water temperature of the time, fish captures and satisfaction stream was above 19°C on many with the fishery. The warm temperatures may also have impacted on the trout Table 6. Estimates of catch, release and total take from the Rubicon River themselves. Population estimates made by the fisheries independent over the last two angling seasons. ( ± standard error). sampling of the reference site 2001-2002 2002-2003 indocated no overall trend was present that would indicated a 1414 ± 474 b r ow n trout caught 355 ± 78 brown trout caught decline in population of trout 536 ± 140 brown trout taken 42 ± 5 brown trout taken occurred in either season (Figure 48). It appears that the initail 877 ± 408 brown trout released 13 ± 71 brown trout released suggestions made by anglers did not occurr during the last two trout 8457 ± hours effort 5631 ± hours effort seasons and the estimates of harvest overall catch rate = 0.167 fish/h overall catch rate = 0.063 fish/h for both seasons is relativeley low. There was however a drop in population between seasons. 68 Rubicon River Site 1 In summary the anglers fishing the p opu la tio n e stim a te s fo r tro ut > 250 m m tl Rubicon are already practicing catch 30 and release and the present harvest 25 levels do not seem to be impacting 20 15 on the fishery enough to warrant a 10 5 change in the current regulations. It 0 Nov- Dec- Jan- Feb- Mar- Apr- May- Jun- Jul-02 Aug- Sep- Oct- Nov- Dec- Jan- Feb- Mar- Apr- May- Jun- is quite possible that environmental 01 01 02 02 02 02 02 02 02 02 02 02 02 03 03 03 03 03 03 conditions may be having more of an Rubicon River Site 2 impact on the Rubicon River fishery p op ula tio n e stim a te s for trou t > 250 m m tl than anglers. However, detailed 25 analysis of the research is still being 20 15 undertaken and a more detailed 10 final report on this work is being 5 0 produced. Nov- Dec- Jan- Feb- Mar- Apr- May- Jun- Jul-02 Aug- Sep- Oct- Nov- Dec- Jan- Feb- Mar- Apr- May- Jun- 01 01 02 02 02 02 02 02 02 02 02 02 02 03 03 03 03 03 03

Figure 48. Population estimates of brown trout (>250 mm lcf) for two reference sites on the Rubicon River for the 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 trout open seasons.

69 Inland Fishery Committee Review:

Inland fisheries throughout the State The estuarine eel fishery is objectives of the Bendigo Region have been severely impacted by the experiencing a significant decline in and Goulburn-Eildon Region ongoing drought. Those in the north the recruitment of glass eels. Fisheries Management Plans. east have also been affected by the Commercial harvesting of mature devastating bushfires which eels in inland lakes is down to During the year the IFC held four occurred during February, March approximately 25% of previous meetings and offered advice on and April of 2003. catches. Normal flows in coastal Draft Flora and Fauna Guarantee streams from May to July are (FFG) Action Statements associated Many of the State’s lakes and necessary for the recruitment of with potentially threatening impoundments are dry or nearly dry glass eels and elvers. processes for: and will be dependant on good - removal of woody debris from spring rainfall to maintain existing Some positive actions have been Victorian rivers and streams fisheries. River and stream levels are taken by Fisheries Victoria to - degradation of native riparian also extremely low and the lack of protect habitat and stocks for the vegetation along Victorian rivers sufficient environmental flows is future including the: and streams impacting heavily on natural • protection of large woody debris - alteration to the natural flow and recruitment. in drought affected natural temperature regimes of impoundments introduced via a rivers and streams A number of fish kills have occurred Fisheries Notice due to reduced oxygen levels - introduction of live fish into • introduction of a spiny crayfish brought about by low stream flows waters within Victorian river closed season and the temporary and also as a consequence of ash catchments closure of Waranga Basin to the and debris being washed into harvest of crayfish waterways following heavy rain. The The IFC has also provided advice on most significant fish loss occurred in • a bass stocking program in East drought contingency plans, fish Broken Creek where more than 200 Gippsland rivers habitat protection during drought large Murray cod died. • development of a stocking conditions and draft Translocation proposal for Murray cod and Guidelines. IFC members also Trout stocks have also been affected golden perch into the State’s attended Consultation meetings by low stream flows and higher than North West drought secure hosted by Fisheries Victoria in normal temperatures. Once flows waters, which are no longer regional areas. return to normal these fisheries available to commercial fishing Over the coming year the should recover naturally. However, following the VRFish initiated some stocking of trout must be Committee will pursue partnership buy-back of inland commercial arrangements with water authorities, considered in the worst affected fishing licences. streams when conditions permit. will review the process used to • initiation of assessment of fire Native fisheries, on the other hand, develop inland fishery management affected waters in the State’s will take several years to recover plans, and will review the native fish North East and in Gippsland and some waters will also require and salmonid stocking policies. re-stocking. Should drought conditions continue then the Inland Fishery Committee The redfin fisheries in some of the (IFC) will recommend that Fisheries western district lakes do not appear Victoria consider the *This review does not form part of the Marine to be as badly affected as other implementation of fish salvage & Freshwater Systems Platform ‘Status of fisheries, with good numbers of programs. The drought conditions Victoria’s Fisheries Resources 2002-03’ Report. small fish still being caught. have also made it very difficult to progress many of the goals and

70 Marine Aquaculture

Industry Status: Ocean-Based Systems maintain export accreditation the There are twelve licence holders industry has accepted the Abalone Sector utilising 36 hectares in existing implementation of a formal system Land-Based Systems aquaculture zones in Western Port of notification of harvesting closures There are currently seven licence (WP). Cage/drum systems are (e-mail delivery) and has adhered to holders operating land-based currently used for production. new labelling conductions for facilities based on pump ashore Commercial stocking of some cages harvested product. technology. All these facilities have has occurred and is showing been established within the past 7 potential. At present fouling and The industry continues to expand. years. A total of four farms are predation, and the associated The industry has identified a number currently selling product. Volumes husbandry techniques, appear to be of key issues to their future sold are low at present but are the major concerns. At the present development: increasing. Annual sales from these rate of development it is anticipated • Increasing threat by snapper four facilities were $631,000 in 2001/ that commercial production will predation of mussel spat, 2002 and are expected to exceed occur within the next 18 - 24 • Recent slow growth of mussels in this figure in 2002/2003. There are months. substantial numbers of juvenile some areas of Port Phillip Bay, abalone at five facilities, with Mussels • Improvement in the efficiency numbers estimated at over 15 There are currently 23 licence and product quality impacts of million. International demand for holders; operating ocean based mussel husbandry techniques, abalone, particularly in Asia, marine longlines systems in PPB and and dropped as a result of the SARS WP. A total of 132 ha in PPB and • Spat supply, including spat epidemic. Reduced market price 117ha in WP are licensed. Production collection areas and hatchery resulted in some farms holding value was estimated to be $3.7 sources. stock. As a result the total million in 2001/2002 (approx. 1,582 production volume and value in the tonnes) with state and interstate 2002/2003 may be affected. Management Initiatives: sales. There is continued Fisheries Victoria, with support from Substantial abalone sales are capitalisation into the fleet with the expected in the 2003/2004 as the Government’s funding for the purchase of new boats and Aquaculture Initiative and marine significant numbers of juveniles improvement in grading and socking reach market size parks implementation has employed technology. Several larger operators additional staff to implement fishery The industry has exhibited concerns are currently at maximum capacity reserve Management Plans and over: and are seeking to sublet farms. enhance compliance within the Port • Access to suitable land based Much of the increase in production Phillip region. culture sites, has resulted from the further development of existing licence areas. MFSP completed a preliminary • Requirements to comply with the discussion paper on the Schedule 6 (Waters of Port The Victorian Shellfish Quality development of nitrogen offset Phillip Bay) of the State Assurance Program (VSQAP) mechanisms for point source Environment protection Policy provides the basis for AQIS export dischargers to PPB. This project was (Waters of Victoria) and be accreditation. Accreditation was commissioned by Parks Flora and consistent with the Port Phillip achieved for both the Clifton and Fauna (DSE), and the steering Bay Environmental Management Grassy Point Aquaculture Fisheries committee comprised Plan in regard to nutrient Reserves, As a result, a number of representatives from Parks Flora and discharge into Port Phillip Bay farmers have been pursuing export Fauna, Fisheries Victoria (DPI) and (PPB), and markets. In the annual audit of the the EPA. The paper is aimed at • Security of supply for seaweed VSQAP by AQIS identified non- providing an information base to harvesting from the wild. compliances with regard to product assist in the implementation of labelling and notification of relevant Port Phillip Bay nitrogen harvesting closures that threatened management measures prescribed in export accreditation. In order to 71 Schedule 6 (Waters of Port Phillip The mussel industry has continued • Assisted with the development Bay) of the State Environment to be assisted by a number of and release of a report on the protection Policy (Waters of specific programs instigated by Feasibility of Scallop Victoria) to be implemented Fisheries Victoria, including: Enhancement and Culture, through the Port Phillip Bay • The continued improvement and • Continued data logging of Environmental Management Plan. implementation of the Victorian temperature at selected PPB nitrogen management has Shellfish Quality Assurance aquaculture zones, potential implications for both the Program (VSQAP), • Continued trials on the abalone and mussel industries within • Advice from VSQAP resulting in development of a Victorian the Bay. the local council giving top Akoya pearl oyster industry, priority to the sewering of the Fisheries Victoria assisted in the · Technical assistance to industry Flinders township, development of a concept plan and for the production of hatchery public consultation with regard to • An improved Bureau of mussel spat, Meteorology web site containing commercial facility development at • Completion of yellowtail kingfish rainfall information, Portarlington associated with the trials (onshore) in collaboration proposed Portarlington boat • Maintenance and update of a with industry, harbour. Fisheries Victoria is working telephone hotline for Rhizoselinia • Environmental characterisation with other relevant agencies to (bitter taste algae) blooms and surveys of all existing extended identify port infrastructure needs of pollution events, and and new Victorian coastal a growing marine aquaculture sector. • The implementation of the aquaculture fisheries reserves Government endorsed marine The Gippsland Regional Aquaculture were undertaken by MFSP on aquaculture zones, including the Development Officer completed the behalf of Fisheries Victoria during declaration of the zones as “Gippsland Aquaculture Mapping 2002-2003. The work undertaken aquaculture fisheries reserves, Exercise”. The project aims to assist as part of the management the preparation of a draft in the development of aquaculture planning process for these Pinnace Channel Aquaculture proposals in the coastal areas of reserves. Fisheries Reserve Management Gippsland, and to provide a resource Plan. Plans for the new reserves, to prospective aquaculturist’s in and the development of Industry Development support of the decision-making navigation arrangements for the process, particularly in the area of Abalone Pinnace Channel Aquaculture site selection. The project builds on Further expansion and development Fisheries Reserves (PCAFR). work previously completed as part is occurring at most farm sites. Land of the Gippsland Integrated Coastal based farm sites are committing to Planning Project, coordinated by the Research and Development and grow out system designs and placing Gippsland Coastal Board. The Extension substantial capital investment into project has particular emphasis for their construction. Fisheries Victoria has provided site selection for on-shore abalone research, development and Continued industry trials and facility. extension assistance to the marine investment have occurred in the A Management Plan for the aquaculture industry by: area of offshore abalone cage Victorian Abalone Fishery was • Sourcing of technical information, culture though this research has yet released, which includes the specific contacts and equipment, to translate to any commercial aquaculture sector. Fisheries Victoria • Supplied technical information to product. is currently implementing the Plan in new and existing proponents, regard to aquaculture operators. • Development of a research site Mussels Most of the available sites in Port and the deployment of longlines Phillip Bay and Western Port are at the Pinnace Channel listed on licenses. Further site Aquaculture Fisheries Reserve, allocation is prevented until the • In collaboration with industry, preparation of a management plan scallop spat collection and scallop and mussel grow out trials,

72 in respect of the fisheries reserve. Further increases are expected, Fin-fish Allocated sites are being further particularly with the implementation Substantial marine finfish farming is developed. Further development of the new government endorsed unlikely to occur in the immediate combined with increased yields due marine aquaculture areas. In future due to site availability, PPB to improved husbandry, has resulted particular, industry has shown nutrient management issues, and in increased production. Improved significant in the development of the species selection issues. The husbandry techniques include the proposed PCAFR. In order to implementation of the Portland development of continuous longline facilitate an understanding of the aquaculture zone provides perhaps technology and the development of potential of the PCAFR, commercial the greatest short term marine technology enabling utilisation of the culture of mussels and scallops is finfish development opportunity – previously unsuitable sites in currently being trialled at the probably 2004/5. Western Port. PCAFR. The current 2002/3-production estimate is in excess of $4 million. This production increase is occurring under the difficulties of predation and low food availability in the bay.

73 Aquaculture Committee Review:

Extreme drought conditions because of collapses in Tasmanian Environmental concerns in the throughout Victoria have resulted in and international salmon prices, the aquarium industry are being a very difficult year for the State’s increases did not cover the addressed in part through a review aquaculture ventures. The additional costs incurred by the of the requirements of the freshwater salmonid industry, which Victorian salmonid industry. The Environmental Protection produces over 80% of Australia‘s industry has survived despite these Biodiversity and Conservation Act freshwater rainbow trout, has extreme conditions. (EPBC) and through the suffered severely, as has the warm development of a community water finfish sector with a reduced Warm water finfish production from education program, focusing on crop and restricted production from open pond systems appears to have transfer and disposal of aquarium hatchery facilities. remained steady. Recirculation species. technology, while boosting Water storage at Lake Eildon production and answering many A significant development for the reached a record low of 8.5% and environmental issues still has some ornamental fish sector has been the virtually all the rivers and streams uncertainties over its economics and relocation of Australia’s largest supporting fish farms suffered from this has generated some caution distributor of ornamental fish to a low flows and water too warm for amongst investors. Capital new facility at Epping, Victoria. This trout and salmon, which are cold- investment in recirculation distributor draws over half of their water fish. The result was high fish technology continues to grow stock from Australian producers, mortalities on most trout farms and however. with Victorian aquaculturists given a significant decline in tonnage first preference. As the new facility produced. Market prices paid for silver perch will give the distributor the ability to have firmed considerably during the service a greater number of A number of crisis meetings were production shortfall from drought customers, it gives local suppliers the held and Fisheries Victoria, EPA and effected areas in Queensland and opportunity to access more of the Goulburn Murray Water worked to NSW. This has provided some domestic market. Given that there keep salmonid farmers fully compensation for Victorian is very little scope for the export of informed and to encourage them to producers during these difficult ornamental fish from Australia at take all possible steps to avoid a times. present, the domestic market is major disaster, as occurred on the critical to local producers. two largest trout farms in New The Victorian yabby farm dam South Wales. Most of Victoria’s harvest has also been severely The abalone farming sector has salmonid farms reduced stocking restricted by the drought. It is continued to develop its production levels by freezing product and expected that this versatile and capabilities by expanding grow out holding back production. In addition robust animal will make a vigorous facilities whilst addressing technical a number of farms invested heavily recovery once the rains come. The and marketing challenges. The in oxygen supply units to keep their Multi-water Policy continues to combined effect of global terrorism fish alive. provide opportunity for harvest and the SARS epidemic have from private farm dams. depressed the international demand It is estimated that for the year for abalone with a corresponding ended 30th June 2003 salmonid Much of Victorian eel farming relies on the translocation of stock from drop in the price of both wild and production in Victoria declined by farmed abalone. However, the long between 10% and 15% from the open fishery zones to allocated Victorian waters and the grow-out term outlook for this sector approximate 1750 tonnes produced continues to be positive. in the previous year. Unfortunately of elvers purchased from Tasmania. the 2002/3 drought will impact on These fish are harvested with fyke Environmental concerns associated the year ahead and even if the nets as an opportunity crop when with the movement of mussels from weather conditions improve they are ready for market. This Port Phillip to Western Port Bay and significantly, production for 2003/4 harvest has also been severely the possible transfer of exotic will be unlikely to show much restricted by prolonged drought invasive species, are being addressed improvement. Selling prices conditions. increased during the past year but 74 by the Mussel Translocation Policy State Government’s endorsement of Committee members have also with guidelines presently being the Environment Conservation participated in: finalised. Council’s recommendations on - Translocation of Live Aquatic aquaculture in 2001, has paved the Organisms policy development The environmental impacts of way for development of ten steering committee aquaculture have a high public offshore and two land-based - Development of the profile, however industry is aquaculture areas. This will result in ‘Aquaculture in Victoria Key committed to ensuring responsible around 1700 hectares of new area Investment Analysis’ document management of its resources. Best for marine aquaculture - Victorian Aquaculture Strategy Practice Management Guidelines development. Nine areas have been Review Steering Committee (BPMGs) for the freshwater declared as fishery reserves for the salmonid industry, to meet the purposes of aquaculture. Baseline - Aquaculture Planning Guidelines requirements of the State characterisation studies have been Steering Committee Environmental Protection Policy for completed for all offshore marine - Office of Regulatory Reform Waters of Victoria (SEPP), continue areas and existing environmental review of regulatory to develop with consultation parameters established. These will arrangements in Victorian between industry, Fisheries Victoria form the base level against which Aquaculture and the Environmental Protection any changes to the environment can - Pinnace Channel Management Agency (EPA). be identified. Each fishery reserve Plan Steering Committee Finalisation of Victorian will be subject to a management The Committee will continue their arrangements for the management plan. The first to be developed is involvement in the development of of aquatic animal disease the Pinnace Channel Fishery Management Plans for aquaculture emergencies, as required by Reserve Management Plan. zones, the Victorian Aquaculture AQUAPLAN, will result in better During the year the Aquaculture Strategy Review and the management of disease outbreaks Committee held three meetings and development of Victorian and environmental incidents in the have provided advice on Aquaculture across various sectors. industry. These new arrangements translocation of live aquatic are based on the successful AusVet organisms, sustainable aquaculture, scheme for livestock diseases and off shore marine aquaculture zones, identify clear roles and illegal importation of exotic species *This review does not form part of the Marine responsibilities for all players in the and Flora and Fauna Guarantee & Freshwater Systems Platform ‘Status of Victoria’s Fisheries Resources 2002-03’ Report. event of an emergency or disease Action Statements. outbreak.

75 Freshwater Aquaculture

Industry status: number of fishermen have now states that produce tropical/sub- established methods to on-grow tropical native species in semi- Salmonids glass eel for re-stocking into natural conditions in ponds. • 38 aquaculture licence holders extensive culture waters or for • One large producer specialising produced 1,587 tonnes in the sale to licensed grow-out facilities. in goldfish forms the bulk of 2001/2002 financial year, valued in production, with smaller Warmwater finfish excess of $10 million. operators specialising in mainly • Approximately 63 aquaculture • Production was estimated to be non (Victorian)-endemic tropical licence holders produced 105 around 1750 tonne for the 2001/ species. tonne of growout product worth 2002 financial year. However the • The market is strong with one effects of drought severely in excess of $2 million in 2001/ 2002. wholesaler buying a very large restricted growth in this sector. portion of fish produced. Below average rainfall has led to • There are more than 20 lower catchment levels and recirculating aquaculture facilities Yabbies reduced stream flows in summer. now operating in Victoria and as the technology and expertise is • 60 licence holders (including the developed within the industry Multiple Waters Licence holders) Eels produced 35 tonnes of product, • 27 aquaculture licence holders list there will be significant increases in production in this sector. valued at $0.34 million in 2001/ eels in Victoria. Of these, 14 are 2002. for Crown land and 13 for • Murray cod is attracting great Private Land. In general this interest along with silver perch • Drought and lack of surface sector utilises the inland natural and non (Victorian)-endemic waters have also heavily lake/wetland system and private species such as barramundi and impacted this sector, with water bodies of western Victoria jade perch. previously large producers in the Wimmera region particularly for predominantly extensive • Previous substantial private affected. Environmental grow-out of the short-finned eel capital investment in recirculation conditions have led to a number (some long-finned are also systems has increased production of previous licence holders not cultured). This industry has been of high value native fish, eg. renewing their licence. The bulk affected by extended drought Murray cod, in this sector. of production is from periods with many natural Production is still increasing, approximately 25 producers. extensive culture water bodies however investment has slowed drying out and/or restricting with some potential investors • The promotion of the Multi- harvest access. wanting demonstrated evidence Waters (MW) licensing provision • Production in the eel aquaculture of system viability. There are a in Victoria has generated great sector for 2001/2002 was 43 number of large ventures interest from industry and is still tonnes worth an estimated $0.4 currently being developed. gaining momentum. To date million. there are 12 MW licence holders, listing over 100 properties in Ornamental fish • There is growing interest in the Victoria, with anecdotal evidence • Ten licence holders produced intensive culture of long-finned indicating on-going recruitment stock valued at approximately eels for smoking and export. to enlist more growers. Success in this area will see $3.0 million in 2001/2002. This production rise in the future and industry is fairly stable with ·• Increased rainfall, combined with high prices gained through value annual production being similar continued expansion of the MW adding of product. in recent years. provision should result in significant increases in this sector • In Victoria most of the species • In the last few years commercial in the coming years. eel fisherman have shown an produced are exotics. Native interest in the harvesting and ornamental species generally early rearing of glass eel within don’t do well in tanks and it is enclosed recirculating systems. A very hard to compete economically with northern 76 Management Initiatives: • A call for expressions of interest • Implementation of the MW from licensed eel fishermen provision will be continued Salmonids interested in accessing glass eels through the education of the The salmonid sector is by far the from un-allocated waters. agricultural sector, public, existing most mature aquaculture sector in yabby growers and Government Victoria. The industry faces some Warmwater finfish about the opportunities. The important development issues: The warmwater finfish sector is still establishment of successful MW • Completion of the Salmonid Best the fastest growing inland licence holders to act as Practise Environmental aquaculture sector in terms of ‘industry champions’ will lead the Management Guidelines (BPEMG) production, with significant interest way for others to follow. – A draft BPEMG was completed and development of recirculation in 1999, however it has not yet systems. The trend towards these Research and Development, and been signed off on by the systems is partly due to the fact that Environment Protection they require minimal water to Extension: Authority (EPA), Fisheries operate, allow environmental Salmonids Victoria and the Victorian Trout control (including bio-security) and • Fisheries Victoria is represented Association (VTA). can be set up in built-up areas. at VTA meetings. • Completion of the State Other features of this sector include: • BPEMG is still incomplete. The Environment Protection Policy •A ‘Register of Consultants’ has aim of the BPEMG is to (Waters of Victoria). Currently in been produced listing a number demonstrate the mature nature draft form, the policy is being of aquaculture service providers. and responsible environmental developed to protect water • DPI continues to run stocking approach of the industry. The environments by providing a programs for golden perch, ORR recommends further ‘blueprint’ of agreed Murray cod, trout cod and BPEMG’s be developed in environmental outcomes and Australian bass for stock conjunction with Fisheries strategic directions for protecting enhancement purposes (both for Victoria and the EPA for other the environment. The Victorian conservation and recreational aquaculture sectors, so the Trout Association, Fisheries fishery programs) using seed salmonid sector represents an Victoria and the Aquaculture stock from MFSP Snobs Creek important case study. Committee of the Fisheries Co- operations and commercial · Development of a “Code of Management Council have made hatcheries in Victoria and NSW. formal responses highlighting Conduct” for the industry. concerns in regard to Yabbies Eels aquaculture development. The most important initiative for this • Completion of the Eel Fishery sector is the continued Management Plan funded by Eels implementation of the MW Fisheries Victoria and contracted The Eel Fishery Management Plan is provision. Management initiatives/ to MFSP. completed and aims to provide a issues include: secure and ecologically sustainable • Further promotion of the • Completion and publication of development (ESD) basis for Victorian Yabby Producer’s the FRDC report - ‘Assessment of industry growth. Implementation of Manual (Code of Practice). This Eastern Australian Glass Eel Stocks the management plan is currently manual is an important tool for and Associated Eel Aquaculture’ by occurring, including; both existing growers and those MFSP. • Preparation of a translocation starting out in yabby farming. policy for the eel industry. Warmwater finfish • Continued implementation of • Victorian Recirculating • Preparation of a by-catch policy The Victorian Yabby Aquaculture Aquaculture Systems Network for the eel industry. Development Communication (Vic-RAS-Net) continues to • Access and management Strategy. provide the latest and Best strategies for the collection of • Current development of a Practice information for industry. glass eels from allocated Victorian Chemical Risk Assessment for • The ‘Register of Consultants’ estuaries have been developed yabbies in farm dams to assess serving as an effective extension to regulate the fishery on an ESD the risk posed by agrochemicals tool for those individuals that basis with appropriate and other contaminants to food want to enter the industry. environmental sustainability quality. indicators.

77 • While techniques for the on: Introduction; Types of IAAS; Warmwater finfish production of Murray cod and Setting up an Aquaculture • IAAS will facilitate industry trout cod have been established, Operation; Management of and development in this sector over DPI is currently adapting Aquaculture Operation; the next five years with various techniques for the production of Aquaculture Produce; Reference native warmwater finfish, such as Australian bass fingerlings for and Further Reading; Murray cod, likely to be the stock enhancement purposes. Aquaculture Systems, target culture species. Aquaculture Species; IAAS • Victoria is unlikely to see strong Yabbies Contact details. industry expansion of semi- Implementing the Victorian Yabby intensive production (under Aquaculture Development Strategy Industry Development: ambient conditions) of native has resulted in the completion of the finfish due to the cooler climate following promotional activities for Salmonids and difficulties with competing the Multiple Waters provision: • The salmonid sector is expected with northern states that can • Completion of a colour A4 to continue to grow, but is highly produce fish to market size promotional brochure on the dependent on reasonable faster. Options for seasonal over- Multi-waters harvesting rainfalls. It may also be influenced wintering of native species in opportunity. by the outcomes of the latest RAS are still being investigated. State Environment Protection Policy • Completion of a research and • Development in this sector is (Waters of Victoria). Implicit in this development literature/resource dependent on the expansion of growth is continued bibliography by Deakin University, controlled environment RAS improvement in feed, farming provided in hardcopy and technology and expertise, practices and environmental electronically for web access. including further R&D into performance. • The current chemical system and component design contaminants risk audit and • Some farms are looking at more and the identification of species chemical residue analysis survey. sophisticated hatcheries that capable of being grown include the use of recirculation economically in RAS. Extension technology. Integrated Agri-Aquaculture of comprehensive technical • Completion of RIRDC Funded • As the larger farms grow they are information to the industry will “Integrated Agri-Aquaculture continuing to use more assist the development of Systems” a Resource Handbook sophisticated equipment during warmwater aquaculture, for Australian Industry production (pumps, counters, increasing production and Development by the MFSP. This graders) and looking to develop profitability. The industry should document will be published by more efficient processing systems also be open and communicative RIRDC and contains eleven (gutting, filleting machines). to enable research needs to be chapters on various topics (188 identified and to allow extension p.). Chapters include: Eels to assist with technical difficulties. Introduction; Philosophy, • The eel sector is expected to • Murray cod is presently the principles and concepts; The show an increase in production preferred RAS species in Israeli experience; The Asian with reasonable rainfall. Growth Victoria. Murray cod seed stock experience; Resources, systems in this sector is also likely to supply is still a limiting factor in and species for Australian IAAS; occur through intensive the development of new Australian case studies; Legislative production and efficient use of production facilities. Research framework, Economic analysis; seed stock from existing and enhancing fingerling production Marketing; Water use newly allocated sources. and extension of technology in sustainability; Investment risk, Continuing improvements in broodstock husbandry and industry development and recirculating technology (both in fingerling production will assist in business planning. Australia and internationally), this area. feeds, husbandry techniques, and • Completion of STI funded • Due to fingerling demand it is the extension of information are “Integrated Agri-Aquaculture likely that more native fish essential elements for sustained Investment Portfolio” by MFSP. hatcheries will develop. However, growth of production. This document contains sections broodstock availability will most probably be limited to cultured F1 generation stock, and breeding programs need to be developed.

78 • As more product is produced, • As product supply increases, around the state to maximise the research to develop new markets market research and marketing harvest of top quality product. and to diversify products will be will be required. At present this There are currently MW licence required. The influence this extra sector is a ‘cottage’ industry and holders in most regions. Areas production has on the market most farmers supply local that require development are the price of Murray cod will also be restaurants. As yabbies are a southwest and northwest of an important factor in the longer seafood product, where demand Victoria. Greater extension effort term success of the industry. significantly outweighs is required in these areas. production levels, development • Quality assurance standards must Yabbies of new domestic and be met, and needs to draw on • The development of the Multi- international markets should be outcomes of relevant research waters provision is forecast to readily achievable, provided and development and support increase production from this production meets expectations. from extension services. sector exponentially over the • For the MW provision to coming years. Extension, succeed as it has in Western promotion and education has Australia, it will take a number of generated much interest in this ‘champion’ farmers that lead the sector, and has led to increased way, located in different areas farmer participation.

79 Summary of Marine Fishery/Stock Status

80 Fishery/ Commercial Value Recreational Catch Assessment Method Stock Status 2001/02 Habitat/ Management Response Stock Catch (t) 2002/03 Estimates Mean Environment Issues 2002/03 $million (95% confidence limits) (NRIFS 2000/01) Abalone 1385 62.53 3.1t Black-lip: Fishery independent surveys, Black-lip: fully exploited Recruitment is spatially Management Plan implementation almost all (0.6 - 5.6 t) length-based models, risk assessment, size- Green-lip: over exploited variable, episodic and may including introduction of beach black-lip at-maturity, spatial patterns of catch Significant illegal harvest be linked to ENSO. weighing and compliance with Green-lip: resource surveys NCP.

Rock lobster 465 18.18 61.5t Length-based models, risk assessment Eastern Zone: rebuilding Variable recruitment, Industry restructure. Quotas (12 to 111t) Production models Western Zone: fully mechanism uncertain. introduced Per recruit analyses exploited Preparation of management plan

Giant crab 9 0.38 Nil Trends in commercial data Fully exploited, possibly Minimal Industry restructure. Quotas over exploited introduced Preparation of management plan

Black bream 87 0.71 203t Gippsland Lakes: fishery independent Gippsland Lakes: variable. Extremely variable Commercial Fishery buy-out. (126 – 279t) pre-recruit surveys; trends in Fully exploited. recruitment driven by Review of recreational fishery commercial/ recreational catch, catch Other areas: uncertain, environmental factors. regulations rate, size and age composition; per most probably under- Habitat modification -GL recruit analyses exploited

King George 105 1.19 215 t Trends in commercial/ recreational catch, Fully exploited Variable recruitment, Commercial Fishery buy-out. whiting (138 – 291t) catch rate, size and age composition; spawning area western Review of recreational fishery per-recruit analyses; pre-recruit surveys Victoria/South Australia regulations Seagrass dependency Snapper 87 0.66 332t As for King George whiting; pre-recruit Uncertain. Decline in Variable year-class Commercial Fishery buy-out. (187 – 478t) survey methods being developed. large fish but strong year strength, key habitat Review of recreational fishery classes entering the requirements uncertain regulations fishery

Flathead - 15 0.03 597t Fishery independent surveys, trends in Fully exploited Variable year class Commercial Fishery buy-out. Sand (360 – 834t) recreational data. strength. Potential Review of recreational fishery includes unknown impacts of exotics in PPB regulations quantities of sand, yank and dusky flathead

Flathead - 75 0.30 unknown Trends in commercial catch, catch rate, size Fully exploited Variable year class strength. Commercial Fishery buy-out. Rock and age composition Review of recreational fishery regulations

Commercial catch and value data in this table do not include data received or processed after 30 June 2003