AUSTRALIAN TROUT FOUNDATION

NEWSLETTERNEWSLETTER

JUNE 2018 There is a report on the Strategic Plan- From the Editor ning Day held to develop a Strategic Plan for the ATF. Welcome to the June issue of the Newsletter. There has been a lot happen An overview of the Habitat Workshop since the last newsletter - testament to at Myrtleford is provided and there is a the hard work of the ATF Committee report on the recent presentation of life and the many members and supporters membership of the ATF to Mick Hall. who freely give so much of their time to ensure the ATF is active in a range of We also cover the riparian planting day projects that benefit our trout fisheries. held on the and lastly there is a report on the activities of the ATF in WA. We provide an update on the Jordan - Scotty Incubator Trials, including a call Important Notice for help with the latest round of deploy- drawing by Emily Pendergast ing the incubators. At the 2017 AGM a proposal to increase the membership fees by 25% was approved. The increase is necessary to keep pace with rising operational expenses incurred by the ATF. No elect- ed or nominated committee member receives any remuneration from the ATF but there are costs associated with running the organisation. The new fees apply from July 1st 2018 as follows:

1‐year fee increase from $20 to $25 2‐year fee ncrease from $40 to $50 3‐year fee increase from $50 to $65

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Come and join with the rest of us to protect, rebuild and promote ’s trout fishing heritage. Membership is open to any person or association with an interest in trout fishing, whether you fish with ,fly lure or bait. It only costs $25.00 per year to be an individual member and you will be helping to ensure that trout fishing inAustralia remains alive and well for future generations to come. To apply for membership or refinance your subscription go to: http://www.atfonline.com.au/home/page/membership AUSTRALIAN TROUT FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER Jordan Scotty Incubator Trials samples collected at all survey sites. Strategic Planning Day Update Thanks to all who assisted with the elec- tro fishing surveys. a report by Russell Hanley compiled by Russell Hanley from infor- mation supplied by Terry George and The ATF has been very busy with a range Matt Byrne. of activities that promote the Founda- tions objectives. Like all organisations, In the last issue there was a story on however, it is useful from time to time the Jordon Scotty Incubator Trials of to take a step back from our hands on in-stream incubation of eggs. If you role and assess our progress to date missed the story on the rationale for against our objectives and to define our the trials and how in-stream incubators hopes and aspirations for the future. work the last issue has a comprehen- sive account by the ATF President Terry On Saturday the 17th March 2018 a George. strategic planning workshop was held at Lilydale. The aim was to produce a At the completion of stocking of the draft strategic plan. The workshop was incubators which were placed in the organised by the ATF Committee and Jamieson and King Rivers and Traralgon attendees included committe members Creek there were about 25,000 eggs left Help Wanted! Terry George, Ray Buckland, Paul Stolz, over. The ATF is very grateful to the VFA Tom White, Russell Hanley, Lyndon for agreeing to supplement the trials We’ll be installing the Jordan Scotty Webb, Dave Guertin, Tim Curmi and by stocking the fingerlings from these Incubators in the same streams in which Adam Cox. The committee members excess eggs into four locations on the we installed them last year; the King were greatly aided on the day by key Buckland River. DNA samples from this River Tribs., the and inputs and participation from Shane batch of fingerlings have been recorded Traralgon Creek. This season, two more Houston (YVFF), James Hearne (LVFF), into the database and the fingerlings streams have been added to the trials at Ivo Kavelj (SFF), Ray Throup and Peter were released mid November 2017. the request of the Bairnsdale Fly Fishing Murray (Sale FF), Graham Godber Club. The extra streams chosen are the (MaDFF), Marianne Wallace (VFFA, In January 2018, electrofishing surveys upper reaches of and the CVFFC), Alan Burgess (MADFF), Brian were conducted in the vicinity of the Upper . Both of these Rivers, King and Ray Beavis (WFF). incubator sites on the King, Jamison, together with the , and Traralgon Creek and also on the form part of the Mitchell River catch- With guidance from our facilitor Kevin Buckland near to where the excess fry ment area in Gippsland. Lynch, the group spent the day engaged were released. in a lively and robust exploration of the The eggs have already been stripped issues facing the ATF in the context of at Snobs Creek hatchery and the donor achievement of objectives. The group trout fin clipped to record their DNA on identified a series of areas (aims, issues a data base. Electro fishing will be un- and ideas) to be discussed further. From dertaken in each of the ensuing 3 years, this list four key areas were identified and fish caught will be fin clipped and by consensus. We then broke into four their DNA matched against the donors’ groups with each group discussing more DNA to ascertain if the trout are the deeply specific aspects of one of the progeny hatched via the incubators. key areas with a focus on how the ATF should proceed (strategy and KPI’s) to The proposed date for loading the improve our outcomes in each key area. incubators at Snobs Creek hatchery is 16th June, dependent on the eggs being At the end of the day, we consolidated “eyed up” and ready at that time, then all deliberations and comments. The the incubators will be installed in the ATF secretary Paul Stolz took on the chosen locations over the ensuing 4 - 5 heroic task of deciphering our scribbles days. from the many sheets of paper and The survey teams reported reasonable summarised a draft Strategic Plan. The to good numbers of young fish in the We welcome Angling Cubs and An- draft has now been further polished by size and weight range at locations which glers who wish to volunteer to assist in Ivo Kavelj with the support of a subcom- suggest they have originated from eggs loading or installing the incubators. If mitte of the SFF. The draft Plan is now in the incubators on the three rivers you wish to be involved please register being reviewed by the ATF Committee. where these were deployed. The proof your name and contact details with Matt will be provided by the DNA tests on Byrne by email to: [email protected] www.atfonline.com.au 2 AUSTRALIAN TROUT FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER Broadly, the plan defines our Vision: Habitat Workshop - Myrtleford ting the program together and assisting “The ATF seeks to ensure that all Austra- in the presentations during the day. One lians can enjoy trout fishing now and for a report from Terry George on behalf of most valuable session (thanks Renae future generations to come” the ATF and ARI Committees. & Jarod) was to break up into 4 groups and our Mission: with Goulburn-Broken Catchment Man- “The ATF’s mission is to protect build Well it’s now over and the stress is agement Authority (GBCMA) & North- and promote Australia’s trout fishery” fading away; although there’s no doubt East Catchment Management Authority that the Habitat Workshop held recently (NECMA) region maps showing the The Plan identifies a strategy that will at Myrtleford in ’s north east will relevant streams. The participants were address four key areas of focus through create tonnes more work for many of a range of Actions and these will all be us including the passionate recreational measured through a series of KPI’s. fishers/conservationists who participat- The four key areas of focus are: ed on the day. We had 61 attendees, • Resources (e.g. people, informa- some had to leave early and some came tion, and funds). later including some who could only • Partnerships (e.g. govt agencies, attend the visit to the Buckland River NGO,s angling clubs, RecFish, Habitat project. retailers) • Habitat (e.g. information, manuals, advice, mentoring) able to identify a number of locations • Communication and Education where they suggested mainly riparian (e.g.newsletter, electronic media, restoration, and also some in-stream press releases, public meetings, projects as well. conservation) Terry George & Tim Curmi did the Detailed Actions for each key focus area “Welcome” opening and TG enlarged have been developed and for each Ac- We were fortunate to have the in- upon “Why Are We Here” by referring tion there is a set of KPIs. Once the Plan stream work completed on Friday 27th to the “Talk Wild Trout” Speakers, Dr has been adopted by the ATF it will be April wherein 84 tonnes of boulders and Dan Douwalter and Dr John Morrongi- available in full on the ATF website. 35 trees were installed; the trees with ello’s research (commissioned by VFA) root balls intact, were pinned in with 150 regarding the effect of riparian shading One of the Actions in the key focus area red gum stakes measuring 6m x 220mm on water temperature and the increase of Resources is a recruitment drive. dia. in abundance of fish by returning snags The Riparian restoration will take some to our streams. The Plan is a great road map of where time to poison blackberries and plant we want the ATF to go and how we are selected native trees and shrubs, and Jarod Lyons (Arthur Rylah Institute) to get there, but it can only happen in creating appropriate access tracks opened the event with a professional if the Plan is embraced by the mem- so that all fishers, including disabled presentation on “Healthy Habitat, Flows bership. That means more people will and elderly fishers, will be able to enjoy and Fish”, followed by Brian Eddy (Har- be required to take on active roles to access. rietville AC / ATF Delegate) with a case enable the ATF to implement the Plan. study “Trout bounce back after fire and The current Committee cannot handle We intend to organize an Opening floods”. the extra workload that will be needed. Event” in September after the winter The Plan has identified that several sub rains (we need so badly) have enhanced committees will be required. the stream flow and created much needed habitat around the boulders and Interested in helping? We will be calling trees. We do hope the opening won’t for assistance as soon as the Plan is clash with other Fishery activities and finalised. we’ll check with you to ascertain your availability to attend prior to setting the date, because we want you there! Tim Curmi (NFA)

The Workshop presentations and discus- Further case studies followed: sions went extremely well according to (a) Tim Curmi’s (Native Fish Australia) the feedback received on the day and excellent presentation on on Hughes over the ensuing weekend. Creek, , Lower Ovens and plans for Lake Kerferd; We must acknowledge all of the exper- (b) Kris Leckie (VRFish) did a very pro- tise and work by Jarod & Renae in put- fessional job on the forthcoming ‘Angler Riparian Partnership’ tree planting day www.atfonline.com.au 3 AUSTRALIAN TROUT FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER on the Steavenson River which detailed including a promo for the next TWT the group how the placement of the which native trees and shrubs were Conference. Codference was also men- boulders and snags would create and appropriate for the area. tioned of course. – In all, a blooming enhance in-stream habitat to provide good session. cooler water (depth), refuge and food sources for the fish that would gather in We then had an “Open Forum” where those areas. There was a lively question John Pendergast (Benambra A/C Pres.) and answer session and “Briggsy” was put forward a project for Morass Creek in his element answering questions and which involves fencing off and planting entertaining the crowd! riparian zones, plus installation of boul- ders and snags. Andrew Briggs (NECMA) It was time to go and we once again is liaising with John on this project. John thanked all for attending and participat- will also be looking at possible riparian ing in the discussions. We have a target Kris Leckie (VR Fish) locations on Livingston Creek. It was a to get 6 new habitat projects resulting (c) Matt Byrne (ATF) gave a great good and very relevant presentation. from the Workshop and we believe this presentation on the Boulder seeding of will be attained in the ensuing months. the Delatite and Howqua Rivers done Terry George mentioned a proposal the Our other objective of building the by GBCMA, plus replanting the Ripar- ATF had received from Bairnsdale FFC ian Zones on the after which entails poisoning and removal of the removal of willows, and fencing off blackberries and broom on the Mitta stock access. He also showed the good Mitta River upstream of the Hinnom- work done on the planting day at the Ja- unjie Bridge to the gorge. This project mieson River.; another ‘Angler Riparian will complement previous and ongoing Partnership’ project. work above the gorge to remove these pest plants, will provide improved angler access and greatly improve the fishery in that area due to establishing grass and native vegetation in place of the blackberries and broom. It will bring improved food sources such as beetles, army of habitat soldiers will surely be grasshoppers and terrestrials in general. met with attendees eager to become involved. Matt Byrne (ATF) (d) Jim Castles (GBCMA) spoke about We had 20 camping out at Lake Buffalo the recent joint RFL Boulder seeding on Saturday night when we put on a projects and the effectiveness of past “gourmet” BBQ meal cooked up by the in-stream habitat projects. Jim then de- 5 Hat Chef, Jarod Lyon, with able assis- scribed some of the Native fish habitat tants, Renae Ayres and Tim Curmi. projects including Macquarie Perch and NFA involvement and lower Goulburn Renae & Terry It was a most enjoyable function and River projects and Toolamba & Numur- as Matt Byrne said on Sunday morning, kah & GVAAC involvement. As usual, At lunchtime, Matt Byrne and John we had VFA Fisheries managers, JD & Jim’s presentation was excellent and Douglas displayed the Jordan-Scotty Taylor, ARI’s Jarod & Renae, Tim & Paul well received by all. incubators and talked through the video from NFA plus other members, ATF (e) John Douglas and Taylor Hunt prepared last year by JD showing the Committee Members TG, Tim, Tom, (Victorian Fisheries Authority) captured loading, installation and removal of Adam, Ivo, plus VRFish’s Kris Leckie everyone’s attention with JD’s informa- the incubators. They explained about and members of local Angling Clubs, all tive talk on Habitat Connections, and the DNA testing and the subsequent camped out together at Lake Buffalo. how good riparian plants can assist in electro-fishing earlier this year to get (Is this a first of many similar events - it clippings from young of year trout to certainly works!) match against the DNA of the donor trout. Attendees were very interested Thanks a million to Myrtleford District and there was a brisk Q & A time. Sports Fishing Club for their support and their hospitality of making their facilities We thanked all for their attendance and available at Lake Buffalo. participation; some had to leave to drive home and then those remaining drove Please also be aware that ATF & NFA John Douglas (VFA) out in convoy to the Buckland habi- members worked tirelessly at the “Sign providing food and shade, etc. Taylor tat restoration project where Andrew In” tables, giving hearty welcomes to finished off with other VFA information Briggs and Terry George explained to Attendees and putting together the www.atfonline.com.au 4 AUSTRALIAN TROUT FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER goodies and handouts provided by VFA, and thanked Mick for his dedicated ser- ATF, NFA & ARI. vice to the ATF and to the development of the wild trout fishery. Thanks also to VFA and DELWP for pro- viding the funding for these Workshops. Travis Dowling spoke on behalf of the VFA recognizing the canny political I started a brief summary but sorry, it ability Mick had in being able to reach a just got bigger and bigger! compromise position without sacrificing the essence of the negotiation. Life Membership awarded to The ATF then presented Mick with a provided by the CMA. Mick Hall drawn and framed caricature of Mick The local land-owner was very wel- which was received with delight. coming and a BBQ lunch provided to At a luncheon held at the Albert Park all volunteers and fly-casting lessons Yachting and Angling Club on 4th of were also provided to anyone interested May 2018 the ATF awarded Mick Hall following the event. Life Membership in recognition of his It was a great example of Partnerships, outstanding service to the ATF and the Projects and working together as a wider recreational angling community. team.

Mick has served the ATF for over 20 years between 1992 and 2012 (including approx. 10 years as president) and was a founding member of ATF. He stood Terry presented Mick with his caricature down from an active role in 2012 due to ill health. Riparian Planting on the The presentation was attended by Mick Steavenson River and his wife Alaine, Travis Dowling and Anthony Forster from the VFA, past Held at Maryton Lane, Marysville on president of the ATF, Rod Barford, ATF the 5th May in conjunction with VRFish member Andy Zarro as well as Ineke and the Goulburn Broken CMA over 600 Claus (ATF member and partner to Tom trees were planted along the river bank White). The ATF Committee members to support the health of the Steavenson present were Terry George, Tom White, River. Dave Guertin, Paul Stolz and Ray Buck- land.

This project is part of the “Angler Ripari- an Partnerships Program”. Travis Dowling (VFA) spoke about Around 60 people including volunteers Mick’s many accomplishments from numerous fishing clubs assisted After lunch was taken Tom White spoke along with organizers to plant the trees at length about Mick Hall’s contribution to the ATF and the wild trout fishery in Australia and particularly Victoria.

After Tom spoke Ineke presented Alaine Hall with a bouquet of flowers to rec- ognize her part in the support and work done together with Mick. Terry George spoke on behalf of the ATF www.atfonline.com.au 5 AUSTRALIAN TROUT FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER News from the WA Branch of magazine of the WATFAA club. the ATF Did You Know? Anyone interested in learning more by Russell Hanley about the activities of the WA Branch by Russell Hanley can contact Russell Hanley at this email First Branch Meeting address: Trout are currently found in rivers and impoundments in 5 states in Australia. In the last week of April, the fledgling [email protected] Stocking programs are undertaken by branch of the ATF in the West held a the various Fisheries Departments in meeting to develop a strategy for the each state but in 3 states, Tasmania, future growth and activities of the ATF Victoria and New South Wales there are in the State. FFRG Meeting some sustainable populations of wild trout, mostly browns but there appears There was no shortage of issues and The Freshwater Fisheries Reference to be some self sustaining populations projects identified that the WA branch Group (FFRG) is convened by RecFish of rainbows as well. In SA and WA how- could pursue, including maintaining suf- West and provides advice and recom- ever, it appears that continued stocking ficient water in our rivers and streams, mendations to the Department of Fish- is essential for the maintenance of the habitat restoration, access for recre- eries on locations and numbers for the recreational fishery in most if not all riv- ational fishing, and signage to name but stocking of trout each year. Occasionally ers and impoundments. That said there a few. the FFRG also makes recommenda- is a population of trout in the Serpen- tions about policy and management of tine Reservoir in WA that has been self All present however, recognised the first the Fishery and one recent change has sustaining for many years.Unfortunately prioirty has to be a membership drive seen the abolition of a closed season angling in public water supply dams in to ensure we have the resources to take for trout in WA. This change has been WA is strictly prohibited. on even some of the many potential been incremental with most of the In a recent review of minimum size projects identified. larger rivers and their tributaries already limits that apply in each of the 5 states open all year. The rationale behind the I found there is a considerable range While the current number of members decision to abolish the closed season is between states. I have summarised this allows us to form a state branch incor- that the great majority of fish stocked in the table below and also added NZ for porated under the Associations Act, each year are rainbow trout and there comparative purposes. there are simply not yet enough people is little evidence of natural recruitment. to take on all the committee roles re- Therefore there appears to be no good The rationale behind these differences quired by the Act. reason for closure of waters in WA over is presumably based on stock assess- the spawning season. ments within each of the states, but it is The FFRG met in May to discuss and curious that WA, where there is appar- recommend stocking locations and ently little recruitment from wild stocks, numbers for 2018. has the largest minimum size for trout. I There has been a significant turnover in suspect this is an anachronism because membership of the FFRG since 2017 and in the early days of the attempts to there were a lot of new faces at the first establish a viable recreational fishery it meeting of 2018. was likely the hope was that fish reach- The ATF is represented on the FFRG by ing 300mm might have had one or more Russell Hanley and Stewart King (Stew- opportunities to spawn. The Fish ladder on Nanga Brook needs art is also President of WATFAA). to be repaired The stocking of yearlings and brood- State Minimum Size Notes stock fish is now underway and fortu- Therefore those attended resolved to Victoria none limits apply actively recruit new members with the nately the recent rains has meant there on some aim of achieving the numbers required is now a little bit of flow in our rivers and waters to set up a functioning branch by the streams again and so the fish should NSW 250mm encounter favourable environmental end of 2018. Tasmania 220mm conditions. Several intiatives were discussed includ- SA 280mm ing the preparation of a brochure adver- WA 300mm tising the work of the ATF and the aims of the WA branch. In addition, the ATF NZ none limits apply on some will be represented at the RecFish West/ waters Fisheries trout stocking day in Septem- ber. A regular contribution showcasing the achievements and aims of the ATF will also be provided to Freshwater, the www.atfonline.com.au 6