Journeys of a Lake Eildon Golden Perch

Issue 136, 6 January 2005 ISSN 1443-0592

To monitor the broadscale movement of stocked golden perch in Lake Eildon, researchers from PIRVic (Snobs Creek) implanted battery powered acoustic tags into several golden perch before releasing the fish back into the lake.

Researchers captured one of these perch, that came to be known as ‘Number 5’, in Goughs Bay in September 2002 and subsequently released him in the Delatite Arm.

Although researchers located this fish in the Delatite Arm of Lake Eildon for three months after release, he then disappeared for three weeks until an angler caught him in late November 2002 back in Goughs Bay.

The angler had placed ‘Number 5’ in their live-well and had not noticed the dart tag protruding from the fish’s shoulder until later in the day, by which time he was fishing in the Big River Arm of the lake. The angler had subsequently released the fish in the Big River arm and later called PIRVic to report the capture.

Researchers confirmed the angler report by finding ‘Number 5’ in the Big River Arm soon after, however the fish did not remain there long as researchers were unable to find him on return visits.

Knowing that ‘Number 5’ had exhibited ‘homing’ behaviour once before, the researchers focussed their search effort and successfully located him again, back near Goughs Bay in January 2003.

Once again though, ‘Number 5’ did not stay put, with researchers being unable to locate him in Goughs Bay after January 2003.

‘Number 5’ re-appeared in October 2004 when he was captured by researchers undertaking trout research in Woolshed Bay. Interestingly, he was captured along with a school of other large golden perch.

In summary, ‘Number 5’ had been caught 3 times, once by an angler and twice by researchers. He had travelled back to the Goughs Bay area twice, once from the Delatite Arm and a second time from the Big River Arm.

Researchers have completed the fieldwork component (tracking) of this project and a full report, including movements of other tagged perch, is expected in 2005.

Improved Life Jacket Laws Will Save Lives

A marine safety review designed to curb the death toll on Victorian waters has recommended that lifejackets, or Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), be worn at all times by the occupants of powerboats up to 4.8 metres in length.

The review also recommended that PFDs be worn by the occupants of powerboats between 4.8 and 12 metres in length, and all 'keel' and 'trailable' yachts at times of heightened risk – for example, when boating alone, at night or in hazardous conditions.

The review, by Marine Safety Victoria (MSV), follows the death of 53 recreational boaters on Victorian waters in four years, 15 of them last year.

Research by the Monash University Accident Research Centre found that of the 40 people killed as a result of boating incidents on Victorian waters between 1999 and 2002, 32 were not wearing lifejackets. Research also shows that the majority of boating fatalities in Victoria over the past 15 years have involved vessels under 4.8 metres in length.

The review's findings were in line with recommendations by the State Coroner that PFD regulations be tightened to address the increasing number of boating fatalities on Victoria's waters. The Coroner has said that PFDs may have prevented most of the fatalities on Victorian waters in recent years.

MSV's review and recommendations have taken into account more than 3,000 submissions from members of the public, the boating community and stakeholders. The proposed changes to PFD regulations do not apply to commercial operators while operating commercial trading and fishing vessels, or to boaters taking part in organised events and races.

For the past two years MSV has increased its emphasis on boating safety education, even specifically focusing on the use of PFDs. Unfortunately, however, these efforts have not led to any significant decrease in the number of recreational boating fatalities.

Before any changes are made to current PFD regulations, MSV will provide members of the public and the boating community with further opportunities to provide their feedback. A Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) will be available for comment in April 2005. It is anticipated that any necessary changes to current PFD regulations will come into effect on July 1, 2005.

Full details of the proposed changes are available at www.marinesafety.vic.gov.au, by phoning 1800 223 022 or by emailing [email protected]

Recreational Fishing from Charter and Hire Boats and with Fishing Guides

A Recreational Fishing Licence (RFL) covers all forms of recreational fishing in all of Victoria's marine, estuarine and fresh waters. Unless a person is exempt from the requirement to hold an RFL, a licence is required when fishing from a charter boat, hire and drive vessels, and/or through fishing guides.

The RFL is available from many DPI/DSE offices, the DPI website at www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing, and more than 950 retail businesses throughout Victoria. The 48-hour and 28-day RFL can also be purchased at over 280 Shell Touch outlets.

Issue 137, 20 January 2005 ISSN 1443-0592

$ 900,000 to Safeguard East Gippsland Heritage Rivers

In September 2004, Minister for Water John Thwaites announced that $ 900,000 would be spent on protecting two of Victoria's most valued 'heritage' rivers.

The Mitchell and Bemm Rivers are among the highest value waterways in Victoria and are officially classed as 'heritage rivers' under the Heritage Rivers Act. Both rivers are essential nature conservation areas, and have immense recreational, social and cultural value for Gippsland.

The rivers are currently at risk from willow and weed pollution, riverbank erosion, and loss of natural habitat.

The funding was part of $ 100 million invested in protecting and repairing rivers across the state over the next four years as part of the Bracks Government's Our Water Our Future action plan.

The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority and the Department of Sustainability and Environment will carry out the work, as part of the Victorian River Health Strategy.

Inland Enforcement News

A person from Cohuna was convicted and fined an aggregate of $ 3,200 and had all of their seized property forfeited for using/possessing commercial fishing equipment without authority, possessing fish taken illegally and for taking fish during a closed season. The offences were committed on Pyramid Creek near Kerang.

A person from Narre Warren and another from St. Marys in New South Wales were fined $ 400 each for taking/possessing trout during a closed season. The offences were committed at Lake Dartmouth in Victoria’s northeast.

Four people from Sunshine and Broadmeadows were fined $ 400 each and had all seized property forfeited and destroyed for using/possessing commercial fishing equipment without authority, possessing/taking undersize fish and taking more than the catch limit. The offences were committed at Lake Mokoan near Benalla. Another person from St. Albans was fined $ 750 for similar offences at Lake Mokoan.

A person from Springvale South was fined $ 100 for possessing undersize fish and possessing more than the catch limit. The offences were committed on the Tambo River in Gippsland.

National Strategy for the Survival of Released Line Caught Fish

The National Strategy for the Survival of Released Line Caught Fish is an initiative of the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) in conjunction with the Australian National Sportfishing Association (ANSA) and Recfish Australia. The strategy aims to improve the understanding of, and increase the survival rates of, fish that are caught on lines and then released.

The National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Survey, undertaken in 2000, estimated the recreational finfish catch in Australia at 107.7 million fish caught of which 47.3 million (43.9%) were released.

The National Strategy involves projects aimed at the following outcomes:

1. Improving the survival of released line caught fish through: • A better understanding of the effects of capture on various species, • Increased adoption of best practices in handling fish prior to release.

2. Improving fisheries management through: • A reduction in the total mortality of released line caught fish, • Inclusion of estimates of survival rates from recreational catch and release in fisheries stock assessments.

During 2003 there was a national campaign to promote best practices by recreational fishers in releasing fish.

Prior to the campaign, a survey was undertaken to assess attitudes and practices in releasing fish. After the campaign had finished, a follow up survey was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of the campaign. A survey was also undertaken of tackle outlets to see if there had been any changes in the sales of tackle that improves survival rates such as knotless landing nets, circle hooks etc.

The follow up survey showed that: • 35% of those surveyed had changed their practices as a result of the campaign. • 40-50% of the suppliers surveyed reported that sales of survival friendly gear had increased in 2003.

All the data collected showed the campaign was very successful and that behaviour had changed.

A non-technical summary of the project, plus other information about line caught fish that are released, is available from www.info-fish.net/releasefish

The released fish website has recently been improved and many of the ‘Fact Sheets’ have been standardised and based on the best available scientific data with improved reference to material from which the information was derived.

More fact sheets on how to release particular species have been added to the website and now cover the majority of the species most commonly caught by recreational fishers as identified in the National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Survey.

Issue 138, 3 February 2005 ISSN 1443-0592

Poachers Netted in Fisheries Ambush

In mid-December 2004, two people were apprehended illegally fishing in the upper section of the Patterson River.

Mornington Fisheries Officers, conducting a tactical patrol in the area, observed the 44 old year woman and 49 year old man, both from Noble Park, setting and retrieving two illegal monofilament nets.

Senior Fisheries Officer Rod Barber said, “The nets were set just around midnight and were left in the water until 3:35am when the two returned and hauled the nets.”

Fisheries Officers intercepted the offenders as they were retrieving the second net. They were arrested and conveyed to the Moorabbin Police Station.

“The total catch weighed 38.5 kg and included 138 black bream, of which 99 were under the 26cm minimum legal length, carp, flounder, rainbow trout and poddy mullet”, Mr Barber said.

The two monofilament mesh nets, measuring 130m and 93m in length, were seized along with a motor vehicle and all of the fish.

The alleged offenders are expected to be charged on summons for committing several offences including taking undersized fish, exceeding the catch limit and using commercial fishing equipment without a licence.

Mr Barber cautioned, “The use of these illegal, highly efficient nets in areas where they are not designed to be used can have a catastrophic effect on the ecology and biological diversity of our fragile river and estuarine systems.”

People using commercial fishing equipment who do not hold a commercial fishing licence can be charged, convicted and fined under the Fisheries Act.

The maximum penalty for such an offence is a $ 10,000 fine or 6 months imprisonment, or both.

Mr Barber urged people to use the fisheries offence reporting line 13FISH (telephone 133 474) if they suspect illegal fishing activity anywhere in Victoria.

Tightlines for Camperdown Anglers

The Department’s fish stocking program is paying big dividends for recreational anglers in the Camperdown region.

Fish surveys conducted by Colac fisheries officers and PIRVic scientists from Snobs Creek last week at Lake Purrumbete and Lake Bullen Merri indicated a positive year ahead for anglers.

In the past year Fisheries Victoria has stocked nearly 400,000 trout and salmon across the State, with more than 85,000 released into these two very popular freshwater fisheries (see breakdown below).

Brown trout Rainbow trout Chinook salmon Atlantic salmon Purrumbete Lake 15,000 20,000 10,000 0 Bullen Merri Lake 10,000 10,000 17,500 2,550 Total 25,000 30,000 27,500 2,550

During the recent survey at Lake Purrumbete, brown trout up to 4.6 kilograms were caught, along with healthy numbers of redfin weighing nearly a kilogram each.

At nearby Lake Bullen Merri, a similar survey captured some brown trout, released in 2002, the largest of which weighed more than 2.5 kilograms.

Good quality Chinook salmon from the 2004 release were also captured in the Bullen Merri survey following an increase in the stocking of this species last year.

The abundance and quality of Chinook salmon is further demonstrated by reports that some anglers have been ‘bagging out’ with captures of salmon up to 1.3kg.

Lucky anglers have also reported encounters with some larger Chinook salmon, up to 4kg each, from releases in previous years.

The Lake Bullen Merri survey also captured several year classes of Australian bass, the largest of which weighed more than a kilogram.

Anglers also report catching bass of a similar size over the last few weeks, particularly around the rocky points.

The Department and client groups have stocked large numbers of bass into the lake since 1996 so it’s encouraging to see the investment paying off.

Research indicates that Australian bass stocked into Lake Bullen Merri as fingerlings at just a few grams each have reached the minimum legal length of 25cm after 4 to 5 years.

Australian bass have been found to live up to 15 years of age in other impoundments so anglers should expect some big bass to come out of the lake in the next few years!

These survey results demonstrated the benefits of the Department’s fish stocking program, demonstrates the importance of monitoring their performance, and highlights some the outstanding freshwater angling opportunities available to Victorian fishers.

Issue 139, 17 February 2005 ISSN 1443-0592

Tracking Gippsland Bream

Special electronic tagging of black bream in the Gippsland Lakes and its tributaries will enable their movements to be broadcast to a team of researchers during the next two years.

Twenty-seven listening stations have been installed around the Gippsland Lakes and its tributaries to monitor the movements of tagged black bream.

Researchers will be able to track the bream because the fish have been fitted with small electronic tags that can transmit signals up to 500 metres.

The Gippsland Lakes support the largest recreational and commercial black bream fisheries in Victoria.

However, over the past two years catches of black bream in the Lakes system have declined substantially leading to the introduction of interim increased size limits to protect remaining adult stocks until there are signs of recovery.

The reasons for the decline in bream numbers in recent years, while complex, are likely to include changes to the aquatic habitat and environment of the Lakes system leading to declining spawning success or survival.

A team of researchers from Primary Industries Research Victoria (PIRVic), lead by Dr Jeremy Hindell, will be monitoring the movements of black bream to help us better understand this species.

“We will be looking at movement patterns of black bream in and around the lakes, including their use of different habitats under a range of environmental conditions,” Dr Hindell said.

To help anglers identify which black bream have been implanted with an electronic tag, scientists have also externally tagged each fish with a yellow streamer tag that has been individually coded and has a phone number to call for further information.

“If you catch a tagged black bream, we’d like you to handle it gently and return it to the water as soon as possible, so the fish can continue to transmit and contribute to this project.” Dr Hindell said.

Closed Season Cod Costs Money

In early February 2005, a Ballarat man was fined $ 750 without conviction plus ordered to pay $ 182 in costs in the Bendigo Magistrates court. The 54 year old man was charged by the Department of Primary Industries for possessing Murray cod during the closed season as well as possessing Murray cod under the minimum legal length of 50cm.

As outlined in Fish-e-Fax Issue 134, the man was detected with the Murray cod over the November 2004 Cup weekend after being intercepted by DPI Fisheries Officer conducting random vehicle inspections for fish and fishing equipment.

Officers conduct these random inspections to ensure that anglers are not taking and bringing fish back from their favourite angling destinations that they are not entitled to keep. Anglers are asked to phone the 13FISH duty officer on % 133 474 to report suspected illegal fishing activities.

Hopkins River Bream Recaptures

As outlined in Fish-e-Fax issues 121 and 126, the Warrnambool & District Fishcare community group, with support from local angling clubs, has caught and tagged over 1,800 bream from the Hopkins River since the program began in 1997.

To date, there have been 22 reported recaptures of these tagged bream. Some of the more recent recaptures are outlined below.

A black bream tagged and released in February 2004 near the Hopkins River bridge, measuring 35.2cm and weighing 680 grams, was recaptured in October of that year at the Bay of Biscay. The fish had been at liberty for 251 days and had grown by 0.8cm and 240 grams. The angler released the tagged fish.

A black bream tagged and released in February 2003 at Tooram Stones, measuring 38cm and weighing 800g, was recaptured in October 2004 at the Mudflats. The fish had been at liberty for 624 days and had grown by 1cm. The fish was recaptured approximately 15km downstream of where it had been tagged and released.

A black bream tagged and released near 'The Pass' in November 2002, measuring 36.5cm and weighing 650g, was recaptured in January 2005 at Gillin Park, measuring 39.5cm and weighing 900g. The fish had been at liberty for 806 days, had grown 3cm in length and 250g in weight, and was re-captured about 9 kilometres downstream of where it was originally caught and released.

A black bream tagged and released at Tooram Stones in December 2004, measuring 25.6cm in length was recaptured in January 2005 at the same location. The fish had been at liberty for 52 days, and had not grown during its short time at liberty.

If you catch a tagged bream in the Hopkins River, record the tag number, total length, whole weight, date and the location that the fish was caught. Report your recapture(s) to [email protected] or check out the website www.fishcare.org.au/warrnambool for more information.

Black Bream & Estuary Perch Ruler Guides

Fishcare is a Statewide community based program that promotes responsible attitudes and sustainable fishing practices amongst recreational anglers and the wider community.

Recently, Fishcare released two new sticker rulers for black bream and estuary perch, as a part of a project funded by the Victorian Recreational Grants Programs 2004/05.

The ruler stickers are guides that contain interesting information that provides a correlation between the length, average weight and average age of each species. The stickers are weather resistant and can be stuck on your boat or tackle box.

The stickers are to be distributed to recreational anglers fishing in Victorian estuaries. They provide anglers with a means to measure their catch and find out interesting information relating to individual fish they have caught. There are also some handy hints for releasing your catch.

The rulers have been developed with the support of Fishcare volunteers and the recreational angling community and are a great way for recreational anglers to learn about the biology of these long lived species in a fun and interactive way.

The rulers are available to recreational anglers free of charge. Request your sticker by e-mail to [email protected], or check out the new designs on the Fishcare website at www.fishcare.org.au/warrnambool.htm

Port Phillip Bay Enforcement News

Two people from Dromana were convicted and fined $400 and had all seized property forfeited for taking/possessing more than the catch limit. The offences were committed near Mt. Martha.

A person from Windsor was convicted and fined $3,200 for taking/possessing more than the catch limit, taking/possessing undersize fish and for giving false information at inspection. The offences were committed near Black Rock.

A person from Research was fined $100 for taking/possessing undersize fish. The offence was committed near Mt. Martha. Plans to upgrade Eildon’s dam spillway

A $22.5 million project has been developed to further improve the safety of the Eildon.

Recent investigations revealed the 50-year-old dam spillway has serious structural flaws, requiring a significant safety upgrade to ensure it can withstand a potential extreme flood event.

The spillway is a structure that ensures the dam wall is protected when water flows out of the dam. Faults in the spillway mean it may not cope with major flood events in its current state.

The “Our Water Our Future” strategic plan released last year, recognised dam safety as a priority and allocated $30 million in funding under the sales water arrangement with northern Victorian farmers.

The additional funding is to repair structural flaws in the Eildon Dam wall. The urgent need to repair the spillway was discovered during testing and modelling, and subsequent work on the dam wall. The safety of dams is important to residents and vital in securing the economic and recreational future of the region.

It is the first major maintenance works undertaken on the dam in 50 years, and will ensure the dam remains viable over coming decades. Overall, the spillway and dam wall projects will cost a total of $52.5 million.

Victorian Water Level Update

For the week ending 12 March, 2005:

Batyo Catyo 0 Bellfield 14% Blue Rock 98.8% Buffalo Lake 99% Cairn Curran 19% Dartmouth 44% Dock 0 Eildon Lake 37% Eppalock 9% Fyans Lake 29% Glenmaggie 79% Greens 49% Hepburn 44% Hume 98% Kangaroo 96% Laanecoorie 54% Lauriston 89% Lonsdale 0% Malmsbury 30% Mokoan 31% Mulwala 85% Newlyn 61% Nillahcootie 99% Pine 0 Pykes Creek 39% Reedy /Middle 99% Rocklands 9% Taylors 52% Toolondo 0 Tullaroop 23% Upper Coliban 30% Waranga 66% Wartook 75% William Hovell 101%

Carp were first discovered in the Glenelg River Catchment in February, 2001. Until then, the Glenelg River was thought to be one of the last carp free rivers in South-Eastern Australia. Carp are declared as a noxious species under the Fisheries Act 1995 and when captured cannot be returned to the water.

The ‘Carpwatch’ project is a Fishcare initiative that is being conducted as a component of multi agency carp education and awareness programs in the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment. The project is jointly funded by the Victorian Recreational Fishing Grants Program 2004/2005 and the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority through the State Government’s Stressed Rivers Initiative.

The project aims to collect information relating to where the carp have spread within the catchment and attempts to identify this species preferred habitat for congregating and breeding.

It is not possible to eradicate carp from the Glenelg River Catchment completely, but it may be possible to help manage the carp population in the Glenelg River if we know the location of preferred habitat.

The Fishcare program has produced a Carpwatch information guide that contains background information on the project, a map of the Glenelg River Catchment, a simple identification guide and space for recreational anglers to record details of carp captures.

The guides are available from the Glenelg Hopkins CMA offices or by e-mail request to [email protected].

2004/05’s Recreational Fishing Grant Program (RFGP)

This year, applications seeking project funding to improve Victoria’s recreational fishing, under the RFGP, closed on 28 February. Grant applications for fish stocking closed earlier on 14 January, as these applications are referred on the Fisheries Victoria’s annual regional fish stocking consultation (‘CONS’) process that commenced in early February.

This year 101 project applications (inc. 27 fish stocking applications) were received. It is expected that successful projects will be announced early in the next financial year, and grant funding will be allocated as soon as possible following the announcements. Enforcement News

A person from Springvale was convicted and fined $3,000 with all equipment seized and to be destroyed, for using commercial abalone equipment, shucking abalone in or on the water and possessing more than twice the bag limit for abalone. The offences were committed at Half Moon Bay near Black Rock.

A person from Portarlington was fined $200 and had all seized property forfeited and destroyed for taking/possessing more than the catch limit. The offence was committed near Portarlington.

A person from Briar Hill was convicted and fined $3,000 with all property forfeited and to be destroyed for possessing commercial fishing equipment without authority and keeping noxious aquatic species.

A person of Petersham in NSW was convicted and fined $750 with all seized property forfeited, for taking/possessing undersize fish, taking excess of the catch limit, and possessing commercial abalone fishing equipment. The offences were committed near Peterborough.

Two people from St. Albans were convicted and fined $500 each for taking/possessing more than the catch limit. Two other people, also from St. Albans, were fined $250 for the same offence committed near Mornington.

A person from St. Albans was convicted and fined $400 for using/possessing commercial fishing equipment and giving a false name and place of residence. The offences were committed at Newport.

Victorian Water Level Update

For the week ending 19 March, 2005:

Batyo Catyo 0 Bellfield 13% Blue Rock 106% Buffalo Lake 97% Cairn Curran 18% Dartmouth 44% Dock 0 Eildon Lake 35% Eppalock 8% Fyans Lake 27% Glenmaggie 70% Greens 46% Hepburn 56% Hume 32% Kangaroo 96% Laanecoorie 51% Lauriston 88% Lonsdale 0% Malmsbury 31% Mokoan 29% Mulwala 97% Newlyn 67% Nillahcootie 95% Pine 0 Pykes Creek 37% Reedy /Middle 98% Rocklands 9% Taylors 49% Toolondo 0 Tullaroop 22% Upper Coliban 25% Waranga 52% Wartook 72% William Hovell 96%

In January this year, an angler caught a tagged dusky flathead fishing in 20 metres of water offshore from the Mallacoota entrance towards Gabo Island. Originally, the dusky flathead was tagged in Wingan Inlet in December 2004.

In less than a month, this fish had left the estuary at Wingan and travelled around 50km eastwards, where it was caught again. This is the first record of a recapture where a dusky flathead has left an estuary and undertaken a significant movement from where it was first captured. Dusky flathead are an estuarine species and are rarely recaptured far from where they were first tagged.

In Victoria, tagging programs for recreationally caught fish are coordinated by VICTAG, part of the Australian National Sportfishing Association. The information collected by VICTAG provides marine scientists with important information on movement patterns as well as growth rates of shark and fish species. Fishers interested in becoming involved with voluntary tagging programs in Victoria should contact VICTAG on 1800 677620, and leave their name and an after hours phone number.

If you recapture a tagged shark or fish, please accurately record all details, including date, location, tag number, species, sex and length. If possible please keep the fish frame or shark backbone frozen for collection by PIRVic scientists.

Improved River Health Plans Proposed at Nelson

The release of the first of ten River Health Strategies for Victoria will provide for the protection of the health of the Glenelg Hopkins region’s waterways.

Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority and its key Government partners have received in excess of $5.5 million dollars during 2004/05 to undertake river health related works.

The Glenelg Hopkins River Health Strategy for the next 10 years will include: • Α Regional Agreement on environmental flow objectives for the Glenelg River downstream of the Rocklands Reservoir; • Fencing of an additional 659km of riparian (river bank and floodplain) vegetation; • Reinstating 33km of in-stream habitat in priority rivers by 2009; • 250km of river length being made accessible for native fish movement; • Improved water quality at key monitoring sites across the region; • An extra 77km of rivers classified as being in good or excellent condition; • Increased community awareness of the importance of natural resource management. Lake Modewarre Fishkill

On the 22nd of December this last year, a large kill of European carp was reported for Lake Modewarre.

The kill only contained carp with no other species being found. Testing was undertaken by the Environment Protection Authority and Fisheries Victoria staff on water and fish samples. No evidence of bacteria or viruses was found, and the cause of death was consistent with exposure to salty water.

The Surfcoast Shire in conjunction with local residents and volunteers assisted with the clean-up and disposal of the dead carp.

During the clean up, Fisheries Victoria monitored the lake’s condition, including measuring water quality and undertaking visual surveillance to monitor the length and extent of the fishkill. The 12 month creel survey program for the lake was completed.

A second fishkill event involving several thousand of eels followed the carp kill. Two significant rainfall events occurred prior to and after the eel kill with the level of the lake rising and a significant amount of run-off entering the lake.

On the 27th of January and the 8th of February, two netting surveys were conducted by Fisheries Victoria with the intention of determining any remaining fish populations. Lake Modewarre is known to contain brown and rainbow trout, eels, redfin and smaller baitfish species like galaxias and gudgeon. The results of this survey found only live shortfin eels.

The Environmental Protection Agency indicated that a combination of factors including salinity were likely to have caused the carp kill and that at this time disease could not be linked to the eel mortalities at Lake Modewarre or with other eel deaths around the state.

The 2005 Port Phillip Regional Fisheries Consultation meeting (cons) resolved that stocking with trout will be discontinued until such time water quality improves to a level likely to sustain salmonids.

Abalone Enforcement News

A person from Wonthaggi and a person from Cape Patterson, were convicted and fined $500 for failing to retain abalone in their shell, taking undersize fish, using other than an abalone tool to take abalone and not having a current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence. The offences were committed at Cape Patterson Foreshore

A person from Waurn Ponds was convicted and fined $750 for taking more than twice the catch limit and undersize abalone, as well as giving false place of residence and not having a current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence. The offences were committed near Fairhaven.

Inland Fish Habitat Protection Extended

The Minister for Agriculture has extended a ban on the collection of firewood from drought- affected lakes to provide long-term protection for fish habitats. The Fisheries Notice was issued to specify measures for the protection of a fishery ecosystem and/or habitat.

The 12-month extension prohibits the removal, destruction or damage of timber in 20 drought affected impoundments that are experiencing low water levels.

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

Lake Eildon Bellfield Reservoir Rocklands Reservoir Lake Eppalock Green Lake Tullaroop Reservoir Cairn Curran Reservoir Lake Fyans Toolondo Reservoir Lake Mokoan Lake Lonsdale Lake Batyo Catyo Lake Hume Dock Lake Booroopki Swamp Pine Lake Taylors Lake Lake Glenmaggie Jil Jil Lake Laanecoorie Reservoir

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

Victoria Seeks Living Murray Agreement

Minister for Water and the Environment, John Thwaites is seeking agreement from State and Federal Ministers to implement the Living Murray Initiative at a meeting of Murray Darling Basin Commission Ministers in Canberra.

The implementation of the Living Murray Initiative will see 500 GL (gigalitres) of water returned to the Murray River over five years as a first step to restoring the health of this iconic river. Also, there is an opportunity later this year, under the current rules, for triggering a five year drought water release into forested regions along the Murray.

Under Government's Our Water Our Future action plan, Victoria already has two projects underway designed to deliver 169 billion litres of water to the Murray River, as part of the commitment to the Living Murray Initiative. Easter Fishers Following the Rules

During the Easter four day break, Victorian Fisheries Officers checked over 4000 anglers across the State. Encouragingly, most fishers inspected were aware of the need to possess a Recreational Fishing Licence as well as the need to abide by any bag and size limits.

Unfortunately, 350 people were issued with “on the spot “ infringement notices or verbal warnings. In addition, a small number of serious offences were detected that will require charges being issued by summons in the near future.

Fisheries Victoria encourages the reporting of fisheries offences to the 13FISH reporting service on 13 34 74. This is a Statewide 24/7 fisheries offence reporting line that and has been allocated $ 1.05million in funding over four years to operate. Reports from the community have already led to the conviction of people involved in various serious offences including illegal netting and taking commercial quantities of abalone.

Important information which may assist Fisheries Officers includes: • Time, place and date of activity and if observed activity is continuing or has finished • Number of people involved • Vehicle / boat registration • Activity • Equipment

Channel Deepening Project Subject to Further Investigation

The Port of Melbourne Corporation is required to carry out a supplementary Environmental Effects Statement (EES) for the proposed Port Phillip Bay Channel Deepening project.

Releasing an independent planning panel report on the original EES, further investigations must be undertaken in relation to the environmental impact of the project.

Channel deepening has been identified as a high priority for future development of Victoria's transport infrastructure and economic growth. The Government has made it clear in preparing this project that all environmental issues will be properly and carefully considered.

The panel's report makes 137 recommendations, including the need for further work on: • Examination of channel deepening designs – to determine whether alternative designs could reduce the environmental impact; • Investigation of dredging technology, with a possible small scale trial dredging project; • Investigation of the best methods of sediment disposal; and • Examination of the turbidity, or the extent to which silt and sand will be disturbed, caused by the dredging process.

The supplementary study will build upon the EES process to date. It will be based on the key areas outlined by the panel and allow for further expert analysis.

Public comment will be sought again once the supplementary EES had been prepared and an independent panel will provide a further examination of the project so a final assessment can be made under the Environment Effects Act.

2004/05’s Recreational Fishing Grant Program (RFGP)

Through the annual Recreational Fishing Grant Program (RFGP) funding is available for the purpose of improving recreational fishing in Victoria, in four project categories:

1. Recreational fisheries sustainability and habitat improvement (including fish stocking); 2. Recreational fishing access and facilities; 3. Recreational fisheries-related education, information and training; and 4. Recreational fisheries-related research.

This year, 101 applications were received in the following project categories.

• Access and facilities 35 • Sustainability and habitat improvement 4 • Fish stocking 27 • Education, information and training 18 • Research 17

It is expected that successful projects will be announced early in the next financial year, and grant funding will be allocated as soon as possible following the announcements.

Project proposal documentation for the 2005/06 round of the RFGP will be available by contacting the Executive Officer, Fisheries Revenue Allocation Committee, GPO Box 4440, Melbourne VIC. 3001. 03 9658 4369; fax 03 9658 4380; e-mail [email protected] or by visiting the Department of Primary Industries’ web site at www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing.

The RFGP does not fund improvements to recreational boating infrastructure, such as boat ramps and floating jetties or pontoons (for boat access) that may be funded from recreational vessel registration fees under the control of Marine Safety Victoria (MSV).

Enquiries about MSV’s Boating Safety & Facilities Program should be directed to MSV’s Grants Manager on 9655 6569. Information about the Program is available on the Internet at www.marinesafety.vic.gov.au by going to the Grant programs page. Enforcement News

A person from Dandenong North and a person from Springvale were both convicted and fined a total of $8,000, with all personal property order forfeited for trafficking/taking/possessing a commercial quantity, taking undersize abalone and using other than an abalone tool to take abalone. The offences occurred at Kilcunda.

A person from Indented Head was fined $250 for possessing more than the catch limit. The Offence occurred at Indented Head.

A person from Mentone was convicted and fined $275 for falsifying details on a Recreational Fishing Licence. Follow up investigations revealed that the person had altered the date of purchase on the Licence when inspected by Fisheries Officers in January on Port Phillip Bay. He was fined a further $75 for fishing without a valid Recreational Fishing Licence. The offences occurred near Mt. Eliza.

A person from Penshurst was fined almost $900 for possessing over the bag limit and providing false information. The offender had taken 25 fish of a species with a catch limit of 10 per day. The offences occurred at Lake Bolac

A person form Deer Park was convicted and fined $2000 and all items seized were forfeited for taking/possessing more than twice the bag limit, taking undersize, not having an access licence, failing to cut abalone meat upon landing and taking mollusc from the intertidal zone. The offences occurred at Seaholm.

A person from Maidstone was fined a total of $750 for assaulting/ threatening/ intimidating/ aggravating an authorised officer. The offence occurred near Altona.

Victorian Water Level Update

For the week ending Friday 22nd of April, 2005:

Batyo Catyo 0 Bellfield 13% Blue Rock 96% Buffalo Lake 65% Cairn Curran 15% Dartmouth 44% Dock 0 Eildon Lake 29% Eppalock 6% Fyans Lake 28% Glenmaggie 46% Greens 22% Hepburn 44% Hume 22% Kangaroo 93% Laanecoorie 47% Lauriston 71% Lonsdale 0% Malmsbury 29% Mokoan 24% Mulwala 95% Newlyn 54% Nillahcootie 84% Pine 0 Pykes Creek 33% Reedy /Middle 96% Rocklands 8% Taylors 50% Toolondo 0 Tullaroop 19% Upper Coliban 21% Waranga 32% Wartook 66% William Hovell 62%

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

Under the umbrella of the Native Fish Strategy established by the Murray-Darling Basin Commission (MDBC) a program has been developed to provide 2,300 kilometres of fish passage from the sea to Hume Lake along the Murray River.

Highlighted in Fish-E-Fax Issue 127, the $ 6.6 million works have been undertaken through the MDBC with financial contributions from the Australian Government and the States of NSW, Victoria and South Australia.

A team consisting of researchers from South Australia, NSW and Victoria are currently undertaking monitoring of the new fishways. The fishway situated at Lock 8 near the South Australian border has now been in operation for the last 15 months, and is already experiencing large amount of fish traffic moving through.

A total of 29,500 fish have been recorded to have passed through the fishway in a 55 day period. Resulting in an average of over 500 fish using the fishway per day. These fish range from small smelt around 30mm in length to large Murray cod in excess of 900mm. Over 2000 Golden Perch have passed through with some of the tagged individuals being recorded migrating more than 400km up stream.

These early results help provide valuable information into the design program for future fishways as well as providing improved knowledge of the species and help ensure future success of the Murray- Darling Basin fisheries.

The fishway is the first of the new “fish ladders” that will allow a broader size range of fish to migrate through the structures. The structure will help populations of native fish resume their natural migration patterns upstream to breed and feed.

For further information on the Living Murray Initiative visit http://www.mdbc.gov.au/.

Enforcement news

A person from Smythes Creek was fined an aggregate of $ 750 for possessing undersize fish and possessing Murray cod out of season. The offences occurred at Serpentine. Enforcement news (continued)

Three people from Braybrook were convicted and fined $ 750 for taking/possessing more than the catch limit and removing/possessing sea urchin roe. The offences occurred at Shelley Beach in Williamstown.

Reporting on 13FISH helps Fisheries Officers

Department of Primary Industries, uniformed and plain-clothes Fisheries Officers perform spot checks all over Victoria to detect fish thieves who face fines of up to $ 120,000 and/or penalties of up to 10 years in jail and confiscation of equipment.

The information received by these officers helps them in planning patrols and investigations to protect our fisheries. All information reported is treated in strict confidence.

In its first 18 months of operation more than 2000 members of the Victorian community have passed on illegal ‘ fishing’ information over the fishing offence reporting line, 13 FISH (133 474).

Reports have identified illegal netting operations and stealing commercial quantities of abalone and have led to the seizure of boats and prompted a number of significant ongoing investigations.

In a recent case a call to 13 FISH led to three people being detained after with more than 300 squid at Mornington Pier, the daily bag limit for squid is 10 per angler. The offender’s forfeited all their illegal catch along with three motor vehicles and each was prosecuted in court.

Since the 13FISH line was opened, reports received have directly resulted in the issuing of 160 “On the Spot” Penalty Infringement Notices and 30 successful prosecutions.

Reports to 13FISH will help Fisheries Officers to continue to catch fish thieves.

Spiny Freshwater Crayfish Season Opens North of the Great Dividing Range

Victorian spiny freshwater crayfish season opened on the 1st of May 2005 for all waters north of the Great Dividing Range.

A bag limit of 5 per person, with not more than 1 crayfish exceeding 12cm and a minimum carapace length of 9cm, applies to anglers targeting spiny freshwater crayfish north of the Great Divide.

The season will close on 1 September 2005. After this period you must not take, attempt to take or possess any spiny freshwater crayfish. Crayfish caught accidentally during the closed season must be released immediately with as little harm as possible.

Different restrictions apply to different populations of Victorian spiny freshwater crayfish. Further information and regulations relating to this species can be found at www.dpi.vic.gov.au by following the links to 2004/2005 Victorian Fishing Guide. Alternatively, contact the customer service centre on 131 186 for a copy of the 2004/2005 Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide.

Release of Trout Fishing Brochure

The Victorian Government recognises the significant social and economic benefits resulting from well-managed recreational trout fisheries. It is committed to maintaining and, where possible, enhancing these fisheries across Victoria. In support of this aim Fisheries Victoria has produced a brochure titled “Managing Recreational Trout Fisheries for the Benefit of Victorian Communities”.

Almost half of all angling effort in Victoria occurs on freshwater lakes, rivers and streams. Trout are one of the most harvested species in these waters and are considered a choice table fish by many fishers. Nearly half of all trout harvested in Australia are caught in Victoria.

Trout have been stocked in Victorian waters since the 1860s. Since 1960, over forty-one million trout have been released in numerous lakes, rivers and streams across the state.

Today, management incorporates several practices to provide an integrated approach to freshwater fisheries management. Fisheries Victoria utilises a combination of regulation, stocking and habitat improvement to manage trout fisheries.

Copies of the new brochure are available at www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing, Alternatively contact the Customer Service Centre on 13 61 86.

Lake Hume Fisheries Fines

Three Melbourne men have been found guilty of using commercial fishing equipment (gill nets) in Lake Hume. The gill nets contained about 10 carp and 19 golden perch. Each of the men were fined $500 plus over $1200 court costs.

The offences were the first to go to court since Fisheries Victoria assumed sole fisheries management responsibility for Lake Hume in September 2004. This was done as part of an interstate agreement that also saw NSW fisheries assume sole responsibility for fisheries management of all of Lake Mulwala.

Since taking over management of Lake Hume, Fisheries Victoria has stocked the lake with 150,000 golden perch and 50,000 brown trout to improve recreational fishing opportunities. Restaurant Raids Net Alleged Abalone Traffickers

After twelve months of planning, Operation “Black Ice” culminated last week in a series of raids on 46 restaurants and houses in metropolitan Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula. These raids led to the arrest and charging of seven people with a total of 36 indictable offences relating to abalone trafficking. Another 15 people and one company will be charged on summons.

Fisheries Officers executed four warrants and seized a total of eight vehicles and a large quantity of processing and freezer equipment. Officers also seized 485 kilograms of abalone meats. The Traffickers could face jail terms of up to 10 years or fines of up to $120,000.

Abalone meats currently retail at around $240 a kilogram. Restaurant prices for abalone are very high by any measure but there's no indication the abalone bought on the black market leads to a corresponding cut in meal prices.

Victoria has one of the few viable abalone fisheries left in the world, providing important export dollars and jobs and security for hundreds of people.

Fishcare’s 2005 Catch, Tag and Release a Bream Day

The 4th annual Fishcare ‘catch, tag and release’ bream fishing competition was held on the Hopkins River, near Warrnambool on the Sunday 1st May. This year’s competition was the most successful yet with a massive total of 121 black bream and 1 estuary perch being tagged during the competition.

A total of 21 members of the Warrnambool & District Angling Club and Koroit and District Angling Club participated in the event. Warrnambool Fishcare volunteers supported the competitors by tagging, weighing and releasing all of the fish captured.

The tagging program helps anglers and scientists to learn more about the growth and movement of black bream in local waters. In the past 8 years over 2000 bream have been tagged and released in the Hopkins River.

If you catch a tagged bream in the Hopkins River, please record the tag number, total length, whole weight, date and the location that the fish was caught. Report your recapture(s) to [email protected] or check out the website www.fishcare.org.au for more information.

Discarded Fishing Line Poses Threat to Birds

Following recent reports of numerous birds being tangled in fishing line the Department of Sustainability and Environment has urged fishers to correctly dispose of unwanted fishing line.

Fishing line is particularly durable and has the potential to remain in the environment for many years. This provides ample opportunity for animals including birds to be damaged.

Fishers are encouraged to ensure all broken or unwanted fishing gear is not left where it could cause injuries to wildlife.

The Bracks Government has announced the latest move to protect Victoria's valuable abalone stocks by cracking down on abalone thieves. Victoria is home to one of the world's last sustainable wild abalone fisheries.

There is increasing concern about the decline of abalone stocks on shallow reefs within easy reach of metropolitan Melbourne, due to illegal fishing activity. Thieves masquerading as legitimate recreational abalone fishers have been flouting existing laws to make big profits, threatening the availability of abalone stocks for future generations.

The main features of the new controls are the reduction of recreational abalone catch limits and the introduction of a closed season for central Victorian waters (from Cape Otway to Venus Bay including Port Phillip Bay).

The new controls strike a balance between maintaining a sustainable abalone fishery and supporting a legitimate commercial industry, while providing continuing opportunities for recreational fishing. By reducing the bag and possession limit in central Victorian waters, multi-tripping becomes less lucrative and more time consuming for abalone thieves.

The changes, which will come into effect on 1 September 2005 include:

• Removal of the requirement to cut the meat of recreationally caught abalone in all Victorian waters (at the request of recreational abalone divers); • Introduction of a permanent closure of the recreational abalone fishery in central Victorian waters except for 60 nominated days each year; • Reduction of the recreational abalone daily bag limit and possession limit in central Victorian waters from 10 to 5 per person; • Removal of the current Statewide seasonal closure on the recreational take of greenlip abalone. This is replaced by the introduction of a year-round ban on the recreational and commercial take of greenlip abalone in Port Phillip Bay; • Removal of the existing Statewide boat/vehicle limit of 50 abalone; • Retention of the current recreational abalone daily bag limit and possession limit of 10 per person for all parts of Victoria other than in, on or next to central Victorian waters.

The Department of Primary Industries will work closely with groups which represent recreational abalone fishers to determine which 60 days should be open for abalone fishing in central Victorian waters. The Government has undertaken extensive consultation through the Regulatory Impact Statement process to develop the new rules. Voluntary Licence Buyback for Victorian Bay and Inlet Commercial Fisheries

On 29 May 2005 the Premier, Steve Bracks, announced that the Government will allow the use of recreational fishing licence (RFL) revenue to fund a one-off buyback of commercial licences in Victoria's bays and inlets. The buyback program will be voluntary and commercial licence holders will be free to choose whether they are interested in participating.

Recreational anglers asked that the Government allow the Fisheries Revenue Allocation Committee (FRAC) – which advises the Minister for Agriculture on priorities for disbursement of RFL Trust Account funds – to support a process for voluntary buyback of commercial licences using RFL funds.

Mr Bracks said a one off expressions of interest from commercial operators who wanted to leave the industry would be advertised. Details of the process and timing of the voluntary licence buyback program are being finalised and will be publicised in due course.

HAVE YOUR SAY - Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan and Mallacoota Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan

Fisheries Victoria is calling on recreational fishers and the community to have their say on the preparation of fishery management plans for inland waters of the Glenelg-Hopkins region, and for the recently declared Mallacoota Inlet Fisheries Reserve.

The Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan will identify measures to manage fishing activities in the lakes, rivers and estuaries within the region covered by the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority.

The Mallacoota Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan is being prepared to manage fishing activities in Mallacoota Inlet after it was declared a fisheries reserve to provide for enhanced recreational fishing opportunities.

An important step in the development of both management plans is to seek the views of recreational fishers and other community members on values or issues associated with fishing in these waters. In particular, to assist in preparing the plans we are keen to know: • What species of fish are the most important for recreational fishing in each of these two areas? • What factors do the community believe are limiting their ability to target or catch these species? • How can recreational fishing opportunities be enhanced? Recreational fishers and others can have their say on these matters by attending public meetings and/or by sending their views in writing to Fisheries Victoria.

For the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan public meetings starting at 7:00pm will be held at Portland on Tuesday 14 June 2005 at the Conference Room, South West TaFE, 154 Hurd St; at Hamilton on Wednesday 15 June 2005 at Gilly's Conference Centre, 106 Grey St; and at Warrnambool on Thursday 16 June 2005 at Proudfoots on the River, 2 Simpson St. Written submissions on fishing in the Glenelg Hopkins region can be sent to Mr John Stivala, Fisheries Project Officer, Fisheries Victoria, GPO Box 4440, Melbourne VIC 3001, or email [email protected], by close of business on Friday 22 July 2005.

For the Mallacoota Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan a public meeting will be held at the MIVA MIVA Cente (Cnr Genoa and Mattsson Street) in Mallacoota on Thursday 7 July 2005 starting at 7:00pm. Written submissions on fishing in Mallacoota Inlet should be sent to Fisheries Planning Officer, Fisheries Victoria, 574 Main Street Bairnsdale VIC 3875 or email - [email protected], by close of business on Friday 22 July 2005.

There will be further opportunities for community participation in the planning process when draft management plans are released for public comment later in the year.

Communities help by reporting illegal fishing

Recently, the sight of large numbers of spawning fish in an area closed to fishing became too much of a temptation for three anglers. In the early hours of the morning, under the cover of darkness, they cut the security fencing, entered the closed area of the Goulburn River and proceeded to catch some of the trout.

The three men didn’t realise that they had been seen by a vigilant member of the public. A local resident, walking his dog at 2:30am, spotted them in the shadows of the Pondage gates. The on-looker made a call from his mobile to the fisheries offence reporting line 13FISH (telephone 133 474) to express his concern.

DPI Fisheries Officers who were in the area on another task were able to apprehend the three men. A considerable number of spawning trout were seized. All three anglers later received substantial fines and had their fishing equipment forfeited.

Interim Public Warning

Recently there has been a number of fatalities of rock fishermen including the disappearance of a person rock fishing on 1 May, 2005 at the Punchbowl between San Remo and Kilcunda. As a result of these safety concerns with rock fishermen an investigation by the Victorian Police into the circumstances surrounding the death is underway.

The purpose of conducting this preliminary hearing is to issue an interim public warning and raise awareness of the dangers associated with rock fishing. Previous inquests into similar deaths have highlighted the unpredictable nature of the weather and the sea and the potential for slipping.

It is imperative to consider the following safety measures before rock fishing:

• Check the water and weather conditions • Check for Warning Signs • Formulate a rescue plan • Carry a fishing kit that includes a length of rope and lifebuoy • Wear a personal floatation device • Never fish alone

As part of the ongoing investigation, the Police propose to consult widely with those involved in the sport and those responsible for the coastline so that consideration may be given to the development of an overall safety management plan for rock fishing. Funding is being sought from Marine Safety Victoria and Sport and Recreation (Play it Safe By the Water Program). Tagged Snapper Recaptured after 1931 days of Liberation

A snapper released in December 1999 was recaptured in April 2005 after being at liberty for 1931 days. The snapper was first captured with a haul seine on 27 December 1999, at Clifton Springs in 2.5 metre deep water and measured 23.5 cm. It was recaptured on 10 April 2005, seven miles off the Kingston Jetty in South Australia in 21 metres of water; the fish had grown to 45.5 cm.

This movement is consistent with a small proportion of Port Phillip Bay snapper moving west. Preliminary investigations suggest a larger proportion of snapper move from the west towards the east once they have grown to maturity.

This is one of the longest times of liberty recorded for a tagged snapper in Victoria. Fishers interested in becoming involved with voluntary tagging programs in Victoria should contact VICTAG on 1800 677620, and leave their name and an after hours phone number. Suspended Jail Sentence and Heavy Fines for Bream Poachers

Detailed in Fish-E-Fax Issue 138, two people were apprehended illegally netting in Patterson Lake and being in possession of 38.5kg of fish in Mid December 2004. The majority of the catch was the 138 black bream of which 99 were found undersize, the rest of the catch being made up of carp, flounder, rainbow trout and poddy mullet.

One of the pair, a Noble Park resident, was fined $2000 and received a two month prison sentence, suspended for two years. Adding severity to the Magistrate’s decision was the fact that the offender had a prior conviction for a similar offence. The co-offender was also convicted and fined $1000 for the same offence. All equipment, including a car was forfeited.

Illegal use of commercial fishing equipment threatens the sustainability of our fisheries. People using commercial fishing equipment who do not hold a commercial fishing licence can be charged, convicted and fined under the Fisheries Act. The maximum penalty for such an offence is a $10,000 fine or 6 months imprisonment, or both.

Enforcement outcomes

A person from Kyneton was convicted and fined an aggregated $500 with all property forfeited to be destroyed for taking fish for sale without authority and possessing undersize fish. The offence occurred at Kyneton.

A Brighton resident was convicted and sentenced to an imprisonment term of 2 month, fined $750 and had all property forfeited to be destroyed for possessing more than twice the bag limit, possessing undersize fish, giving false place of residence and possessing greenlip abalone out of season. The offences occurred at Korumburra.

Victorian Water Level Update

For the week ending 26 June, 2005: Bellfield 14% Blue Rock 91% Buffalo Lake 40% Cairn Curran 14% Dartmouth 44% Eildon Lake 27% Eppalock 5% Fyans Lake 26% Glenmaggie 32% Greens 28% Hepburn 39% Hume 25% Kangaroo 83% Laanecoorie 33% Lauriston 70% Malmsbury 70% Mokoan 23% Mulwala 98% Newlyn 51% Nillahcootie 82% Pykes Creek29% Reedy /Middle 91% Rocklands 7% Taylors 57% Tullaroop 18% Upper Coliban 15% Waranga 28% Wartook 62% William Hovell 36%

As part of its annual program to enhance fishing opportunities for recreational fishers, Fisheries Victoria has recently stocked on-grown or advanced yearling trout into small waters - small waters are water bodies less than 5 hectares in surface area and primarily in popular locations with access for junior or disabled anglers.

School holidays and/or other events including Fishing Week are targeted for these releases, with the majority coinciding with the second and third semester holidays when water temperatures are best suited to trout. Rainbow trout are usually stocked as they are normally bigger than the available brown trout at that time of year and are reputedly easier to catch by inexperienced anglers. The average size of the fish released for the second semester holidays was 216 grams.

The recently stocked fish are in addition to more than 1.3 million salmonid and native fish stocked into lakes, impoundments and rivers each year. Small waters stocked between June 24 and July 4, 2005: Small Water Location No. Small water Location No. Marysville Dam Marysville 200 Cato Lake Stawell 300 Emerald Lake Emerald 750 Old Dunkeld Aboretum Dunkeld 200 Rowville Lakes Rowville 750 Ess Lagoon Casterton 500 Caulfi. Racecourse Lake Caulfield 200 West Lake Melton 250 Arboretum Dam Euroa 200 Seagull Lake Geelong 800 Sambell Lake Beechworth 300 St Augustines Waterhole Geelong 200 Yack. Dredge Hole Yackandandah 200 Bannockburn Lagoon Bannockburn 500 Jack Roper Reserve Campbellfield 250 Tea Tree Lake Mortlake 200 Roxburgh Park Lakes Roxburgh Park 200 Mooroopna Rec Res Lake Mooroopna 100 Cummins Reserve Yea 200 Kennington Reservoir Strathdale 300 Yarrambat Lake Yarrambat 300 Tom Thumb Lake Eaglehawk 100 Jubilee Lake Daylesford 200 St Arnaud Swimming Pool St Arnaud 200 Calembeen Lake Creswick 150 Hyland Lake Churchill 1000 Victoria Lake Ballarat 400 Guyatt Lake Sale 250 Esmond Lake Ballarat 200 Hanging Rock Lake Woodend 500 Alexandra Lake Ararat 200 ‘Is my fish worth more than yours?’ – Valuing alternative uses of Victoria’s Bay and Inlet Fisheries Resources

The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has commissioned independent studies to determine the net economic and social value to Victorians of recreational and commercial fishing use of five key Victorian marine fisheries species – snapper, King George whiting, black bream, garfish and calamari squid. Collection of comparable information on the value of these uses will assist Government to determine how to share these key fisheries resources among competing user/interest groups in a manner that maximises both economic and social benefits to all Victorians.

In November 2004 the Government notified stakeholders of its decision to adopt a process developed by the Fisheries Co-management Council (FCC) for determining appropriate sharing/allocation of Victorian fisheries resources among competing user/interest groups. The Government indicated its preference for making resource allocation decisions based on consideration of both the economic and social values associated with recreational and commercial fishing, and indicated that it wanted the FCC- endorsed decision-making process to be applied to key bay and inlet fisheries resources in the first instance.

Following the Government’s announcement DPI called for public tenders for the conduct of projects to determine the net economic and social value of alternative recreational and commercial fishing use of five key bay and inlet fisheries species. The successful tenderers commenced these projects in March 2005 for completion later this year.

Determining net economic value (benefits less costs) of recreational and commercial fishing use of the five key species will involve collecting benefit and cost information from representative samples of recreational and commercial fishers and fish consumers who have an interest in these species. This information can then be used to identify recreational and commercial allocation targets (catch shares) for each species that provide maximum net economic benefit for all Victorians.

Determining the social value of recreational and commercial fishing use of the five key species will involve the conduct of public opinion surveys to identify the preferences of Victorians for access to or benefit from alternative recreational or commercial uses of the five key bay and inlet fisheries species.

The results from both the economic and social valuation projects can be used to identify allocation targets that provide a mixture of both net economic and social benefits to Victorians from the use of these five key fisheries resources.

The economic and social valuation studies are being conducted under the guidance of a Steering Committee that includes representatives from the Fisheries Co-management Council.

Anglers Reminded to “Know Their Limits” when Fishing for Eels

A large seizure of eels near Ballarat has prompted the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) to reminding people to know their catch limit, when fishing for eels. Recently, Ballarat Fisheries Officers interviewed a man that was in possession of 25 shortfinned eels, being more than 15 over the current bag limit of 10.

In the interest of maintaining viable fisheries there are catch and possession limits to ensure over-fishing does not occur. In Victorian waters anglers are allowed to take a maximum of 10 (short and long finned) eels per day. The eels need to be landed whole or in carcass form.

© State of Victoria, Department of Primary Industries 2005 Reproduction is authorised – call 136 186 for conditions. This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purpose and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Issue 150, 21 July 2005 ISSN 1443-0592 Unauthorised river mouth opening results in major fish kill Tens of thousands of fish have been killed in the Surry River near Portland in south-west Victoria, as a result of the opening of the estuary to the ocean on Monday 11 July 2005. The mouth of the Surry River had been closed for several months, the result of a sandbar that had been built up by natural coastal processes. As a result freshwater inflows from the catchment had caused the water levels in the estuary to rise, and a large body of deoxygenated water developed. Water quality assessments undertaken by Deakin University and Environment Protection Authority revealed that the majority of the estuary was completely deoxygenated. The surface waters contained some oxygen, but this was around an eighth of the levels found in a healthy ecosystem. As a result the Glenelg Hopkins CMA did not issue a permit to open the Surry River mouth due to the threat of a fish kill. It is known that regular and repeated breaching of the barrier at the mouth of the river, prior to water levels peaking, will degrade wetlands and riparian vegetation and reduce fisheries production in the long term. A Fisheries Victoria assessment of the Surry River on Monday afternoon revealed that hundreds of fish had died. Species killed included black bream, Australian salmon, yellow-eyed mullet, tupong, hardy head, goby, galaxids and a number of crustaceans. By Tuesday, the number of fish dead was in the tens of thousands. An investigation is underway into how the fish died but it is likely the fish became trapped and suffocated in waters with little oxygen when the river- mouth was breached.

Enforcement Outcomes A person from Richmond was fined $300 for taking/possessing undersized fish and taking in excess of the catch limit. The offences occurred at Barwon Heads. Two St. Albans men were convicted and fined $750 with all gear forfeited for possessing more than twice the legal limit of abalone at Mornington. An Indented Heads man was convicted and fined $350 with fishing gear forfeited for possessing more than the possession limit of abalone at Indented Heads. A resident of NSW was convicted and fined $1500 in the Wonthaggi Court for the possession of commercial fishing equipment without authority at San Remo on Phillip Island. Lake Hume – Stocking stepped up Last week 20,000 yearling brown trout were released into Lake Hume, with another 30,000 due to be released in August. As mentioned in Fish Fax Issue 122, following an agreement that took effect in September 2004, Victoria now manages all recreational fishing in Lake Hume, while New South Wales (NSW) now manages Lake Mulwala. Of the 50,000 brown trout to be stocked, Fisheries Victoria funded 25,000 with the same number funded from Recreational Fishing Licence (RFL) revenue through the annual Recreational Fishing Grant Program. The fish stocked into Lake Hume are part of the more than 1.3 million fish normally stocked into Victorian lakes and streams each year. In addition to the brown trout, recreational fishing licence (RFL) revenue will be used to fund the release of 150,000 golden perch into Lake Eildon this year. Fisheries Victoria will also conduct an extensive creel survey of Lake Hume. The survey will indicate how many fish are being caught, the effort taken to catch the fish and the method used. The information gained from the survey will be used to further improve Victoria’s management of the Lake Hume fishery.

Channel Deepening Project – Next Steps Victorians can have a further say on the deepening of channels in Port Phillip Bay. Planning Minister Rob Hulls has released the draft guidelines for public comment on a supplementary Environmental Effects Statement for the proposal. The public has until August 9 to comment on the draft guidelines. For more details, visit www.dse.vic.gov.au.

The Low-down on Carp in Rocklands Reservoir and the Glenelg River Carp are abundant in Rocklands Reservoir but exist only in small, isolated populations in the Glenelg River, downstream of the reservoir. Controlling carp numbers in Rocklands Reservoir presents a major challenge. Fisheries Victoria conducts regular surveys to determine whether carp are spreading or increasing in number and to remove as many individuals as possible. The monitoring of the spread and numbers of carp in the Glenelg and Rockland Reservoir is ongoing; the most recent survey in February this year did not record any carp. To ensure that carp do not enter the Glenelg River, screens have been fitted to the concrete channels that drain into the river from Rocklands Reservoir by the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority. These screens are very fine metal screens that are able to filter out carp eggs. Screening to date, although successful is high maintenance and new screen designs are soon to commence construction, retaining carp and allowing environmental water entitlements to pass into Glenelg River unimpeded. The new screens will be a first, using innovative technology allowing large volumes of water to be screened down to a very small size. They are also self-cleaning. Screening releases to the Glenelg River buys time. If the carp population in the river can be stopped from growing too large there is a much better chance of success with new control measures as they become available. Members of the community are requested to contact the Glenelg-Hopkins Catchment Management Authority if they catch a carp in the Glenelg River by calling 5571 2526.

Fishers Called to Action to Stop Marine Pests Spreading

Marine pests are spreading around the world, but you can help to stop them. They can hitch-a-ride on or in your boat, your diving gear and even your trailer. Before you know it they quickly establish and infest previously healthy waters and can cause permanent and irreparable damage to our marine life.

But the good news is that by following six simple steps to keep your dive gear and boat clean you can help to stop these marine pests.

Project AWARE has launched a new campaign using 6Ds, simple steps to help stop pests spreading– every action taken will help. To promote the campaign Project AWARE will be distributing information sheets and posters to all PADI dive centres in Australia and New Zealand.

You can help to stop these and other pests from spreading further before they become a problem. Like the old saying goes - Prevention is better than cure!

1 Dislodge all plants and animals from the boat and put in a bin.

2 Drain away all water.

3 Dispose of unwanted live bait by placing it in a bin.

4 Douse your boat and equipment with fresh water.

5 Dry your boat and equipment.

6 Don't forget to apply (if appropriate) an approved anti-foulant.

The 6D's is part of the National System for the Prevention and Management of Marine Pest Incursions to protect Australia's marine waters.

For further information visit www.projectaware.org or contact: [email protected] More trout and salmon fish stockings The Department of Primary Industries stocks 1.3 million salmonids (mainly trout) and native fish (mainly Murray cod and golden perch) each year.

The trout are produced at the Snobs Creek fish hatchery and then transported in specialised trucks to release locations determined in consultation with the Victorian Recreational Fishing peak body (VRFish). The list below describes some of the larger waterbodies that have been stocked during the month of June this year. These stockings are additional to those stocked as part of the small waters program during the recent second semester schools holidays (see issue 149 of Fish-Fax on 07 July 2005).

Water Brown Trout Rainbow Chinook Trout Salmon Arboretum Dam 200 Berwick Springs Lake 1000 Blue Rock Lake 6,700 Bullarto Reservoir 500 500 Bullen Merri Lake 6,500 5,660 Dean Reservoir 500 500 Eildon Pondage Weir 278 Hamilton Lake 3,000 Morwell Lake 750 Newlyn Reservoir 4,000 Purrumbete Lake 10,000 10,000 Sambell Lake 200 St. Georges Lake 780 1,000

Abalone Traffickers Face Bans, Fines A magistrate recently enforced Victoria's tough new abalone laws when she imposed suspended jail sentences, bans and heavy financial penalties on a couple and two friends guilty of trafficking the valuable shellfish.

Magistrate Belinda Wallington also banned them from the state's coastline and marine waters for 10 years if connected in any way with abalone. She imposed fines and costs totalling more than $10,000 and ordered them to forfeit a speed boat, professional diving gear and mobile phones.

The State Government recently enacted laws to make trafficking in commercial quantities of "priority fish" subject to a maximum 10 years' jail and fines up to $250,000. This sentencing was one of the first under the new law.

Enforcement outcomes Four men from Clayton, Springvale South and St Albans have all pleaded guilty in the Frankston Magistrates Court to separate incidents of taking and concealing excess squid from the Mornington Pier. All were convicted, fined between $450 and $600 each and all seized fishing gear was ordered to be forfeited.

Anderson’s Inlet, Mallacoota Inlet and Lake Tyers have been declared fisheries reserves as part of the Government’s election commitment to recreational fishing. The fisheries reserves have been established to provide enhanced recreational fishing opportunities and to improve the management and monitoring of opportunities.

The development of a Draft AIFR Management Plan has been supported by a steering committee of interested stakeholders including the Victorian Recreational Fishing peak body (VRFish). It specifies how to manage fishing activities within the AIFR for the next 10 years. The plan includes strategies to monitor fishery trends and the status of key target species and research that will identify key fish habitats in the inlet.

The Management Plan describes: The geography of Anderson Inlet; available information on recreational fishing activities and other uses/values of the inlet and surrounds that may affect recreational fishing opportunities; Current management arrangements for fishing activities and for other relevant values/uses of the inlet and surrounds; Goals, objectives, performance indicators and actions for management of fishing activities in the AIFR; and Process for participating in management of other relevant values/uses in and around the inlet.

A copy of the Draft AIFR Management Plan can be obtained from www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing, by contacting the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Customer Service Centre on 136 186, or from the DPI Office at 310 Commercial Road in Yarram.

Further information can be obtained by attending a public briefing to be held on 2 September at Inverloch. Written submissions on the Draft AIFR Management Plan should be made by Tuesday 11 October.

Public briefing Written submissions by 11 October, 2005 Anderson Inlet Angling Club Rooms Mr Luke Cromie 88 The Esplanade Manager Fisheries Resource Planning Inverloch Fisheries Victoria, GPO 4440, Melbourne 3001 Fax 03 9658 4380 7:00pm Friday, 2 September 2005 E’mail [email protected] Lake Wartook Fish Survey Results In response to trout anglers reporting poor catch rates in Lake Wartook, Regional Fisheries staff undertook a netting survey using a combination of fyke and gill nets plus bait traps in June 2005. All equipment was worked overnight with limited daylight fishing effort. Survey Results Species Number Weight Range Av. Weight Fish Condition Brown trout 56 660 - 2,620 g 1343.2 g Fair (1.22 av.) Blackfish 4 110 - 469 g 317.5 g Redfin 13 160 - 1780 g 475.4 g Common 20 plus Galaxias Gudgeon 2 Pygmy perch 3

The results indicate that brown trout are abundant and their condition is fair to good given their current spawning condition. Stomach samples were taken from a range of fish, which indicated galaxias species were the main food source. The number, size and condition of the redfin and blackfish was also good given the time of year and restricted equipment used. An observation relating to current water conditions that may influence angler returns and perceptions of stock levels is that at the time of the survey, Wartook was below full capacity and very clear. As a consequence, a large part of the lake is less than 2 meters deep. Brown trout are present in good numbers but water conditions may lead to nocturnal feeding behaviour and stealth will be the key to their capture. Lake Wartook is annually stocked with 7,000 yearling brown trout.

More water for fish in the Thomson and Macalister Rivers

The state government has allocated an extra 10 billion litres of water per year to Gippsland's Thomson River to improve its environmental health. The extra 10 billion litres per year was the first step in meeting the Government's commitment to providing a total of an extra 25 billion litres in additional environmental flows to the Thomson and Macalister rivers per year – which are both stressed rivers - within the next 10 years.

The environmental flows for the River released will allow the river to flow more like it would naturally thus helping to achieve high priority ecological objectives by helping the rehabilitation of fish communities, thus improving fish movement up and down the river, removing sediment and improving water quality. The water allocations are part of a larger program to improve all aspects of river health for the Thomson and Macalister rivers, including re-instatement of critical river and wetland habitat.

Enforcement outcomes A Springvale man was convicted and fined $300 and had all his fishing gear forfeited in the Frankston Magistrate Court for taking excess squid on the Mornington Pier.

© State of Victoria, Department of Primary Industries 2005 Reproduction is authorised – call 136 186 for conditions. This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purpose and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Managing your Fish E Fax The Department’s first issue of Fish Fax was in December 1999 and was distributed to angling clubs, associations and some recreational fishing licence sellers. Since then, its distribution has increased substantially and has developed into one of Fisheries Victoria’s primary communication vehicles for recreational fishing issues informing recreational fishers about changes to regulations, fish stocking, special events, Ministerial announcements and enforcement news. Over time the number of subscribers that receive Fish-e-fax has increased to the point where it is now not possible to send the Fish-e-Fax to all subscribers in a single day. This has meant that some subscribers have received Fish-e-Fax at night, a situation that needs to be avoided. Individual anglers can now subscribe to Fish Fax on-line, free of charge, via http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/dpi/corporate/fish-sub.nsf/main2/ to receive Fish-e-Fax fortnightly by e- mail. In order to provide a better service a to our customers we ask that if you do you have access to an on-line computer that you subscribe to receive Fish-e-Fax by e-mail rather than by the time honoured fax. If you are not able to receive Fish-e-Fax by e-mail it is important that you fill in your details in the box and return this form to 03 9639 1384 by Wednesday 31 August in order to continue to receive Fish-e-Fax by fax. Thank you for your help.

Name of person or organisation: Fax number:

The changes followed public consultation through the release of a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) in 2003. The new controls strike a balance between maintaining a sustainable abalone fishery and supporting a legitimate commercial industry, while providing continuing access to the resource for legitimate recreational abalone fishers. By reducing the bag and possession limit in central Victorian waters, multi-tripping becomes less lucrative and more time consuming for abalone thieves. The new abalone regulations begin on September 1, 2005. Changes for the recreational abalone fishery are as follows:

Central Victorian waters (between the mouth of the Aire River and Arch Rock (Venus Bay), including Port Phillip Bay and Westernport Bay) • Bag and possession limits of 5 (of which no more than 2 can be greenlip); • Closed season (black and greenlip) except for 60 allocated days each year (see below); • Maintain the current restriction on harvesting of abalone from the central intertidal zone; and • No take of greenlip abalone from Port Phillip Bay water until further notice.

All waters • Removal of the existing closed season for greenlip abalone; • Removal of the requirement to cut the meat of recreationally caught abalone; and • Removal of the abalone boat/vehicle limit.

The nominated open days were determined in consultation with recreational abalone fishing stakeholders. The proposed allocation of the 60 days are designed to provide maximum flexibility for recreational fishers by including a variety of key holiday periods and long weekends. Periods below are inclusive of the first and last day in any period. Open days for the 2005/2006 season No. of days 1 and 2 October 2005 2 days 29 October to 1 November 2005 4 days 19 and 20 November 2005 2 days 3 and 4 December 2005 2 days 27 December 2005 to 29 January 2006 34 days 11 to 13 March 2006 3 days 25 and 26 March 2006 2 days 14 April to 18 April 2006 5 days 22 April to 25 April 2006 4 days 27 and 28 May 2006 2 days

The nominated 60 open days will be reviewed each year in consultation with key recreational fishing stakeholders to accommodate changing holiday periods and recreational fisher preferences. For further information please contact Department of Primary Industries Customer Call Centre on 136 186 or visit the Department’s website www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing.

2005 Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes Report Now Available The annual regional fisheries consultative meetings are held by Fisheries Victoria to provide a forum for discussion on fish stocking regimes, fish population surveys and other related recreational fisheries management issues.

The objectives of the meetings are to: * Review the current year's stocking plan and identify necessary modifications, * Draft next year’s stocking plan, * Identify management questions to be answered by stock or catch assessments, * Identify current fishery management issues.

Meetings involve representatives from Fisheries Victoria, Primary Industries Research Victoria (PIRVic), Victorian Recreational Fishing peak body – VRFish, Water Management Authorities, Catchment Management Authorities, Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE), and groups such as the Rex Hunt Futurefish Foundation (RHFF).

The meetings are the focal points for information from various sources, including requests and viewpoints from angler groups and individual anglers during the period leading up to the meetings. All current fish stocking requests are considered at these meetings.

The new look report will be posted to around 750 interested groups. These groups include, angling clubs and association, Water Authorities, Regional Associations, Researchers and Government Departments.

Copies of the Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes- 2005 are available by contacting the Department of Primary Industries customer Service centre 136 186. Or visit the Department’s website www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing.

By moving the fish breeding program back to DPI, the department will be able to have more control over the quality and quantity of fish to meet the objectives of the Government and the recreational fishing sector. The outsourcing of fish production meant that Victoria had previously been locked into supply contracts that had resulted in inconsistencies with the size, quality and number of fish supplied. DPI Fisheries Victoria will now be better able to control the production of fish to ensure that fish stocked into Victorian waters are produced efficiently and are of good quality.

The Department currently stocks more than 1.3 million trout, salmon and native fish into about 140 of Victoria’s inland lakes, impoundments and streams. Under the new arrangement brown trout, rainbow trout, Chinook salmon, Murray Cod and Trout cod will be produced at Snob’s Creek. Supplies of golden perch, silver perch and Australian bass will also be stocked.

Recreational fishing contributes significantly to local economies in regional Victoria with an estimated value of more than $400 million throughout the state.

Recreational Fishing Guide keeps fishers hooked The 2005-06 edition of the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide is now available.

The 2005 Guide provides the recreational fishing community with information about closed seasons, bag/possession limits and minimum size limits. The guide highlights recent changes, including new rules for recreational abalone fishing; the new guide also details where the money from recreational fishing licence revenue is spent through the Recreational Fishing Grants Program.

More than 300,000 guides are being distributed to DPI regional offices, selected tourism outlets and many of the 900 recreational fishing licence outlets across the State. This is part of the Department and the Government’s commitment to providing recreational fishing opportunities in Victoria. The government has established several Recreational Fishing Only zones in bays and inlets, overseen a 30% increase in the number of fish stocked and announced a voluntary buy-back of commercial netting licences.

Voluntary Licence Buyback for Victorian Bay and Inlet Commercial Fisheries On 28 May 2005, the Victorian Government announced a voluntary buy back program for commercial fishery access licences in Victoria’s bays and inlets. The buy back aims to improve fishing opportunities for recreational anglers and allows commercial fishers to more easily adjust out of the industry. The program is being funded by revenue generated from recreational fishing licences.

The buy back involves a single offer for all commercial fishing access licences in Corner Inlet, Gippsland Lakes and Western Port/Port Phillip Bay. Participation is voluntary and only available to those who hold an eligible licence at 1 September 2005. The buy back does not apply to holders of bait, eel and purse seine licences. The application period is now open and runs from 1 September to 31 October 2005. Payments to applicants who accept a buy back offer will be completed by 31 December 2005.

For further information call the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

Summary of July 2005 Salmonid fish stockings As part of the more than 1.3 million salmonid and native fish planned for release this year, the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) releases about 400,000 salmonids (trout and salmon). The list below is those waters that were stocked during the month of July this year.

Waterway Brown trout Rainbow trout Atlantic salmon Aringa Reservoir 500 1,000 Bullen Merri Lake 3,500 4,000 2,500 Cartcarong Lake 1,000 Fyans Lake 5,000 Gillear Lake 1,000 1,000 Gong Gong Reservoir 500 Hanging Rock Lake 500 Hepburn Lagoon 5,000 5,000 Hume Lake 24,575 Lilydale Lake 1,200 St. Georges Lake 220 Wartook Lake 7,000

In 2005, a total of 25,000 yearling trout will been released through the Small Water stocking program. Yearling trout are released into 44 lakes and ponds for the June and September school holidays and during Fishing Week in October.

The Small Waters stocking program is designed to meet increased demand and further encourage recreational fishing during the school holidays. These small waters are normally less than 5 hectares in surface area and in popular locations, primarily close to urban centres or regional towns with access such as fishing platforms and bank-side access for junior and disabled anglers. The number of fish released into each water-body varies depending upon the size of the water-body and the quality of access. Below is a full list of waters stocked with Rainbow trout for the September school holidays.

WATER No. WATER No. Alexandra Lake – Ararat 200 Kennington Reservoir - Strathdale 300 Allans Flat Dredge Hole - Allans Flat 200 Marysville Dam – Marysville 200 200 Mooroopna Rec Reserve Lake – Arboretum Dam – Euroa 100 Mooroopna Bannockburn Lagoon – Bannockburn 500 Morwell Lake – Morwell 500 Calembeen Lake – Creswick 150 Old Dunkeld Arboretum - Dunkeld 200 Cato Lake – Stawell 300 Police Paddock Dams - Horsham 600 Caulfield Racecourse Lake - Caulfield 200 Rable Park Lagoon – Murtoa 300 Emerald Lake – Emerald 750 Rowville Lakes – Rowville 750 Esmond Lake – Ballarat 200 Roxburgh Park Lake – Roxburgh Park 200 Ess Lagoon – Casterton 500 Sambell Lake – Beechworth 300 Golf Course Dam – Longwood 200 Seagull Lake – Geelong 800 Hanging Rock Lake – Hanging Rock 500 St Augustines Water Hole - Geelong 200 Heyfield Racecourse Dam - Heyfield 200 Tea Tree Lake – Mortlake 200 Hyland Lake – Churchill 1000 Tom Thumb Lake – Eaglehawk 100 Jack Emmett Lagoon – Rupanyup 300 Victoria Lake – Ballarat 400 Jack Roper Reserve – Broadmeadows 250 West Lake – Melton 250 Jubilee Lake – Daylesford 200 Yarrambat Lake 300 Jubilee Lake – Skipton 250 Gravel Mine Rehabilitation on the Delatite River The Delatite River, in north-east Victoria is a popular and important recreational trout fishery.

A 400m reach near Mansfield was part of a larger section historically degraded by commercial gravel mining. Gravel had been stripped from the streambed and adjacent floodplain, completely re-shaping the valley-floor. Prior to rehabilitation the river reach was characterised by wide shallow, warm water, with little in-stream cover or vegetation. A fish survey showed that there were plenty of trout fry but identified that there was no suitable habitat for larger trout.

Rehabilitation to establish better trout habitat was completed by the Goulbourn-Broken Catchment Management Authority in partnership with the new owners of the surrounding land – River Rock Quarries; the adjacent property ‘Gundamain’, the Rex Hunt Futurefish Foundation, and Primary Industries Research Victoria (PIRVic). Habitat improvement included restoring the natural narrower and deeper channel with a series of low-level flow deflectors. Boulders were placed to create instream fish habitat, cattle were fenced out and the bankside and instream vegetation regenerated.

In 2004/2005 PIRVic was funded by the Recreational Fishing Grants Program to conduct a survey to evaluate the success of this habitat improvement project.

This fish survey showed a 225% increase in numbers of catchable-sized brown trout. In the 400m reach, thirteen brown trout to 42cm (900g) were sampled compared to only four catchable brown trout before the rehabilitation. There was also significant increase in numbers of native two- spined blackfish (150%) and Murray crayfish (80%). Similar numbers of southern pygmy perch were found again this year in the improved habitat along with an additional small native species, the mountain galaxias.

Lake Mokoan fisherman hit with $800 fine A Melbourne man was given a suspended three-month jail sentence, fined $800 and ordered to pay $193.40 costs, for fishing offences in Lake Mokoan involving Murray cod. These penalties were in relation to exceeding the Murray cod catch limit of two and using set-lines, which are illegal.

Fisheries officers covertly observed him using set-lines to catch Murray cod. As he returned to shore after dark he was stopped by Fisheries Officers who searched his boat and found 8 Murray cod totalling 124 kg; seven of them were hidden under a false floor. The officers also found lines set in the lake and released two large Murray cod.

As he had a prior conviction for similar offences at Lake Mokoan in 2004, his 4.75 m boat, 70hp motor and trailer were also seized and ordered to be forfeited.

Murray cod are an icon Australian species and a valuable recreational fishing resource vulnerable to over harvesting by people targeting them by the use of illegal fishing equipment.

The public who observe apparent illegal fishing are encouraged to make a report to the DPI 24 hour reporting phone line - 13 FISH (3474). Helpful information includes registration numbers and descriptions of boats and cars, descriptions of people involved and the type, time, date and location of the observed activity. Hundreds of calls have already been received on the 13-FISH line resulting in dozens of penalty notices being issued and prosecutions launched.

Funding is available for the purpose of improving recreational fishing, in four project categories, including: (a) Sustainability and habitat improvement (including fish stocking); (b) Recreational fishing access and facilities; (c) Recreational fisheries research; and (d) Recreational fisheries related education, information and training.

Every year the Recreational Fishing Licence (RFL) Trust Account allocates the fees you pay for your fishing licence to projects to improve recreational fishing in Victoria. In 2004-2005 over $759,000 was allocated to 35 Recreational Fishing Grant Program projects.

Type of water Number of Total funding Other RFL Trust Account Expenditure projects from licence During 2004-2005 RFL revenue funded: sales revenue the establishment of Recreational Fishing-Only areas at Lake Tyers and Inland 8 $325,990 Mallacoota Inlet through the cancellation of Commercial Fishery Access Licences; Estuarine 2 $65,000 10 regionally based Fisheries Officers; Marine 4 $122,336 the administration of the RFL and the Recreational Fishing Grant Program; Statewide/all-waters 3 $20,692 the Victorian Recreational Fishing peak body (VRFish); Fish stocking 18 $225,840 RFL sales commissions; and RFL and RFGP-related community Total 35 $759,858 information.

Applications for fish stocking projects will close on 13 January 2006. All other project applications will close on 28 February 2006.

Any enquires regarding the Grant Program can be directed to Mr Robert Krix, Executive Officer, Fisheries Revenue Allocation Committee, PO Box 4440 Melbourne 3001. 9658 4369, or e-mail [email protected] More information is contained in the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide 2005 – 2006, available as a hardcopy from fishing stores or on the DPI website, www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing. Lake Fyans: Drying up Water levels in Lake Fyans and associated water supply reservoirs are at 9.1% capacity. Planned operations to secure domestic water supplies, coupled with normal summer evaporation, are likely to result in water levels in Lake Fyans dropping to below one metre by the end of summer. Without significant rainfall, it is quite likely that Lake Fyans will be closed for most recreational purposes this year and will effectively go dry over summer. The decreased water levels in Lake Fyans are likely to have a large impact on existing trout and redfin populations. Without significant rains over the forthcoming months, fish deaths are likely to occur due to the extremely low water levels and associated rising water temperatures. While a range of options for dealing with this situation will be canvassed by the Department with anglers via the Victorian Recreational Fishing peak body (VRFish) over the coming weeks, all current indications suggest that fish that are not caught in the coming months are almost certain to perish. Lake Fyans has been stocked with 6,000 Rainbow Trout and 6,000 Brown Trout for the last 5 or 6 years. It is estimated that approximately 6-9,000 Rainbow Trout and 12-15,000 Brown Trout over 1 kg and even larger numbers of redfin may presently be in the lake. It is a beautiful spot with good camping facilities nearby and presents a good opportunity for clubs, groups or individuals to catch some fish before they are lost to the drying conditions. Despite water levels making boat launching difficult; small aluminium boats, float tubes or wading may all yield good angling results.

Translocation of Fish in Victorian Inland Public Waters The Protocols for the Translocation of fish in Victorian Inland Public Waters document is now available on the DPI website www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing. The protocols have been developed in accordance with the Guidelines for the Translocation of Aquatic Organisms in Victoria and describe the measures that apply to the translocation of native and salmonid species for recreational fishing and conservation purposes. The protocols take account of the substantial benefits associated with well-managed stocking programs while providing a framework to minimise the potential risks associated with translocations of this nature.

River Works Assist Local Bream Populations As part of the Recreational Fishing Grant Program, funds raised from the sale of recreational fishing licences have been used to fund a $100,000 project aimed at improving fish habitat on the lower Tambo River at Swan Reach. The project involves reintroducing large woody structure to provide habitat to protect and sustain the black bream population, and to improve recreational fishing opportunities. To evaluate the effectiveness of recreating habitat, a program is looking at how and when juvenile and adult black bream use natural versus manmade structures in the Mitchell and Tambo Rivers.

Enforcement outcome A Donvale man was convicted and fined an aggregate of $250 in the Geelong Magistates Court for fishing without a licence and knowingly providing misleading information (backdating a Recreational Fishing Licence) following inspection by Fisheries Officers in Swan Bay in January this year.

© State of Victoria, Department of Primary Industries 2005 Reproduction is authorised – call 136 186 for conditions. This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purpose and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Issue 157, 27 October 2005 ISSN 1443-0592 Fisheries Victoria on Show The Fisheries Victoria stand was a big hit at the Fishing Show and Outdoors Expo held on October 20 to 23 at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. The show demonstrated the great diversity of age and experience of Victoria’s 550,000 recreational fishers and was designed to promote the great family opportunities associated with Recreational Fishing. The Fisheries Victoria stand was visited by beginners looking for tips on where to fish and old hands looking to update their knowledge. In keeping with the family friendly concept a junior fishing quiz was run that allowed young anglers to test their understanding of how our fisheries are managed. The winner of the competition (first correct entry drawn) was Saskia Giudetti who will receive a junior angler pack including rod, reel and lures. The display included fish tanks with Murray cod and brown trout, information panels on native fish, salmonids (trout and salmon), fish habitat and fish stocking programs. For the children there was a colouring and mask activity area that gave parents an opportunity to chat to Fisheries Victoria staff about recreational fishing regulations and management programs while the youngsters coloured away.

Native Fish Production Fisheries Victoria’s fish breeding and research facility at Snob’s Creek near Lake Eildon has been very busy over the past month producing native fish. Both native fish and salmonids (trout and salmon) are spawned by Fisheries Victoria to produce fish for stocking into Victoria’s waterways. After a thunderstorm on Friday 21 October, seven Murray cod spawned in specially designed brood pond nesting boxes and hatched five days later; another thunderstorm on the night of Tuesday October 24 should result in more Murray cod spawning. These two spawning events will hopefully produce half of the Murray cod for stocking this season. Staff at Snobs Creek will continue spawning of Murray cod, regularly checking the brood pond nesting boxes for eggs. Since October 18, trout cod have been induced to spawn, producing 25,000 eggs. These began to hatch on Tuesday 25 October and are expected to have an 80 % survival rate. The fish produced will be released by Fisheries Victoria into waterways of their former range as part of a Department of Sustainablity and Environment (DSE) conservation program to re-establish breeding populations of trout cod in the wild. (Trout cod is an ‘endangered’ species, thus the taking of trout cod from Victorian waters is prohibited.) In addition to native fish production, fish are being stocked into waters throughout the state. Every month the Eildon pondage continues to receive 400 large two and three year old brown trout and rainbow trout. The Peter Dundas-Smith Leadership Scholarship Do you, or do you know of anybody that makes an outstanding contribution to recreational fishing? The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) award an annual leadership scholarship in recognition of its inaugural Executive Director. Winners of the Peter Dundas-Smith Leadership Scholarship will receive $10,000 towards an activity that will improve their ability to contribute as leaders in their chosen field. Applications for the scholarship are being sought from the recreational and indigenous sectors. Applications need to be received by December 1, 2005 with the winner of the scholarship being announced by June 2006. For more information and to apply see the FRDC website www.frdc.com.au.

Duck Weed fish threat eases in Broken Creek Duck Weed in Broken Creek has dispersed in recent weeks easing the threat posed to the health of fish in the waterway. In previous years, build up of the weed associated with low flows from the upper catchment of the Broken and Boosey creeks resulted in low dissolved oxygen levels with the potential for fish deaths along the lower reaches of the creek. Fish deaths occurred in 2002. Significant sightings of duckweed (floating azolla) occurred on the lower Broken Creek in August and September this year. The Goulburn-Broken Catchment Management Authority (GBCMA) together with Goulburn Murray Water and the Environment Protection Authority responded to reduce potential impacts. High flows in the Murray River, Goulburn River and Broken River have been used to pass water through the Lower Broken Creek system, assisting to flush Azolla through the system. These flows have been timed and managed to provide base flow and small flushes in the creek system. This reduced the potential for weed to impact on water quality, in particular the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water. Close monitoring has been implemented to avert similar events.

Catch a Carp On Saturday 22nd October, Barwon Water held a Catch-A-Carp Day in Lake Colac. Entry was free and no fishing licence was required. The Catch-A-Carp Day event was designed to decrease the lakes carp population. European carp that were imported to Australia in 1872 to control algae and shellfish have become a pest in waterways. The fish, which are prolific breeders, muddy waterways while looking for food. The competition included prizes for the angler who caught the largest carp and smallest carp in various categories.

Enforcement outcomes A man has been fined $800 and had his boat forfeited for fishing offences. The man was found using a gill net in the Darling River – about 22 kilometres upstream of Wentworth. His boat, fish and fishing gear were seized and he was subsequently charged with using the gill net, possessing fish illegally, failing to pay a fishing fee and failing to mark his set fishing gear and A man pleaded guilty to landing in excess of 20 shucked undersize abalone from Fingal Beach, Cape Schanck. He was convicted and fined an aggregate of $1,500.

© State of Victoria, Department of Primary Industries 2005 Reproduction is authorised – call 136 186 for conditions. This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purpose and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Issue 158, 10 November 2005 ISSN 1443-0592 Money for Fishing Clubs - $2,500 Grants for local recreation groups to get active Local sporting clubs and leagues and other sporting and recreational associations could receive a State Government grant of up to $2,500 to buy new equipment, or invest in other initiatives that encourage exercise and community activity. The VicHealth Active Club Grants Program aims to increase the membership of sporting and recreation organisations by helping them to improve their facilities and their ability to serve their communities. Research in the sport and active recreation sector has highlighted the important role equipment plays in reducing barriers to participation in physical activity, particularly by younger participants and those most disadvantaged. Often local sport and active recreation organisations identify a need within their community for a new team or activity, but find it difficult to buy essential equipment or fund the training required to allow the team/group to start the activity. This can sometimes be the only barrier to participation, and is sometimes a one-off cost. The funding round is now open and the closing date is Friday, December 9, 2005. Guidelines and application forms can be downloaded from VicHealth’s website http://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au

Likely Fish Stock Reduction in Dwindling Lake Fyans Drought conditions have prompted Fisheries Victoria to consider permitting commercial fishers to remove fish from Lake Fyans, near Halls Gap, before the water level drops so low that fish die. As mentioned in issue 156 of Fish-e-Fax, Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water (GWM Water) with a view to securing domestic water supplies, has advised that water levels in Lake Fyans are likely to drop to around one metre during the summer. Fisheries Victoria has consulted recreational fishing stakeholders via the Victoria Recreational Fishing peak body (VRFish) and outlined the available options to address the likely fish kill. One possibility was to relax catch limits and restrictions on the number of lines allowed to be used by individuals. Another option was to allow a commercial fisher to remove fish before the water quality reached critical levels. After listening to recreational fishing concerns, it was decided not to relax the existing recreational fishing regulations at Lake Fyans. There is evidence that catch limits are already unable to be achieved and therefore this measure is likely to be ineffective. Furthermore, it has taken considerable effort to establish clear and consistent messages about sustainable fishing practices and Fisheries Victoria do not want to confuse those. The most responsible and effective means of reducing the impact of the fish kill is to reduce the biomass in the lake by engaging a commercial fisher. This reduces the wastage of fish and minimises their lingering death by suffocation. A recent decision by GWM Water to release a small amount of water into Lake Fyans from Lake Belfield, may result in fish kills being averted for up to a month. A review of water conditions will be conducted by the end of November and this will inform the future actions to be taken. In addition Fisheries Victoria will continue to monitor the stocking of drought affected waterbodies right across the state.

Flushing flows for forest and fish Rainfall across the Murray Darling Basin has enabled delivery of surplus flows (unallocated water) to waterways in the area. The water is being used for the Murray River and to increase flows to flood Gunbower Island State Forest and Barmah-Millewa State Forest. In addition to this, 67 Sunraysia irrigators have donated 1300 ML of water to help save drought- stressed Murray River red gums. This is a result of initiatives by irrigators converting from overhead sprinklers to more efficient watering practices such as drip irrigation. Despite having the option of selling the water they chose to play a role in improving river habitat. The purpose of these flows are to improve the health of river red gums and flush out the wetlands to increase breeding of native fish, frogs and birds in the forest and improve habitat for other animals such as tortoises. Research by the Department of Sustainability and Environment has found that Murray cod spawning is triggered by flood events. Increased gain and duration of flooding increases the potential to provide the right conditions for spawning and recruitment of native fish. In the case of Barmah –Millewa State Forest it has been five years since the forest experienced a flood of this kind and over time the health of the vegetation has declined. Under pre-regulated conditions, floods of this size would have happened at least every second year. Between 15,000 and 18,000 ML a day have been released from Yarrawonga Weir with flows expected to continue until summer. Fish surveys will be included as part of a monitoring program to assess the benefits of enhanced flooding.

Works completed on the Bemm River floating jetty A new floating jetty on the Bemm River has recently been completed. This was funded by $135,000 from the Boating Safety and Facilities Program and the East Gippsland Shire Council who contributed $80,000. This popular boating and fishing place in Croajingolong Park was maintained to assist the many boaters that are drawn to this beautiful fishing spot. Works included dismantling and removing the existing jetty structure and the construction of a new floating jetty. The works were funded through the 2003–2004 Boating Safety and Facilities Program administered by Marine Safety Victoria. The Boating Safety and Facilities Program is funded by re-investing recreational boat operator licensing fees and vessel registration revenue. Applications for the 2005–2006 Program are currently being assessed and successful applicants will be announced later this year. For information on the program contact Marine Safety Victoria on 1800 337 222 or visit. http://www.marinesafety.vic.gov.au

© State of Victoria, Department of Primary Industries 2005 Reproduction is authorised – call 136 186 for conditions. This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purpose and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Issue 159, 24 November 2005 ISSN 1443-0592 $3.2 million win for Recreational Fishing Recreational fishing has scored a big win with a $3.2 million boost in the Government’s Provincial Statement – Moving Forward. The Statement identified that recreational fishing is a major social and economic contributor to provincial communities and is a significant tourist drawcard. It also acknowledged that fishing is a great way for families to spend quality time together. $3.2 million will be spent improving recreational fishing facilities and infrastructure, as well as promoting opportunities for fishing as a family activity. Key initiatives will include the creation of a number of heavily stocked waters, provision of better access to areas of high recreational values and the launch of the First Fish Campaign to promote a more family friendly image of recreational fishing. The Government already stocks trout, salmon and native fish to support recreational fishing, with more than 1.3 million stocked last year throughout Victoria. This package is part of a range of initiatives to support recreational fishing in Victoria which include funding of local projects through the Recreational Fishing Grants Program, the creation of recreational only fishing zones and the return ‘in-house’ of fish production for stocking. Fisheries Victoria will consult with recreational fishing groups during the coming months with project details to be announced next year. Moving Forward is part of a $502 million action plan package for growth in provincial Victoria. For more information about the associated projects, go to www.business.vic.gov.au/movingforward.

The Rock Lobster season opens The rock lobster season opened for both recreational and commercial fishers on November 15. New figures indicate Victoria’s stocks are showing strong signs of building as indicated by an increasing trend in stock numbers, spawning biomass and catch rates. The rock lobster closed season for males runs from September 15 to November 15 inclusive, and for females from June 1 to November 15. These measures are in place to protect the spawning stock of this valuable recreational and commercial fishery. More information on rock lobster catch limits, approved fishing methods, marking and closed seasons can be found in the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide or see the website www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing. Early Golden Perch for Lake Hume 30,000 golden perch have been stocked into Lake Hume. The fish became available as surplus stock from last year, grown by one of Fisheries Victoria major suppliers. When released they have the added advantage of being almost a year older and substantially bigger than the golden perch usually released in January or February each year. These are warm water fish and the next few months will be the best time for them to grow. They will be better able to make use of the primary growing season and should be able to reach a legal, catchable size earlier. The 30,000 fish would form part of the 150,000 golden perch stocking scheduled for Lake Hume this summer.

October Fish Stocking

Fisheries Victoria successful DATE WATER SPECIES NO. fish stocking program 06/10 Anderson Lake RT 300 continued in October with 17/10 Bellfield Reservoir RT 3000 trout and salmon (salmonids) 20/10 RT 2000 being released in 23 waters 25/10 Bullen Merri Lake CS 1875 throughout the state. 27/10 CS 1900 The fish stocked included 13/10 RT 1100 close to 4,000 chinook salmon, 19/10 Eildon Pondage Weir BT 181 24,000 rainbow trout and 28/10 BT 98 22,000 brown trout. The fish 19/10 RT 18 generally consisted of 28/10 RT 147 yearlings at least 150 grams 06/10 Emerald Lake RT 300 although Eildon pondage was 13/10 Glenmaggie Lake# RT# 2000# stocked with large two and 20/10 Gong Gong Reservoir RT 500 three year fish, some over 3 kg 10/10 Guthridge Lake RT 250 in weight. 03/10 Harcourt Reservoir BT 2250 06/10 Hume Lake BT# 2035# These fish are part of more 27/10 Hyland Lake RT 250 than 1.3 million salmonid and 06/10 Jack Roper Reserve RT 250 native fish to be released this 31/10 Karkoorook Lake RT 5000 year in Victorian inland 05/10 Lauriston Reservoir BT 2250 waters. 24/10 BT 1500 27/10 Macalister River RT# 2220 RT = Rainbow trout 13/10 BT# 2000# BT = Brown trout 10/10 Narracan Lake BT 1630 25/10 RT 2400 CS = Chinook Salmon 06/10 Seagull Lake RT 700 # ~ Fin clipped fish 17/10 Tullaroop Reservoir BT# 5000# 07/10 Upper Coliban Reservoir BT 2280 24/10 BT 720 06/10 Victoria Lakes RT 200 20/10 West Lake RT 300 24/10 Wurdiboluc Reservoir BT 2000 20/10 RT 2700 13/10 Yarrambat Lake RT 250 © State of Victoria, Department of Primary Industries 2005 Reproduction is authorised – call 136 186 for conditions. This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purpose and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. 2005 Fisheries Victoria Fishing Show quiz for kids As mentioned in Fish-e-Fax 157, the Fisheries Victoria stand was a big hit at the Fishing Show and Outdoors Expo held on 20 to 23 October at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. As part of the Fisheries Victoria stand a junior fishing quiz was run that allowed young anglers to test their understanding of how our fisheries are managed. The winner of the competition (first correct entry drawn) was Saskia Giudetti a grade 4 student of Kismet Park Primary School. Peter Appleford, Executive Director of Fisheries Victoria with Erin Webb, Fisheries Officer for the Port Phillip region attended the school to present the prize for the competition – a junior angler pack including rod, reel and lures. Peter congratulated Saskia on her win and spoke of how in Victoria there are places to catch fish within easy reach of almost everyone year round, with lots of family friendly lakes and rivers to explore. Saskia was thrilled to receive the rod, reel and lures and plans to use it with her brother (who now hopes to get a rod and reel for Christmas) to get out into the outdoors with family and friends as soon as she can. More information on the great rivers, streams, lakes and impoundments to fish that are available in Victoria can be found on the DPI website www.dpi.vic.gov.au/angling.

Assessment of fish communities in the Wimmera The Wimmera Catchment Management Authority (WCMA) is undertaking a ‘baseline assessment’ of fish in the Wimmera River This assessment is from Elmhurst to Lake Hindmarsh in nine sections of the Wimmera River and its tributaries including Mt Cole, Wattle, Concongella, Mt William, Burnt, Norton, McKenzie and Yarriambiack creeks. This is to determine the location and abundance of native and exotic fish to find out how healthy native and exotic fish populations are and where they are living. Various techniques are being used to sample the fish including electro-fishing and netting This study is designed to address the lack of current data on fish species in the region. This lack of data limits Wimmera Catchment Authority’s ability to determine the best way forward for sustaining and looking after fish populations. Data collected in the first three years will provide a baseline condition assessment that will help plan future action in regard to protecting fish populations in the river system. For more information about this project, contact Paul Fennell, Water Quality Officer, Wimmera Catchment Management Authority Ph. 5382 1544.

HAVE YOUR SAY – Lake Tyers Fisheries Reserve Management Plan Fisheries Victoria is calling on recreational fishers and the community to have their say on the preparation of the Lake Tyers Fisheries Reserve Management Plan. The Management Plan is being prepared to manage fishing activities in Lake Tyers now that it has been declared a fisheries reserve to provide for enhanced recreational fishing opportunities. An important step in the preparation of the Management Plan is to seek the views of recreational fishers and other community members on values or issues associated with fishing in Lake Tyers. In particular, we would like to know: • What species of fish are the most important for recreational fishing in Lake Tyers? • What factors do the community believe are limiting their ability to target or catch these species? • How can recreational fishing opportunities be enhanced in Lake Tyers? To assist in gathering this information a public meeting will be held at the Lake Tyers Beach Community Hall (next to the Toorloo Arm Primary School, Beach Road) at Lake Tyers Beach on Wednesday 11 January 2006 starting at 7:00pm. Written submissions on fishing in Lake Tyers can also be sent to Jodie Simpson - Fisheries Planning Officer, Fisheries Victoria, 574 Main Street Bairnsdale VIC 3875 or email – [email protected] by close of business on Friday 20 January 2006. There will be further opportunities for community participation in the planning process when the draft Management Plan is released for public comment in the middle of the year. Further information can be obtained by contacting Ms. Jodie Simpson on 5152 0443 or 0418 397 131.

Inspection reveals undersized bream Two fishers were recently intercepted by Fisheries Officers with 80 undersized black bream south of Bairnsdale along the Mitchell River. Fisheries Victoria officers seized all fish, a total of 12 fishing rods and tackle on the night. The case will now go to court. The minimum size limit for bream in Gippsland Lakes and its tributaries (rivers flowing in) is 28cm and the possession limit is 10 / person per day. The size limit for bream in the Gippsland Lakes and tributaries has been increased from 26 cm to 28 cm for both recreational and commercial fishers. These measures have been introduced by Fisheries Notice to provide additional protection to dwindling Gippsland Lakes bream stocks which have been influenced by habitat and environmental factors to ensure fishing pressure does not exacerbate the situation. Members of the public who observe any apparent illegal fishing activity in the Gippsland Lakes are reminded to call 13FISH (13 3474) at any time of day, seven days a week. Murray Cod Season open The Murray Cod season opened last Thursday 1 December. Victoria sustains many wild populations of Murray cod, particularly in the lower reaches of northern flowing inland rivers. The fishery had been closed from 1 September to 30 November to provide increased protection for spawning fish. In addition, where natural spawning is insufficient to support recreational fishing, Fisheries Victoria stocks Murray cod. In the last 12 months, more than 320,000 Murray cod were stocked by Fisheries Victoria and angling organisations. The public is reminded to observe the legal minimum length of 50 cm and a bag limit of 2 fish per day of which only one can be longer than 75 cm. Limiting the number of large Murray cod caught and retained is important for sustaining the fishery, as larger fish contribute more to spawning. Random inspections by Fisheries Officers will continue across northern Victoria to ensure anglers are complying with regulations. Fisheries Victoria’s hotline for reporting illegal fishing activities, 13 FISH (13 3474) was proving a success. Anglers fishing for Murray cod are urged to report any sightings of commercial fishing gear in northern Victorian rivers and lakes.

Port Phillip Bay anglers see red Anglers are taking advantage of the exceptional number of large snapper known as “big reds” present in Port Phillip Bay. The snapper season is booming with large quantities of fish around the 3 to 5kg mark being caught by anglers, with many anglers bagging out in record time. Most of the larger fish being caught at present result from strong spawning success in summer 95/96 and 97/98 that follow on the back of reasonable spawning success in 92/93 and 94/95. Primary Industry Research (PIRVic) scientists have also reported a further highly successful spawning in summer 2000/01 that is providing a strong crop of smaller “pinky” snapper. They also suggest that solid spawning in 2003/04 and 2004/05 will hopefully see the recent good snapper seasons continue for sometime to come. Anglers need to show restraint in the amount of fish they take to help ensure everyone gets to share in the fantastic fishing currently on offer. Anglers are encouraged to only catch what they want for personal use. They must also remember it is illegal to sell fish without a proper licence. The current daily bag limit for snapper is 10 fish, all of which must be longer than 27cm, with only three of those allowed to be longer than 50cm. Fisheries Officers are actively targeting the ongoing problem of a minority of anglers who simply ignore the bag limits. Penalties for fishing offences are fines of up to $20,000 and 12 months in jail or both, as well as confiscation of fishing and related equipment. Recent surveys indicate responsible anglers do not accept illegal fishing activities and we have established a 24 hour reporting line 13-FISH (13 3474) for members of the public to provide information to help us all manage our fisheries for the future. More information on snapper is contained in the ‘Know Your Catch…’ brochure released by Fishcare that includes information on the lifecycle, migration, age and growth, biology and reproduction of snapper. It can be downloaded from the Fishcare website by clicking on the southwest page at www.fishcare.org.au or receive a copy by individual request to [email protected].

Limits Continue on Dusky Flathead and Gippsland Lakes Bream Stocks Recreational catch limits for dusky flathead in all waters, along with the increased minimum size limit for bream in the Gippsland Lakes and its tributaries, will remain in place for a further 12 months. The bag and possession limit for dusky flathead of five fish, of which no more than one may exceed 60cm, was introduced in December 2003 following concerns about increased angler catches using increasingly effective fishing methods. The minimum size limit for dusky flathead remains at 25cm. There has been widespread angler support for the dusky flathead catch limits, and monitoring has indicated that these limits have been effective in containing the size of daily bags. An increase in the minimum size limit, from 26cm to 28cm, for bream in the Gippsland Lakes and tributaries was also introduced in December 2003, following declines in catches. Gippsland Lakes bream fishery indicators have remained at low levels since. While habitat and environment conditions reducing reproduction and survival may be primarily responsible for the current low level of bream stocks, it is both necessary and consistent with sustainability principles, to maintain stricter controls on commercial and recreational bream fishing until there are signs of significant recovery. Fisheries Victoria will continue monitoring the impact of the increased size limit on fishing for Gippsland Lakes bream, and continue to consult with stakeholders on longer-term arrangements for the management of the both bream and dusky flathead.

Blue-green algae advice for Torgannah Lagoon Goulburn-Murray Water is advising the public to avoid direct bodily contact with water from Torgannah Lagoon, located near Koonoomoo (near Cobram), after monitoring detected high levels of potentially toxic blue-green algae. Blue-green algae can be dangerous to the health of humans and animals and Goulburn-Murray Water is advising water users from Torgannah Lagoon to use an alternative water supply for both stock- watering and domestic purposes. Characteristic symptoms are skin rashes or itchiness; sore eyes, ears and nose; or, if swallowed, gastroenteritis, nausea or vomiting. People with sensitive skin or allergies are at a higher risk. Goulburn-Murray Water has placed warning signs around Torgannah Lagoon, and will continue to monitor the water closely and advise of any changes in the algal status. Anyone finding a suspicious algal bloom can report it via the Goulburn-Murray Water Blue-Green Algae Hotline on (03) 5833 5785. Flathead Survival Project – Preliminary results Researchers in Queensland and Tasmania are working together to investigate factors that influence survival of dusky and sand flathead caught and released by anglers. This information will be used to develop guidelines for anglers on how best to catch, handle and release flathead to ensure maximum chances of survival. Results so far indicate that post-release survival rates for flathead are high (effectively 100%) for shallow hooked fish (hooked in the lip or mouth) and the only significant mortalities occur for deep hooked fish (hooked in the throat or gut). The Tasmanian experiments have shown high survival rates for sand flathead, except for deep-hooked fish where up to 40 percent of released fish died. Mortality of deep hooked flathead is most likely to occur shortly after capture, but those deep hooked fish that survived the initial ‘high risk’ period immediately after capture were likely to recover. Fishing trials found that catch rates of sand flathead using baited circle hooks were at least as good as those using standard J-hooks or wide-gape hooks, but that rates of deep hooking were significantly lower using circle hooks. Rates of deep hooking are consistently low (<10%) for flathead caught using lures (including soft plastics). Hooks used in the trials, from left to right: circle, wide gape, suicide and Fishing trials have also indicated that rates of deep hooking of standard J. flathead using all fishing methods increases with increasing size. Further information on suvival of released flathead and other fish species can be viewed on the National Released Fish Website at www.info-fish.net/releasefish/.

Enforcement outcomes A man pleaded guilty to the Sunshine Court of taking shellfish (periwinkles) from the Jawbone Marine Sanctuary. He was convicted and received a 12 month Community Based Order to perform 120 hours of unpaid community work; Two men pleaded guilty in Frankston Court to possessing and using a seine net without authority in the mouth of the Patterson River. Both were convicted and fined $500 each and the net ordered to be forfeited. Fortunately no fish had been caught when detected by Mornington Fisheries Officers; A man who pleaded guilty to organising the sale of 600 kg of illegal abalone for $44,960 to a policeman posing as a buyer has failed in an appeal against his sentence. The offender has been given a 10 month jail sentence, ordered to pay $27,000 costs and a pecuniary penalty of $24,000, had his car confiscated, and was banned indefinitely from having anything to do with abalone in Victorian waters; A man was sentenced to twelve months good behaviour after pleading guilty in the Dandenong Court to possessing noxious aquatic species (koi carp); Two men have pleaded guilty to a number of abalone related charges in the Frankston Court for taking in excess of the recreational bag limit of abalone from Fingal Beach at Cape Schank. Both were convicted and fined $1500 and $500 respectively; and Three men pleaded guilty to taking fish from within the Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park. Frankston Court Magistrate fined each $350 without conviction.