DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan Fisheries Management Report Series - No. 42 Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan

No. 42 October 2006

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan

October 2006

Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series No. 42

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan

Published by Department of Primary Industries Copies are also available from the website: Fisheries Victoria www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing PO Box 4440 Follow the links – Managing Fisheries, East Melbourne Victoria 3001. Management Plans and Strategies. © The State of Victoria, 2006. Disclaimer This publication is copyright. No part may be This publication may be of assistance to you, but produced by any process except in accordance the State of Victoria and its employees do not with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. guarantee that the publication is without flaw or is Reproduction and the making available of this wholly appropriate for your particular purposes material for personal, in‐house, or non‐commercial and therefore disclaims all liability for an error, purposes is authorised on the condition that: loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. • The copyright is acknowledged as the owner; This management plan cannot be used in a court of • No official connection is claimed; law. Fishing laws change from time to time. It is • The material is made available without charge your responsibility to ensure that you are acting or cost; and within the law. If you are in doubt seek independent legal advice. • The material is not subject to inaccurate, misleading or derogatory comment. For further information on this management plan or on recreational fishing in general, contact the Requests to reproduce or communicate this Department of Primary Industries Customer material in any way not permitted by this licence Service Centre by telephone on 136186 or visit the (or by the fair dealing provisions of the Copyright Department’s web site at Act 1968) should be directed to the Nominated www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing/ Officer Copyright, 1 Spring Street, Melbourne, 3001. For further information on the activities of the Victorian Recreational Fishing peak body (VRFish) Authorised by Victorian Government, telephone (03) 9854 6167 or visit the VRFish web 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne. site at www.vrfish.com.au ISSN: 1448‐1693 For more information about DPI visit the website ISBN: 1 74146 852 3 at www.dpi.vic.gov.au or call the Customer Service Centre on 136 186 Printed by Classic Colour Copying, Melbourne

Preferred way to cite this publication: Department of Primary Industries (2006). Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 2006. Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series No. 42

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan ii

Table of Contents

Executive summary ...... 1

Introduction ...... 2 Glenelg Hopkins Region ...... 2 Management units...... 4 Lakes ...... 4 Impoundments ...... 4 Estuaries...... 5 ...... 5 ...... 6 Portland Coastal Basin rivers...... 6 Hopkins Basin Rivers...... 6 Biology and ecological requirements of key indigenous target species...... 6 Biology and ecological requirements of key non‐indigenous target species ...... 9 Commercial fishing...... 10

Current management arrangements ...... 11 Legislative & policy framework ...... 11 Recreational fishing regulations...... 14 Management of non‐fisheries issues...... 14

Preparation of the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan ...... 17 Steering committee...... 17 Planning process...... 17 Public consultation...... 17

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan ...... 19 Scope of plan...... 19 Definition of the fishery...... 19 Duration of the plan...... 19 Review of the management plan...... 19 Requirements of the Fisheries Act 1995 ...... 20 Management goal and objectives ...... 20

Sustainable use of fish resources ...... 21 Strategy 1 ‐ Demonstrate the sustainable use of key recreational fish species ...... 21

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan iii Recreational fishing opportunities...... 24 Strategy 2 ‐ Maintain stock‐enhanced fisheries within the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery...... 24

Maintenance of fish habitat ...... 25 Strategy 3 ‐ Identify habitat requirements of key recreational target species...... 26 Strategy 4 ‐ Support programs for the management of pest species ...... 26

Issues affecting recreational fishing...... 28 Strategy 5 ‐ Improve access to fisheries resources...... 28

Research and monitoring...... 34 Planning and priorities...... 34 Potential funding sources ...... 34

Fisheries compliance for the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery...... 36

Management plan implementation ...... 38

References ...... 39

Glossary...... 42

Abbreviations...... 43

Appendices ...... 44 Appendix 1: Membership of steering committee ...... 44 Appendix 2: Lakes and Impoundments of Glenelg Hopkins Fishery and key recreational fishing species.....45 Appendix 3: Family Fishing Lakes of the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery ...... 46 Appendix 4: Fish species in estuaries of Glenelg Hopkins Fishery...... 47 Appendix 5: Fish stocking programs for the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery ...... 48 Appendix 6: Ministerial guidelines ...... 49 Appendix 7: Issues raised during public consultation to be prioritised by VRFish ...... 50

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan iv

Executive summary

The purpose of the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Hopkins Fishery, to allow for the number of Management Plan is to specify the objectives, fishery monitoring programs to be adjusted in strategies and actions for managing fishing response to changes in fishing pressure. activities within the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery. • Implementation of a monitoring program to The Glenelg Hopkins Fishery includes all inland assess the sustainability of the current waters (as defined in the Fisheries Act 1995) in the recreational harvest of Glenelg spiny crayfish. area administered by the Glenelg Hopkins • Literature review of the habitat and Catchment Management Authority. The fishery, environmental conditions required to sustain for the purposes of this managment plan, does not the production of black bream, mulloway, include commercial bait and eel fishing as these estuary perch. are managed through commercial licensing • Collection of information on in‐stream and processes for bait, and additionally for commercial riparian habitat data for Glenelg spiny crayfish. and recreational take of eels through the Victorian • Ongoing stocking of fish in support of Eel Fishery Management Plan. recreational fishing in suitable waters. The Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan • Continue implementing the Glenelg River Carp prescribes fishery management arrangements in Management Plan as appropriate, and accordance with a nationally agreed framework for participate in its review in 2006. applying the principles of Ecologically Sustainable • VRFish to liaise with anglers, land managers Development to fisheries. and water authorities to identify and lodge applications for new, or upgrade of existing The Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan boat launching facilities; seek improvements to describes: the main fishing waterways and key road and track access to fisheries resources; and recreational target species; current management actively represent anglersʹ interests in the arrangements for recreational fishing activities; decommissioning of Konongwootong goals, objectives, performance indicators, targets Reservoir. and actions for management of recreational fishing activities; and processes for participating in If information from the above programs indicates a management of other relevant issues, to ensure need to alter fishery management arrangements in possible negative consequences to fish habitat are the future to ensure sustainable use or to meet identified and responsible agencies notified. changing demands for recreational fishing opportunities, then changes will be considered in In view of the lack of detailed information on consultation with stakeholders. recreational fishing and key fish habitats in the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery, most existing fishery Annual progress reports and a five‐year review management arrangements will initially remain process will allow fishery management unchanged while the focus is on establishing arrangements for the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery to programs to monitor fishery trends and the status be adapted to changing future circumstances, of key target species. ensuring sustainable use of fisheries resources with optimum economic and social benefits to the Actions to be implemented in the next five years community. include: A Glenelg Hopkins Reference Group will be • Recruitment of research angler diarists for black established to work with the Department of bream and estuary perch in the Primary Industries to deliver the desired and Glenelg River estuaries, and mulloway in management outcomes for the Glenelg Hopkins the Glenelg River estuary. Fishery. It is proposed that the Glenelg Hopkins • Implementation of a monitoring program that Reference Group include representatives will collect information on angler visitor nominated by VRFish, Fisheries Victoria and the numbers (as a coarse measure of fishing Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management pressure) over time, in estuaries of the Glenelg Authority.

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 1 Introduction

The Fisheries Division (Fisheries Victoria) of the The process used to prepare this management plan Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is was guided by the Fisheries Act 1995 (the Act) and responsible for ensuring Victoriaʹs fisheries overseen by a steering committee (Appendix 1). resources are sustainable managed. A key task in Details of the planning process are outlined on sustainable management is the development and page 17. implementation of fishery management plans. The goal of the GHFMP is to manage fisheries Fishery management plans specify the objectives, resources of the inland component of the Glenelg strategies, actions and performance measures for Hopkins Region in accordance with ESD managing fishing activities in accordance with the principles. This includes identifying the habitats principles of Ecologically Sustainable and aquatic environments on which fisheries Development (ESD). resources depend, and enhancing the social and economic benefits to all Victorians. Apart from eel fishing (which is managed through the Victorian Eel Fishery Management Plan) and a small commercial bait fishery, the primary fishing Glenelg Hopkins Region activity in Victoriaʹs rivers, tributaries, freshwater The Glenelg Hopkins Region lies in the south west lakes and some estuaries is recreational fishing. As of Victoria covering an area of over 25,000 km2. such, inland fishery management plans focus on The region stretches between in the east managing recreational fishing activities with the and the South Australian border in the west, and aim of enhancing social, environmental and between the towns of Ararat and Harrow in the economic outcomes. Inland fishery management north and the coastline of Victoria in the south plans also recognise the importance of fisheries (GHCMA 2004) (Figure 1). resources to Indigenous communities. Volcanic activity from millions of years ago has Effectively managing inland fisheries requires the played a significant role in defining the contours of implementation of appropriate fisheries the region, including shaping the path and location management tools (eg bag and size limits), but also of many rivers, tributaries and natural lakes. a recognition that other anthropogenic activities in The waterways of the region are sustained by the catchment are equally, if not more important, relatively consistent rainfall when compared with in sustaining fish stocks. Therefore, inland fishery other regions in Victoria and . Average management plans must be prepared with a strong yearly rainfall is 700 mm/year, with higher focus on establishing partnerships with relevant averages generally occurring near the coast. catchment and water management agencies. Approximately 81% of the Glenelg Hopkins The Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Region has been cleared for agricultural industries Authority (GHCMA) is one of 10 Catchment (www.glenelg‐hopkins.vic.gov.au), particularly for Management Authorities that have responsibility the farming of sheep, beef cattle, cropping and for managing catchments and waterways in dairying in the higher rainfall areas in the south. Victoria, which is achieved through the These staple primary industries are now development and implementation of Regional complemented by the production of grapes, herbs, Catchment Strategies and their substrategies, cut flowers and plantation grown timbers. Regional River Health Strategies (RRHS). In order to create effective alignment of catchment and fishery management strategies, and the efficient delivery of management actions, the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan (GHFMP) has been aligned with the boundaries of the GHCMA. The GHFMP specifies the goals, objectives, strategies, actions and performance measures that will be used to manage fishing activities in the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery over the next five years.

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 2

Figure 1: Map of the Glenelg Hopkins Region showing the major towns and rivers, lakes and impoundments

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 3 The Glenelg Hopkins Region had a population of consultation undertaken during the development 95,850 in 2001, with most of these people living in, of the GHFMP. These information sources were or near, townships such as , Portland also used to provide a basic qualitative description and Hamilton. The people of the Glenelg Hopkins (low, medium or high) of the likely fishing effort. Region value the waterways and surrounds, and participate in activities such as fishing, boating, Lakes waterskiing, canoeing, bushwalking and camping The Lakes management unit refers to all naturally (GHCMA 2004). formed static waterways that support, or have supported, fish species targeted by recreational Management units fishers across the Glenelg Hopkins Region. To more easily identify and describe issues, the Some lakes have experienced periods of low water Glenelg Hopkins Region has been divided into the levels, but have been listed in recognition of the following fisheries management units. opportunities that they might provide upon the • Lakes return of water to these areas. The most popularly • Impoundments fished lakes and the key recreational target species • Estuaries are described in Appendix 2. • Glenelg River Licensed commercial fishing for short‐finned eels • Wannon River occurs in most lakes within the region. The harvest • Portland Coastal Basin Rivers of eels is of particular importance to Indigenous communities. • Hopkins Basin Rivers The Lakes management unit also includes These fisheries management units provide a waterways managed as part of Fisheries Victoriaʹs balance between representing an area at a scale Family Fishing Lakes. This program stocks on‐ fine‐enough to allow for the easy detection of grown trout into selected urban lakes and issues; providing enough scope for common issues ornamental ponds that allow easy access for young to be grouped together and addressed by a and disabled anglers in close proximity to regional strategic approach; and recognising other agenciesʹ centres. Small Waters in the Glenelg Hopkins models of investment (particularly the GHCMA) Region are detailed in Appendix 3. to allow the establishment of partnerships for management outcomes at common geographic scales. Impoundments Impoundments of the Glenelg Hopkins region Management units are being used as a tool to assist includes those artificially formed static waterways in the identification and prioritisation of issues at a that support, or have supported, fish species strategic level. Management units will not be used targeted by commercial or recreational fishers. as a vehicle for introducing different fishing The impoundments and key recreational target regulations at smaller spatial scales within the species in this management unit are detailed in inland waters of the Glenelg Hopkins Region. Appendix 2. Therefore, the need for detailed descriptions of boundaries (eg between estuarine and the The most popular impoundments for recreational freshwater parts of rivers) is largely redundant and fishing are Aringa Reservoir, Hamilton Lake, are not provided in the GHFMP. Konongwootong Reservoir and Rocklands Reservoir. The Glenelg River, Portland Coastal Basin Rivers and Hopkins Basin Rivers management units Wannon Water currently manages include the freshwater parts of rivers and creeks Konongwootong Reservoir as a potable water only, as their estuarine sections are included in the supply for the town of Coleraine. Wannon Water Estuaries management unit. will decommission the reservoir in the next three to four years. The recreational fishing value of this The following sections provide information on the waterway will be recognised during the recreational fishing species for each management decommissioning process (page 29). unit. Information has been obtained from the Guide to Inland Angling Waters of Victoria Carp were discovered in Rocklands Reservoir in (http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/angling/), reports from 2000 and are now the subject of a Carp Fisheries Victoria regional staff and through public Management Plan prepared by the GHCMA (page 15).

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 4

Estuaries The re‐formation of the salt wedge (after it has Estuaries within the Glenelg Hopkins Region been flushed out from high river flows) is an include the Glenelg River, Portland Canal, Surry important part in the reproductive cycle of , , Lake (including bream (Sherwood & Backhouse 1982). Eumerella and Shaw Rivers), Some estuaries of the Glenelg Hopkins Region (including Belfast Lough), and have wetland habitats that are environmentally Hopkins River. significant and are listed in the Directory of The estuaries of the Glenelg Hopkins Region Important Wetlands in Australia support a diverse range of fish species. The key (http://www.deh.gov.au/water/wetlands/database/ recreational target species include black bream, directory/vic.html#vicsummary). The directory is mulloway and estuary perch. Other species aimed at raising public awareness of wetland sites targeted by anglers across the different estuaries and provides a basis for land managers and the are detailed in Appendix 4. community to undertake actions that will contribute to the conservation of wetlands. The The seaward boundary of each estuary is directory lists approximately 150 wetlands of described by the extent of inland waters in the Act which 22 occur in the Glenelg Hopkins Region. (Definition of the fishery, page 19). The inland These include the Glenelg estuary, Lower Merri limits of each estuary (beyond which the river is River wetlands, Yambuk wetlands and Glenelg considered to be freshwater) have not been River. described. Recreational fishing effort is relatively high in most The types of fish species found within an estuary estuaries of the Glenelg Hopkins Region. Some are often influenced by the opening and closing of anglers in the region have reported an increase in the estuary entrance. Estuaries will often naturally fishing pressure in the estuaries due to a lack of close during periods of low flow, resulting in sand opportunities in inland waters as a result of build up at the estuary mouth. The sand bar that drought conditions. forms prevents the mixing of estuary water with the sea. The sand bar can be breached naturally, Estuaries of the Glenelg Hopkins Region are of which occurs when pressure builds from high value to Indigenous communities. increasing water levels behind the bar, or artificially by mechanical equipment such as Glenelg River excavators (GHCMA 2004a). The Glenelg River management unit includes the Glenelg River (the largest river in the region), Many of the estuaries of south‐west Victoria, , , and particularly the deeper ones, undergo stratification Crawford River. due to a difference in densities between freshwater and saltwater. These estuaries are often described The rivers and tributaries of this management unit as ‘salt wedge’ estuaries. support numerous fish species, including the recreationally targeted redfin, river blackfish, During winter and spring, very high flows of yabbies and Glenelg spiny crayfish. Below freshwater move down the rivers, which push out Rocklands Reservoir, the Glenelg River and and replace the salt water (or mix with any tributaries also have populations of brown trout remaining saltwater and reduce its salinity), and short‐finned eel. creating a water column with a uniform distribution of low salinity water. In 2001, small numbers of carp were discovered in the Glenelg River below Rocklands (Carp Control Once the freshwater flood flow decreases, the page 15). A population of Australian bass incoming tidal seawater (that has a higher density) (Macquaria novemaculeata) resulting from an slides in under the freshwater and remains unauthorised translocation has also been detected separate from it. The thickness of this salt wedge in the Glenelg River below Rocklands Reservoir. and its distance upstream will fluctuate depending Australian bass are non‐indigenous to this area of on differences in the amount of fresh or salt water Victoria and pose an environmental risk. entering the estuary. As the saline water does not easily mix with the fresh water above, it has no Angler access to some rivers can be limited, for means of getting oxygen from the surface. Over example the Glenelg River between Fulham Bridge time, biological activity within the wedge will use and Dergholm, due to large tracts of private up the available oxygen and it will become totally property that border the river. anaerobic.

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 5 Recreational fishing effort is considered to be low Hopkins Basin Rivers to medium for most rivers of this management The Hopkins Basin covers an area of 10,096 km2 unit. and includes the Hopkins River and the regularly fished tributary, Mt Emu Creek. The basin also Wannon River includes the independent waterway of the Merri The Wannon River is the second largest river in the River. Glenelg Basin. A number of tributaries flowing The Hopkins River starts near Ararat and finishes from the feed the early as an estuary at Warrnambool, having a total stages of the river as it flows through low forest length of nearly 260 km. The freshwater sections of and farmland before reaching Nigretta Falls where the river support populations of short‐finned eel, it enters the Glenelg River. redfin, river blackfish and brown trout. The upper sections of the river have limited flows Mt Emu Creek begins to the north of Beaufort and during some periods of the year, often during travels the length of the Basin until it meets the summer, but there are usually enough pools to Hopkins River above Warrnambool. Fish species support populations of redfin, brown trout and targeted by anglers include brown trout, redfin river blackfish. and short‐finned eel. Populations of Macquarie perch were stocked The Merri River is located in the south‐west corner between Nigretta Falls and in the of the Hopkins River Basin. The Merri River begins 1920s and reports in the 1990s suggest that a near Penshurst and finishes as an estuary in population still exists. Warrnambool. The freshwater sections hold Macquarie perch are indigenous to the tributaries populations of brown trout, short‐finned eel, river of the Murray‐Darling system and are a relatively blackfish and redfin. rare freshwater species that has been listed as Most rivers in the Hopkins Basin are in poor endangered under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee environmental condition, mostly as a result of Act 1998. Although they can be taken from some extensive land clearing practices (GHCMA 2003). waters, a Governor in Council order does not Most rivers have little riparian vegetation and allow them to be taken from the Wannon River. have elevated salinity, sedimentation and nutrient Recreational fishing effort in the Wannon River is levels. considered to be medium. Recreational fishing effort is considered to be low (in upper reaches) to medium (in lower reaches) of Portland Coastal Basin rivers rivers in this management unit. The Portland Coastal Basin covers an area of 3,995 km2. Almost the entire Basin is a flat plain of Biology and ecological volcanic rock with a coastal strip of dune complex. Land use is primarily grazing and broad acre requirements of key indigenous cropping. The Surry River, Fitzroy River, Darlots target species Creek, Eumerella River, and Moyne Black bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri) River are the main freshwater rivers in this basin. Black bream is an endemic species, which inhabits Most rivers of the Portland Coastal Basin are in estuarine waters of southern Australia to Western poor environmental condition having limited Australia (Kailola et al 1993). riparian vegetation, elevated nutrients and Black bream may be found inhabiting problems with salinity (Mitchell 1990). beds around structures and snags and may be Freshwater sections of these rivers support caught over seagrass, mud and sand substrates populations of short‐finned eels, tupong and river (Kailola et al 1993; Cashmore et al 2000). Black blackfish. Some of the rivers also support small bream are rarely found at sea, although adult black populations of brown trout. bream are known to undertake migrations between estuaries (Hall 1984). The rivers of the Portland Coastal Basin are highly valued by Indigenous communities. Adult black bream are considered to be opportunistic feeders primarily utilising bivalve Apart from the Moyne River, recreational fishing and gastropod molluscs, prawns and crabs, effort is considered to be low in most of the rivers. polychaete worms and other small demersal fish

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 6

(Rigby 1982; Kailola et al 1993; Cashmore et al Mulloway (Argyrosomus japonicus) 2000). Mulloway are found in waters from Bundaberg in Queensland, around southern Australia to North Larvae and small juvenile black bream are found West Shank in Western Australia. They are a primarily amongst seagrass beds which provide coastal fish and can be found in a variety of ideal habitat conditions including the availability habitats including the lower reaches of rivers, of small invertebrate prey and adequate shelter estuaries, bays, inlets, along ocean beaches and in (Kailola et al 1993; Cashmore et al 2000). open waters to a depth of 150 m (Kailola et al Spawning usually occurs from August to January 1993). While mulloway are common in western in any given year; however, it may begin later in Victorian waters, they are much less abundant east more westerly estuaries (Cadwallader & of Melbourne (Kailola et al 1993). The species is Backhouse 1983). highly prized by recreational anglers. Female black bream first spawn at approximately Mulloway can live for 30 years and reach sexual 24 cm in total length and can release between maturity at 6 years when they are 75 cm long 300,000 and 3 million eggs (per event) depending (Kailola et al 1993). Mulloway spawn in the surf on environmental conditions. Males become zones close to ocean beaches from late spring to sexually mature at 22 cm (Kailola et al 1993). summer (Kailola et al 1993). Nothing is known of the larval life‐stage though it is thought larvae The survival of black bream larvae appears to be remain in open coastal waters for several months heavily dependent on suitable salinity and water (Kailola et al 1993). Small juveniles enter temperature conditions as well as food and habitat estuaries/rivers when they are 5 to 10 cm in length. availability (Kailola et al 1993; Cashmore et al Juveniles are thought to have wide salinity 2000). tolerances. Estuary perch (Macquaria colonorum) One to 2 year old juveniles are most common in Estuary perch are resident in estuaries along the New South Wales estuaries from February to coast of Victoria (Williams 1970). Estuary perch September while young adults can be found in occur in tidal estuaries, rivers and sometimes also embayments and estuaries from September to in freshwater lakes (Allen 1989). October (Kailola et al 1993). Little is known of the early life history stages of Mulloway feed on a variety of fish including estuary perch, but nursery areas for small juveniles yellow‐eye mullet, garfish and juvenile mulloway, are thought to be in the upper reaches of estuaries. crabs, prawns and worms (Kailola et al 1993). Larger juveniles and adult perch are known to be associated with submerged tree branches and This is a highly mobile species and tagging studies seagrass beds where they can shelter and feed as conducted in New South Wales indicate individual ambush predators on smaller fish and crustaceans. fish can travel hundreds of kilometres between estuaries. Mulloway appear to occur in the Adults migrate into areas of high salinity where estuarine reaches of the Glenelg River throughout spawning occurs in response to rising the year. Sizes generally range from 30 cm to 90 cm temperatures. This occurs in November or in length. Smaller mulloway have been observed December in Victoria when water temperatures in the Crawford River, a tributary of the Glenelg reach 14 ‐ 16 °C (Allen 1989). Spawning may also River. Mulloway are also found in the Yambuk be triggered by the freshwater flush that occurs Lake, Moyne River and Hopkins River estuaries after the spring rains in September to November (Appendix 4). (N Marine 2000, pers. comm.). In some cases they have been reported to migrate into freshwater Yellow‐eye mullet (Aldrichetta forsteri) sections of the Hopkins River (L Gunthorpe 2000, Yellow‐eye mullet inhabit bays, estuaries and open pers. comm.). Estuary perch spawn in areas with coastal waters of Victoria’s coastline, where they submerged aquatic plant beds in brackish water school and form aggregations over sand and mud adjacent to deep banks. substrates (Kailola et al 1993). Yellow‐eye mullet have broad salinity and temperature tolerances Eggs and larvae remain in the water column for and have been reported in both brackish and open 2 to 3 days prior to hatching. Juvenile perch ocean waters. remain in areas of high salinity before moving into lower salinity areas as they grow older (Koehn & Yellow‐eye mullet can reach up to 40 cm in length O’Connor 1990) and may congregate in schools (Hall 1984) and mature at about 2 to 3 years of age until they reach 7 cm in length. Larger fish do not (Harris 1968). Mature fish form large aggregations appear to display schooling behaviour.

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 7 in coastal waters and marine embayments prior to Glenelg spiny crayfish are listed as Threatened spawning (cited in Gunthorpe & Hamer 2000). under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) because of their restricted distribution, decline In Victorian waters, spawning may occur from late in range, lack of knowledge of their population spring until autumn (Ramm 1986; Rigby 1984). The numbers, slow growing life history and low spawning locations and details of the larval life of annual reproductive capacity. yellow‐eye mullet in Victorian waters are not well understood, but spawning is suggested to occur The species is also considered vulnerable to habitat predominantly in coastal waters outside bays and threats including clearing of riparian vegetation, inlets (Chubb et al 1981; Jenkins et al 1996). agriculture, and impacts of overfishing, as identified in the Department of Sustainability and When they attain a size of 30 to 40 mm in length, Environmentʹs Action Statement for Glenelg spiny juvenile yellow‐eye mullet move into Victorian crayfish (DSE 2005). bays and estuaries from late summer through to early spring (Ramm 1986; Jenkins et al 1993; Short‐finned eel (Anguilla australis) Jenkins et al 1996; Robertson 1978). Juveniles are Short‐finned eels are widespread from southern abundant in shallow water over seagrass and Queensland to South Australia (Cadwallader & unvegetated sand habitats, but are less common Backhouse 1983). They are found in a range of over shallow reefs (Jenkins et al 1993; Jenkins et al habitats including upper reaches of rivers, 1996). estuaries, lakes and swamps in the region. Yellow‐eye mullet are omnivores, with broad Mature short‐finned eels migrate from freshwater dietary requirements. Young juveniles feed mainly to estuaries in late spring and early summer, on zooplankton. Older juveniles and adults feed before migrating out of estuaries into ocean waters on detritus, plankton, filamentous algae, during late summer and early autumn (Koehn & polychaetes (marine worms) and other small O’Connor, 1990). Spawning is thought to occur in invertebrates (Thompson 1957; Rigby 1984). the Coral Sea off the north east of the Queensland However, algae may dominate the diet of larger coast. Adults are thought to die after spawning. fish (Edgar et al 1993). The leptocephali (larvae) and glass eels (small juveniles) drift south on the east Australian current Yellow‐eye mullet are commonly found in the and may spend 1 to 3 years in ocean waters before Moyne River, Merri River and Hopkins River the glass eels move into estuaries at about estuaries. It is likely that adult yellow‐eye mullet 50‐70 mm in length. The annual migration of glass feed just outside of the river mouth and move in eels into Victorian estuaries occurs from May in and out of the river. All of the other western inlets the east of the state and continues until about have river mouths that close over periodically, October in the west (Koehn & O’Connor 1990). which consequently restricts the entry and egress of shoals of mullet. Eels in the brown elver stage (larger juveniles) migrate from estuaries into freshwater from about Glenelg spiny crayfish (Eustacus bispinosis) late spring and during summer. Migrations of Glenelg spiny crayfish belong to the genus brown elvers are triggered by reduced river flow Eustacus, of which there are ten known species that and increasing water temperature. High river occur in Victoria (DSE 2005). Eustacus bisponosis is flows during this period could inhibit upstream characterised by heavy claws and a spiny migrations. Weirs and barriers can inhibit appearance, with distinctive thoracic spines and upstream migration or increase predation on the abdominal spines. migrating elvers. Glenelg spiny crayfish are usually found in Glass eels may be found over seagrass in estuaries flowing streams with riparian vegetation within and may seek shelter in mud or vegetation. Short‐ the Glenelg River and its tributaries. Their range is finned eels are generally a still‐water species known to extend up to 320 m above sea level into preferring slow, silty stream habitats. Whilst the the Grampians in the northern parts of the Glenelg annual migration of brown elvers to freshwater River Basin (DSE 2005). occurs in spring/summer, they may spend several Glenelg spiny crayfish can take around 8‐11 years years in estuaries before undertaking this to reach maturity (Honan and Mitchell 1995). migration (Koehn & O’Connor 1990). Females breed once per year and have few large Short‐finned eels can take many years to reach eggs (63‐112) that are carried under the tail for up maturity. Males may not leave freshwater for the to seven months, hatching in October to December sea until 8‐12 years of age and females until 10‐20 (Honan & Mitchell 1995). years of age (Koehn & O’Connor 1990).

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 8

When inhabiting freshwater, eels are nocturnal. Species like trout may not be able to complete all They are bottom feeders that rely heavily on their stages of their life cycle and may be limited in strong sense of smell to find food. Feeding may be production due to unsuitable environmental more intense in spring and summer (Cadwallader conditions in the Glenelg Hopkins Region. & Backhouse 1983). They are predominantly Management of these species usually requires carnivorous, feeding on a wide range of aquatic alternate management intervention through organisms, such as insects, crustaceans, worms, regular stocking regimes. molluscs, fish (including other eels) and frogs. Brown trout (Salmo trutta) River blackfish (Gadopsis marmoratus) Brown trout are native to the cool and cold waters River blackfish are widely distributed throughout of Europe, and were introduced to Australia in the Victoria and are found above and below the Great 1860s as a recreational sport fish (McDowall 1996). Dividing Range (DPI 2003a). Across the Glenelg Its distribution has increased through a Hopkins Region the species is found in many combination of translocation and migration. rivers and tributaries. This species is distinct from The ideal habitats for this species are cool, well‐ the two‐spined blackfish (Gadopsis bispinosis) that is oxygenated waters, such as rivers and streams typically found in north‐eastern Victoria. with moderate to fast flow. Brown trout are also The preferred habitat of the river blackfish supported by lakes and impoundments where includes cool, clear streams with a gravel, cobble suitable water quality, habitat and food exist. or boulder substrate and abundant cover. Brown trout can sometimes be found in marine Introduction of artificial habitats in the form of systems such as the Moyne and Merri River boulders and woody debris to otherwise sparse estuaries. waterways has drastically increased the Spawning season extends from autumn into abundance of the species ‐ confirming its winter. Fish migrate upstream into smaller preference for instream habitat and providing tributaries and feeder streams, or spawn locally in shelter where high water velocities is provided resident rivers. Trout require a gravel substrate for (Koehn 1987). the deposition of eggs to ensure sufficient oxygen Spawning occurs in spring and early summer. supply. Eggs are laid in areas of low water velocity such as Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) hollow logs and between boulders; artificial Rainbow trout are native to the Pacific coast of structures such as PVC pipes also provide North America. The species was introduced to successful spawning habitat (Koehn & OʹConnor Australia in the 1890s from New Zealand where it 1990). had previously been introduced from California. As was the case with brown trout, it was Biology and ecological introduced to satisfy a sport fishing market requirements of key non‐ (McDowall 1996). indigenous target species Rainbow trout are able to tolerate slightly higher Non‐indigenous target species are species that are water temperatures than brown trout. This species not naturally present but provide important tends to be more successful in lakes than in rivers recreational fishing opportunities in the Glenelg and streams. Generally, when brown trout and Hopkins Region. Trout are a non‐indigenous rainbow trout are together, brown trout tend to species that provide a major social and economic dominate. contributor for regional communities. Spawning requirements for this species are similar While these species provide important social and to those of brown trout, although they spawn later economic benefits to regional communities, their in the year, during winter and early spring. management requires consideration of the adverse Redfin (Perca fluviatilis) impact they may have on indigenous species. Redfin, also known as English perch, was Wager and Jackson (1993) reported that trout introduced from Europe during the 1860s species have had a major impact on indigenous (McDowall 1996). fish species, being implicated in the decline of several species such as native galaxiid and pygmy Redfin prefer lakes and still, slow flowing rivers perch, as well as in predation on juveniles of with abundant aquatic vegetation. Vegetation Australian grayling and Macquarie perch. plays an important role in the life cycle of redfin. During spawning the female disperses eggs amongst aquatic plants and submerged logs.

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 9 Redfin are known to be susceptible to the lethal The wild short‐finned eel component of the fishery endemic virus, epizootic haematopoietic necrosis is comprised largely of migrating adult eels. The virus (EHNV), particularly during summer reliance of the existing commercial eel fishery in months. During an initial epidemic, high adult and Victoria on this component of the fishery is juvenile mortality occurs. In endemic areas, most consequently very great, particularly during mortalities occur in juveniles. Infection is periods of drought when productivity from stock‐ characterised by necrosis of the renal enhanced waters is low. There are currently four hematopoietic tissue, spleen, liver and pancreas. licence holders operating in the Glenelg Hopkins Region. Redfin feed on a variety of aquatic species, including molluscs, crustaceans and small fish. The commercial fishery is input managed, with limited entry, gear restrictions and water allocation Commercial fishing the main management controls. There is no Total Bait licences Allowable Catch (TAC) set. Three bait licences presently operate in coastal and Commercial harvesting of eels in the Glenelg estuarine waters within the Glenelg Hopkins Hopkins Region occurs in the Portland and Region. These licences allow for the harvest of bait Hopkins River Basins. The following specified species using prescribed commercial fishing waters are allocated to various licensed equipment. commercial fishers for that purpose: Eumerella Apart from coastal marine waters, most recent River downstream of bridge, including Yambuk Lake; Lake Gillear; Merri River effort has focussed on collection of sandworms, crabs, mullet and yabbies within the Hopkins and (including Kelly Swamp); downstream from the Glenelg estuaries. Woolaston Weir; Lake Learmonth; and Deep Lake. The Fitzroy, Moyne, Surry and Shaw Rivers, and Commercial eel fishery Darlot Creek, all downstream from the respective The eel fishery is managed through the Victorian bridges on the Princes Highway, and Belfast Eel Fishery Management Plan (DNRE 2002a). Lough are also commercially fished for eels. In addition to these waters, Eel Access Licence The Victorian commercial eel fishery is an holders may fish in all Crown lakes, dams, important fishery for the State, comprising two swamps, marshes and morasses south of the Great species: the short‐finned eel, and long‐finned eel. Dividing Range, with a few specified exceptions. Overall, the short‐finned eel makes up approximately 95% of total eel production. This is A small number of Wildlife Reserves are also the only species of eel found in the Glenelg commercially fished under additional general Hopkins Region. permits. Under an Aquaculture Licence, eel stocks may presently be enhanced, on‐grown and harvested in the following waters of the Glenelg Hopkins Region: Lake Bolac, , Lake Linlithgow, , Lake Oundell, Lake Buninjon and Lake Bullrush, as well as a number of private waters. Commercial eel fishing is not allowed in the Glenelg nor Hopkins rivers.

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 10

Current management arrangements

(e.g. catchment land use, foreshore management, Legislative & policy framework competing water‐based recreational activities) that Fisheries Act 1995 may directly or indirectly affect fish habitats, The Fisheries Act 1995 (the Act) is administered by fishery resources or the quality of fishing, are the Victorian Department of Primary Industries. managed by different agencies under a variety of Fishing activities in all Victorian public waters are legislation. managed under the provisions of the Act and the Fisheries Regulations 1998 (the Regulations). Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) is The Act provides a legislative framework for the administered by the Victorian Department of regulation and management of Victorian fisheries Sustainability and Environment (DSE). The FFG and for the conservation of fisheries resources, Act provides an administrative structure to enable including their supporting aquatic habitats. The and promote the conservation of Victoriaʹs native objectives of the Act include: flora and fauna and to provide for a choice of procedures which can be used for the • To provide for the management, development and use of Victoriaʹs fisheries, aquaculture conservation, management or control of flora and industries and associated aquatic biological fauna and the management of potentially threatening processes. resources in an efficient, effective and ecologically sustainable manner. The FFG Act provides for the listing of species, • To protect and conserve fisheries resources, communities or threatening processes. habitats and ecosystems including the Following the listing of a species, Action maintenance of aquatic ecological processes Statements are prepared that provide background and genetic diversity. information about the species, including its • To promote sustainable commercial fishing and description, distribution, habitat, life history, the viable aquaculture industries and quality reasons for its decline and the threats which affect recreational fishing opportunities for the benefit it. They also state what has been done to conserve of present and future generations. the species and what will be done in the future. • To facilitate access to fisheries resources for Action Statements are designed to apply for three commercial, recreational, traditional and non‐ to five years, after which time they are reviewed consumptive uses. and updated (www.dse.vic.gov.au). • To encourage the participation of resource Within the Glenelg Hopkins Region the following users and the community in fisheries fish species have been listed as Threatened under management. the FFG Act: Australian grayling (Prototroctes The Act provides for the development, maraena), dwarf galaxias (Galaxiella pusilla), Yarra implementation and review of fishery pygmy perch (Nannoperca obscura), variegated management plans; facilitates participation of pygmy perch (Nannoperca variegata), Western stakeholders in fisheries management via fisheries swamp crayfish (Gramastacus insolitues), Glenelg co‐management arrangements; and prescribes spiny crayfish (Eustacus bispinosus) and Macquarie enforcement powers to assist in achieving perch (Macquaria australasica). An Action Statement compliance with fishing controls. has been prepared for Glenelg spiny crayfish. Draft Recovery Plans and Action Statements are The Regulations prescribe detailed management being prepared for the other five species. arrangements for individual commercial and recreational fisheries, including licence Species that are listed under the FFG Act can only requirements, restrictions on fishing equipment be harvested by recreational fishers if a Governor and methods, restrictions on fishing catch and/or in Council Order has been issued. A Governor in effort (bag limits, size limits, closed seasons/areas), Council Order exists for the harvest of Glenelg and penalties for breaches of fishing controls. spiny crayfish within the Glenelg Hopkins Region. It is important to note that the provisions of fisheries legislation can only be applied to the control of fishing activities. Other human activities

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 11 Heritage Rivers Act 1992 & National • ensuring that the processes and procedures Parks Act 1975 involved in management of a fishery are The Heritage Rivers Act 1992 and the National Parks appropriate, transparent and inclusive. Act 1975, administered by the DSE, also provides There is an expectation in Australia and guidance in relation to the protection of native worldwide that utilisation of fish resources will be biodiversity in considering translocations in inland managed according to these ESD principles. These waters. In summary, the introduction of non‐ principles have been recognised in the GHFMP. indigenous fauna is not permitted in natural catchment areas, as defined in the Heritage Rivers Fishery co‐management arrangements Act, National Parks, State Parks and Wilderness Co‐management is a participatory arrangement Parks as defined in the National Parks Act and that brings industry, community and government reference areas as stated in provisions under the together to participate in the management of a Reference Areas Act 1978. natural resource. It assists those involved by improving their collective understanding of The estuarine reach of the Glenelg River is listed as individual stakeholder needs and aspirations and a Heritage River. by identifying behavioural modifications that can Environment Protection and Biodiversity increase the long term viability of the resource and, therefore, continued access to that resource by Conservation Act 1999 user groups. The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is administered The co‐management of fisheries within Victoria is by the Commonwealth Department of a process involving three entities. The first Environment and Heritage. The EPBC Act comprises the peak bodies, including VRFish. provides for the identification of key threatening The second entity comprises the Fisheries Co‐ processes and the protection of critical habitat. The Management Council (FCC) and its technical Act also promotes the conservation of biodiversity based committees. and provides for the protection of listed species, protected areas and communities in Finally, the third entity is the government Commonwealth areas. agencies, including DPI of which Fisheries Victoria is a division. Within the Glenelg Hopkins Region the following freshwater fish species have been listed as The above co‐management entities will ensure that vulnerable under the EPBC Act: dwarf galaxias, the fisheries interests are appropriately Yarra pygmy perch, variegated pygmy perch and represented and considered during consultation Australian grayling. processes regarding decisions that may impact on the fishery. Ecologically sustainable development All Australian governments, including Victoria, Indigenous fishing have made a commitment to manage fisheries Victoria is currently working with Indigenous according to the principles of Ecologically community representatives, other Australian Sustainable Development (ESD). These principles fisheries authorities and other fishing stakeholders include: to develop: a national set of principles and pathways to facilitate definition and lasting • ensuring that fishing is carried out in a recognition of customary fishing practices; biologically and ecologically sustainable increased opportunities for economic engagement manner of Indigenous communities in fisheries‐related • ensuring that there is equity within and enterprises; and increased Indigenous between generations regarding the use of fish participation in all aspects of fisheries use and resources management. • maximising economic and social benefits to the Indigenous support for such a framework will not community from fisheries within the affect the legal rights of Indigenous people nor constraints of sustainable utilisation limit their scope to pursue other options. However, • adopting a precautionary approach to it is considered that such a framework will be management – particularly for fisheries with better able to deliver practical outcomes within the limited data foreseeable future than litigation.

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 12

Customary fishing practices by Indigenous DPI holds annual consultative meetings in Australians are not currently identified as a February each year as a forum for discussing fish distinct type of fishing activity under Victorian stocking, fish population surveys and other related fisheries legislation, and non‐commercial fishing recreational fisheries management issues. by Indigenous Australians is, therefore, treated as Meetings involve representatives from Fisheries recreational fishing. Victoria, DPI, DSE, Primary Industries Research The Act does, however, provide for the issue of Victoria (PIRVic), Water Management Authorities, permits to facilitate the taking of fish for specified Catchment Management Authorities, VRFish and Indigenous cultural ceremonies or events. other stakeholders. The Kirrae Wirrung and Gundidjmara collectively The meetings aim to: known as Maar (the people) of southwest Victoria, • review the current stocking plan and identify with the support of the Australian Government necessary modifications Department of Environment and Heritage, have jointly prepared the Kooyang Sea Country Plan • draft a stocking plan for the coming year (KSCP) which was released in April 2005 (Kooyang • identify management questions to be answered means eel). The KSCP was developed in by stock or catch assessments recognition of the need for Indigenous people’s • identify current fishery management issues. rights in participating in determining the future Appendix 5 provides a list of fish stockings for the sustainable uses of aquatic systems and fisheries. past six years (2000‐2005) for the Glenelg Hopkins A major objective of the KSCP is to build and Region. strengthen partnerships with recreational fishing organisations and government departments and Translocation Guidelines agencies that share interests and responsibilities Translocation of live aquatic organisms poses an for the sustainable use of our fisheries and the ecological risk through the potential transmission environmental health of our waterways and of diseases, potential impacts on biodiversity from wetlands. changes in genetic integrity and direct competition, and the establishment of feral and or The KSCP describes the ongoing and intimate exotic populations (DPI 2003). relationship of Indigenous people with river and wetland environments stretching back over The Victorian Government has developed thousands of years. This ongoing relationship is Guidelines for Assessing Translocations of Live Aquatic reflected in the cultural sites that are associated Organisms in Victoria 2003 (DPI 2003) to meet its with the Glenelg Hopkins waterways, catchments obligations under the National Policy for the and lakes. The KSCP details how this relationship Translocation of Live Aquatic Organisms 1999 is based on a long tradition of stewardship, (MCFFA 1999). This Commonwealth policy utilisation and cultural significance. For requires all states in Australia to develop Indigenous people, their cultural values are assessment measures for the translocation of intertwined around traditional uses, spiritual aquatic organisms, including fish. connection, ancestral ties and respect for the rivers Stocking proposals will be conducted in and lakes and the resources that they provide. accordance with the Guidelines for Assessing The KSCP is a vehicle for increasing community Translocations of Live Aquatic Organisms in Victoria and government awareness of Indigenous values (Translocation Guidelines) and any associated and cultural connections with ‘country’ and is a protocols approved by the Secretary, DPI. tool for negotiating greater Aboriginal To ensure that existing fish stocking programs and involvement in the management of the waterways new proposals which have manageable risks can and wetlands of the study area. proceed without the need for individual risk Regional recreational fisheries assessments, protocols for public water stockings have now been developed. The Protocols for the consultation meetings Translocation of Fish in Victorian Inland Public Waters The release or stocking of fish into inland waters (Protocols) will ensure consistency with the has long been used as a fisheries management tool, Translocation Guidelines. Importantly, fish to create or enhance a recreational fishery. Fish are stocking proposals that meet the criteria outlined routinely released throughout Victoria every year in the new protocols will not require an individual for this purpose. risk assessment.

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 13 More information on the Translocation Guidelines Requirement to land fish in whole or and associated Protocols can be obtained from the carcass form DPI website: www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing. For some fish species with high commercial market value, there is a requirement to retain Recreational fishing regulations captured fish in whole or carcass form until after Recreational fishing licence they have been landed (brought ashore) in order to A Recreational Fishing Licence is required for all ensure compliance with recreational size and catch forms of recreational fishing in Victorian public limits. Fish species required to be landed in whole waters. Some sectors of the community, including or carcass form include all shark species, elephant people under 18 or over 70 years of age, holders of fish, King George whiting, bream, snapper and a Victorian Seniors Card, and recipients of various eels. In the case of sharks and elephant fish, age, disability or veterans benefits, are exempt ‘carcass’ means a fish which has been gutted and from the need to hold a licence. headed forward of the first gill slit, but has not been skinned or filleted. In the case of scale fish, Recreational fishing equipment ‘carcass’ means a fish which has been scaled and The Regulations define ‘recreational fishing gutted, but has not been headed or filleted. equipment’ as including a rod and line, handline, dip/landing net, bait trap, spear gun, hand‐held Management of non‐fisheries spear, bait pump, recreational bait net and recreational hoop net. Recreational use of any issues equipment not included in this definition is Catchment and waterway management prohibited in all Victorian public waters. The The GHCMA is the lead agency responsible for maximum numbers and permitted dimensions of management of the Regionʹs land and water dip nets, bait traps, bait pumps, recreational bait resources. nets and recreational hoop nets are prescribed in the Regulations and summarised in the Victorian The Glenelg Hopkins Regional Catchment Strategy Recreational Fishing Guide. 2003‐2007 (RCS) is the primary planning framework for land, water and biodiversity in the Inland waters region and is an overarching strategic document All lakes, impoundments, rivers, creeks and under which are nested various action plans and estuaries of the Glenelg Hopkins Region are strategies (GHCMA 2003). classified as ‘inland waters’ for the purposes of the The RCS provides strategic direction for the Regulations. Restrictions on the use or possession development of a Regional River Health Strategy of recreational fishing equipment in Victorian (RRHS), Regional Drainage Strategy, Nutrient inland waters are prescribed in the Regulations Management Plan, Salinity Plan, Weed and Rabbit and summarised in the Victorian Recreational Action Plans and Native Vegetation Plans. Fishing Guide. Most notably, anglers are currently restricted to using no more than two lines per The RRHS describes the principles and priorities person in inland waters. that will be used in river management across the Glenelg Hopkins Region. The RRHS identifies Size and catch limits assets, threats and priority actions across the Legal minimum sizes, bag limits, possession limits regionʹs 32 sub‐catchments. (in, on or next to fishing waters) and boat/vehicle limits for fin fish and invertebrate species are The RRHS identifies recreational fishing as a social prescribed in the Regulations and summarised in value and asset. Many of the actions described in the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide. Further the RRHS will have positive outcomes for limits may be introduced by a Fisheries Notice recreational fishing. when a resource threat is recognised. The GHCMA has developed a number of resource Some size and catch limits have been introduced as condition targets that are relevant to the GHFMP. measures to protect fish stocks from heavy fishing At the time of writing, these targets are in draft pressure. However, many of these limits have been form and have not been ratified by the GHCMA adopted on ethical or cultural grounds, such as the Board. These targets include: definition of a reasonable day’s take for personal • maintaining recreationally important fish use. species above 25% of virgin biomass (T25 ‐ Marine and Coastal Ecosystems)

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 14

• no fish deaths from artificial river mouth • cultural heritage opening by 2008 (T29 ‐ Estuarine ecosystems) • development • maintaining recreationally important native • recreation fish and other native fish and invertebrate • flooding species (T32 ‐ Estuarine ecosystems) • estuary entrance – artificial river mouth • by 2008, there is an increase in the openings observed/expected score for native fish in all • fishing priority sub‐catchments (T39 ‐ Aquatic species) • visual amenity. • there is no further decline in abundance or distribution, and by 2008 there is an increase in Estuary management plans will recognise the the abundance and distribution, of species with importance of both commercial and recreational local conservation significance (river blackfish, fishing activities and the links between mountain galaxias, Glenelg freshwater mussel productivity of fisheries resources and other and western swamp cray) in the region (T43 ‐ factors, including water quality and artificial Aquatic species). openings. GHCMA is currently developing a Monitoring, Carp control Evaluation and Reporting Strategy that will The National Management Strategy for Carp provide the framework for monitoring and Control is the key policy document that describes reporting achievements in reaching these targets. state responsibilities and aims to: The GHFMPʹs strategies and actions broadly support these resource condition targets. • prevent the spread of carp • reduce the impacts of carp to acceptable levels Coastal action plans • promote environmentally and socially The South West Coastal Action Plan (2002) was acceptable application of carp control programs prepared by the Western Coastal Board and is a • key mechanism for implementing the Victorian improve community understanding of the Coastal Strategy at a regional scale. The Action impacts of carp and the management strategies Plan provides for the development of the South • promote the cost efficient use of public West Estuaries Coastal Action Plan (SWECAP). resources in carp eradication and control programs. The SWECAP (2002) provides a strategic framework for the development of individual At a state level, the Victorian Pest Management ‐ A estuary management plans. The SWECAP Framework for Action (VPMF) (DNRE 2002) sets out recommends the development of estuary the guiding principles of how pests will be management plans for the Glenelg River, Surry managed in Victoria. The VPMF provides a River, Fitzroy River, Yambuk Lake, Moyne River, mechanism for considering terrestrial and aquatic Merri River and Hopkins River. (freshwater and marine) weed, and vertebrate and invertebrate pest management in Victoria. Within the Glenelg Hopkins Region, the Yambuk Currently, there is no specific species strategy for Lake Estuary Management Plan and Hopkins the management of carp in Victoria. There is scope Estuary Management Plan have been completed. for other declared aquatic species to be considered Plans will also be developed for the remaining by the VPMF. estuaries in the coming years. The GHCMA and Glenelg River Technical Group Estuary management plans provide a basis for co‐ has led the preparation of a Glenelg River Carp ordinated protection and enhancement of the Management Plan (GRCMP) that describes how environmental values of the area while also carp will be managed in the Glenelg River Basin. considering the social and economic values that The GRCMP outlines actions for carp management are of great importance to the local and wider from 2003 to 2005. The GRCMP will be reviewed in community (GHCMA 2004a). 2006. Estuary management plans address a range of issues that can be described in the following themes: • habitat and species conservation • water quality • sedimentation and erosion

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 15 Management and regulation of water Southern Rural Water (SRW) manages rural water The movement, regulation and delivery of water resources for the southern half of country Victoria, resources from rivers, lakes and groundwater from the Great Divide to the coast. SRW is one of supplies are overseen by a number of agencies five rural water authorities in Victoria that provide within the Glenelg Hopkins Region. services to farmers, graziers and growers through the management and control of irrigation water Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water (GWM Water) from rivers and groundwater aquifers. For provides urban, rural stock, domestic, and regulated streams such as the Glenelg River, irrigation water supplies primarily to the environmental flows are considered in bulk Wimmera and southern Mallee districts. It also entitlement guidelines. For unregulated streams, provides urban water to a number of towns of environmental flows can be considered through varying sizes in the Glenelg Hopkins catchment. the development of streamflow management A large proportion of the water for the channel plans. Within the Glenelg Hopkins Region, a system is sourced from the Glenelg River, with streamflow management plan has been developed both Rocklands and Moora Moora Reservoirs for the Merri River (SRW 1998). being located within the upper Glenelg. Rocklands The purpose of the streamflow management plan Reservoir represents 47% of the total storage is to ensure the long‐term sustainability of the capacity of the system. river through the implementation of a framework GWM Water is responsible for supplying the of rules that aim to clarify the rights of water environmental flows into the Glenelg River as in diverters and ensure future development does not accordance with the operating plans provided by interfere with existing water users and occurs in an GHCMA. The volume of water is prescribed under ecologically sustainable manner. the Wimmera‐Glenelg Bulk Entitlement orders. Local government Currently, GWM Water authority is in the process Across the Glenelg Hopkins Region there are eight of replacing its open channels with a reticulated local government bodies: Glenelg Shire Council, pipeline network. As a result of these works, the Moyne Shire Council, Warrnambool City Council, water available to the environment (both Glenelg Ararat Rural City Council, Southern Grampians and Wimmera Rivers) will progressively increase Shire Council, City of Ballarat, Pyrenees Shire as sections are completed. Council and a small area administered by the Corangamite Shire Council. Wannon Region Water Authorities (Wannon Water) supplies domestic water and wastewater Local government manages a range of issues that services for much of the Glenelg Hopkins Region. can impact fisheries resources and recreational The Authority was formed through the merges of fishing opportunities. Applications for planning three existing water authorities: Glenelg Region permits, review of planning overlays and zones, Water Authority, Portland Coast Water and South and the maintenance of roads and tracks can all West Water. Wannon Water manages a number of have an impact on angler access to fisheries water storages, including Konongwootong resources, and the habitats that support these Reservoir, which will be decommissioned in the resources. Local government also has an important next couple of years (page 29). role in implementing environmental programs (for example weed management) and engaging community groups in natural resource management projects.

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 16

Preparation of the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan

Steering committee Public consultation The GHFMP was prepared by Fisheries Victoria, The first step in the development of the GHFMP assisted by a steering committee comprising key was to seek the views of recreational fishers, and stakeholders including the VRFish, FCC, GHCMA, other community interests, regarding values and Indigenous interests, DSE, GWM Water and DPI. issues associated with fishing in the lakes, rivers and estuaries of the Glenelg Hopkins Region. The role of the steering committee was to advise the Executive Director, Fisheries Victoria, with In June 2005, public meetings were held at respect to the conformance of the management Portland, Hamilton and Warrnambool to canvass plan with the requirements of the Act and the the views of the community. Information was Ministerial guidelines, and to respond to sought to determine: community consultation on the draft GHFMP. • the species of fish most important for A list of the steering committee members is recreational fishing across the inland Glenelg provided in Appendix 1. Hopkins region • factors the community believes are limiting Planning process their ability to target or catch these species The process for developing the management plan • opportunities to enhance recreational fishing includes the following steps: across the inland Glenelg Hopkins region. 1. public meetings to identify recreational fishing A total of 60 people attended the three public values and issues across the region meetings. Participants included representatives from angling clubs, non‐club members who

2. steering committee meetings to evaluate issues actively fish, Fishcare representatives and other and options for addressing those issues members of the public with a general interest in 3. preparation of a draft management plan local resource management issues. addressing the issues identified and Over 100 verbal and written submissions were also developing the options for dealing with the received. This information helped to guide the issues; drafting of the GHFMP so that it had a strong 4. providing the public and stakeholders with an focus on addressing fishing‐related issues that opportunity to comment on the draft matter to recreational fishers and the local management plan community. 5. finalisation of the draft management plan An overview of some of the feedback received, following stakeholder submissions included: 6. declaration of the management plan in the • The estuarine environments of the Region were Victorian Government Gazette. considered to be of highest value in terms of recreational fishing opportunities. • The most popular estuarine angling species was black bream, followed by mulloway, estuary perch and yellow‐eye mullet.

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 17 • The most popular freshwater angling species • Fishing pressure was increasing on estuarine were brown trout, rainbow trout, redfin and species as a result of: short‐finned eels. ‐ inland anglers, who have had limited • There was concern regarding carp populations opportunities in lakes and rivers due to in the Glenelg River and Rocklands Reservoir drought conditions, now focussing their and the impact this would have on these fishing effort on the estuaries fisheries. ‐ population growth and urbanisation • Access to waterways in some parts of the increasing fishing effort in the estuaries, region is limited by private property, poor particularly the Hopkins River estuary. condition of tracks, and a general lack of • Water flows and water quality is impacting the information regarding the status of land and its recreational fishing potential of most rivers and ability to be legally accessed by the general lakes in the region. While most anglers accept public. this is a result of low rainfall in recent years, • Boat ramp facilities at some locations are they indicated that water diversions from the limiting the ability of anglers to gain access to upper Wannon and Glenelg systems are having waterways. an impact on these rivers and suggested arrangements should be reviewed. • Concern over the impact of saline water and sand slugs in the Glenelg and Hopkins systems.

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 18

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan

• any other lagoon, backwater, anabranch or Scope of plan billabong The overall purpose of the GHFMP is to formalise • any reservoir, dam, tank, channel or works for management arrangements for the Glenelg water storage or distribution vested in or under Hopkins Region in accordance with the provisions the control of the Crown or a public authority of the Act, the Ministerial guidelines and the • any other waters declared by the regulations to national Fisheries ESD Reporting Framework be inland waters. (Fletcher et al 2002). Regulation 107 of the Regulations describes all To this end the GHFMP specifies goals, objectives, inland waters in Victoria as a fishery by virtue of strategies and actions for management of fisheries using recreational fishing equipment. Recreational resources across the Glenelg Hopkins Region. fishing equipment relevant to the waterways in the The GHFMP identifies the most valued Glenelg Hopkins Fishery, includes a rod and line, recreational fishing assets in the Region and handline, dip net, bait trap, landing net, and describes the highest priority strategies and actions recreational hoop net. Up‐to‐date information on to mitigate issues/risks that could impact on these permitted recreational fishing equipment can be fishing assets. found in the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide, which is released on an annual basis. The GHFMP also identifies recommended actions by stakeholders and other management agencies to The Glenelg Hopkins Fishery, for the purposes of ensure that processes for management of other this management plan, does not include values and uses of the Regionʹs waterways commercial bait and eel fishing as these are includes identification and minimisation of managed through commercial licensing processes potential adverse impacts on fish habitat and for bait, and additionally for commercial and fisheries. recreational take of eels, through the Victorian Eel Fishery Management Plan. The GHFMP contains a section describing research and monitoring information needed to address the The Glenelg Hopkins Fishery is defined as all identified management objectives and recreational fishing activities, with the exception of performance indicators; a section outlining recreational harvest of eels, within the inland compliance with fishing controls in the region; and waters in the area administered by the GHCMA. a section describing implementation and future review processes. Duration of the plan The GHFMP will provide the basis for the Definition of the fishery management of the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery for a As gazetted on 30 June 2005, the GHFMP will period of five years. provide management direction for fishing Should there be a need for the Minister to amend activities across the inland area administered by the management plan prior to its review, notice of the GHCMA. This area includes all inland this intention will be published in the Victorian waterways (lakes, rivers and estuaries) in the Government Gazette and there will be formal Glenelg River Basin, Hopkins River Basin and consultation with stakeholder groups. Portland Coastal Basin. The Act defines inland waters as: Review of the management plan • any swamp or lake other than the Gippsland Review of the GHFMP and preparation of a new Lakes, Lake Tyers, the Lower Lake of GHFMP will commence 12 months prior to the Mallacoota Inlet and Wingan Inlet scheduled expiry of the GHFMP. The review will • any waterway, channel or anabranch from its examine all aspects of fisheries management mouth to its source and any inlet, backwater or against the defined goals, performance indicators lagoon connected with it and targets, and will examine the need for new or

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 19 amended objectives as a result of monitoring and Additional direction on the development of the research information obtained. GHFMP has been provided by the gazettal of Ministerial guidelines on 30 June 2005 (see Should there be a need for the Minister to amend Appendix 6). the GHFMP prior to this review, notice of this intention will be published in the Government Gazette. Management goal and objectives Goal Requirements of the Fisheries Act The goal of the GHFMP is to manage fisheries resources of the inland component of the Glenelg 1995 Hopkins Region in accordance with ESD The Act stipulates that a fishery management plan principles. This includes identifying the habitats must: and aquatic environments on which fisheries resources depend, and enhancing the social and • define the fishery to which it relates economic benefits to all Victorians. • be consistent with the objectives of the Fisheries Act 1995 and with any Ministerial guidelines Objectives issued with respect to the preparation of the • Biological ‐ To conserve and ensure sustainable management plan use of key fish stocks across the Glenelg • include the management objectives of the Hopkins Fishery. management plan • Social ‐ To maintain and where possible • specify the management tools and any other enhance recreational fishing opportunities measures to be used to achieve the objectives of across the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery. the plan • Environmental ‐ To promote protection of the • include guidelines for the criteria to be used in habitats and environments which are essential respect of the issue of licences and permits and for production or maintenance of fisheries in respect of the renewal, variation or transfer resources across the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery. of licences • as far as is known, identify critical components • Governance ‐ To achieve maximum community of the ecosystem relevant to the management participation, understanding and support for plan and current or potential threats to those the management of fisheries resources across components, and existing or proposed the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery. preventative measures More detailed accounts of the strategies, • specify performance indicators, targets and management actions, performance indicators, monitoring methods targets and information needed to address each of • as far as relevant and practicable, identify: any these objectives are provided in the following other biological, ecological, social and economic sections and are summarised in Table 1. factors relevant to the fishery covered by the Performance indicators management plan, including its current status, Performance indicators are provided for actions human uses and economic value; measures to that Fisheries Victoria has responsibility for minimise its impact on non‐target species and implementing. These indicators provide a means the environment; research needs and priorities; of tracking progress on an ongoing basis. As part the resources required to implement the of the annual reporting against the GHFMP, management plan. performance indicators may be further refined The Act also indicates that each management plan using data from monitoring programs and may: surveys. • specify the manner in which fishing capacity is Performance indicators are not provided for to be measured and the fishing capacity so actions that other agencies are responsible for measured implementing. • specify the duration of the management plan Targets • specify procedures and/or conditions for Targets provide a longer‐term measure for the review of the management plan Objectives of the GHFMP. Targets should be • include any other relevant matters. achieved through the successful implementation of the GHFMP.

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 20

Sustainable use of fish resources

Glenelg spiny crayfish is also a high priority for Strategy 1 ‐ Demonstrate the the establishment of monitoring programs as this sustainable use of key recreational species has a limited geographic distribution, has been greatly impacted by habitat alteration and fish species degradation and, in the past, has been affected by An objective of the GHFMP is to ensure the high levels of fishing pressure. These threats are sustainable use of fisheries resources. recognised in the species listing as threatened Managing the sustainable use of key target species under the FFG Act. requires a basic understanding of the likely stock Strategies and actions to monitor river blackfish structures of key fish populations, the fishing are not described in the GHFMP, as the species is pressure being exerted on them, and an well distributed across Victoria’s rivers and lakes understanding of broader environmental impacts and fishing pressure is generally low. The greatest on production. This information can then assist threats to river blackfish are likely to be siltation of resource managers in making decisions on streams and removal of habitat (DPI 2003). River management controls used to actively regulate the blackfish will continue to be managed at a state‐ sustainable use of recreational target species. wide level. There has been only limited ongoing fisheries data Strategies and actions to monitor the sustainable collection in the rivers, lakes and estuarine harvest of redfin are not described in the GHFMP environments of the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery. as the species breeds regularly, is widespread There has been a single angler diarist for black throughout Victoria, readily colonises new bream in the Hopkins River estuary since 1998, waterways, and is unlikely to experience and in the Glenelg River estuary between 1998 and overfishing. Redfin will continue to be managed at 2000. There has also been a small number of a state‐wide level. individual netting and creel surveys. However, there hasn’t been a concerted effort to undertake The management of brown trout and rainbow ongoing monitoring to collect information that can trout is discussed in the Recreational Fishing demonstrate the sustainable harvest of key Opportunities section of the GHFMP. recreational target species. Sustainable use of estuarine fisheries As there has been limited monitoring of key fish The key recreational target species from estuaries stocks within the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery, the that require fishery monitoring are black bream, focus of the GHFMP will be to maintain current mulloway and estuary perch. management arrangements while fishery monitoring programs are established. The most effective fishery monitoring of recreational target species is through a research Given the high cost associated with collection of angler diary program. fishery independent data, there are limits to the number and scale of any monitoring programs. As Information collected from the research angler diary program over a number of years can provide such, fishery monitoring programs will only focus on the key Indigenous recreational fish species: fishery managers with scientifically valid information on catch and effort rates of the target • black bream species. This information can be used as a basis for • estuary perch reviewing the appropriateness of current fishing • mulloway regulations. • Glenelg spiny crayfish. This ongoing program will rely on experienced and highly skilled volunteer anglers undertaking Black bream, estuary perch and mulloway are a research angling trips targeting specific fish high priority for the establishment of monitoring species in accordance with prescribed methods. programs as successful recruitment of these Hook size, bait and fishing location are varied species can be infrequent or relatively uncertain, within the identified estuaries to ensure a which when coupled with higher fishing pressure representative sample of the stock of a targeted (compared with other species in the estuary) puts species in the waterway is sampled. The program them at greater risk of overfishing.

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 21 collects information on abundance, length and age number of boat trailers within a carpark adjacent (through the removal and aging of otoliths) of the to a launching ramp at an estuary. The type of data target species. and its collection is likely to differ for each estuary; therefore, the details of the monitoring program Priority will be given to establishing research will be determined on an estuary by estuary basis angler diarists specifically targeting black bream, with input from regionally based Fisheries Victoria mulloway and estuary perch in the Hopkins River staff in consultation with VRFish. and Glenelg River estuaries. The following estuaries will be included in the Information from angling club records, creel monitoring program: Glenelg River, Surry River, surveys and bream tagging projects may also be Fitzroy River, Yambuk Lake, Moyne River, Merri used when undertaking reviews of data collected River and Hopkins River. from the research angler diary program. Action Action Fisheries Victoria to develop an ongoing Fisheries Victoria to seek funding to recruit monitoring program that will collect research angler diarists for black bream and information on angler visitor numbers over estuary perch in the Hopkins River and Glenelg time, in estuaries of the Glenelg Hopkins River estuaries, and mulloway in the Glenelg Fishery. River estuary. Performance indicator Performance indicator Data is systematically collected on visitor Bag and size limits are reviewed in accordance numbers for all estuaries and is reviewed with information that is collected as part of the annually. research angler diary program. Target Target Fisheries monitoring programs and control The recreational harvest of key recreational measures are adjusted in response to angling estuarine species is sustainably managed in pressure. response to information collected from monitoring programs. Sustainable use of freshwater fisheries While the Glenelg and Hopkins estuaries have The Glenelg spiny crayfish is an endemic species to been identified as priorities for ongoing the Glenelg River Basin. It is vulnerable to monitoring in this management plan, in time, other environmental and fishing pressure due to its estuaries may experience increased fishing limited geographic range, slow growth rate, long pressure (above current levels), which may life span and low fecundity with annual breeding warrant a review of the extent of current (Horwitz 1990; Honan 1998; Honan & Mitchell monitoring arrangements. For example, if angler 1995a, 1995b, 1995c). visitor numbers were shown to increase over a The Glenelg spiny crayfish is listed as Threatened number of years in Lake Yambuk, there may be under the FFG Act and allowable take as a justification to expand the research angler diary recreational fishing species is provided through a program to include this estuary. Governor in Council Order that is administered by To understand changes in fishing pressure, an the DSE. At the time of publishing, the daily ongoing monitoring program is required that bag/possession limit was 1 (male only) with a collects data on angler visitor numbers at each minimum legal size of 10 cm. Up‐to‐date estuary. This data will provide a coarse measure of information on current regulations can be found in changes in angling pressure within an estuary over the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide. time and will be used to determine priorities for Currently, there is no monitoring of the potential additions to research angler diary recreational harvest of this species, or its total programs. population abundance. Information on the harvest There are a number of techniques that could be and a population model are needed to improve employed to monitor angler visitor numbers understanding of the stock status and the including counts of anglers fishing from a sustainability of current fishing controls. specified location in an estuary or counting the Glenelg spiny crayfish populations will be assessed in a fishery independent sampling program that builds on past monitoring sites to increase our understanding of any changes in the

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 22

stock status over time. Monitoring and population Action programs are described in DSE’s Action Statement Fisheries Victoria, in partnership with the on Glenelg spiny crayfish (DSE 2005) and include: GHCMA and DSE, to seek funding to establish a monitoring program, to inform development • survey the streams in those catchments of a population model, to assess the most likely to contain populations of sustainability of the current recreational harvest Glenelg spiny crayfish in order to of Glenelg spiny crayfish. determine the distribution and abundance of the species. Information collected will Performance indicator include in‐stream and riparian habitat data Recommendations made on the appropriateness of current bag and size limits • develop a population model for Glenelg in accordance with information that is collected spiny crayfish from the Glenelg spiny crayfish monitoring • undertake periodic monitoring to refine program. and validate the population model. Target Bag and size limits are adjusted to manage the sustainable harvest of Glenelg spiny crayfish.

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 23 Recreational fishing opportunities

As discussed in Translocation Guidelines (page 14) Strategy 2 ‐ Maintain stock‐ the stocking of fish into public waters must be enhanced fisheries within the consistent with Guidelines for Assessing Translocations of Live Aquatic Organisms in Victoria Glenelg Hopkins Fishery (DPI 2003). Within the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery, the maintenance of fishing opportunities for Action indigenous species is being addressed by Fisheries Victoria to continue to stock fish in managing the sustainable use of key target species support of recreational fishing in suitable (Sustainable Use of Fish Resources, page 21) and waters as agreed at annual South West maintaining access to the resource (Issues affecting Regional Recreational Fisheries Consultation Recreational Fishing, page 28). meetings. Of equal importance, is the maintenance of stock‐ Performance indicator enhanced non‐indigenous salmonid (brown trout Stocking programs managed consistent with and rainbow trout) fisheries. Stocking programs Guidelines for Assessing Translocations of Live are important to maintain the fishery as the habitat Aquatic Organisms in Victoria and Protocols for requirements for ongoing production (spawning the Translocation of Fish in Victorian Inland Public and recruitment) are not usually sufficient to Waters, and outcomes of South West Regional sustain populations in the Glenelg Hopkins Recreational Fishing Consultation meetings. Fishery. Target Brown trout and rainbow trout are stocked into a Existing brown trout and rainbow trout number of lakes and rivers within the Glenelg fisheries are maintained subject to Hopkins Fishery as determined at annual environmental constraints. consultation meetings (Regional recreational fisheries consultation meetings for fish stocking proposals, page 13).

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 24

Maintenance of fish habitat

There is increasing evidence worldwide that the resources, particularly at the terminal estuarine sustainable use of any fishery resource is reach of a river. dependent not only on controlling the impacts of For example, land clearing and removal of riparian fishing on fish stocks, but also on maintaining the vegetation can lead to increased erosion of integrity of the aquatic habitats and the ecological nutrient‐laden sediments. These sediments can processes they support that are crucial for the reach waterways increasing nutrient levels that production and/or survival of target fish species. may result in algal blooms. The Yambuk Lake Inshore marine, estuarine and inland waters are Estuary and Wetlands Management Plan (2004a) facing increasing pressures from human identifies water quality (pH, nutrients, turbidity population growth and associated agricultural, and dissolved oxygen) as a significant issue that industrial, urban and tourism development. can affect production and health of fish stocks. Within the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery, four priority The primary policy driver for improving water issues have been identified as potential threats to quality within the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery is the the habitat or ecological processes for key Regional River Health Strategy (GHCMA 2004). recreational target species: Sedimentation is addressed in the GHCMA’s Sand • artificial river mouth openings Management Program (GHCMA 2006). • poor water quality (from catchment related processes) Water flows The amount and timing of water moving down • reduced water flows/diversions rivers and into estuaries can have a major impact • the spread of carp, particularly into estuarine on the production of river and estuarine fish environments. species. In addition to natural variation, water Artificial river mouth openings flows have changed as a result of extraction and diversions for irrigation and domestic water Artificial openings of river mouths must be supply needs. managed in a way that maintains the ecological integrity of the system while still recognising the High river flows are important in the flooding of economic costs that flooding can have on estuarine environments, as this process sustains infrastructure and agricultural land. important fringing wetland communities and associated food chains. The build up of water in Unauthorised openings may result in fish deaths, the estuary can also lead to a more substantive which may take many years to recover in terms of breach of the estuary entrance resulting in a abundance and diversity of aquatic species. greater flush of any anoxic water that might be in In response to past unlicensed openings and the the system as a result of stratification (see need for clear and consistent guidelines, an description of salt wedge estuaries page 5). This Estuary Entrance Management Decision process of large water inflows and the salt wedge Framework is being developed. This initiative is reforming is known to be a vital component for being supported by Deakin University, Western reproductive success of black bream in the Coastal Board, Environment Protection Authority, Hopkins River estuary (GHCMA 2004). Corangamite and Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Water flows are managed in streamflow Management Authorities, Parks Victoria, DSE and management plans, the Bulk Water Entitlement the Victorian Coastal Council. The purpose of this process, or through individual extraction licences. framework is to ensure that decisions are balanced and transparent, considering environmental, Pest species ‐ carp social, cultural and economic issues. The upper Glenelg River (including Rocklands Water quality Reservoir) and certain waterways of the Hopkins River Basin are known to contain populations of Poor water quality, including increased carp. The RRHS recognises the potential threat of sedimentation and turbidity primarily resulting carp moving to high value estuarine reaches. The from catchment related processes such as land GHFMP also identifies carp as a threat to estuarine clearing, can have a significant impact on fisheries fish species that are also considered high value in

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 25 terms of the recreational fishing opportunities they prioritise further research or monitoring programs provide. to be considered by the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Reference Group (page 38). The GHCMA has taken a lead role in managing carp within the region and has installed temporary For Glenelg spiny crayfish, past projects have screens at the outlets of Rocklands Reservoir to identified the habitat and ecological conditions minimise the incidence of carp escaping into the required to sustain production, including the Glenelg River. High‐performance, permanent importance of riparian vegetation (Honan 2004). screens are scheduled for completion by mid‐2006. There is an opportunity to collect further information on in‐stream and riparian habitat The Glenelg River Carp Management Plan during monitoring programs established as part of describes on‐ground works that a number of Strategy 1. These data will assist the GHCMA in agencies may implement to control carp in the identifying specific areas that require habitat Glenelg River. Anglers catching carp, particularly protection and rehabilitation as a high priority. in the Glenelg Basin, are encouraged to report this catch by telephoning (03) 5571 2526. Action Fisheries Victoria to undertake a literature Strategy 3 ‐ Identify habitat review and gap analysis of the habitat and environmental conditions required to sustain requirements of key recreational the production (spawning, recruitment, target species survival, growth and movement) of black While the responsibility of implementing bream, mulloway and estuary perch. programs to improve habitat and environmental Fisheries Victoria to develop monitoring and conditions of estuaries, rivers and tributaries research priorities for consideration by the primarily rests with the GHCMA, Fisheries Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Reference Group. Victoria can identify the key recreational target species and their biological requirements that may Fisheries Victoria, DSE and GHCMA to collect be placed at risk as a result of habitat degradation. information on in‐stream and riparian habitat data for Glenelg spiny crayfish during This information can then be used by other monitoring programs established in Strategy 1. resource management agencies to inform policies and programs aimed at addressing issues such as Performance Indicator artificial river mouth openings, prioritising Information collated on the production projects for improving water quality and requirements of black bream, mulloway and determining appropriate river flows through Bulk estuary perch is provided to the GHCMA to Water Entitlement arrangements or development inform reviews of the RRHS and Estuary of streamflow management plans. Management Plans, and is used in the Estuary Entrance Management Decision Framework. The purpose of this strategy is to facilitate the collection of information on habitat and ecological Information gaps identified and reviewed, and conditions that affect the production of black priorities for further research are considered by bream, mulloway and estuary perch. the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Reference Group. The habitat and ecological requirements of fish Target species are best examined in terms of the key life Information on the production needs of key stages that sustain their production: spawning, recreational estuarine species is being used by recruitment, survival, growth and movement. the GHCMA in their policy development and investment programs. For estuarine species, much research has been completed within Victoria and other states of Australia on the impacts of habitat and ecological Strategy 4 ‐ Support programs for conditions on key life stages of black bream, the management of pest species mulloway and estuary perch. To date, this The management of carp in the Glenelg River information has not been consolidated into a single Basin is managed through the Glenelg River Carp form that can be used by resource managers. Management Plan (GRCMP) (Carp control, page A literature review of existing research, and 15). Fisheries Victoriaʹs past commitment to the subsequent gap analysis of our understanding of GRCMP has included monitoring the distribution habitat and environmental issues that affect and abundance of carp populations at different production of the key estuarine species will

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 26

locations along the Glenelg River and in Rocklands Options for addressing the risks of carp reaching Reservoir. the Hopkins River estuaries may be reviewed by the GHCMA. The GRCMP will be reviewed in 2006 and Fisheries Victoria will work with the GHCMA, and Action other government agencies, in the review of these Fisheries Victoria to continue to assist in management arrangements and consideration of implementing the current Glenelg River Carp future management options. Management Plan as appropriate, and participate in its review in 2006, and to assist in The GHCMA in their RRHS have identified the the development of management options in the Hopkins River estuary as a High Social Value Hopkins Basin where key fisheries resources Reach and carp as a high risk to this value. This are considered at risk. risk is based on the presence of carp in the upper Hopkins River Basin most notably in Lake Bolac, Performance indicator Lake Burrumbeet and anecdotal reports of small Fisheries Victoria responsible actions numbers in Mt Emu Creek. implemented in the Glenelg River Carp Management Plan within agreed timeframes. Target Fisheries Victoria is engaged in the process to minimise risks of carp impacting key estuarine recreational fisheries.

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 27 Issues affecting recreational fishing

This management plan supports those Strategy 5 ‐ Improve access to applications for new or upgrading of existing fisheries resources infrastructure that meet the following criteria: Public consultation during the management • The proposal must have the support of the planning process has identified increasing angler relevant management agency (land manager access as the greatest opportunity for improving or water authority). recreational fishing opportunities. • The proposal must consider the impact of VRFish in their access policy, VRFish Policy Paper ‐ variations in water levels, particularly during Access for Recreational Fishing (2004), describes times of drought. access as ‘…the ease to which recreational fishers • The proposal must link in with existing reach fishing waters or fisheries to conduct their infrastructure such as roads. recreation in accordance with the Fisheries Act • The proposal must be of benefit to other and other laws, regulations and codes.’ recreational boating groups. VRFish, as peak body representing recreational Funding for the provision of new or upgrade of fishing interests, is well placed to take a lead role existing boat launching facilities can be made in seeking improvements to recreational fishing through Marine Safety Victoriaʹs Boating Safety access, particularly in light of recent policy and Facilities Program. Guidelines and principles reviews (VRFish 2004, 2004a). Other agencies, for applicants are described in the yearly including Fisheries Victoria, may provide information package (MSV 2005). The secondary assistance (eg facilitating discussions Commonwealth Governmentʹs Recreational between government agencies) for actions or Fishing Community Grants Programme (DAFF initiatives being led by VRFish for high priority 2005) may also be an appropriate source of funds projects that have multiple benefits for a range of for such applications. user groups. Action Angler access issues that were identified during VRFish to liaise with anglers, land managers consultation can be described in four themes: and water authorities to identify and submit facilities for boat‐based fishing; land‐based angler applications for new, or upgrade of existing, access; competition with other water‐based boat launching facilities identified during the recreational uses; and maintaining access to planning process. waterways following changed management arrangements. Land‐based angler access Land‐based angler access is important and, in Facilities for boat‐based fishing some cases, the only means of accessing some Responsibility for the provision and maintenance waterways within the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery. of boat launching facilities falls with different agencies depending on the waterway concerned. Issues raised during public consultation that are Responsible agencies within the Region include perceived as limiting land‐based angler access Parks Victoria, committees of management, water included: authorities and local government. • roads and tracks that need upgrading to allow The need for new or improved boat launching greater vehicle access facilities has been raised in public forums for • increased urbanisation, particularly around Rocklands Reservoir, Aringa Reservoir, Glenelg estuaries, limiting the number of access points River estuary, Fitzroy River estuary and Yambuk • infestation of weeds (introduced species) Lake. It is possible that other locations, not limiting access to the fishing water or the identified during public consultation, may also ability to fish the margins of some waterways need to be reviewed for adequacy of boat • uncertainty regarding anglersʹ rights to gain launching infrastructure. access across land (Crown land, Crown land lease, or private land) that is adjacent to fisheries.

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 28

Work to upgrade roads and tracks is prioritised Competition with other water‐based by the relevant land managers and is based on recreational uses available funding and the needs of the There are many different recreational water‐based community. The most effective way to achieve activities that people undertake in the improvements to roads and tracks is by engaging impoundments, lakes, rivers and estuaries of the the relevant land managers and providing Glenelg Hopkins Fishery. information on the most valued recreational fisheries to influence their prioritisation processes. Generally, the different water‐based users co‐exist and follow regulations that have been established Urbanisation around estuarine environments (eg by the different management agencies to balance Warrnambool and Hopkins River estuary) can the needs of different user groups. During public reduce available access points for recreational consultation, some anglers raised concern anglers. Opportunities may exist for greater regarding conflicts between anglers and personal policy commitment from local governments to water craft in the Glenelg River and Hopkins maintain angler access in future proposals for River estuaries. housing estates and other ventures that privatise land adjacent to fisheries resources. The The different zones and speed limits in Victoriaʹs development of Municipal Strategic Statements or waterways are specified in Marine Safety other policies should recognise the value of Victoriaʹs Vessel Operating and Zoning Rules (MSV recreational fishing and other leisure activities. 2005), which are developed under the Marine Act 1988. The Rules identify Warrnambool City Programs for the removal of vegetation, which Council and Parks Victoria as the specified might limit access and have an environmental management authorities for the Hopkins River impact on a waterway, are addressed through the and Glenelg River estuaries respectively. These implementation of the Glenelg Hopkins Weed agencies are responsible for the day‐to‐day Action Plan (GHCMA 2000) management of these waterways, including Anglers also identified issues relating to a lack of compliance and signage. knowledge regarding the legal status of land Anglers can report any compliance breaches or adjoining the waterway (Crown frontages, private issues relating to the management of the Hopkins land etc) and their right of access. The VRFish River to the Warrnambool City Council (Ph: policy Access for Recreational Fishing (VRFish 2004) (03) 5559 4800) and for the Glenelg River the has reviewed this issue and made a number of Parks Victoria office (Ph: 13 1963) at Nelson. recommendations, which, if implemented, will improve angler understanding of access issues Maintaining access to waterways across the state. following changed management A list of issues (including access) raised at public arrangements meetings is provided in Appendix 7. This list will Konongwootong Reservoir is a popular brown assist VRFish in setting future priorities when trout fishery located near the township of engaging other agencies. Coleraine. Wannon Water will decommission the Action reservoir in the next three to four years as VRFish to engage relevant land managers to alternate potable water is used to supply Coleraine. promote road and track access for important recreational fishing locations within the The decommissioning process will include Glenelg Hopkins Fishery. extensive public consultation to ensure that interests of the community are considered in its VRFish to engage local government to promote the maintenance of angler access future management. through the development of policies that will It is important that recreational fishing interests recognise the importance of maintaining access are considered in the future management of the to estuarine environments. reservoir. VRFish to implement policy actions in its Action Access for Recreational Fishing to improve the VRFish to actively represent the interests of local understanding of their rights to access land angling clubs during the decommissioning adjoining recreational fisheries. process to consider options for maintaining and enhancing recreational fishing values in the future management of the reservoir.

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 29 Table 1: Summary of objectives, strategies and actions for management of the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Objective Strategy Actions Performance Indicator Target Schedule Responsibility Biological ‐ To Strategy 1 ‐ Fisheries Victoria to seek Bag and size limits are The recreational Ongoing. To Fisheries conserve and Demonstrate the funding to recruit research reviewed in accordance with harvest of key begin in first Victoria ensure sustainable use angler diarists for black information that is collected recreational year of sustainable use of key bream and estuary perch in as part of the research angler estuarine species is declaring the of key fish recreational fish the Hopkins River and diary program. sustainably managed GHFMP subject stocks across the species. Glenelg River estuaries, and in response to to funding. inland Glenelg mulloway in the Glenelg information collected Hopkins River estuary. from monitoring Fishery. programs. Fisheries Victoria to develop Data is systematically Fisheries monitoring Ongoing. To Fisheries an ongoing monitoring collected on visitor numbers programs and begin in the first Victoria program that will collect for all estuaries and is being control measures are year of information on angler visitor reviewed annually. adjusted in response declaring the numbers over time, in to angling pressure. GHFMP. estuaries of the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery. Fisheries Victoria, in Recommendations made on Bag and size limits Funding Fisheries partnership with the the appropriateness of are adjusted to application Victoria/DSE/ GHCMA and DSE, to seek current bag and size limits in manage the within the first GHCMA funding to establish a accordance with information sustainable harvest twelve months monitoring program, to that is collected from the of Glenelg spiny of declaring the inform development of a Glenelg spiny crayfish crayfish. GHFMP. population model, to assess monitoring program. the sustainability of the current recreational harvest of Glenelg spiny crayfish.

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 30

Objective Strategy Actions Performance Indicator Target Schedule Responsibility Social ‐ To Strategy 2 ‐ Fisheries Victoria to continue Stocking programs managed Existing brown trout Ongoing Fisheries maintain and Maintain stock‐ to stock fish in support of consistent with Guidelines for and rainbow trout Victoria where possible enhanced recreational fishing in the Translocations of Live fisheries are enhance fisheries within suitable waters as agreed at Aquatic Organisms in Victoria maintained subject to recreational the Glenelg annual South West Regional and Protocols for the environmental fishing Hopkins Recreational Fisheries Translocation of Fish in constraints. opportunities Fishery. Consultation meetings. Victorian Inland Public Waters, across the and outcomes of South West inland Glenelg Regional Recreational Hopkins Fishing Consultation Fishery. meetings. Strategy 5 ‐ VRFish to liaise with anglers, Ongoing VRFish Improve access land managers and water to fisheries authorities to identify and resources. submit applications for new, or upgrade of existing, boat launching facilities identified during the planning process. VRFish to engage relevant Ongoing VRFish land managers to promote road and track access for important recreational fishing locations within the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery. VRFish to engage local Ongoing VRFish government to promote the maintenance of angler access through the development of policies that will recognise the importance of maintaining access to estuarine environments.

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 31

Objective Strategy Actions Performance Indicator Target Schedule Responsibility VRFish to implement policy Ongoing VRFish actions in its Access for Recreational Fishing to improve anglersʹ understanding of their rights to access land adjoining recreational fisheries. VRFish to actively represent Ongoing VRFish the interests of local angling clubs during the decommissioning process of Konongwootong Reservoir to consider options for maintaining and enhancing recreational fishing values in the future management of the reservoir. Environmental ‐ Strategy 3 ‐ Fisheries Victoria to Information collated on the Information on the Complete Fisheries To promote Identify habitat undertake a literature review production requirements of production needs of within the first Victoria protection of the requirements of and gap analysis of the black bream, mulloway and key recreational two years of habitats and key recreational habitat and environmental estuary perch, is provided to estuarine species is declaring the environments target species. conditions required to the GHCMA to inform being used by the plan. which are sustain the production reviews of the RRHS and GHCMA in their essential for (spawning, recruitment, Estuary Management Plans, policy development production or survival, growth and and is used in the Estuary and investment maintenance of movement) of black bream, Entrance Management programs. fisheries mulloway and estuary perch. Decision Framework. resources across the inland Glenelg Hopkins Fishery.

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 32

Objective Strategy Actions Performance Indicator Target Schedule Responsibility Fisheries Victoria to develop Information gaps identified Funding Fisheries monitoring and research and reviewed, and priorities application Victoria priorities for consideration for further research are within the first

by the Glenelg Hopkins considered by the Glenelg twelve months Fishery Reference Group. Hopkins Fishery Reference of declaring the Group. GHFMP. Fisheries Victoria, DSE and Fisheries GHCMA to collect Victoria, DSE & information on in‐stream GHCMA and riparian habitat data for Glenelg spiny crayfish during monitoring programs established in Strategy 1. Strategy 4 ‐ Fisheries Victoria to continue Fisheries Victoria responsible Fisheries Victoria is Ongoing, Fisheries Support to assist in implementing the actions implemented in the engaged in the subject to Victoria (and programs for current Glenelg River Carp Glenelg River Carp process to minimise resource other agencies, the management Management Plan as Management Plan within risks of carp availability. including of pest species. appropriate and participate agreed timeframes. impacting key GHCMA) in its review in 2006, and estuarine assist in the development of recreational fisheries. management options in the Hopkins Basin where key fisheries resources are considered at risk.

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 33 Research and monitoring

Information derived from research and monitoring Changes in fishing pressure will be assessed is an essential component of effective fisheries through an ongoing monitoring program that management. systematically monitors visitor numbers to the regionʹs seven key estuaries: Glenelg River, Surry Targeted research projects and ongoing River, Fitzroy River, Yambuk Lake, Moyne River, monitoring provide information on the status of Merri River and Hopkins River. key fish stocks, habitats and environmental conditions important for maintenance of key fish Glenelg spiny crayfish will be assessed in a fishery stocks, and evaluation of the effectiveness of new independent sampling program that builds on past or altered fishery management measures. monitoring sites (of other independent research projects) to build a picture of the stock status over Planning and priorities time. An application to fund this project will be made through the Regional Catchment Investment Research and monitoring programs will focus on two priority areas: the status of fisheries and fish Plan with an in‐kind contribution from DPI. stocks; and the environmental and habitat Fish habitat conditions for the maintenance of fisheries As described in Strategy 3, habitat and resources. environmental conditions are critical to the Monitoring of fish stocks production of key fisheries resources. As described in Strategy 1, the key recreational fish Fisheries Victoria can play a fishery advocacy role stocks that require monitoring are the estuarine by providing information on the environmental species black bream, estuary perch and mulloway, and habitat needs of key recreational target species and the Glenelg spiny crayfish found in the rivers to other agencies to inform their policy and and tributaries of the Glenelg River Basin. investment processes. The aim of these monitoring programs is to collect The habitat and environmental needs required to information that can be used in future fisheries sustain the production (spawning, recruitment, stock assessments that will guide decision‐making survival, growth and movement) of black bream, on the appropriateness of current bag and size mulloway and estuary perch will be assessed in a limits. literature review. Gaps identified in the literature For black bream, estuary perch and mulloway, review may be addressed in future research and monitoring programs. information, including catch and effort trends, composition of fish stocks, levels of recruitment and key biological characteristics such as growth Potential funding sources rates, will be collected through an ongoing angler Funding of research and monitoring programs for research diary program in the Glenelg River and the GHFMP will be sought from the Fisheries Hopkins River estuaries. This monitoring program Victoria program budget, the Recreational Fishing relies on experienced volunteer anglers Licence Trust Account and through the GHCMA undertaking research angling trips targeting Regional Catchment Investment Plan. specific fish species in accordance with prescribed Table 2 provides a summary of research and methods. monitoring projects and information on costs and The research angler diary program will be responsible agencies. expanded to other estuaries of the Glenelg

Hopkins Fishery if there is an increase in fishing pressure over time.

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 34

Table 2: Summary of fishery and fish habitat monitoring/research projects required to address the GHFMP objectives Project Relevant Responsibility Key partners Total Potential Maximum Strategy estimated funding contribution cost source by Fisheries Victoria

Angler diary program 1 Fisheries Recreational $15,000 per RFL Trust $7,500 per (ongoing). Victoria fishers annum Account annum (based on Fisheries five Victoria research program anglers, budget including otolith analysis) Monitoring program 1 Fisheries N/A $10,000 per Fisheries $10,000 per that will collect Victoria annum Victoria annum (in‐ information on angler program kind) visitor numbers over budget time, in estuaries of the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery (ongoing). Research project to 1 Fisheries GHCMA $40,000 GHCMA $10,000 (in‐ assess the Victoria kind) DSE DPI sustainability of the current recreational harvest of Glenelg spiny crayfish. Literature review of 3 Fisheries N/A $10,000 Fisheries $10,000 (in‐ the habitat and Victoria Victoria kind) environmental program conditions required to budget sustain the production (spawning, recruitment, survival, growth and movement) of black bream, mulloway and estuary perch.

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 35 Fisheries compliance for the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery

The waterways of the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery recreational fishing activity. For some species, are, for the purposes of the Act, classed as specific management arrangements are in place Victorian inland waters. Unless exempted, anglers that may include catch and size limits and the are required to hold a Recreational Fishing Licence closure of particular areas to the use of certain (RFL) to recreationally fish these waters. The types of fishing equipment. requirement for an RFL applies to the taking of or High levels of voluntary compliance require attempting to take, any species of fish by any effective education and community awareness method. The licence covers other activities such as programs which promote and support close and bait collection, gathering shellfish, yabby fishing, ongoing cooperation between fishers and DPI, a prawning and spear fishing. Details of entitlements high level of community awareness and under this licence and other important information understanding about management objectives and for anglers can be found in the Victorian strategies. Perhaps most importantly, it requires a Recreational Fishing Guide sense of shared responsibility for maintaining (www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing). healthy fisheries for future generations. There is a high level of community expectation Fisheries Victoria recognises the need to maintain a that fishery resources will be maintained at high standard of education and awareness sustainable levels and that the aquatic habitats that programs relating to the regionʹs waterways. support them will be protected. The Act and the Fisheries Victoria will continue to provide these associated Regulations provide the legislative services consistent with its statewide education framework for ensuring the protection of those and enforcement program. resources. Successful fisheries management in Victoria depends heavily on achieving optimal Fisheries Victoriaʹs programs are often levels of compliance with legislation. This is best complemented by the community education achieved through a combination of maximising activities of other organisations, including voluntary compliance and creating a deterrent Catchment Management Authorities, angling clubs effect. and Fishcare Victoria. Fishcare Victoria’s programs aim to foster responsible fishing practices and care DPI, through Fisheries Victoria and its regional for aquatic environments. Fisheries staff, is responsible for the delivery of a range of services associated with fisheries Enforcement compliance. These services range from detection DPI’s fisheries community education and and apprehension of people fishing illegally, awareness programs are complemented and through to education and information supported by its efforts to ensure effective dissemination designed to maximise voluntary deterrents to potential offenders through its compliance. fisheries enforcement operations targeting substantial and deliberate breaches of the For the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery, these compliance regulations. services are delivered as part of DPI’s South West Fisheries program. Fisheries staff providing these Land and water‐based patrols by authorised services in the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery area are Fisheries Officers provide important opportunities based at Warrnambool, Portland and Horsham. for communication and engagement with active fishers, as well as discouraging illegal activities by Education and community awareness programs providing a physical presence. The issuing of There is a growing level of awareness within the penalty notices can also act as a deterrent to illegal community that through the act of harvesting our activities. natural resources, we can have a direct effect upon the condition of the resource. DPI operates a 24‐hour, 7‐day a week, statewide offence reporting service – 13 FISH (call 13 3474). As the environment comes under pressure from Users of waterways across the Glenelg Hopkins the effects of coastal development, fish stocks may Fishery who are concerned about suspected illegal also come under further pressure from increased

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 36

activities are encouraged to report these matters on • undertake targeted compliance operations the service. as required to achieve fisheries objectives defined in the GHFMP Actions Fisheries Victoria to: • consider DSE’s Action Statement on Glenelg spiny crayfish during • provide information and promote prioritisation processes for future community reporting of suspected illegal education and compliance programs. fishing activities – 13 FISH (call 13 3474) Performance Indicator • plan, targeted patrols and inspections to 90% compliance with fishing controls achieved. achieve compliance with fishing controls within the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery in line Target with a state‐wide resource risk‐based Compliance programs are adequately prioritisation process implemented to ensure ongoing access to recreational angling species.

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 37 Management plan implementation

The GHFMP provides direction for recreational GHFMP. The group will also facilitate fisheries management for the Glenelg Hopkins partnerships with other agencies to develop Fishery. programs, and review the outcomes of research and provide recommendations on future research Initially most fishery management measures for directions. Fisheries Victoria will establish the the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery will remain group within the first twelve months of declaring unchanged while the focus is on establishing the management plan. Terms of reference to guide programs to monitor the status of key target the group will be issued by the Executive Director, species and identify key environmental threats to Fisheries Victoria, DPI. fisheries resources. Ongoing implementation of the GHFMP will If information from these programs indicates a require action by DPI in conjunction with need to alter fishery management arrangements in recreational fishers, VRFish and other stakeholders the future to ensure sustainable use or to meet to establish the required fishery monitoring and changing demands for recreational fishing research programs, to carry out day‐to‐day opportunities, then changes will be considered in management activities, and to ensure compliance consultation with stakeholders. with fishery management arrangements. Any proposed changes to fisheries regulations Key actions required to facilitate implementation may be subject to a Regulatory Impact Statement of this management plan are summarised in Table (RIS) process under the provisions of the 1. Subordinate Legislation Act 1994, which includes extensive consultation with stakeholders. An annual progress report will be prepared by Fisheries Victoria on the implementation of the The GHFMP will come into effect following a GHFMP and will provide details of progress declaration by the Minister via a notice in the against key performance indicators. Annual report Government Gazette and will be made available to will be available on the DPI website at the public through the internet and as a published www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing/. document. The Glenelg Hopkins Reference Group Costs of implementation Costs of establishing the required fishery The Glenelg Hopkins Reference Group will be monitoring and research programs, and potential established to work with DPI to deliver the desired funding sources, are described in Table 2 in the management outcomes for the Glenelg Hopkins ʹResearch and Monitoringʹ section of the GHFMP. Fishery. It is proposed that the Glenelg Hopkins Costs for implementation of fisheries compliance Reference Group include representatives activities across the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery will nominated by VRFish, Fisheries Victoria and the be met within the DPI Fisheries Program budget GHCMA. Other groups or individuals may be allocation. engaged by the group as required. The role of the group is to advise the Executive Further Information Director, Fisheries Victoria, DPI with respect to the For further information on this management plan, coordination of activities and projects in support of comment on its implementation or recreational the GHFMP actions, strategies and objectives, fishing in general, contact the Department of including monitoring implementation of the Primary Industries Customer Service Centre telephone 136 186 or visit the Department’s web site at www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing/. For further information on the activities of VRFish visit the VRFish web site at www.vrfish.com.au.

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 38

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Allen, GR 1989, Freshwater fishes of Australia, TFH Edgar, GJ, Hammond, LS & Watson, GF 1993, Publications Inc. Brookvale. Consequences for commercial fisheries of loss of seagrass beds in southern Australia. Fisheries Butcher, AD 1945, Conservation of the bream fishery, Fisheries and Game Department. Victorian Research and Development Corporation Fisheries Pamphlet 1. Report 88/91, p. 129. Cadwallader, PL & Backhouse, GN 1983, A guide Fletcher, WJ, Chesson, J, Fisher, M, Sainsbury, KJ, Hundloe, T, Smith, ADM & Whitworth, B to the freshwater fish of Victoria, Victorian Government Publishing Office, Melbourne. 2002, National ESD reporting framework for Australian Fisheries: The ‘How To’ guide for wild pp. 249. capture fisheries. Fisheries Research and Cashmore, S, Conron, S & Knuckey, I (eds) 2000, Development Corporation Project 2000/145, Black Bream – 1998, Complied by the Bay and Canberra. Inlet Fisheries Stock Assessment Group. Fisheries Victoria Assessment Report No. 24. Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority 2000, Glenelg Hopkins Weed (Marine and Freshwater Resources Institute, Management Plan, Glenelg Hopkins Queenscliff). Catchment Management Authority, Chubb, CF, Potter, IC, Grant, CJ, Lenanton, RCJ & Hamilton, Victoria. Wallace, J 1981, ‘Age structure, growth rates Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management and movements of Sea Mullet, Mugil cephalus L., and yellow‐eye mullet, Aldrichetta forsteri Authority 2003, Glenelg Hopkins (Valenciennes), in the Swan‐Avon River RegionalCatchment Strategy 2003‐2007, Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority, System, Western Australia’, Australian Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, vol. 32, pp. Hamilton, Victoria. 605‐628. Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Department of Agriculture Fisheries Forestry 2005, Authority 2004a, Yambuk Lake and Estuary Management Plan, Glenelg Hopkins Recreational Fishing Community Grants Programme: Guide and Application Form, Catchment Management Authority, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Hamilton, Victoria. Forestry, Canberra. Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority 2004, River Health Strategy 2004‐ Department of Natural Resources & Environment 2002a, Victorian Eel Fishery Management Plan, 2009, Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Department of Natural Resources and Management Authority, Hamilton, Victoria. Environment, Victoria. Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority 2005, The sensitive Surry ‐ an estuary Department of Natural Resources & Environment 2002, Victorian Pest Management ‐ framework for in crisis, Hamilton, Victoria. action, Department of Natural Resources & Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Environment, Melbourne. Authority 2006, Draft Glenelg Basin Sand Management Plan, Glenelg Hopkins Department of Primary Industries 2003, Guidelines for Assessing the Translocation of Live Aquatic Catchment Management Authority, Organisms in Victoria, Completed by the Hamilton, Victoria. Victorian Aquatic Organisms Translocation Gunthorpe, L & Hamer, P (eds) 2000, Guidelines Steering Committee. DPI, Bay fish habitats ‐ 1998, Compiled by the Fish Melbourne. Habitat Assessment Group, Fisheries Victoria Department of Primary Industries 2003a, Assessment Report No. 22, Fisheries Victoria, Freshwater Fish of Victoria ‐ Blackfish, Fisheries East Melbourne. Note, Melbourne, Victoria. Hall, DN 1984, Commercial Fishery Situation Report: Department of Sustainability & Environment 2005, Lake Tyers, Gippsland, Commercial Fisheries Action Statement ‐ Glenelg spiny crayfish. Action Report No. 11, Department of Conservation, Statement 184, Melbourne, Victoria.

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 39 Forests and Lands – Fisheries and Wildlife , Victoria, Department of Service. Conservation, Forests and Lands, Arthur Harris, JA 1968, ‘The yellow‐eye mullet. Age Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, structure, growth rate and spawning cycle of Heidelberg, Victoria. a population of yellow‐eye mullet, Aldrichetta Koehn, JD & OʹConnor, WG 1990, Biological forsteri (Cuv. And Val.) from the Coorong Information for Management of native Freshwater lagoon, South Australia’, Transactions of the Fish in Victoria, Department of Conservation Royal Society of South Australia, vol. 92, pp. 37‐ and Environment, Melbourne. 50. Marine Safety Victoria 2005, Boating safety and Honan, JA 1998, ‘Egg and juvenile development of facilities program 2005‐06, Marine Safety the Australian freshwater crayfish, Euastacus Victoria, Melbourne. bispinosis Clark (Decapoda; Parastacidae)’, McDowall, R 1996, Freshwater Fishes of South Proceedings of Linnean Society of New South Eastern Australia, Reed Books, Chatswood Wales, vol. 119, pp. 37‐54. New South Wales. Honan, JA, & Mitchell, BD 1995a, ‘Reproduction of Ministerial Council on Forestry, Fisheries and Euastacus bisponsis Clark (Decapoda: Aquaculture 1999, National Policy for the Parastaciadae), and trends in the reproductive Translocation of Live Aquatic Organisms – Issues, characteristics of freshwater crayfish’, Marine Principles and Guidelines for Implementation, and Freshwater Research, vol. 46, pp. 485‐99. Ministerial Council on Forestry, Fisheries and Honan, JA & Mitchell, BD 1995b, ‘Growth of larger Aquaculture. freshwater crayfish’, Eustacus bispinosus. Mitchell, P 1990, The Environmental condition of Freshwater Crayfish, vol. 10, pp. 118‐131. Victorian streams, Department of Water Honan, JA & Mitchell, BD 1995c, ‘Growth of larger Resources, Victoria, Melbourne. freshwater crayfish’, Eustacus bispinosus. Ramm, DC 1986, An ecological study of the Freshwater Crayfish, vol. 10, pp. 118‐131. ichthyoplankton and juvenile fish of the Gippsland Honan, JA 2004, Habitats of Glenelg spiny crayfish Lakes, Victoria, Unpublished PhD thesis, (Euastacus Bispinosus) in the Glenleg River University of Melbourne. 161 pp. Drainage, Prepared for the Glenelg Hopkins Rigby, BA 1982, An ecological study of the estuarine Catchment Management Authority, fish assemblage in the , Internal Hamilton, Victoria. Report No. 3, Marine Sciences Laboratory, Horwitz, P 1990, ‘A taxonomic revision of species Ministry for Conservation, Victoria. in the freshwater crayfish genus Engaeus Robertson, AI 1978, Trophic interactions among the Erichson (Decapoda: Parastacidae)’, macrofauna of an eelgrass community, PhD Invertebrate Taxonomy, vol. 4, pp. 427‐614. Thesis, Dept. Of Zoology, University of Jenkins, GP, Watson, GF & LS, Hammond, LS, Melbourne. Victoria. 1993, ‘Patterns of utilisation of seagrass Southern Rural Water 1998, Streamflow Management (Heterozostera) dominated habitats as nursery Plan ‐ Explanatory Notes for the Meri River, areas by commercially important fish’, Southern Rural Water. Victorian Institute of Marine Sciences, vol. 19, p. 100. Sherwood, JE & Backhouse, GN 1982, Hydrodynamics of salt wedge estuaries: Jenkins, GP, Watson, GF, Hammond, LS, Black, KP implications for successful spawning of black Wheatley, MJ, & Shaw, C 1996 Importance of bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri) ‐ Report 82/3, shallow water, reef‐algal habitats as nursery areas Faculty of Applied Science and Technology for commercial fish from south‐eastern Australia ‐ Research Warrnambool Institute of Advanced Final report, Fisheries Research and Education. Development Corporation Project 92/44, pp. 166. Thompson, JM 1957, The food of Western Australian estuarine fishes, Western Australian Kailola, PJ, Williams, MJ, Stewart, PC, Reichelt, RE, Department of Fisheries, Fisheries Bulletin 7 McNee, A & Grieve, C 1993, Australian p. 16. fisheries resources, Bureau of Resource Sciences and the Fisheries Reserch and Development VRFish 2004a, VRFish Policy Paper ‐ Boat Launching Corporation, Canberra. Facilities, VRFish, Victoria. Koehn, JD 1987, Artificial habitat increases abundance VRFish 2004, VRFish Policy Paper ‐ Access For of two‐spined blackfish Gadiopsis bisponsis in Recreational Fishing, VRFish, Victoria.

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Wager, R & Jackson, P 1993, The Action Plan for Internet Sites Australian Freshwater Fishes, Australian Nature Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Conservation Agency, Canberra. Authority. www.glenelg‐hopkins.vic.gov.au Western Coastal Board 2002, Coastal and Marine Department of Primary Industries. Planning Program, South West Estuaries Coastal http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/angling/, Action Plan, Western Coastal Board, Victoria. Department of Environment & Heritage. Western Coastal Board 2002, Coastal and Marine http://www.deh.gov.au/water/wetlands/datab Planning Program, South West Victoria Regional ase/directory/vic.html#vicsummary Coastal Action Plan, Western Coastal Board,Victoria. Personal communications Williams, NJ 1970, A comparison of the two species of Gunthorpe, Leanne 2000, personal the genus Percalates Ramsay and Ogilby communications from Western Minor Inlets (Percomorphi : Macquariidae), and their Habitat Assessment Group. taxonomy, Chief Secretary’s Department, New Martin, Neil 2005, personal communications from South Wales State Fisheries Research Bulletin Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan no. 11. Steering Committee.

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 41 Glossary

Age class – fish of a particular species that were Production (of fish species) – refers to biological spawned in the same year. processes, such as spawning, recruitment, survival, growth and movement, that drive Anthropogenic – resulting from the influence of changes in the abundance and distribution of a human beings on natural processes. species. Ecologically Sustainable Development – Using, Research angler diarist – a monitoring program conserving and enhancing the community’s that uses highly skilled anglers to sample fish resources so that ecological processes, on which populations using prescribed methods. life depends, are maintained, and the total quality Information is collected on catch and effort trends of life, now and in the future, can be increased. and stock structure. Estuary – the coastal section of a waterway where Stratification – a process where layers of water freshwaters from the catchment mix with are separated within the water column because of saltwater from the sea. differences in salinity or temperature. Objective – a longer‐term description of what we Translocation – the deliberate human‐assisted are trying to achieve through the implementation movement of live aquatic organism using of the management plan. associated transport media. Performance indicator – used as a means of tracking progress of implementing actions on an ongoing (usually annual) basis. Target – provides a longer‐term measure for the Objectives of the GHFMP. Targets should be achieved through the successful implementation of the GHFMP.

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 42

Abbreviations

DNRE Department of Natural Resources & Environment (former), now DPI and DSE DPI Department of Primary Industries DSE Department of Sustainability and Environment EHNV Epizootic Haematopoietic Necrosis Virus EPBC Act Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 ESD Ecologically Sustainable Development FCC Fisheries Co‐Management Council FFG Act Flora & Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 GHFMP Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan GHCMA Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority GRCMP Glenelg River Carp Management Plan GWM Water Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water KSCP Kooyang Sea Country Plan MCFFA Ministerial Council on Forestry, Fisheries and Aquaculture MSV Marine Safety Victoria PIRVic Primary Industries Research Victoria RCS Regional Catchment Strategy RFL Recreational Fishing Licence RRHS Regional River Health Strategy SRW Southern Rural Water SWECAP South West Coastal Action Plan TAC Total Allowable Catch the Act Fisheries Act 1995 the Regulations Fisheries Regulations 1998 VPMF Victorian Pest Management ‐ A Framework for Action VRFish Victorian Recreational Fishing peak body

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 43

Appendices

Appendix 1: Membership of steering committee

The GHFMP Steering Committee will be independently chaired by Mr Kevin Drinkell and includes the following members: Mr Darren OʹShannassy, FCC Ms Melody Jane, GHCMA Mr Robert Loats, Victorian Recreational Fishing peak body Mr Geoff Cramer, Victorian Recreational Fishing peak body Mr Philip Du Guesclin, DSE Mr Hugh Christie, GWM Water Mr Neil Martin, Framlingham Aboriginal Trust Mr Dennis Rose, Winda‐Mara Aboriginal Corporation Mr Greg Hayes, DPI Mr Graeme Hanel, DPI.

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 44

Appendix 2: Lakes and Impoundments of Glenelg Hopkins Fishery and key recreational fishing species

Lakes Key Recreational target species Carp present Indigenous species Introduced species Beaufort Lake brown trout, rainbow trout, redfin Undetected Lake Bolac short‐finned eel golden perch, redfin Detected Bridgewater Lakes River blackfish redfin Undetected Lake Burrumbeet short‐finned eel redfin, trout Detected Lake Cartcarrong short‐finned eel brown trout Undetected Cobrico Swamp short‐finned eel redfin Undetected short‐finned eel Undetected Deep Lake brown trout, rainbow trout, redfin Detected Lake Elingamite short‐finned eel brown trout, rainbow trout, redfin Undetected Lake Gillear short‐finned eel brown trout, rainbow trout, redfin Undetected Lake Learmonth brown trout, rainbow trout, redfin Undetected Lake Linlithgow short‐finned eel redfin Undetected Lake Logan short‐finned eel redfin Undetected Lake Mumblin redfin Undetected Lake Mombeong river blackfish, short‐ Undetected finned eel

Impoundments Key Recreational target species Carp present Indigenous species Introduced species Aringa Reservoir brown trout, rainbow trout, redfin Undetected Hamilton Lake brown trout, rainbow trout, golden Undetected perch, estuary perch Konongwootong Reservoir brown trout, rainbow trout, redfin Undetected Rocklands Reservoir redfin, brown trout, rainbow trout Detected Branxholme Reservoir redfin Undetected Greenhill Lake brown trout, rainbow trout, golden Detected perch, redfin

Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Management Plan 45

Appendix 3: Family Fishing Lakes of the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery

Small waters Location Key recreational target species Carp present Indigenous species Introduced species Jubilee Lake Skipton rainbow trout Undetected Tea Tree Lake Mortlake rainbow trout Undetected Ess Lagoon Casterton rainbow trout Undetected Alexandra Lake Ararat short‐finned eel redfin, rainbow trout Undetected Norval Dam Ararat redfin Undetected

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Appendix 4: Fish species in estuaries of Glenelg Hopkins Fishery Eleven species or families of fish have been identified as being commonly encountered or observed by recreational fishers of the estuaries in the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery. The main recreational target species in these estuaries are black bream, estuary perch and mulloway. Yellow‐eye mullet and Australian salmon are common by‐catch species. In total, it is likely that over forty species of fish reside or spend time in the region’s estuaries.

Species Common name Inlet

Thyrites atun barracouta Moyne Acanthopagrus butcheri black bream all Anguilla spp eel Glenelg Surry Fitzroy Yambuk Moyne Hopkins Aldrichetta forsteri yellow eye mullet all Argyrosomus japonicus mulloway Glenelg Fitzroy Yambuk Moyne Hopkins Macquaria colonorum estuary perch Glenelg Surry Yambuk Moyne Hopkins Arripis spp Australian salmon Glenelg Surry Moyne Hopkins Pagrus auratus snapper Moyne Galaxias spp whitebait or galaxid Glenelg (Recreational as bait, one commercial bait licence) Sillaginodes punctata King George whiting Moyne Class POLYCHAETA baitworms Glenelg (Recreational as bait, one commercial bait licence)

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Appendix 5: Fish stocking programs for the Glenelg Hopkins Fishery

Brown Trout Rainbow Trout Estuary Perch WATERWAY 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2000 Hopkins River Basin

Alexandra Lake Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 200 400 400 400 400 Nil

Beaufort Lake 1,000 Nil Nil 1,000 1,000 1,000 Nil Nil Nil 1,000 1,000 1,000 Nil

Bolac Lake 10,000 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 10,000 7,500 7,500 Nil Nil Nil Nil

Cartcarrong Lake 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil

Deep Lake NW NW NW NW NW NW NW NW NW NW NW NW Nil

Gillear Lake 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 Nil

Greenhill Lake Nil 2,000 1,000 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 2,500 Nil Nil Nil Nil

Hamilton Lake 3,000 1,455 1,000 3,000 2,000 2,000 3,000 3,000 2,000 3,000 3,000 1,000

Hopkins River* 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil

Jubilee Lake – Skipton Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 200 450 250 250 250 Nil

Learmonth Lake Nil NW NW NW NW NW Nil NW NW NW NW NW Nil

Merri River* 7,300 7,300 7,300 7,300 7,300 7,300 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil

Mount Emu Creek* 2,300 2,500 2,800 3,300 3,450 3,450 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil

Tea Tree Lake Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 200 400 400 400 400 400 Nil

Glenelg River Basin

Ess Lagoon Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 800 1,000 1,000 Nil

Konong Wootong 1,500 1,500 Nil 2,000 Nil Nil 1,500 1,500 2,000 1,000 2,000 2,000 Nil

Rocklands Reservoir 10,000 Nil Nil 20,000 10,000 20,000 Nil 5,800 5,000 Nil Nil Nil Nil

Portland Basin

Aringa Reservoir 500 500 500 500 500 500 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 Nil

Moyne River* Nil Nil 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000 Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil NW = no (or low) water *Brown trout fin clipped

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Appendix 6: Ministerial guidelines

I, Bob Cameron, Minister for Agriculture, pursuant to section 28(2) of the Fisheries Act 1995 (the Act), issue the following guidelines with respect to the preparation of a Fishery Management Plan for the inland Glenelg Hopkins region. Fisheries Victoria of the Department of Primary Industries will be responsible for the preparation of the Fishery Management Plan. The plan must be consistent with the objectives of the Act. The Fisheries Co‐management Council will oversee the process for the preparation of the Fishery Management Plan. The plan must comply with Part 3 of the Act. The Fishery Management Plan will be prepared with input from all major affected stakeholder groups, including recreational fishing interests and Indigenous interests. The inland Glenelg Hopkins region includes the Glenelg Basin, Portland Basin and Hopkins Basin as defined by the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority. The Fishery Management Plan will identify factors, including habitat and water management issues, impacting fisheries resources. The Fishery Management Plan may identify opportunities to maintain or enhance the recreational fishing experience. The Fishery Management Plan may specify appropriate management controls with regard to recreational fishing and may recommend options to assist in managing related activities. The Fishery Management Plan will identify research and information needs to support the sustainable management of fisheries resources. The Fishery Management Plan will include processes for reporting to the Victorian community on achievements of the Plan.

BOB CAMERON Minister for Agriculture

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Appendix 7: Issues raised during public consultation to be prioritised by VRFish

Issue Area/waterway Issue Policies, processes or funding opportunities

Boat ramps Rocklands Reservoir Need new ramp at GWM Water currently manages the existing boat ramp. Other Glendining agencies that should be considered in consultation for new infrastructure include state forests and land managers. Potential funding: Marine Safety Victoria, Boating Safety and Facilities Program. Konongwootong Reservoir Need a ramp Wannon Water currently manages this water storage. Infrastructure needs will be considered following the decommissioning process in 3‐4 years’ time. Potential funding: Marine Safety Victoria, Boating Safety and Facilities Program. Aringa Reservoir Boat ramp washed away Managed by Parks Victoria. Potential funding: Marine Safety Victoria, Boating Safety and Facilities Program. Glenelg River estuary Need new ramp at ‘the fence’ Managed by Parks Victoria. Recommendations for infrastructure will or other nearby location be considered in a review of the Lower Glenelg National Park Management Plan. Potential funding: Marine Safety Victoria, Boating Safety and Facilities Program. Fitzroy River estuary Need new ramp Managed by DSE and local committee of management. GHCMA should also be engaged. Potential funding: Marine Safety Victoria, Boating Safety and Facilities Program. Information on Glenelg River & Wando River Need maps that show access To be considered by VRFish as part of implementing VRFish Policy access points points along Glenelg and Paper – Access For Recreational Fishing. Potential funding: Recreational Wando Rivers. Fishing Licence Trust account.

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Issue Area/waterway Issue Policies, processes or funding opportunities Private Property ‐ Glenelg River, Crawford River, Opportunities to improve To be considered by VRFish as part of implementing VRFish Policy opportunities for Wannon River (between junction access in areas where private Paper ‐ Access For Recreational Fishing. improving with Glenelg and Wannon Falls), property limits access to the Eumarella River, Hopkins River river (above Hexham, Smith’s Lane & Rowan’s Lane, Riverview Terrace), Upper Merri River, Darlot Ck, Mt Emu Creek, Aringa Reservoir Hopkins estuary, Merri lower Urbanisation is limiting Warrnambool City Council has developed a Pubic Open Spaces estuarine reach access to the estuary Policy to maintain a minimum level of access to the Hopkins River estuary. VRFish to engage Glenelg Shire Council, Moyne Shire Council and Warrnambool City Council to inform access policies and planning schemes. Weeds/Reeds ‐ Gillear Lake Weeds are limiting access to Wildlife reserve managed by Parks Victoria. VRFish to engage Parks limiting access the fishery Victoria. Wannon River, Hamilton Lake, Weeds are limiting access to GHCMA consider weeds in their RCS and RRHS. Works to remove Grange Burn, Merri River, Hopkins the fishery weeds are prioritised in the Regional Catchment Investment Process. River (above Hexham) VRFish to prioritise most important recreational fishing areas in need of work and inform GHCMAʹs prioritisation processes. Tracks/Roads Glenelg River estuary Tracks need upgrading To be considered by Parks Victoria in the review of their Lower Glenelg National Park Management Plan. Mt Emu Creek (roads to Creek) Tracks need upgrading VRFish to consider access issues and engage local government ‐ Moyne Shire Council. Floating jetties Hopkins estuary Need floating jetties to To be considered by VRFish with local angling clubs. Potential improve access during high funding: Recreational Fishing Licence Trust account. water levels Campsite Glenelg estuary Need improved camping To be considered by Parks Victoria in the review of their Lower facilities Glenelg National Park Management Plan.

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Issue Area/waterway Issue Policies, processes or funding opportunities

Other Users Glenelg Estuary conflicts with jet skis and ski To be considered by Parks Victoria in the review of their Lower boats Glenelg National Park Management Plan. Hopkins estuary conflicts with jet skis and ski Warrnambool – zones have already been established. Complaints to boats be directed to Warrnambool City Council (Ph: (03) 5559 4800). Water Flows Upper Wannon Diversions to the north are GWM Water manages the Bulk Water Entitlement process. GHCMA having a negative impact on provide input into processes advocating environmental needs, the Wannon at different including needs of fish species. times of the year Glenelg River need to reduce amount of GWM Water manages the Bulk Water Entitlement process. GHCMA water being diverted to the provide input into processes advocating environmental needs, north including needs of fish species. Estuaries Need to review current GWM Water managed in Bulk Water Entitlement process for Glenelg extraction/diversions to River. Project being undertaken by GHCMA to look at the needs of improve flows into estuaries estuaries ‐ no changes proposed until this information is collected. Merri Need to review current Water flows are managed in the Merri River Streamflow extraction/diversions to Management Plan. Fisheries Victoria to provide input advocating improve flows fisheries needs in any future reviews of the streamflow management plan. Portland Basin Extraction from rivers/creeks Managed through individual licences for extraction that are by irrigators administered by Southern Rural Water. Hopkins Not enough flow Managed through individual licences for extraction that are administered by Southern Rural Water. Mt Emu Not enough flow Managed through individual licences for extraction that are administered by Southern Rural Water.

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Issue Area/waterway Issue Policies, processes or funding opportunities

Water levels Burrumbeet Lake ‐ Burrumbeet Ck Low flows into lake City of Ballarat manages the lake. Water inflows managed by Southern Rural Water through individual extraction licences. Lake Bolac Lack of inflow from Fiery Ck Southern Rural Water manage irrigation licences which allow for the extraction of water from Bolac Lake and Fiery Creek.

Learmonth Lake Drought conditions; no action required. Lake Cartcarrong Drought conditions; no action required. Deep Lake Drought conditions; no action required. Rocklands Reservoir Opportunities with WM Drought conditions; no action required. Pipeline Aringa Reservoir Drought conditions; no action required. Water quality ‐ Most rivers and lakes of the region Being addressed in GHCMAʹs RRHS and Nutrient Management Nutrients, Salinity, Plan. Sediments, Turbidity, thermal pollution Water quality ‐ Crawford River pesticides from blue gum Local government issue planning permits for large plantations which Pesticides plantations etc consider environmental issues such as pesticide use. Pest animals ‐ carp Lake Burrumbeet , Lake Bolac, Carp, tench, Gambusia As identified in the GHCMAʹs RRHS, the management of carp will Rocklands Reservoir, Glenelg focus on priority areas of the region: Rocklands Reservoir & Glenelg

River, Konongwootong Reservoir River (through the Glenelg River Cap Management River); Hopkins (tench), Greenhill Lake, Wannon Basin ‐ risk assessment of carp reaching and impacting the Hopkins River (Gambusia), Mt Emu Creek estuary subject to a bid by GHCMA for funding. Tench in

Konongwootong may be considered following a decommissioning Consideration of introducing process in 3‐4 yearsʹ time. predatory fish into The GHCMA has made a risk assessment application (on behalf of Rocklands and Glenelg River regional angling clubs) to the Translocation Evaluation Panel. Subject to control carp. to outcomes of the assessment of the risk assessment (to be assessed in April 2006), potential stockings of predatory fish will be considered at regional consultation meetings in 2006/07.

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Issue Area/waterway Issue Policies, processes or funding opportunities

Pest plants Aringa Reservoir, Glenelg River, Removal of weeds Aquatic weeds are addressed in the GHCMAʹs RRHS. Merri River, Hopkins, Konongwootong Reservoir Riparian vegetation Burrumbeet Lake, Bolac Lake, Impacts re fish habitat and Being considered in GHCMAʹs RRHS. Learmonth Lake, Deep Lake, water quality Fitzroy River estuary, Glenelg River (below Rocklands), Wannon River, Portland Basin rivers, Hopkins River Estuary Openings All estuaries subject to closure Needs to be managed for Will be managed through the Estuary Entrance Decision Framework enhanced recreational fishing being supported by the GHCMA. The Framework is currently being opportunities developed and is due to be completed in 2006/07. Loss of habitat Hopkins River estuary Blue hole filled‐in Discussed in the GHCMAʹs Hopkins Estuary Management Plan ‐ mostly a result of natural processes related to a reduction in estuary inflows. Loss of Woody Rocklands Reservoir, Glenelg Impacts on habitat for fish Managed through the GHCMAʹs RRHS. habitat River, Wannon River Boating impacts Estuaries Impact of propeller Should be addressed through educational campaigns at a state‐wide wash/nosing level through MSV or identified locally through the GHCMAʹs Estuary Management Plans. Barriers to fish Glenelg River Need to remove barriers Managed in the GHCMAʹs RRHS. passage Extraction of sand Glenelg River, Wannon River Impacts to fisheries species Managed in the GHCMAʹs Sand Management Plan. habitat

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