DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES Meeting Outcomes - 2005 Regional Fisheries Consultations Fisheries Management Report Series - No. 20 Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 Fish Stocking, Fish Population Surveys and other Recreational Fisheries Management Issues

Fisheries Management Paper

No. 20 Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005

Fish Stocking, Fish Population Surveys and other Recreational Fisheries Management Issues

Fisheries Victoria Fisheries Management Report Series No. 20 © The State of Victoria, Department of Primary Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series Industries, 2005. No. 20. This publication is copyright. No part may be Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Spring produced by any process except in accordance Street, , Victoria 3001. with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. Published by the Department of Primary Reproduction and the making available of this Industries. material for personal, in-house, or non-commercial Fisheries Victoria purposes is authorised on the condition that: GPO Box 4440 • The copyright is acknowledged as the owner; Melbourne Victoria 3001. • No official connection is claimed; Printed by Classic Colour Copying, Melbourne • The material is made available without charge or cost; and Copies are also available from the website: • The material is not subject to inaccurate, www.dpi.vic.gov.au misleading or derogatory comment. Disclaimer: This publication may be of assistance Requests to reproduce or communicate this to you, but the State of Victoria and its employees material in any way not permitted by this licence do not guarantee that the publication is without (or by the fair dealing provisions of the Copyright flaw or is wholly appropriate for your particular Act 1968) should be directed to the Print & purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for an Reference Service Manager, GPO Box 4440, error, loss or other consequence which may arise Melbourne 3001. from you relying on any information in this publication. ISSN: 1442-3766 This report cannot be used in a court of law. ISBN 1 74146 348 3 Fishing laws change from time to time. It is your Preferred way to cite this publication: responsibility to ensure that you are acting within Department of Primary Industries (2005). Regional the law. If you are in doubt seek independent legal Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - advice. For other information contact the Fish Stocking, Fish Population Surveys and other Customer Service Centre (telephone 136 186 or Recreational Fisheries Management Issues 2005. www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing/).

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 ii Contents

1 Introduction...... 1 1.1 Background ...... 1 1.2 Fish Stocking...... 1 1.3 Fisheries Victoria Contacts...... 1

2 Statewide...... 3 Presentation of Information Items...... 3 2.1 Ten Waters Trout Stocking Program ...... 3 2.2 On-line Guide to the Inland Waters of Victoria...... 3 2.3 Australian Federation of Coarse Anglers Association ...... 3 2.4 Impacts of Drought on Departmental Fish Stockings...... 3 2.5 Impacts of Fire on North East and Gippsland Fisheries...... 4 2.6 Appointment of New Executive Director for Fisheries Victoria ...... 5 2.7 Fish Habitat Protection – Fisheries Notice ...... 5 2.8 Inland Fisheries Management Plans ...... 6 2.9 RFL Funding for Fish Stocking ...... 6

3 Gippsland ...... 7 3.1 Fish Stockings...... 7 3.2 Fish Population Surveys...... 7 3.2.1 Fish Survey Results from CONS 2004...... 7 3.3 Other Management Issues...... 8 3.3.1 Fisheries Victoria...... 8 3.3.2 Region...... 8 3.3.3 VRFish ...... 8 3.3.4 Fisheries Co-Management Council ...... 8 3.3.5 Futurefish Foundation ...... 8

4 North East...... 9 4.1 Creel Surveys ...... 9 4.1.1 Eildon Pondage ...... 9 4.1.2 Hume...... 9 4.2 Fish Stockings...... 9 4.3 Fish Population Surveys...... 10 4.3.1 Surveys undertaken in 2004 ...... 10 4.4 Other Management Issues...... 10 4.4.1 Fisheries Victoria...... 10 4.4.2 Region...... 11 4.4.3 VRFish ...... 11

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 iii 5 North West...... 12 5.1 Fish Stockings...... 12 5.2 Fish Population Surveys...... 12 5.2.1 Fish Surveys undertaken in 2004...... 12 5.3 Other Management Issues ...... 13 5.3.1 Region ...... 13 5.3.2 VRFish...... 13 5.3.3 Fisheries Co-Management Council ...... 13 5.3.4 Futurefish Foundation ...... 13

6 ...... 14 6.1 Fish Stockings...... 14 6.2 Fish Population Surveys...... 14 6.3 Other Management Issues ...... 14 6.3.1 Fisheries ...... 14 6.3.2 Region ...... 15 6.3.3 VRFish...... 15 6.3.4 Fisheries Co-Management Council ...... 15

7 South-West...... 16 7.1 Creel Surveys...... 16 7.1.1 ...... 16 7.1.2 Merri & Hopkins Rivers ...... 16 7.2 Fish Stockings...... 16 7.3 Fish Population Surveys...... 16 7.3.1 Surveys undertaken since CONS 2004 ...... 16 7.4 Other Management Issues ...... 20 7.4.1 Fisheries ...... 20 7.4.2 Regional Issues...... 21 7.4.3 VRFish...... 21 7.4.4 Fisheries Co-Management Council ...... 21 7.4.5 Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority ...... 21

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 iv Appendix 1 - Proposed Fish Stocking All Areas, 2005 - 2006 ...... 22 Departmental Salmonids ...... 22 Table 18. Gippsland ...... 22 Table 19. North East...... 23 Table 20. North West ...... 25 Table 21. Port Phillip...... 26 Table 22. South West...... 28 Departmental Salmonids - Small Waters...... 33 Table 23. Gippsland ...... 33 Table 24. North East...... 33 Table 25. North West ...... 34 Table 26. Port Phillip...... 35 Table 27. South West...... 36 Departmental Native Fish...... 38 Table 28. Gippsland ...... 38 Table 29. North East...... 38 Table 30. North West ...... 40 Table 31. South West...... 42 Client Groups...... 44 Table 32. North East - Salmonids...... 44 Table 33. North East - Native Fish ...... 45 Table 34. North West ...... 46 Table 35. Port Phillip...... 46 Table 36. South West...... 46

Appendix 2 - Organisational Abbreviations...... 47

Appendix 3 - Fisheries Management Reports...... 48

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 v Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 vi 1 Introduction

1.1 Background 1.2 Fish Stocking The annual regional consultative meetings (CONS) In addition to more than 1.3 million salmonid and provide a forum for discussion on fish stocking native fish stocked into , impoundments and regimes, fish population surveys and other related rivers, Fisheries Victoria undertakes an annual recreational fisheries management issues. program of stocking on-grown or advanced Meetings involve representatives from Fisheries yearling trout into small waters. These waters are Victoria, Primary Industries Research Victoria normally less than 5 hectares in surface area and (PIRVic), Victorian Recreational Fishing peak body primarily in popular locations with access for (VRFish), Water Management Authorities, junior and disabled anglers. Catchment Management Authorities, Department School holiday and/or other events including of Sustainability and Environment (DSE), and Fishing Week are targeted for these releases, with other organisations interested in recreational the majority coinciding with the second and third fishing such as Rex Hunt Futurefish Foundation semester holidays when water temperatures are (RHFF). best suited to trout. Rainbow trout are usually The main focus of the meetings is to :- stocked as they are normally bigger than the available brown trout at that time of year and are ƒ Review the current year's stocking plan and reputedly easier to catch by inexperienced anglers. identify necessary modifications, ƒ Draft next year’s stocking plan, 1.3 Fisheries Victoria Contacts Statewide: Rob Gibb 03 9658 4370 ƒ Identify management questions to be answered by stock or catch assessments, Gippsland: Errol Parmigiani 03 5172 2168 ƒ Identify current fishery management issues. North East: Greg Sharp 02 6043 7949 The meetings are the focal points for information Dave Trickey 03 5833 5944 from various sources, including requests and viewpoints from anglers. Draft reports of the North West: Eain McRae 03 5430 4321 meetings are prepared by Fisheries Victoria and reviewed by all participants. Final reports are South West: Craig Murdoch 03 5233 5580 confirmed as being accurate summary accounts of Port Phillip: Matt Ward 03 5226 4688 the meetings. The Department acknowledges and commends the important contribution made by stakeholders who give up their time to prepare for and attend these meetings.

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 1 Figure 1. Map of Victoria showing Department of Primary Industries regional boundaries

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 2 2 Statewide

The revised edition includes more information on Presentation of Information Items the various government agencies responsible for 2.1 Ten Waters Trout Stocking Program managing fish and fish habitat, including water 2004 was the 5th and final year of this trial in which authorities and catchment management the stocking of yearling and fingerling trout was authorities. compared in several high profile trout waters. Low Members of the recreational management team water levels, brought on by continued drought based in Head Office will coordinate ongoing conditions, has substantially affected the maintenance and updating of this Guide based on implementation of this program. Table 1 below advice from regional fisheries staff and PIRVic. identifies the waters involved and outlines the stocking history for yearlings (Y) and fingerlings 2.3 Australian Federation of Coarse (F). Fish numbers can be sourced from seasonal Anglers Association fish stocking summaries available on the Fisheries Victoria has not renewed the Australian Department’s website – www.dpi.vic.gov.au. Federation of Coarse Anglers Association’s permit The Primary Industries Research Victoria (PIRVic) that had previously allowed registered report on the fishery confirms competitors in official Association events to release that the Department’s preference for stocking live carp back into the water from which they were yearling trout, in waters with high order predators caught on nominated competition days. Carp are such as redfin and other trout, is the most effective. listed as a noxious species and the deliberate release of live carp is an offence under the This has been supported by anecdotal reports from Fisheries Act. anglers that fin-clipped fish, stocked as yearlings, have dominated their catches in recent years. 2.4 Impacts of Drought on 2.2 On-line Guide to the Inland Waters Departmental Fish Stockings Significant spring rainfall in 2004 resulted in some of Victoria ‘drought recovery’ trout stockings. At short notice, th A 5 edition of the ‘Guide to Inland Angling trout were stocked into , Cairn Waters of Victoria’ is now available on-line on the Curran Reservoir, , Bostock Department of Primary Industries (DPI) website – Reservoir, Barkers Creek Reservoir, Malmsbury www.dpi.vic.gov.au/angling. Reservoir, Newlyn Reservoir and Tullaroop Reservoir. Table 1. Stocking of yearling (Y) and fingerling (F) trout into Victorian waters, 2002 - 2004 Year of Stocking Water 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Y Y Y - Y Fyans Lake Y Y & F Y & F Y & F Y & F Harcourt Reservoir Y Y Y - Y Hepburn Lagoon Y& F Y & F Y & F - Y Malmsbury Reservoir Y& F Y Y & F - Y Modewarre Lake Y Y & F Y & F Y & F Y & F Murdeduke Lake Y Y & F - - - Purrumbete Lake Y & F Y & F Y Y Y Newlyn Reservoir Y& F Y Y & F Y & F Y & F Toolondo Reservoir Y - - - -

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 3 Other waters remain drought affected and were The PIRVic report suggested that changes in the not stocked with salmonids in 2004 – these include abundance of trout in North East Victoria cannot – Teddington Reservoirs, Lake Toolondo, Dock be solely blamed on the bushfire. Natural variation Lake, Natimuk Lake, Greenhill Lake, Lake in trout populations and the effects of other events, Wallace, Deep Lake and Lake Murdeduke. such as drought, are also likely to have contributed to the current status of trout populations in Drought continues to affect the Department’s Victorian rivers. native fish stocking too, particularly in the Wimmera. In some cases, native fish stockings will The natural recovery of wild trout populations has be re-allocated to nearby waters where suitable already been observed in two of the rivers in water levels and habitat might support higher than which no fish were found in the March 2004 anticipated stockings. In other cases, stockings will surveys. In the , anglers caught be re-allocated to large lakes to boost existing small numbers of brown trout at the opening of stocking numbers or cancelled altogether. the Victorian trout season in early September 2004. Fly fishermen have also reported capturing brown 2.5 Impacts of Fire on North East and trout of varying sizes from Cudgewa Creek. Gippsland Fisheries The Crooked River, Suggan Buggan River and the Many of Victoria’s prime trout-fishing waters are located in the North East and Gippsland where Buckland River were stocked with trout in severe fires occurred during the summer of 2002- November and December 2004 to accelerate their natural recovery. All trout released into these 03. As there was little information available on the effect of fire on trout in Australia, the Department waters were fin-clipped to distinguish them from was provided funding from the State wild trout that are expected to recolonise these rivers as part of the natural recovery process. Government's Bushfire Recovery Package to assess river trout populations within and downstream of The and Cudgewa Creek were not areas affected by the bushfires. stocked in 2004 because of uncertainty over the impact that stockings might have on populations Twenty-nine sites from 17 fire-affected rivers were assessed in March 2004. Nine of the rivers of endangered species that are also recovering contained trout populations similar to pre-fire from the effects of the fires. In the case of Mountain Creek, trout stocking is not permitted levels. Six did not support any trout at the surveyed sites but were known to contain wild under the Heritage Rivers Act 1992 because the trout populations before the fires. An additional creek is situated within a ‘Natural Catchment Area’. river was considered unsuitable for trout and the results from another river were inconclusive. PIRVic will continue to monitor the recovery Fisheries scientists concluded the bushfires process in affected waters this summer via a second round of surveys in early 2005. This influenced trout populations in localised areas, however the overall effect of the fires was not monitoring will indicate whether additional catastrophic as had been initially feared by some stocking should be considered. stakeholders. The scientists also concluded that Bindi Creek was not considered suitable for trout trout populations in the six bushfire affected rivers regardless of any affects from the bushfire. While are likely to recover naturally within three years of trout were present in the Morass Creek the results the fire, as a result of trout recolonising from of the survey were inconclusive given the low connected waterways still containing established number recorded and the unknown localised self-sustaining populations. impact of large-scale road works in the vicinity of the survey site.

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 4 A summary of the research results and management actions is shown in Table 2 below. Table 2. Status and management of trout for north east and Gippsland rivers in areas affected by bushfire Water Trout Status Management Action OK No stocking required Timbarra River OK No stocking required OK No stocking required OK No stocking required Thowgla Creek OK No stocking required Nariel/Corryong Creek OK No stocking required OK No stocking required Bonang River OK No stocking required OK No stocking required Crooked River Stocking candidate Stocked in 2004 Suggan Buggan River Stocking candidate Stocked in 2004 Buckland River Stocking candidate Stocked in 2004 Cudgewa Creek Stocking candidate Monitor in 2005 Buchan River Stocking candidate Monitor in 2005 Morass Creek Inconclusive Monitor in 2005 Bindi Creek Not suitable trout habitat No action Mountain Creek No trout surveyed No action

2.6 Appointment of New Executive This increased protection strengthened existing Director for Fisheries Victoria water authority by-laws controlling the harvest of Dr Peter Appleford has replaced Richard timber from lakebeds. McLoughlin as the Executive Director of Fisheries The current Fisheries Notice expires March 26th Victoria. 2005 and will be renewed for another 12 months. Permanent protection will be investigated this 2.7 Fish Habitat Protection – Fisheries year. The likely list of waters for 2005/2006 is: Notice The continuing drought has meant that many of Bellfield Reservoir the State’s most significant lake fisheries are Booroopki Swamp Lake Fyans experiencing very low water levels. During these Cairn Curran Reservoir Lake Hume times the collection of standing and fallen dead Dock Lake Lake Lonsdale timber from the exposed lake bed, depletes fish Green Lake habitat and limits their future suitability for Glenmaggie Lake Pine Lake valuable native fish species, such as Murray cod Jil Jil Lake Rocklands Reservoir and golden perch. Laanecoorie Reservoir Taylors Lake Toolondo Reservoir For the third consecutive year, Fisheries Victoria Lake Eildon Tullaroop Reservoir intends to introduce a 12 month ban on the removal of dead timber, fallen or standing, from Under this Fisheries Notice, the maximum fine for below the high water mark of nominated collecting wood from dry lakebeds is $2,000. impoundments.

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 5 2.8 Inland Fisheries Management Plans In an attempt to simplify and better coordinate the Regional Catchment Strategies being developed by use of Recreational Fishing Licence revenue in Catchment Management Authorities (CMAs) support of fish stocking programs, the Department provide the focus for the development, is seeking comment on the following revised management and conservation of land, water and process to deal with all fish stocking programs biodiversity resources in each region. These will across the State. If agreed, this process would be be the major vehicle for the regional implemented for 2006. implementation of the Victorian River Health • DPI fish stocking budgets to be fixed then Strategy. Regional River Health Strategies will indexed annually to take account of the identify assets and threats that relate to river consumer price index (CPI). health, and establish priorities for management action at the catchment level. • Fish stocking applications will no longer be made direct to FRAC in the first instance. A review of the development and implementation of the Bendigo Regional Fisheries Management • All fish stocking proposals are to be initially Plan (BRFMP) and the Goulburn/Eildon Regional directed to the annual Regional Fisheries Fisheries Management Plan (GERFMP) identified Consultation (CONS) meetings. opportunities to streamline the planning process. • All proposals considered will be sponsored The review also identified the opportunity to gain either by VRFish, a fishing association substantial improvements in fish habitat and (includes RHFF) or a fishing club. angler access by aligning fisheries planning and reporting processes to those of CMAs. • Where FV wishes to propose a new stocking it will seek support from either VRFish, a fishing Aligning the boundaries of future fisheries association (including the RHFF) or a fishing management plans to CMA boundaries will club to become the proponent prior to the require the development of eight new plans and annual CONS meetings. the expansion of the current BRFMP and GERFMP to cover the entire North Central and Goulburn- • At the conclusion of the CONS meetings FV Broken CMAs respectively. The review will document variations from the previous undertaken by Fisheries Victoria, in consultation years stocking program (+/- fish by water with the Inland Fisheries Committee, has also body/region) determined that the Glenelg/Hopkins, North East • FV will then cost the agreed stocking program and Corangamite regions are the highest priority prior to providing a consolidated funding bid for the next phase of fishery management plan to the FRAC to cover additional funding development. These priorities were based on an required to deliver on the stocking program. assessment of the relative values, risks and opportunities associated with fisheries in each of • The FRAC will provide advice to Minister the 10 CMAs. regarding funding of the stocking proposals. 2.9 RFL Funding for Fish Stocking • Subject to Ministerial approval, funds will be In 2004/05 Fisheries Victoria allocated $992,000 of provided to FV to complete the agreed recurrent funding in support of fish stocking stocking program. programs. These funds were used primarily to • FV will provide a report to FRAC at the purchase stocks of salmonids and golden perch, conclusion of the annual stocking program produce Murray cod and distribute fish across the and returns any unexpended funds. State, with a small amount dedicated to coordination of stocking programs. In addition, a further $138,000 was allocated from RFL revenue in support of recent extensions to statewide fish stocking programs.

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 6 3 Gippsland

At DPI office Hotham Street Traralgon The PIRVic research suggests that there are Wednesday 2nd March 2005 currently constraints on the natural reproduction of wild bass in the . Until such time as VRFISH: Pat Washington those constraints have been identified and PIRVic: Wayne Fulton addressed, stocking of bass is a ‘precautionary WATER MNGT: John Cameron conservation’ measure to increase the abundance (Southern Rural Water) of bass in the river and reduce the dependence on FCC Stephan Gabas those two year old classes. FV: Errol Parmigiani, The fish would be grown from Snowy River Peter Courtney, Pat Shegog, broodfish given a desire to retain the genetic Rebecca Jol, Greg Hayes, integrity of the catchment. Luke Cromie, Jodie Smith This stocking project also offers an opportunity to 3.1 Fish Stockings determine whether the sand-slug is a barrier to the Appendix 1 Table 18, Table 23 and Table 28 detail upstream migration of juvenile bass. The previous the quantities of fish planned to be stocked during PIRVic study was unable to find juvenile bass so the 2005/06 season. The figures indicated are this question remains unknown. based on the projected water levels for each of the An artificial boost of juvenile numbers offers an identified water bodies. Figures shown in brackets excellent opportunity to learn more about this by are the maximum stocking rates approved for stocking a proportion of the bass below the slug 2005/06 if water levels substantially exceed current and marking them to differentiate them from wild projections. Proposed stocking rates are subject to fish and fish stocked above the slug. budget availability from a combination of recurrent DPI funding and funding provided from The monitoring element of this project has 2 the Recreational Fishing Licence trust account. components: 3.2 Fish Population Surveys 1. In the short to medium term, annual 3.2.1 Fish Survey Results from CONS 2004 monitoring for 3-4 months following each stocking to determine whether the upstream 3.2.1.1Snowy River Research PIRVic research on the Snowy River’s fish movement of stocked juvenile bass is impeded population indicates that bass recruitment has by the sand slug. been sporadic and that the fishery is largely 2. In the longer term, several years after the 3rd supported by two year classes of relatively old fish and final bass stocking occurs, a broader – 15/16 years olds and a less abundant 23/24 year assessment will determine whether the old year class. Some natural recruitment of bass in objective of establishing several younger year between these year classes has occurred but is classes has been achieved. relatively small. 3.2.1.2Macalister River Creel Survey Fisheries Victoria has obtained funding from the In September 2003, a creel survey commenced on Department of Sustainability and Environment the to determine the success of (DSE) to stock 150,000 Australian bass over 3 brown trout and rainbow trout stockings as well as years. angler attitudes and satisfaction. Managed by PIRVIC, Table 3. Requests for surveys in the Gippsland region for 2005 Water Undertaken by Primary Reason(s) for the Survey Cowwar Weir Region Survey to determine current fish populations and potential for stocking Narracan Lake Region Determine success of stocking post-works program

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 7 Gippsland Fisheries Officers and contract staff, the This disease outbreak is likely to delay bass project is funded from the Recreational Fishing stockings in Gippsland with stocking of any bass Licence Trust Account. unlikely this summer. 3.2.1.3Hyland Lake VRFish supported inclusion of collection and Regional survey planned for May/June 2005 agistment of broodfish in fish stocking funding application to FRAC 3.2.1.4Traralgon Creek Scheduled PIRVic assessment delayed by water 3.3.1.2Clifton Creek Fish Kill conditions. Planned to be completed in 2005 In late April, a large fish kill was reported in Clifton Creek, a tributary of the Mitchell River, Table 3 describes survey requests for 2005. situated a short distance west of Bairnsdale. Some 3.3 Other Management Issues 30 tonnes of dead European carp were found in a 3.3.1 Fisheries Victoria 1.5km section of the creek. Fisheries Victoria, in 3.3.1.1Australian Bass Production conjunction with the Environmental Protection Early in 2004, Fisheries Victoria sent 10 pairs of Agency (EPA) coordinated the collection of on-site Gippsland strain Australian bass broodfish to information and the clean–up of dead fish. NSW Fisheries Port Stephens facility in an attempt The fish kill was limited to carp only. It is not to improve the reliability of supply for recreational known whether the recent heavy rainfall over the stockings. preceding weekend, which washed large The choice to temporarily shift bass production to quantities of organic material into the waterway, NSW stemmed from the absence of private sector was related to the kill. capacity to supply and NSW Fisheries 20-year 3.3.2 Region experience in production of this species. Suggested approach to EPA for study of mercury In October 2004, NSW Fisheries (now part of NSW and other heavy metal levels in fish above DPI) wrote to Fisheries Victoria informing us that Thompson Dam. nodavirus had been detected in Australian bass at Suggested consideration of stocking of larger Port Stephens. Nodavirus is a ‘notifiable’ disease, rainbow trout in selected waters as possible which imposes special management obligations on statewide program. Initial Gippsland priority for natural resource management agencies. trial in Macalister River above Glenmaggie. Following testing, NSW DPI confirmed that some 3.3.3 VRFish of the Gippsland strain broodfish had tested No issues identified positive and had been isolated from nodavirus free broodfish. Subsequent testing of the remaining 4 3.3.4 Fisheries Co-Management Council Gippsland broodfish held at Snobs Creek failed to No issues identified find nodavirus. 3.3.5 Futurefish Foundation No issues identified

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 8 4North East

At DPI Office Sydney Rd Benalla Whether or not anglers keep or release their catch Tuesday 8th February 2005 of trout from the pondage, they are encouraged to report their capture to the phone number on the VRFISH: Stafford Simpson, Mike Edwards, tag, making sure to note the: Norm Jones, Wally Cubbin PIRVic: Wayne Fulton, Kylie Hall • tag number, OTHERS: Ray Beavis (WFFC), Steve Smith • date of capture, and (DSE), Darren Nabbs (GMW) • broad location of the capture. FV: Greg Sharp, Steve McMonigle, David Trickey, John Cooper, Tags should not be removed from trout that are Matt McMahon, Neville Fowler, released in case other anglers subsequently catch Greg Hayes, Marc Ainsworth, the same fish. Robert Gibb 4.1.2 Lake Hume APOLOGIES: Joy Sloan, Merv McGuire, Given that Fisheries Victoria assumed Geoff Hall, Emma Mongon responsibility for all of Lake Hume on 1 September 2004, the RFL trust account and the Department 4.1 Creel Surveys has funded a 3-year study to learn more about the 4.1.1 Eildon Pondage fishery. The study will answer the following key In 2004, the Recreational Fishing Licence (RFL) questions: trust account allocated $107,000 to Fisheries Victoria to stock additional trout into the Eildon • What fish species are in Lake Hume? pondage and undertake a 12-month creel survey. • How healthy are these populations? The additional 2,000 trout will be a mixture of • Who catches what, where, when and how? brown trout and rainbow trout to be released over 2 years. Fisheries Victoria already stocks nearly • Where do anglers come from and how much 6,000 trout into the Eildon pondage every year. All do they spend on their visit? of these fish are 2 and 3-year-old trout, weighing • What contribution does fish stocking make to between 1 and 4 kilograms each. anglers’ catches? The creel survey commenced in September 2004 • How satisfied are anglers with their fishing and will ‘benchmark’ the pondage fishery by experience? answering the following questions: All of the 50,000 brown trout yearlings stocked

• Who catches what, where, when and how? into the lake in 2004 were fin-clipped to • How long do stocked trout remain in the differentiate them from naturally recruited ‘wild’ pondage before they are caught? fish. PIRVic has already undertaken some stock assessment work in the lake and gathered some • Where do anglers come from and how much catch information from angling competitions. do they spend on their visit to the pondage? • How satisfied are anglers with their fishing 4.2 Fish Stockings Appendix 1 Table 19, Table 24, Table 29, Table 32 experience at the pondage? and Table 33 detail the quantities of fish planned This information will be used by fisheries to be stocked during the 2005/06 season. The managers to optimise the stocking strategy and, figures indicated are based on the projected water where possible, further improve fishing levels for each of the identified water bodies. opportunities in the pondage. Figures shown in brackets are the maximum stocking rates approved for 2005/06 if water levels All of the trout released into the pondage will be substantially exceed current projections. Proposed individually dart tagged to assist fisheries stocking rates are subject to budget availability scientists in their investigations. from a combination of recurrent DPI funding and funding provided from the Recreational Fishing Licence trust account.

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 9 4.3 Fish Population Surveys From September 1 2004, unless exempt, those 4.3.1 Surveys undertaken in 2004 fishing Lake Hume need only a Victorian 4.3.1.1Fifteen Mile Creek recreational fishing licence (RFL), while those In 2004, the Tatong Angling Club asked the fishing require only a NSW RFL. Department to stock trout into the Fifteen Mile There is no change to the requirement to hold a Creek. In order to make an informed decision, NSW RFL when fishing all other sections of the fisheries managers employed PIRVic staff to . undertake a survey of the river, to determine the status of existing fish populations. NSW fishing regulations now apply to all of Lake Mulwala and Victorian fishing regulations now The same 6 sites, each 100 metres long, which were apply to all parts of Lake Hume. surveyed in 1997, were electro-fished again in January 2005. The upstream boundary of Lake Hume is the junction of the Murray River and Seven Mile Creek Table 4 below outlines the salmonid catch. Junction at Talmalmo. Large numbers of two-spined blackfish were also More information, including a brochure on the caught along with fewer Mountain galaxias, Lake Hume/Mulwala changes, can be obtained Murray crayfish, yabbies and pygmy perch. from the Victorian DPI Customer Service Centre The 2005 survey found both brown trout and on 136 186 or NSW DPI on 1300 550 474. rainbow trout densities to be lower than in the 4.4.1.2Kerford Lake Survey 1997 survey. However, regular brown trout In early April 2004, Fisheries Officers surveyed recruitment has occurred in recent years, despite Lake Kerford, near Beechworth, to gauge the low flows and drought conditions. success of a golden perch stocking trial during The wild trout fishery is expected to recover which Fisheries Victoria has released 17,000 naturally, without stocking, when these fingerlings since 2001. environmental factors improve. The overnight survey captured 15 golden perch: Table 5 details surveys to be undertaken in 2005. • Ranging in weight from 208 to 737 grams with 4.4 Other Management Issues a mean weight of 397 grams, 4.4.1 Fisheries Victoria • Ranging in length from 250 to 370mm with a 4.4.1.1Lake Hume & Lake Mulwala mean length of 305mm After years of cross border confusion, due to boundaries being submerged under the lakes, • 7 of which had reached the legal minimum anglers at Lake Hume and Lake Mulwala now length of 30cm. have certainty about fishing regulations and boundaries. Table 4. Results of electrofishing survey of Fifteen Mile Creek, January 2005 Species Catch Length Average length Weight range Average range (mm) (g) (mm) weight (g) Brown trout 16 65 – 363 141 3 - 593 75 Rainbow trout 11 53 – 198 80 2 - 97 13

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 10 Table 5. Fish surveys to be undertaken in the North East region, 2005 Water Priority Reason for Survey PIRVic PIRVic to submit a research bid to the FRAC to investigate and quantify the water temperature regime in river below Lake William Hovell which is suspected of being the limiting factor. May lead to subsequent bid, with NECMA, for revegetation to improve shading of river and lower summer temps. Tallangatta Creek Region Region to determine the status of the wild trout population. Possible assistance from PIRVic via Lake Hume project.

It appears that golden perch from stockings in centimetres to 35 centimetres. The existing closed 2001, 2002 and 2003 were captured in the survey season for Macquarie perch will remain in place indicating that habitat conditions for golden perch from October to December each year and catch juveniles are favourable in Lake Kerford. Not limits for the two other Victorian waters where surprisingly, juvenile golden perch fingerlings they can be taken by anglers, the Upper Coliban released in 2004 were absent from the catch Reservoir and the , will remain because they are still too small to be captured in unchanged. the nets. 4.4.2 Region 4.4.1.3 Lake Dartmouth Macquarie Perch Regulation 4.4.2.1Upper Trout Populations Changes Regional fisheries staff conveyed the desire of In August 2004, revised fishing regulations for some anglers to see the Goulburn River, above Macquarie perch were introduced to ensure their Lake Eildon, stocked with trout. The Goulburn sustainable harvest by recreational anglers. Eildon Fisheries Management Plan (2.1) does not support the stocking of trout into tributaries of the Recent research suggests Lake Dartmouth’s Goulburn River above the lake. Macquarie perch population has declined significantly so Fisheries Victoria and the 4.4.3 VRFish Department of Sustainability and Environment 4.4.3.1Evening Consultation Meetings in the North (DSE) have introduced measures to conserve East stocks. The north-east consultation meeting in 2005 was held in the evening, to decrease the burden for The bag limit for Macquarie perch in Lake VRFish representatives who work during the day. Dartmouth has been reduced from 2 to 1 and the VRFish representatives expressed support for minimum size has been increased from 30 continuing this approach in the north-east.

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 11 5 North West

At DPI/DSE Office at Epsom Road Bendigo provided from the Recreational Fishing Licence Wednesday 2nd February 2005 trust account. VRFISH: Robert Loats, John Corbett, 5.2 Fish Population Surveys Alan Chisolm, Jeff Willey, 5.2.1 Fish Surveys undertaken in 2004. Alan Digby, Stan Sundblom 5.2.1.1Campaspe River PIRVic: Wayne Fulton, Kylie Hall Following a request from a local angling group to OTHERS: Merv McGuire (RHFF), stock brown trout into the near Dale Farnsworth (GMW), Kyneton, Departmental fisheries researchers from Leigh Williams(BLFC), PIRVic undertook a survey to determine the status Jack Cottingham (MNAAC) of the existing fishery. This would provide fisheries managers with up-to-date information FV: Eain McRae, Greg Brodie, about the merits of stocking brown trout into the Gary Hodges, David Cattlin, river. Six sites were electro-fished over a river Neville Fowler, Greg Hayes, length of 1760m. No trout were caught at any of Marc Ainsworth the six sites. The survey results are summarised in APOLOGIES: Joy Sloan (DPI) Table 6 below. 5.1 Fish Stockings The report concludes that environmental Appendix 1 Table20, Table 25, Table 30 and Table conditions affecting oxygen availability are the 34 detail the quantities of fish planned to be main limit on the trout fishery at Kyneton. stocked during the 2005/06 season. The figures Stocking is unlikely to provide a quality fishery in indicated are based on the projected water levels this area. Habitat enhancement including further for each of the identified water bodies. Figures revegetation, de-silting of the streambed, shown in brackets are the maximum stocking rates stormwater management and/or narrowing the approved for 2005/06 if water levels substantially river in sections may improve the fishery. exceed current projections. Proposed stocking Table 7 details fish surveys to be undertaken in rates are subject to budget availability from a 2005. combination of recurrent DPI funding and funding

Table 6. Results of electrofishing survey of Campaspe River near Kyneton, 2004 Species Catch Length range Average Weight range Average (mm) length (mm) (g) weight (g) Tench 79 50-456 281 2-1712 643 Redfin 55 21-272 119 1-367 52 Goldfish 36 88-297 206 16-613 257 Mountain 25 35-86 67 1-7 3 galaxias Yabby 13 10-34 22 2-25 9 Flathead 2 58-75 67 2-4 3 gudgeon Mosquito fis 1 38 38 1 1

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 12 Table 7. Fish surveys to be undertaken in the North East region, 2005. Water Organisation. Reason for the Survey Cairn Curran Reservoir PIRVic PIRVic to submit a bid to the FRAC for a licence-funded study to undertake a creel survey that will estimate catch and determine angler preferences for stocked species. This information will assist fisheries managers and VRFish in considering the need to change management arrangements when the Bendigo Fisheries Management Plan is reviewed. Lauriston Reservoir PIRVic PIRVic to submit a bid to the FRAC for a licence-funded study to determine the impacts of stocking triploid brown trout on the reservoir’s roach population. Also applicable to Malmsbury Reservior. Richardson River Region DAC request survey in weir pool at Rich Avon to determine success of stocking trial.

Tullaroop Reservoir Region Regional Officers to determine the relative abundance of fin-clipped brown trout from the 2004 stocking.

5.3 Other Management Issues 5.3.2.2Proposed assessment of areas for Riverine Red 5.3.1 Region Gum National Parks. 5.3.1.1Angler Satisfaction Surveys VRFish representatives expressed concern about NW Regional fisheries staff outlined their plans to the poor public consultation process that has survey anglers in the north-west of the State to accompanied the proposed terms of reference for a determine their levels of satisfaction with the Riverine Red Gum National Park, which may performance of their fisheries and current fisheries include the Torrumbarry, Gunbower and Kerang management arrangements. This is likely to occur areas. VRFish representatives were also concerned in the first half of 2005. that the proposed Park may result in reduced angler access, particularly overnight camping 5.3.1.2Facilitating Angler Access adjacent to the river. NW Regional fisheries staff reminded the forum that there are maps on the DPI website (under 5.3.3 Fisheries Co-Management Council ‘planning a fishing trip’) that identify angler access 5.3.3.1Protecting Woody Habitat points. This will shortly be complemented in the The FCC representative expressed support for field by small road signs (attached to posts) that permanent regulatory protection, under the will highlight angler access in a consistent manner Fisheries Act or other legislation, to protect fish using a VICRoads approved symbol. habitat, including timber left vulnerable in drought affected impoundments experiencing low 5.3.2 VRFish water levels. 5.3.2.1Protecting Woody Habitat VRFish representatives support permanent 5.3.4 Futurefish Foundation regulatory protection, under the Fisheries Act or 5.3.4.1Expanding Fish Stocking Using Recreational other legislation, to protect fish habitat, including Licence Fees timber left vulnerable in drought affected The Futurefish representative expressed ‘in- impoundments experiencing low water levels. principle’ support for a more streamlined process to provide RFL revenue to facilitate fish stockings consistent with outcomes from the Regional Consultation Process.

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 13 6 Port Phillip

DPI Office Kyle Road Altona eels, redfin, gudgeon, galaxias and stocked trout. Carp were at varying stages of decay although Wednesday 23rd February 2005 most fish appeared to have been dead for 2-3 days. PIRVic: Wayne Fulton The average carp weighed 3 kilograms although VRFISH: John Hotchin, Doug Evers- some carp weighed as much as 8 kg. Buckland, Russell Conway Water samples and fish sent to Attwood OTHERS: Graeme Creed (FCC) laboratories indicated no bacterial or viral signs, or FV: Rob Jolly, Matt Ward, any evidence of infection. The cause of death was David Cass, Brad Smith, consistent with exposure to salty water. Greg Hayes, Marc Ainsworth The Surfcoast Shire, local residents and volunteers APOLOGIES: David Bull gathered and disposed of the carp in nearby pits. Between 150 and 200 tonne of carp were removed from the lake and shoreline. 6.1 Fish Stockings Appendix 1 Table 21, Table 26 and Table 35 detail In late January, a netting survey was undertaken to the quantities of fish planned to be stocked during determine what, if any carp remained in the lake. the 2005/06 season. The figures indicated are The netting survey might also shed light on any based on the projected water levels for each of the impacts on other species, including the stocked identified water bodies. Figures shown in brackets trout. are the maximum stocking rates approved for The survey captured three short-finned eels. No 2005/06 if water levels substantially exceed current trout or carp were captured. Samples of eels were projections. Proposed stocking rates are subject to taken for analysis. Galaxias samples were also budget availability from a combination of taken after noticing several fish were swimming recurrent DPI funding and funding provided from slowly and had a white fungus on their skin. All the Recreational Fishing Licence trust account. samples were analysed by the DPI aquatic animal 6.2 Fish Population Surveys health unit for analysis. There are no DPI fish population surveys planned A debrief involving the relevant agencies and in the Port Phillip Region in 2005. stakeholders was organised for early February but was deferred given a second fishkill event when 6.3 Other Management Issues several thousand dead and dying eels washed up 6.3.1 Fisheries onto the shores of Lake Modewarre. 6.3.1.1Lake Modewarre Fishkill The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) are The Surfcoast Shire undertook the necessary clean the Lead Agency for emergency response to fish up and disposal. Two significant rainfall events kills as per the Draft Fish Kill Protocol, while occurred prior to and after the eel kill with the SurfCoast Shire are the responsible body for level of the lake rising and a significant amount of Management of Lake Modewarre. Fisheries run-off entering the lake. Victoria have been assisting EPA through On 8 February, Fisheries staff conducted a 2nd collection of water and fish samples and have round of netting surveys due to the poor results of carried out two netting surveys since initial the first survey. The only species captured were notification late December. two eels suggesting that both carp and trout On 21 December Fisheries Victoria received a populations had both been affected substantially. report that a large number of dead carp were Given the possible cross-contamination issues floating on the lake and had washed up on the involved all nets and equipment were treated with shore. Fisheries and EPA staff inspected the lake chlorine prior to any other uses. and estimated there was 1,600 dead carp around the entire lake. A debrief is planned for the near future to analyse all testing and discuss possible causes of both At that time, no other species were found dead, Fishkill events and inform relevant stakeholders of despite the fact that the lake is known to support the processes followed and outcomes.

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 14 6.3.1.2Melbourne Water Report – ‘Melbourne’s Rivers popular fishing destinations, of the fishing and Creeks 2004’ regulations relevant to that water. VRFish In the Port Phillip and Westernport region, supported the suggestion although the forum Melbourne Water has responsibility for managing acknowledged that in large waters, with multiple almost 4,000km of rivers and creeks, and a further access points and a range of regulated species, the 1,200km of waterways in forested areas and closed signage would be expensive. water supply catchments. 6.3.3 VRFish In March 2004, Melbourne Water released 6.3.3.1Small Waters Signage ‘Melbourne's Rivers and Creeks 2004’ report into VRFish representatives suggested that signage at the state of Melbourne's creeks and rivers. Small Waters (those small lakes stocked with rainbow trout for the 2nd and/or 3rd semester school The report finds 28% of Melbourne's rivers and holidays) to provide anglers with on-site creeks are currently in good or excellent condition information about fishing regulations. Given the and 25% are in moderate condition. It also number of waters involved in this component of suggests that the condition of rivers and creeks the Department’s fish stocking program, and the closer to the city worsen due to the run-off from simplicity of the regulations pertaining to trout buildings and roads, the loss of vegetation and fishing in these waters, the forum agreed that this litter. concept was more easily implemented than the However, the remainder are in poor or very poor Statewide suggestion identified in section 6.3.2.1. condition because of changes to the water flow, 6.3.3.2On-line Guide to Inland Angling Waters litter and debris, and poorer water quality and VRFish representatives suggested that the habitat diversity over past decades. The report is Department write to fishing clubs and associations available at www.melbournewater.com.au. to make them aware of the on-line Guide to Inland 6.3.1.3Lake Modewarre Creel Survey Angling Waters. Encouraging anglers to make In December 2003, a 12-month creel survey suggested amendments or additions to the Guide commenced at Lake Modewarre. was also suggested and it was acknowledged that a key contact ought to be identified on the website This project will estimate the total harvest of for such contributions. stocked rainbow trout and brown trout, and ask anglers a range of questions about their fishing 6.3.4 Fisheries Co-Management Council experience and their aspirations for this fishery. 6.3.4.1 Fishkills The Fisheries Co-Management Council The creel survey will also quantify the proportion representative expressed concern about recent of fin-clipped trout caught by anglers (stocked as fishkills across the State and the difficulties various yearlings) versus those that are not clipped Government agencies appear to be having in (stocked as fingerlings) – see Statewide section 2.1 determining causes. The forum was briefed about for more information. the current fishkill protocol and the recent training 6.3.1.4. Evening Consultation Meetings that Fisheries Officers had undertaken to improve Despite the preference of north-east VRFish the Department’s response capacity. It was also representatives for evening consultation meetings, suggested that the EPA improve public awareness those VRFish representatives attending the 2005 that they are the Lead Agency for emergency Port Phillip meeting expressed a desire to continue response to fish kills. And that other agencies such with daytime meetings. as Fisheries Victoria play an active secondary- supporting role as directed by the EPA. 6.3.2 Region 6.3.2.1Statewide Signage Regional fisheries staff expressed a desire to see a Statewide signage program to inform anglers, at

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 15 7 South-West

DSE Depot, Vickers Street, Ballarat 7.1.2 Merri & Hopkins Rivers Wednesday 16th February 2005 In September 2003, creel surveys on the Merri and Hopkins Rivers commenced. PIRVic: Wayne Fulton VRFISH: Rob Loats, Geoff Cramer, This project aims to determine the return to Keith Ridsdale, John Hotchin, anglers of fin-clipped trout that have been stocked Kevin Williams for many years. OTHERS: Bill Allan (FCC), Melody Jane Attitudinal information and angler satisfaction will (GHCMA) also be gauged. FV: Graeme Hanel, Craig Murdoch, Fieldwork finished in 2004 and a report is expected Heath Cameron, Paul Shea, in 2005. Cameron McCallum, Troy Duthie, Murray Burns, Simon McBeth, 7.2 Fish Stockings Natashar Wills, Ron Wollerman, Appendix 1 Table 22, Table 27, Table 31 and Table Greg Hayes, Marc Ainsworth, 36 detail the quantities of fish planned to be Luke Cromie stocked during the 2005/06 season. The figures indicated are based on the projected water levels 7.1 Creel Surveys for each of the identified water bodies. Figures 7.1.1 Lake Bullen Merri shown in brackets are the maximum stocking rates In mid-2002, PIRVic obtained funds from the approved for 2005/06 if water levels substantially Recreational Fishing Licence Trust Account to exceed current projections. Proposed stocking undertake a 12-month creel survey at Lake Bullen rates are subject to budget availability from a Merri, near Camperdown. combination of recurrent DPI funding and funding This project aims to estimate the total harvest of provided from the Recreational Fishing Licence stocked fish, including trout, salmon and trust account. Australian bass and ask anglers a range of 7.3 Fish Population Surveys questions about their fishing experience and their 7.3.1 Surveys undertaken since CONS 2004 aspirations for this fishery. 7.3.1.1 Lake Bullen Merri The fieldwork component of the project was In 2004, Fisheries Victoria increased the stocking of completed late in 2003. Chinook salmon into Lake Bullen Merri. This was in response to requests from the Camperdown A report is expected in 2005 however preliminary Angling Club for more salmonids, and improved management advice was provided at the 2004 supply of Chinook salmon from Narangi and consultation forum and a change in management PIRVic. was adopted with increased stocking of Chinook salmon. Refer to Table 9 for a summary of the The increase in stocking was conditional on a stock assessment undertaken in January 2005. follow-up survey to monitor the condition factor of salmonids. The survey would determine whether the increased stocking rate was adversely affecting the quality of the salmonid fishery. Table 9. Results of netting survey of Lake Bullen Merri, January 2005 Species Catch Average Length Average Weight length (mm) range (mm) weight (g) range (g) Chinook salmon 38 370 264-535 771 262-2142 Brown trout 15 444 305-650 1290 455-2804 Rainbow trout 3 295 284-305 336 317-369 Atlantic salmon 0 - - - - Australian bass 223 206 119-355 215 42-952

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 16 The survey results suggest that the condition factor whether brown trout stocking should resume. This of salmonids has not changed significantly since consideration will involve consultation with local the increase in stocking rate. On this basis, the angling groups about their species preferences. higher stocking rate for Chinook salmon will be 7.3.1.3Lake Purrumbete maintained in 2005. Like Lake Bullen Merri above (see 7.3), salmonid Other relevant information gained from the 2005 stocking rates at Lake Purrumbete were increased survey included: in 2004 following requests from local angling groups. • Almost 21% of the bass captured were at or above the legal minimum length of 25cm. This A similar approach of monitoring the condition figure was 17% in the 2004 survey. factor was agreed to as the primary means by which fisheries managers could determine if the • The relatively high catch of Chinook salmon increased stocking rates were affecting the quality indicates that, compared with other stocked of fish available to anglers. salmonid species in the lake, they are surviving and growing well. In January 2005, PIRVic staff and local fisheries officers surveyed the lake, the results are • Consistent with previous surveys, the rainbow summarised in Table 11 below. The survey results trout catch is low. This species does not appear suggest that the condition factor of salmonids has to survive longer than 1 year after their release not changed significantly since the increase in in Lake Bullen Merri. stocking rate. On this basis, the higher stocking 7.3.1.2 Koonongwootong Reservoir rate will be maintained in 2005. In early September 2004, Portland Fisheries 7.3.1.4Tea Tree Lake Officers conducted a survey to determine the Tea Tree Lake is located within the western district condition factor of stocked rainbow and brown township of Mortlake. It is a constructed trout. The survey results are in Table 10 below. that receives town run-off. It is relatively small Table 10. Fish caught in Koonongwootong Reservoir, with several backwaters and two islands. The September 2004 maximum depth of the lake is 2 metres. The margins of the lake contain a diverse array of Species Catch Weight range (g) emergent macrophytes, but there are no Brown trout 18 330 - 1400 submerged macrophytes. The bed of the lake is hard clay, although softer depositional sediments Rainbow trout 1 650 occur in the deeper sections. Overflow from the Redfin 33 250 - 1200 lake makes its way to the via Stony Tench 30 N/a Creek. The condition of the trout was generally poor with Tea Tree lake is stocked with rainbow trout on an the average condition factor being 1.0. annual basis. Stocking occurs as part of Fisheries Victoria’s Small Waters program. Two hundred A 2-year stocking trial with rainbow trout only is rainbow trout are stocked prior to the winter currently underway to investigate whether the school holidays. The lake also contains a self- quality of trout can be improved by amending the sustaining population of redfin. stocking rates and/or species composition. In June 2004, Fisheries Officers received a report of Another survey is planned for September 2005, at carp being caught in Tea Tree Lake. which time consideration will again be given to Table 11. Results of survey of Lake Purrumbete, January 2005 Species Catch Average Length Average Weight range (g) length (mm) range (mm) weight (g) Brown trout 17 520 270-710 1989 232-4686 Rainbow trout 5 283 255-300 255 198-284 Redfin 302 288 160-370 304 55-890 Tench 1 540 - 2636 - Eel 1 620 - 499 -

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 17 Due to the potential for fish in the lake to make Mesh nets, fyke nets, baits nets and a seine net their way into the Hopkins River during times of were used at 6 different sites focussing on the flood, a substantial netting survey was undertaken lower reaches of the creek where it was larger and to determine the presence or otherwise of carp in deeper. All fish other than carp and tench were the lake. returned to the water. A total of 18 rainbow trout, 25 redfin and 2 yabbies 7.3.1.6Rocklands Reservoir were caught. No carp were caught. All of the trout In February 2005, Fisheries Officers from the South were from a recent stocking and were released West Region surveyed the lake in response to a back into the water. The majority of the redfin request from local stakeholders to increase trout were less than 20cm in length. The netting survey stocking in an effort to increase the predationary suggests that there is not a substantial population pressure on the growing carp population. of carp in Tea Tree Lake. The and its major impoundment, 7.3.1.5Burrumbeet Creek and Burrumbeet Lake Rocklands Reservoir, has been subject to intense Prior to the drought, Burrumbeet Creek and management study with respect to exclusion of adjacent lake were highly regarded recreational carp from the river and control of numbers in the fisheries, supporting good populations of eels, lake where they are proliferating. native baitfish and redfin. In recent years, the carp The purpose of the survey was to monitor the K population has increased significantly and the Factor (condition) of the existing trout population recreational fishery for the desirable species has to determine the potential of the water to receive a declined. substantially increased stocking. The aim of this survey was to determine the Fish captured in the survey are shown in Table 13. species composition in Burrumbeet Creek so that In 2001 and 2002 it was stocked with 5,800 and carp control options could be considered. The 5,000 rainbow trout respectively. In 2003 and 2004, survey was undertaken in early October 2004. it received 22,000 and 10,000 brown trout respectively. All trout were stocked as yearlings. Table 12. Results of netting survey of Burrumbeet The results suggest that: Creek and Burrumbeet Lake, October 2004 • The K Factor indicates 'fair' condition Species Catch Length range (acceptable to many anglers), (mm) • Carp and goldfish dominated the survey catch, Carp 2 80-83 • The stomach contents of the trout were Shortfinned eel 69 200-850 predominantly juvenile redfin whilst the Flatheaded 24 30-102 stomach contents of the redfin included gudgeon yabbies. No carp were found in the stomachs of the surveyed fish, Common galaxia 4 - The survey results indicate that the Department's Tench 7 42-54 current management approach is appropriate. Smelt 30 - Additional trout may be considered if and when Mosquito fish 1 - the water level rises when higher productivity can be expected. There is no evidence that suggest that Redfin 1 305 trout are predating upon juvenile carp.

Table 13. Results of survey of Rocklands Reservoir, February 2005 Species Number Weight range (g) Average weight (g) Av K Factor Brown trout 5 220 - 700 524 1.20 Redfin 6 160 - 1520 Not calculated N/A Carp 15 300 - 2540 Not calculated N/A Goldfish 16 60 - 440 Not calculated N/A

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 18 7.3.1.7Gellibrand River The results suggest that: The and its many tributaries • Reported poor returns are somewhat support a variety of introduced and native fish supported by low numbers of fish captured in species, including river blackfish and the survey, threatened Australian grayling. The aim of the survey was to determine the species composition • An otolith sample of one of the golden perch in the Gellibrand River and its tributaries. Four indicated it was a 4 year old fish, sites were surveyed with fyke nets, drum nets, • Golden perch and Murray cod persist in the yabby pots and via angling. lake but further survey might be warranted to confirm their abundance, Fisheries Officers captured a total of 109 fish. Short-finned eel, of various sizes, dominated the • Carp and goldfish are relatively abundant, catch with one of the larger ones weighing 1.38 kg. • Captured carp appear to be in two distinct Three tupong and four river blackfish were also cohorts of relatively small size, captured. The largest blackfish weighed 1080 Carp have the potential to develop into a grams. One brown trout, weighing 850g, was • captured at the Skinner Creek site below the significant problem over time in this water. bridge. The survey results are inconclusive but indicate that the Department's stocking regime may need 7.3.1.8Taylors Lake In December 2004, Fisheries Officers from review after further monitoring. Future monitoring Horsham surveyed the lake in response to may need to include modified methods more likely to sample Murray cod and golden perch in a concerns expressed by the Wimmera Anglers Association about poor angler catches. lake environment. Taylors Lake has been subject to rapid fluctuation 7.3.1.9Wimmera River For the past 6 years, Fisheries Victoria has stocked in levels due to its pivotal role in the Wimmera Stock and Domestic supply system, Murray cod into the upper reaches of the particularly in the current extended dry period. . Fisheries staff conducted two surveys, one in October and a second in Table 14 below outlines its recent stocking history November, with drum nets and fyke nets. The (fish numbers are fingerlings unless otherwise survey did not catch any fish. The survey will be stated). repeated and considered along with angler catch reports from the Elmhurst and Stawell angling Table 14. Recent stocking history of fingerlings at clubs. This information will be used to refine the Taylors Lake current stocking strategy. Stocking Golden Murray cod Year perch 7.3.1.10 Lake Fyans Survey In July 2004, Fisheries Officers from Horsham 1999/2000 15,000 8 (salvaged surveyed the lake to evaluate a stocking trial in mature fish) which the performance of trout stocked as 2000/2001 20,000 - fingerlings could be compared to that of trout 2001/2002 13,000 10,000 stocked as yearlings. 2003/2004 20,000 15,000 In each of 2002 and 2003, Lake Fyans was stocked with a mixture of yearlings (weighing about 100 grams each at the time of release) and fingerlings (weighing around 5 grams each). The yearlings were fin-clipped to differentiate them from the unmarked fingerlings. Table 15. Results of survey of Taylors Lake, December 2004 Species Catch Weight range (g) Average weight (g) Golden perch 2 1040 - 1140 1090 Murray cod 1 3640 - Redfin 2 380 - 500 440 Carp 9 134 - 380 411 Goldfish 4 245 - 300 315

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 19 Table 16. Results of survey of Lake Fyans to evaluate stocking of yearling and fingerlings, July 2004: Species Number Weight range (g) Average weight (g) % Fin-clipped Brown trout 32 160 - 2420 1501 81 Rainbow trout 30 780 - 1740 1128 100 Redfin 8 120 - 500 367 - Tench 1 720 - -

Table 16, above, shows the fish captured. The The survey results support the Department’s results suggest that: current policy of stocking yearling trout, as opposed to the smaller fingerlings, in waters • 100% of the rainbow trout captured in the where larger predatory fish, such as redfin, survey were fin-clipped indicating that they already exist. were all stocked as yearling fish, • All but one rainbow trout caught in the survey 7.4 Other Management Issues were stocked in 2003 indicating that, similar to 7.4.1 Fisheries the rainbow trout fishery at Lake Wendouree 7.4.1.1Australian Bass Regulations and Lake Bullen Merri, stocked yearlings The bag limit for Australian bass at Lake Bullen provide mostly short term fishing Merri has been increased from 2 to 5. Unlike ‘wild’ opportunities and rarely live to three years of populations in Gippsland rivers, Bullen Merri’s age, Australian bass population has no conservation value. • The majority of brown trout (81%) were fin- clipped indicating that they were stocked as Unnecessarily limiting the harvest of this species yearlings, in this water serves no purpose when the lake is stocked annually. • Brown trout yearlings stocked in 2003 had reached weights of between 620 and 960 7.4.1.2Glenelg Spiny Crayfish Regulation Changes grams. By way of comparison, rainbow trout In August 2004, revised fishing regulations for yearlings stocked in the same year had Glenelg Spiny Crayfish were introduced to ensure reached weights of between 780 and 1740 their sustainable harvest by recreational anglers. grams, This species has declined over the last 30 years • Brown trout yearlings stocked in 2002 had because they are slow growing and unable to reached an average weight of 1860 grams, recover from stock depletion quickly. Although it is a small, isolated population centred in the • There are small numbers of 4-year-old brown Glenelg catchment, regulations allow a limited trout, stocked in 2001 as yearlings, which have recreational harvest of the Glenelg spiny crayfish grown to a maximum of 2.4 kg. during a prescribed season, subject to strict bag Further surveys to be undertaken in 2005 are and size limits and fishing gear restrictions. detailed in Table 17. Table 17. Fish surveys to be undertaken in the South West region, 2005 Water Reason for Survey Wartook Reservoir Regional survey to determine the success of brown trout stockings. Lake Bullen Merri PIRVic survey to monitor condition factor of stocked salmonids and quantify any impacts stemming from increased stocking rate. Survey methods should be altered to minimise by-catch of small bass. Lake Purrumbete Regional survey to monitor condition factor of stocked salmonids and quantify any impacts stemming from increased stocking rate. Wimmera River Regional survey to assess the catfish (and Murray cod) population above Glenorchy Weir. Koonongwootong Reservoir Regional survey to assess the success of a rainbow trout only stocking trial.

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 20 However their recent listing as a threatened 7.4.3.4Regional Partnership Meetings species has prompted a further reduction in the The Minister responsible for Fisheries, Bob daily bag limit, from five to one. The existing ban Cameron, has provided ‘in-principle’ support for on the take of berried (egg carrying) female crays an RFL allocation to fund 5 regional forums at has been extended to include all female Glenelg which VRFish will seek community views on crayfish, whether or not they are in berry. The significant issues affecting recreational. These current minimum carapace length at 10 issues will be considered in the review of the centimetres for Glenelg spiny crayfish will remain VRFish’s 5-year vision. unchanged. 7.4.3.5Legal Minimum Lengths 7.4.1.3Evening Consultation Meetings A VRFish representative suggested that anglers Despite the preference of north-east VRFish take more care when measuring their fish to representatives for evening consultation meetings, ensure they are retaining only those that are of those VRFish representatives attending the 2005 legal minimum length. south west meeting expressed a desire to continue 7.4.4 Fisheries Co-Management Council with daytime meetings. 7.4.4.1Council Profile 7.4.2 Regional Issues The representative from the FCC’s Inland Fisheries 7.4.2.1Lake Fyans Redfin Committee outlined a desire to improve the profile Regional staff reported that juvenile redfin of the Council, and its role, amongst recreational collected from a minor fish kill at Lake Fyans, fishers and sought feedback to that effect from the subsequently tested positive for EHNV. forum. 7.4.3 VRFish 7.4.5 Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management 7.4.3.1Lake Bolac Estuary Perch Stocking Authority A VRFish representative expressed a desire to see 7.4.5.1Catchment Wide Fisheries Survey Proposal resolution of the Lake Bolac Angling Club’s The Glenelg Hopkins CMA representative request for estuary perch stocking. outlined a proposal to fill current knowledge gaps about fish populations via a catchment wide 7.4.3.2Lake Purrumbete Closed Season survey program. VRFish representatives have received correspondence from local Camperdown angling 7.4.5.2Carp in Rocklands Reservoir clubs expressing a desire to revoke the current The Glenelg Hopkins CMA representative boat based closed season that applies to Lake outlined their organisation’s desire to contain carp Purrumbete. in Rocklands Reservoir and limit their spread upstream and downstream. VRFish and Fisheries 7.4.3.3VRFish Representation Victoria supported the CMA’s approach of not A VRFish representative outlined how VRFish is supporting additional fish stocking to control carp attempting to improve their ability to represent until it can be demonstrated that such stockings recreational anglers that do not belong to clubs by will actually reduce carp numbers without recruiting more unaffiliated members. adversely impacting on the desirable salmonid and redfin fisheries.

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 21 Appendix 1 - Proposed Fish Stocking All Areas, 2005 - 2006

The following abbreviations are used throughout the tables below: Atlantic salmon - AS, Brown trout - BT, Chinook salmon – CS, Continued Existing Management - CEM, Golden perch - GP, Macquarie perch – MP, Murray cod - MC, Rainbow trout - RT, Silver perch - SP. Departmental Salmonids Table 18. Gippsland Water Brown Rainbow Comments Trout Trout

Blue Rock Lake 15,000 - Increased stoking level was supported on the basis of improved habit and water levels also likely to result in improved fishing for shore based anglers.

Glenmaggie Reservoir - 2,000 Continue existing management Macalister River Below Lake Glenmaggie. 2,000 - On the basis of preliminary results form the Macalister creel combined with good angler reports of non-fin clipped brown trout it was agreed to trial Above Lake Glenmaggie 5,000 not stocking brown trout Above Lake Glenmaggie to Basin Flat. to Basin Flat. This decision to be reconsidered in 2006 taking account of angler reports of changes in the productivity of the fishery. Glenfalloch homestead to – Macalister River junction. - 2,000 Narracan Lake 7,000 3,000 Continue existing management (Yallourn Storage Dam) - 1,000 Continue existing management

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 22 Departmental Salmonids (cont.) Table 19. North East Water Brown Rainbow Comments Trout Trout Banimboola Lake 2,000 5,000 WFFC request trout stocking. Supported. (Dartmouth pondage) VRFish request 2,000 BT & 5,000 RT. Supported. Buckland River 1,500 - VRFish request 6,000 BT over 3 locations. Supported in part – stocked in 2004 as a ‘bushfire recovery’ water. To be surveyed by PIRVic for a 2nd time in early 2005. Assessment results to determine whether further stocking is necessary and at what rate (max. 3,000 BT) Buffalo Lake - - VRFish request trout stocking. Not supported. Cudgewa Creek - - VRFish request 6,000 BT over 3 locations. Not supported. To be surveyed by PIRVic for a 2nd time in early 2005. Assessment results to determine whether stocking is required. Risk Assessment necessary if stocking is recommended. Eildon Pondage July ‘05 2 y/o 200 100 The adjacent stocking plan attempts to spread the stocking of 2 and 3 year old fish relatively evenly August 2 y/o 200 100 throughout the year, other than at Christmas and September 2 y/o 200 100 Easter when significantly higher visitation is anticipated. 3 y/o 50 50 October 2 y/o 200 100 These figures include a mix of 600 2y/o and 400 3 3 y/o 50 50 y/o brown and rainbow trout funded by November 2 y/o 200 100 Recreational Fishing Licence Trust Account. 3 y/o 50 50 December 2 y/o 1,000 450 3 y/o 50 50 January ‘06 2 y/o 200 100 3 y/o 50 50 February 2 y/o 200 100 3 y/o 50 50 March 2 y/o 1,000 450 3 y/o 50 50 April 2 y/o 200 100 3 y/o 50 50

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 23 Departmental Salmonids (cont.) Table 19. North East (cont.) Water Brown Rainbow Comments Trout Trout

Eildon Pondage May 2 y/o 200 100 3 y/o 50 50 June ’06 2 y/o 200 100 Fifteen Mile Creek - - TAG requested trout stocking in the upper reaches in 2004. Not supported. Refer to PIRVic survey results in section 4.1.1. Hollands Creek 1,000 - WFFC request trout stocking. Supported. Fin-clip all BT.

Hume Lake 50,000 - VRFish request 50,000 BT. Supported. 25,000 funded by RFL. Fin-clip all BT. King River - - WFFC request BT stocking below Lake William Hovell. Not supported. Refer to section 4.3.2. Mt. Beauty Pondage 1,000 1,500 VRFish request 1,000 BT, 1,000 RT & 1,000 RT for Easter. Supported in part. 500 RT prior to Easter 2006 (fin-clipped). WFFC request trout stocking. Supported. Ryans Creek 500 - CEM. Fin-clip all BT. Tallangatta Creek - - VRFish request Departmental survey. Supported – refer to section 4.3.2. William Hovell Lake - - VRFish request 2,000 BT & 8,000 RT. Not supported. Sufficient natural recruitment from upper King River.

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 24 Departmental Salmonids (cont.) Table 20. North West Water Brown Rainbow Comments Trout Trout

Barker’s Creek Reservoir 5,000 - B&DFFC request 5,000 BT yearlings. Supported pending water levels. (Harcourt Reservoir) B&DFFC request 500 2/3 year old BT. Not supported – refer to section 5.1.4. Cairn Curran Reservoir 15,000 - M&NCAA request Continue Existing Management (CEM). Supported. (20,000) B&DFFC request 50,000 BT & 50,000 RT pending water levels. Supported in part. B&DFFC also request consideration of triploid trout. Not supported. BDAA request 25,000 BT with further trout pending water level improvement. Supported in part. Up to 15,000 BT in 2005 pending water level improvements. VRFish to liaise with clubs re: future stocking of RT, for input into review of Bendigo Fisheries Management Plan in 2007. Campaspe River - - M&NCAA request 3,000BT. Not supported. Refer to PIRVic survey results in section 5.2.1.1. Goldfields Reservoir 200 - CEM. Jil Jil Lake - - WAA request 1,000 RT. Currently dry. No stocking in 2005. Lauriston Reservoir 7,500 - B&DFFC request 10,000 BT. Supported in part. CEM. B&DFFC express concern about high roach population and downstream spread. Acknowledged – refer to research proposal in section 5.2.2. Re: Triploids Malmsbury Reservoir 4,000 - B&DFFC request 5,000 BT & 5,000 RT. Supported in part. B&DFFC request consideration of triploid trout. Acknowledged – refer to research proposal in section 5.2.2. Re: Triploids. Up to 4,000 BT in 2005 pending water level improvements. Talbot Reservoir 1,000 - BDAA request 1,000 BT & 500 RT. Supported in part.

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 25 Departmental Salmonids (cont.) Table 20. North West (cont.) Water Brown Rainbow Comments Trout Trout Teddington Reservoir Top - - MNAAC request CEM but may request native fish upon drought recovery. Dry. No stocking in 2005. VRFish to consider species preferences of NW anglers. Risk assessment may be required for natives. Bottom - - MNAAC request CEM but may request native fish upon drought recovery. Dry. No stocking in 2005. VRFish to consider species preferences of NW anglers. Risk assessment may be required for natives. Tullaroop Reservoir 5,000 - BDAA request 5,000 BT. Supported for one year only – usually supports self-sustaining BT population. Fin-clip all BT. Region to survey – refer to section 5.2.2. Upper Coliban Reservoir 4,000 - CEM. Up to 4,000 BT in 2005 pending water level improvements.

Table 21. Port Phillip Water Brown Rainbow Comments Trout Trout

Barwon River - - GDACA request: BT RT Ceres 1,000 500 Pollocksford Bridge 1,500 1,000 Inverleigh Bridge 2,000 - Queens Park Bridge 1,000 1,000 Winchelsea 1,000 - Not supported – self-sustaining BT population in headwaters. Previous BT stocking trials have not been successful. Threatened species (Australian grayling, Yarra Pigmy perch & Australian mudfish) present. DSE Action Statement for two of these threatened species identifies the stocking of introduced species (including trout) as a potentially threatening process. Refer to pages 45 & 46 of Fisheries Management Report 69 (2004) for more information.

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 26 Departmental Salmonids (cont.) Table 21. Port Phillip (cont.) Water Brown Rainbow Comments Trout Trout

Berwick Springs -1,000Stock in association with metro Small Waters for Estate 2nd semester school holidays. Stocking level reduced given reduction in angler visitation. Bostock Reservoir 4,000 1,000 BDAA request CEM with preference for BT. Supported – 1,000 RT swapped for 1,000 BT.

Devilbend -- DPI to develop Risk Assessment for Devilbend Reservoir and/or Bittern Reservoir once future managing authority is clarified and recreational fishing opportunities are clear. Laurimar Estate -- Considered a possible ‘Small Water’ for RT. Risk Assessment necessary. Proponents to consider whether they wish to proceed. - - GDACA request 2,500 BT and 2,500RT. Not supported – self sustaining BT population present as outlined in Fisheries Management Report 69 (2004). - - Angler requests trout stocking. Not supported – low flows and unsuitable habitat currently. Lilydale Lake -2 x 1,500Stock 1,500 in July into containment net for junior fishing events – Region to advise of dates. Remaining 1,500 RT for Fishing Week. Modewarre Lake (5,000) (5,000) GDACA request 5,000 BT yearlings and 5,000 RT yearlings yearlings yearlings. Also request 10,000 BT fingerlings and 10,000 RT fingerlings. Not supported – consider EPA conclusions about cause of fishkills. Further stocking dependent on success of caged trials to confirm water can again support salmonids. Nursery Reservoir 500 500 BT stocking to recommence following positive feedback from releases in previous years. Pykes Creek - - BDAA request 3,000 BT & 1,500 RT. Reservoir Not supported – BDAA to submit Initial Screening Form to Translocation Evaluation Panel. If they wish to proceed indepently.Region to provide advisory support in this process.

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 27 Departmental Salmonids (cont.) Table 22. South West Water Brown Rainbow Atlantic & Comments Trout Trout Chinook Salmon

Aringa Reservoir 500 1,000 KDAC request 500 BT & 1,000 RT. Supported – stock in June/July. - Beaufort Lake 1,000 1,000 - BDAA request Continue Existing Management (CEM). Supported – continue to collect feedback from anglers re: catches. Bellfield Reservoir - 5,000 - WAA request 5,000 RT. Stocking approved by Translocation Evaluation Panel (TEP) based on Risk Assessment developed by Fisheries Victoria. Bolac Lake - - - BDAA request 8,000 RT. Not supported. Outcomes of LBAC Risk Assessment for estuary perch to be known before other species are considered. Bullarto Reservoir 500 500 - BDAA request CEM. Supported. Bullen Merri Lake 10,000 10,000 2,500 AS BDAA request CEM. Supported. & 17,500 GDACA request 10,000 BT, 15,000 RT and CS 10,000 CS. Supported in part. CAAC request 15,000 CS, 5,000 RT, 10,000 AS & 10,000 BT. Supported in part. Refer to section 7.3.1.1 for 2005 survey results. Burrumbeet Lake - - - BDAA request RT stocking upon drought recovery. No stocking in 2005 – currently drought affected. Cartcarrong Lake 1,000 - - KDAC request 1,000 BT. CEM. Colbrook 200--BDAA request CEM. Supported. Reservoir Cosgrove 1,000 1,000 - BDAA request CEM. Supported. Reservoir Dean Reservoir 500 500 - BDAA request CEM. Supported. Deep Lake - - - BDAA request 1,000 BT & 1,000 RT upon drought recovery. Currently drought affected – no stocking in 2005.

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 28 Departmental Salmonids (cont.) Table 22. South West (cont.) Water Brown Rainbow Atlantic & Comments Trout Trout Chinook Salmon Dock Lake - - - WAA request 5,000 RT upon drought recovery. Currently drought affected – no stocking in 2005. Elingamite Lake 2,000 1,000 - GDACA request 2,000 BT and 500 RT. Supported in part. CBAC request 2,500 BT & 2,500 RT. Supported in part – increase in RT of 500 in 2005. Fyans Lake 6,000 6,000 - BDAA & WAA request 6,000 BT & 6,000 RT but no more fingerlings. Supported – refer to survey results in section 7.3.1.10. Gillear Lake 1,000 1,000 - ADAC & KDAC request 1,000 BT & 1,000 RT. Supported.

Gong Gong - 1,000 - BDAA request 1,000 RT: 500 in June & 500 Reservoir in October. Supported – October fish dependent on water level. Integrate with ‘Small Waters’ releases if possible. Greenhill Lake - - - BDAA request 2,000 BT & 1,500 RT upon drought recovery. WAA request 2,500 BT & 1,500 RT. Currently drought affected –no stocking in 2005. Hamilton Lake 2,000 3,000 - Continue Existing Management (CEM). Hepburn Lagoon 5,000 5,000 - BDAA request 5,000 BT & 5,000 RT. Supported. Hopkins River 2,000 - - KDAC request 2,000 BT. Supported. Fin-clip all BT yearlings. Consider creel survey results at next year’s forum (2005). Konongwootong - 2,000 - BDAA request 2,000 BT & 1,000 RT. Reservoir CAS request 3,000 BT & 2,000 RT. Supported in part. 2nd year of RT only trial – Region to survey again – see section 7.3.2. Learmonth Lake - - - BDAA request 5,000 BT & 5,000 RT upon drought recovery. Currently dry – no stocking in 2005.

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 29 Departmental Salmonids (cont.) Table 22. South West (cont.) Water Brown Rainbow Atlantic & Comments Trout Trout Chinook Salmon - KDAC request 7,500 BT. Supported in part. - Above Weir: 1,300 ADAC request 5,000 BT. Supported - in part. Below Weir: 6,000 ADAC request 5,000 BT. Supported in part. Consider changes to stocking regime once PIRVic creel survey report is complete. Fin-clip all yearlings. Moorabool Reservoir - - - BDAA request 10,000 BT & 5,000 RT upon drought recovery. Currently closed to angling temporarily – no stocking in 2005. Mount Emu Creek Below Castlecarey 2,000 - - BDAA request 3,000 BT. Supported. Skipton DRAC request 300 BT at each of Above weir 500 - - Darlington Cricket Ground, Below weir 500 - - Chatsworth Rd Ford and Pura Pura Bridge. Not supported. Pura Pura Bridge 150 - - Fin-clip all BT yearlings. Chatswood Rd 150 - - Angler diary program underway. Darlington 150 - - 2,000 - - Continue Existing Management (CEM). Fin-clip all BT yearlings. Murdeduke Lake - - - BDAA request 10,000 RT & 10,000 CS upon drought recovery. No stocking in 2005. GDACA request water samples with a view to stocking in 2005. Done – not considered suitable for stocking in 2005.

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 30 Departmental Salmonids (cont.) Table 22. South West (cont.) Water Brown Rainbow Atlantic & Comments Trout Trout Chinook Salmon Natimuk Lake ---WAA request 10,000 RT upon drought recovery. Currently dry – no stocking in 2005. Newlyn Reservoir 4,000 - - BDAA request 4,000 BT and no more fingerlings. Supported.

Purrumbete Lake 15,000 20,000 10,000 GDACA request 20,000 BT (fin clipped), 20,000 RT and 10,000 CS. Supported in part. PAC request 30,000 BT, 15,000 RT & 15,000 CS. Supported in part. CEM. Rocklands Reservoir 20,000 - WAA request surplus trout. Supported in part – annual allocation of trout rather than surplus. BADAC request 50,000 trout to assist in carp control. Not supported. St Georges Lake 1,000 1,000 BDAA request CEM. Supported – Region to pursue angler feedback on catches to justify increased stocking rate in 2004. Tooliorook Lake - - BDAA request 2,000 BT & 4,000 RT. Drought affected – no stocking in 2005. Toolondo Reservoir - - BDAA request 20,000 BT and return to full stocking levels upon drought recovery. WAA request 36,000 BT upon drought recovery. Currently dry – no stocking in 2005. Wallace Lake - - WAA request 4,000RT & 1,000 BT. Currently drought affected – no stocking in 2005. Wartook Lake 7,000 - BDAA request CEM. Supported. WAA request 7,000 BT plus 7,000 RT ‘one-off’ stocking. Supported in part. CEM with BT only. Lake Bellfield to provide RT fishing opportunities nearby.

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 31 Departmental Salmonids (cont.) Table 22. South West (cont.) Water Brown Rainbow Atlantic & Comments Trout Trout Chinook Salmon Wendouree Lake - 10,000 BDAA request CEM and interest in progressing with Tas/NSW strain trial. (Stock 2,000 per month in May, June, July, August & December). Supported – refer to 7.2.4 for client group stocking of BT also. West Barwon Dam - 4,000 GDACA request 5,000 RT. Supported in part. Review in 2006. VRFish to seek feedback from anglers on catches to determine if continuation of increased stocking rate is warranted. Wombat Reservoir 1,000 1,000 BDAA request CEM. Supported. CEM. Wurdiboluc Reservoir 2,000 4,000 GDACA request 7,500 BT and 7,500 RT. Supported in part. CEM.

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 32 Departmental Salmonids - Small Waters Table 23. Gippsland Water Species Number School holidays Requests Guyatt Lake (Sale) RT 250 2nd Semester

Heyfield Racecourse RT 200 3rd Semester Continue existing management (Heyfield) Hyland Lake RT 1,000x2 2nd & 3rd Semester Stocking of 250 brown trout in each (Churchill) semester discontinued. Additional 250 rainbow trout for each stocking.

250 Fishing week Morwell Lake RT 750x2 2nd & 3rd Semester Continue existing management (Morwell) and Fishing Week 250 Guthridge Lake RT 250 Fishing Week Continue existing management as fishing week stocking

Table 24. North East Water Species Number School holidays Requests/Comments Anderson Lake RT 300 Fishing Week VRFish request 300 RT for 3rd term (Chiltern) school holidays. Supported in part – stock for Fishing Week.

Arboretum Dam RT 200x2 2nd & 3rd Semester Continue Existing Management (Euroa) (CEM). Bartlett Lake --- No further stocking of RT - stock (Tatura) with GP instead - refer to section 4.2.3. Supported by VRFish. Cummins Reserve RT 200x2 2nd & 3rd Semester Lake (Yea)

Golf Course Dam RT 200 3rd Semester CEM. (Longwood) Marysville Lake RT 200x2 2nd & 3rd Semester CEM. (Marysville) Mooroopna Rec. RT 100x2 2nd & 3rd Semester VRFish and Region to submit Reserve. Lake Initial Screening Form to Translocation Evaluation Panel.

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 33 Departmental Salmonids - Small Waters (cont.) Table 24. North East (cont.) Water Species Number School holidays Requests/Comments Numurkah Lake --- No further stocking of RT - stock GP instead. Supported by VRFish. Refer to section 4.2.3. Sambell Lake RT 500x2 2nd & 3rd Semester VRFish request 300x2 RT. (Beechworth) Supported. Increase stocking rate from 300x2 in 2004 to 500x2 in 2005. Yackandandah RT 200x2 2nd & 3rd Semester Added to ‘Small Waters’ list for Dredge Hole 2005. VRFish and Region to submit Initial Screening Form to TEP.

Table 25. North West Water Species Number School holidays Requests Foletti Caravan Park RT - 2nd & 3rd semester MNAAC request 300x2. Not Lake (Donald) supported – currently drought affected – no stocking in 2005. Kennington RT 300x2 2nd & 3rd Continue Existing Management Reservoir (CEM). (Strathdale)

St.Arnaud Old RT 200 2nd semester MNAAC request 200RT for 2nd Swimming Pool semester break. Supported. Region and MNAAC to submit an Initial Screening Form to Translocation Evaluation Panel. Tom Thumb Lake RT 100x2 2nd & 3rd semester CEM, pending consideration of (Eaglehawk) water quality assessments.

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 34 Departmental Salmonids - Small Waters (cont.) Table 26. Port Phillip Water Species Number School holidays Comments Bannockburn Lagoon -- Refer section 6.1.3

Caulfield RT 200 x 2 2nd & 3rd Region to investigate demand semester for fish from fishing events. Racecourse Dam Review in 2006.

Hanging Rock RT 600 2nd semester WAC request 600 RT in June and 500 RT in October. 3rd semester Supported. (moved from Dept’ 500 salmonids) Emerald Lake RT 750 x 2 2nd & 3rd Increase of 250 for each school semester holiday period given high visitation and angler catches.

Fishing week 400 Jack Roper RT 250x2 2nd & 3rd semester Reserve Fishing week 250 McCleods Water Hole --2nd & 3rd GDACA request 250 BT. Not semester supported – poor water quality. Pakenham Lake - - Delfin request trout stocking. Supported - refer to section 6.1.3 for client group stocking request for 2,000 RT that is supported. Rowville Lakes Sutton Lake RT 2 x 600 2nd & 3rd Continue Existing Management semester (CEM).

Hill Lake RT 2 x 150 Roxburgh Park Lakes RT 200 x 2 2nd & 3rd CEM. semester

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 35 Departmental Salmonids - Small Waters (cont.) Table 26. Port Phillip (cont.) Water Species Number School holidays Requests Seagull Lake RT 800 x 2 2nd & 3rd GDACA request 400RT for "The semester Ron Nelson Junior Angling Clinic" prior to Fishing Week. Supported – increased by 100 Fishing Week RT. 500 GDACA request 400 RT Supported by 400 RT for each holiday period. St Augustines Water RT 200 x 2 GDACA request 400RT for each Hole semester school holidays. Supported – City of Greater Geelong now support stocking of this water. Taylors Lakes RT - CEM WestLake RT 250x2 2nd & 3rd semester Fishing week 300 Whittlesea Botanical RT 200 Access All Stock for ‘Access All Abilities’ Gardens Abilities fishing day. Region to confirm that event is proceeding with MAA and confirm dates. Yarrambat Park Lake RT 2x300 2nd & 3rd CEM semester 250 Fishing Week

Table 27. South West Water Species Number School holidays Requests Alexandra Lake RT 200x2 2nd & 3rd WAA request 200 RT. (Ararat) semester Supported. Stock closer to commencement of holiday break if possible. Bolwarrah Weir RT - - BDAA request 500RT. Region to inspect and advise. Initial Screening Form required if water is considered suitable. Further liaison necessary. Calembeen Lake RT 150x2 2nd & 3rd BDAA requested 500BT and (Creswick) semester 500RT in 2004. Initial Screening Form required.

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 36 Departmental Salmonids - Small Waters (cont.) Table 27. South West (cont.) Water Species Number School holidays Requests Cato Lake (Stawell) RT 300x2 2nd & 3rd NGSC request 300 RT for 2nd semester semester break. Supported. WAA request 300 RT. Supported. Dunkeld Arboretum RT 200x2 2nd & 3rd Continue Existing Management semester (CEM). Esmond Lake RT 200x2 2nd & 3rd BDAA request 200x2 RT. semester Supported. Initial Screening Form required. Ess Lagoon RT 500x2 2nd & 3rd CAS request CEM. semester (Casterton) Supported. Jack Emmett Lagoon RT 300 3rd semester WAA request 300 RT. Supported. Jubilee Lake RT 200x2 2nd & 3rd BDAA request RT. Supported. (Daylesford) semester Jubilee Lake RT 250 3rd semester BDAA request CEM. (Skipton) Supported. Lismore Golf Club RT - - BDAA request 100 RT. Drought Lake affected – no stocking in 2005. Nhill Lake RT 300 3rd semester 200 RT stocked in 2004 WAA requests 500 RT supported in part. Norval Dam --- VRFish request stocking. Not supported. Police Paddock Dam RT 300 3rd semester WAA request 300 RT. (Horsham) Supported – increased from 200. Rable Park lake RT 300 3rd semester Supported (omitted from cons 2005 process) (Murtoa) Tea Tree lake RT 200x2 2nd and 3rd Supported (omitted from cons semester 2005 process) (Mortlake) Victoria Lakes RT 400x2 2nd & 3rd BDAA request CEM. (Ballarat) semester. Supported. Watonga Drive RT 200 3rd semester Lower priority than Police Paddock Dam. Supported (Horsham)

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 37 Departmental Native Fish Table 28. Gippsland Water Australian Priority Comments Bass Glenmaggie Lake - 1 Target is 30,000 per annum (first 15,000 as a priority over all other waters) Blue Rock Lake - 2 Target is 30,000+ per annum Macalister River - 3 Target is 10,000+ per annum (below Glenmaggie) Narracan Lake - 4 Target is 10,000 per annum Hazelwood pondage - 5 Target is 10,000 per annum

Table 29. North East Water Golden Murray Comments Perch Cod Anderson Lake 1,000 - VRFish request 1,000 GP and 500 MC. Supported in (Chiltern) part – stock GP only. Bartlett Lake 1,000 - CEM. Early notification of release is desirable given opportunity for event. Boosey Creek --Stocking of GP and MC to be considered again when water mngt issues are resolved. Broken Creek 5,000 2,000 Dip Bridge area. Refer to section 3.2.4 for client group stocking contribution.

10,000 10,000 Nathalia area. Refer to section 4.2.4 for client group stocking contribution.

Broken River 20,000 - CEM. Buffalo Lake 10,000 (1,000) VRFish request 10,000 GP & 1,000 MC. Supported. VRFish to submit an Initial Screening Form for MC.

Craigmuir Lake 1,000 - CEM. Refer to section 4.2.4. Cudgewa Creek - 5,000 VRFish request 5,000 MC. Supported. Eildon Lake 200,000 50,000 CEM. Goulburn R. - 25,000 Stock from McCoy’s Bridge to Stewart’s Bridge. CEM. fingerlings Dart-tagged. Murchison to McCoy’s Bridge. CEM. 2,500 - Murchison to McCoy’s Bridge. CEM. yearlings Refer to client group GP stocking proposal in section 25,000 4.2.4 - fingerlings Greens Lake - 10,000 RDAC request 40,000 GP and 20,000 MC. Supported (Corop) in part – 10,000 MC & client group GP stocking - refer to section 4.2.4

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 38 Departmental Native Fish (cont.) Table 29. North East (cont.) Water Golden Murray Comments Perch Cod Hume Lake 150,000 - VRFish request 300,000 GP. Supported in part. CEM. RFL funded – refer to section 4.2.4

Kerford Lake 5,000 - VRFish request 5,000 GP. Supported. CEM. Kialla Lake 1,500 - CEM. Refer to section 4.2.4 King Lake 1,000 - CEM. Region and VRFish to seek feedback re: angler (Rutherglen) catches of GP. Loch Garry --Currently dry. No stocking in 2005/06. Mokoan Lake --No further stocking of native fish given decision to decommission. Sufficient stock of fish to sustain fish until water levels are lowered. Mitta Mitta River - - Refer to client group stocking section 4.2.3.2 Nillahcootie Lake 20,000 - Continue Existing Management (CEM). Numurkah Lake 5,000 - GVAAC request 5,000 GP. Supported. Sambell Lake 5,000 - VRFish request 5,000 GP. Supported. CEM. Seven Creeks 5,000 - Stock below Euroa Weir. CEM. Sumsion Gard’n - - VRFish request 2,000 GP. Not supported. 2005/06 is (Wodonga) the 1st year of ‘assessment’ phase. No stocking in 2005/06. Victoria Lake --Limited angler access due to the weed problem. No stocking in 2005/06. (Shepparton) Waranga Reservoir - 20,000 CEM. Yackandandah 1,000 - YKAC request 1,000 GP & 500 MC. Supported in part Dredge H. – GP only.

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 39 Departmental Native Fish (cont.) Table 30. North West Water Golden Murray Comments Perch Cod 18,000 10,000 MNAAC request 18,000 GP (extra site at Natte Yallock) and 800 MC yearlings. Supported in part.

Batyo Catyo Lake - - MNAAC & WAA request 5,000 GP & 5,000 SP when water levels recover. Currently dry – no stocking in 2005/06. Boga Lake 5,000 1,000 dart MNAAC request CEM. Supported. 2005/06 will be the tagged 2nd year of this RFL funded stocking trial. yearlings Cairn Curran 20,000 10,000 MNAAC & BDAA request CEM. Supported. Reservoir B&DFFC suggest re-direction of GP to Laanecoorie Reservoir or the . Not supported. VRFish to liaise with clubs re: future stocking of GP in this water, for input into review of Bendigo Fisheries Mngt Plan in 2007. Campaspe River Axedale to Elmore 40,000 - Continue Existing Management (CEM). RDAC request fish tagging kit for club members and 1,000 dart tagged MC dw/n of Elmore. Not supported. Rochester area - 10,000 Refer to section 5.1.4 for client group stocking (downstream of request. Elmore Weir)

Eppalock to Elmore. - 10,000 CEM. Charm Lake 5,000 500 dart MNAAC request CEM. Supported - 2005/06 will be tagged the 4th year of this stocking trial. yearlings Crusoe Reservoir 5,000 - CEM. Cullulleraine Lake 10,000 10,000 MNAAC request CEM. Partly supported. Silver perch stockings discontinued pending assessment of angler catches. Eppalock Lake 50,000 20,000 CEM - pending water levels. Expedition Pass 1,000 250 CEM. Reservoir Goldfields 2,000 - Continue Existing Management (CEM). Reservoir Green Lake - - MNAAC request 5,000 GP when water levels recover. (Sealake) Currently dry – no stocking 2005/06. Gunbower Creek - 20,000 CEM.

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 40 Departmental Native Fish (cont.) Table 30. North West (cont.) Water Golden Murray Comments Perch Cod Kangaroo Lake 10,000 1,000 dart MNAAC request CEM. Supported. 2005/06 will be the (incl. Racecourse) tagged 4th year of this RFL funded stocking trial. yearlings 15,000 - MNAAC request CEM. Supported. 2005/06 will be the 4th year of this stocking trial. GP to be chemically marked. Laanecoorie 10,000 - CEM. Reservoir Landsborough --Drought affected – no stocking in 2005/06. Reservoir Little Boort Lake 5,000 - MNAAC request 5,000 GP. Supported. Little Lake Meran --Dry – no stocking in 2005/06. Little Murray - 10,000 MNAAC request CEM. Supported. River Loddon River Newbridge 7,500 - MNAAC request CEM although suggest yearling cod above Fernihurst. Supported in part but no yearling cod, other than above Bridgewater where PIRVic research project is underway. Bridgewater 10,000 10,000 CEM. Above Bridgewater 10,000 1,000 dart CEM. MC yearlings to be dart tagged. tagged yearlings Serpentine 7,500 - CEM. Fernihurst 10,000 7,000 CEM. Kerang 5,000 3,000 CEM. Meran Lake - - MNAAC request 5,000 GP when water levels recover. Currently dry – no stocking in 2005/06. Pyramid Creek 10,000 10,000 MNAAC request CEM. Supported in part. Redbank Reservoir --Drought affected – no stocking in 2005/06. (first) 5,000 500 dart MNAAC request CEM. Supported. 2005/06 will be the tagged 4th year of this RFL funded stocking trial. yearlings Richardson River 10,000 - MNAAC & WAA request 10,000 GP. Supported. DAC request regional fish survey in weir pool at Rich Avon. Supported – refer section 5.2.2.

Serpentine Creek 5,000 - CEM.

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 41 Departmental Native Fish (cont.) Table 30. North West (cont.) Water Golden Murray Comments Perch Cod Tchum Lake - - MNAAC request 5,000 GP when water levels recover. Currently dry – no stocking in 2005/06. Tullaroop Creek (downstream 5,000 - CEM. of Reservoir) Upper Coliban Reservoir - - PIRVic study underway. Stocking of MP to be considered at CONS 2006. Walker's Lake - - MNAAC & WAA request 5,000 GP when water levels recover. Currently dry – no stocking in 2005/06. Wooroonook Lake - - MNAAC request 5,000 GP when water levels recover. Currently dry – no stocking in 2005/06.

Table 31. South West Water Aust. Golden Silver Murray Comments Bass Perch Perch cod Bolac Lake - - - - BDAA request 30,000 EP. Awaiting advice on Risk Assessment from Translocation Evaluation Panel. Booroopki - - - - WAA request 10,000 MC upon drought Swamp recovery. Currently dry – no stocking in 2005/06. Bringalbert - - - - WAA request 5,000 GP upon drought Lake recovery. Drought affected – no stocking in 2005/06. Bullen Merri L. - - - - CAAC request 25,000 AB. Not supported in 2005/06 – review in 2006 pending survey results – refer to sections 7.3.1.1 & 7.3.2. Calembeen - - - - BDAA requested 500GP. Region to submit Lake (Creswick) Initial Screening Form. Carpolac L. - - - - WAA request 5,000 GP upon recovery. Dry – no stocking in 2005/06. Charlegrark L. - - - - WAA request 5,000 MC upon drought recovery. Drought affected – no stocking in 2005/06. Colac L. - - - - GDACA requested 10,000 estuary perch in 2004. Awaiting outcome of Lake Bolac Risk Assessment before any further consideration. GDACA request 10,000 AB in 2005. Not supported – outside their natural range.

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 42 Departmental Native Fish (cont.) Table 31. South West (cont.) Water Aust. Golden Silver Murray Comments Bass Perch Perch cod Gillear Lake - - - - WDAC request GP. Not supported – retain as trout fishery. Green L. - - - - WAA request 10,000 MC & 10,000 GP upon drought recovery. Dry – no stocking in 2005/06. Miga L. - - - - WAA request 5,000 GP upon drought recovery. Currently dry – no stocking in 2005/06. Pine Lake - - - - WAA request 40,000 GP upon drought recovery. Currently dry – no stocking in 2005/06. Rable Park - - - - WAA requested 2,000 GP. Supported - (Murtoa) Initial Screening Form required. Ratzcastle L. - - - - WAA request 5,000 GP upon drought recovery. Currently dry – no stocking in 2005/06. Rocklands - - - - WAA request 30,000 EP. Consideration Reservoir deferred until GHCMA determines if predation by stocked fish is a viable carp control option, and if so, with what species. Taylors L. - 20,000 - 15,000 WAA request 15,000 MC & 20,000 GP. Supported.

Wimmera R. Elmhurst/Green - 5,000 - - WAA request 5,000 GP. Supported. s Creek area EAC request 5,000 MC, 5,000 GP & catfish. Supported in part – GP only – survey to assess MC and catfish populations – refer to section 7.3.2. Dimboola - 10,000 5,000 - WAA request 10,000 GP & 5,000 SP. Supported. Jeparit - 5,000 - - WAA request 5,000 GP & netting survey. Supported pending water quality. Horsham - 5,000 5,000 - WAA request 5,000 GP & 5,000 SP but no further MC. Supported – boost GP to 10,000 if Jeparit site is unsuitable. Glenorchy - 5,000 - - WAA request 5,000 GP. Supported. Yarriambiack - 2,000 - - WAA request 2,000 GP at Warracknabeal. Ck. Supported pending flow levels.

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 43 Client Groups Table 32. North East - Salmonids Organisation Water Species Number Comments Futurefish Hume Lake RT 10,000 Referred by FRAC. Supported but Foundation lower priority than RFL funded GP. Fin-clipped yearlings. Futurefish Lake Eildon RT 10,000 Referred by FRAC. Supported but Foundation lower priority than RT for Hume Fin-clipped given ability to monitor yearlings. contribution at Hume via current PIRVic study. Greenwells Cudgewa Creek BT 5,000 Referred by FRAC. Not supported – Flyfishing Club refer to section 4.2.1. Goulburn Goulburn River BT 5,000 Referred by FRAC. Valley yearlings Below pondage. Not supported as a Flyfishing stand alone fish stocking Centre (inconsistent with GERFMP) – Support for PIRVic to write to FCC & VRFish to canvass support and develop integrated stocking & RT 5,000 monitoring project for submission advanced to FRAC. yearlings

Gilmore’s Bridge. As above. 10,000 yearlings As above. Goulburn Goulburn River BT 1,800 Referred by FRAC. Valley (or RT) 18 sites between pondage and the Flyfishing Breakaway. Conditional support – Centre as above.

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 44 Client Groups (cont.) Table 33. North East - Native Fish Organisation Water Species Number Comments Shepparton City Craigmuir GP 500 Referred by FRAC. Not supported – Council Lake Dept stocking deemed to be appropriate – refer to section 4.2.3. Shepparton City Kialla GP 1,000 Referred by FRAC. Not supported – Council Lakes Dept stocking deemed to be appropriate – refer to section 4.2.3. Shepparton City Mooroopna GP 500 Referred by FRAC. Not supported – Council Rec. added to ‘Small Waters’ trout stocking Reserve program instead – refer to section 4.2.1. Shepparton City Amaroo GP 500 Referred by FRAC. Supported. Council Lake Shepparton City Lowanna GP 500 Referred by FRAC. Supported. Council Lakes

Numurkah Fishing Broken Referred by FRAC. Club Creek MC 5,000 Boulevard area. Supported. GP 5,000 Boulevard area. Supported. GP 5,000 Station St. area. Supported. Nathalia & District Broken Referred by FRAC. Development Corp. Creek GP 10,000 Nathalia area. Supported. (Nathalia)

Goulburn Valley Broken MC 2,000 Referred by FRAC. Supported. Sportsfishing Club Creek (Katamatite to Nathalia) GP 10,000 Supported. Goulburn Valley Goulburn GP Up to Referred by FRAC. Murchison to Sportsfishing Club River 20,000 Mooroopna. Supported. Rochester & Greens GP 20,000 Referred by FRAC. Supported. Will District Angling Lake complement Dept. stocking of 10,000 Club (Corop) MC – refer to section 4.2.3. Fisheries Victoria Lake Hume GP 150,000 Referred by FRAC. Supported – refer to section 4.2.3. North-East VRFish Mitta Mitta MC 10,000 Tallandoon to Pigs Point. Referred by River FRAC. Supported pending approval from TEP.

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 45 Client Groups (cont.) Table 34. North West Organisation Water Species Number Comments Rochester & District Campaspe MC 10,000 Referred by FRAC to forum for Angling Club River consideration and integration into Dept’s existing native fish stocking (Rochester GP 10,000 program in this water. Not area) supported. Existing stocking rates considered adequate. Bendigo & District Barkers BT & RT 500 B&DFFC request approval to stock Fly Fishers Creek on-grown trout to hasten recovery of Reservoir fishing opportunities for large fish. Supported. Pyalong Restoration Mollison MC 1,000 Referred by FRAC to forum for Group Creek (weir) consideration. Regional advice supports stocking of up to 3,000 GP GP 1,000 but no Murray cod.

Table 35. Port Phillip Organisation Water Species Number Comments Delfin Pakenham RT 2,000 Referred by FRAC. Supported. Lake

Parks Victoria Karkarook RT (5,000) Referred by FRAC. Supported Lake pending outcome of Risk Assessment. Golden Plains Shire Bannockburn RT 1,000 Referred by FRAC. Supported – Lagoon forum recommends stocking 500 for 2nd semester break and 500 RT for 3rd semester break.

Table 36. South West Organisation Water Species Number Comments BFAS Wendouree BT 6,000 BFAS to supply as per permit Lake conditions. Supported.

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 46 Appendix 2 - Organisational Abbreviations

ADAC Allansford and District Angling Club KAC Kyabram Angling Club AFTA Australian Fishing Association KPA Koondrook Progress Association ARI Arthur Rylah Institute for KDAC Koroit & District Angling Club Environmental Research KVFC Kiewa Valley Fishing Club B&DFFC Bendigo & District Fly Fishers Inc. LAAC Lorne Aquatic and Angling Club BAC Beaufort Angling Club LAC Lismore Angling Club BOAC Boort Angling Club LBAC Lake Bolac Angling Club BADAC Balmoral & District Angling Club LLAC Lang Lang Angling Club BDAA Ballarat and District Angling LRFC Lowhead Road Fishing Club Association MDSFC Myrtleford and District Sportfishing BDFC Black Dog Creek Big Game Fishing Club Club MNAAC Mid Northern Association of Angling CAC Corryong Angling Club Clubs CAAC Camperdown Angling Club M&NCAA Midlands & North Central CAS Casterton Angling Society Association of Angling Clubs CBAC Cobden Angling Club MSC Murrundindi Shire Council COAC Colac Angling Club NAC Nagambie Angling Club CDAC Cohuna and District Angling Club NFC Numurkah Angling Club CFF Cardinia Fly Fishers NGSC Northern Grampians Shire Council CMA Catchment Management Authority NSFFC Northern Suburbs Fly Fishing Club DAC Donald Angling Club PIRVic Primary Industries Research Victoria DRAC Derrinallum Anglers Club PFAC Port Fairy Angling Club DPI Department of Primary Industries PAC Purrumbete Angling Club EAC Elmhurst Angling Club RDAC Rochester & District Angling Club EMSFC Echuca Moama Sport Fishing Club RHFF Rex Hunt Futurefish Foundation EPA Environment Protection Agency RWRE Ray White Real Estate FCC Fisheries Co-Management Council SAC Skipton Angling Club FV Fisheries Victoria SEAC Strathbogie Euroa Angling Club GAC Gippsland Angling Club SWDAAC South Western District Association of GDACA Geelong and District Angling Clubs Angling Clubs Association TAG Tatong Angling Group GMW Goulburn Murray Water TDFC Tatura & District Angling Club GVAAC Goulburn Valley Association of UAC Undera Angling Club Angling Clubs WAA Wimmera Anglers Association GVSC Goulburn Valley Sport Fishing Club WAC Woodend Angling Club HAC Heyfield Angling Club WDAC Warrnambool & District Angling HFF Horsham Fly Fishers Club HPA Harrietville Progress Association WFF Warrnambool Fly Fishers Club IFC Inland Fisheries Committee of the WFFC Wangaratta Fly Fishing Club Fisheries Co-Management Council YKAC Yackandandah Angling Club ILC Inglewood Lions Club YVFF Yarra Valley Fly Fishers INFC Inglewood Football Club

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 47 Appendix 3 - Fisheries Management Reports

A reporting series of Fisheries Victoria. 11 Annual Report 1987: Fish Stocking. Part 2: Native Fish Stocking Plan 1987/8, with 1 1986 Consultations with Regions on Fish Native Fish Stocking History 1982/3 to Stocking, Fish Survey and other Freshwater 1986/7. August 1987. C. Barnham Fisheries Management Issues. November 1986. D. Hume and C. Barnham 12 Catch and Effort Data for all the Major Angling Species Caught by the Trout 2 Annual Report 1986: Fish Stocking. Management Group during Gill Netting November 1986. D. Hume and C. Barnham Surveys of Streams conducted between 1978 3 A Summary of Trout Management Group and 1986 inclusive. October 1987. A. Baxter Fish Populations Surveys, 1978-1985 and 13 Annual Report 1987: Fish Stocking. Part 3: Recommendations for Future Trout Salmonid Stockings Plans 1988 to 1990, with Stocking. December 1986. A. Baxter Salmonid Stocking History 1983 to 1987, and 4 Biomass Estimates for Trout and Other Summary of Fin-clipped Fish Stockings. Major Angling Species Caught During December 1987. C Barnham and A Baxter Stream Surveys by the Trout Management 15 The Trout Fingerling Stocking Trials in Group between 1978 and 1985. December Birch Creek, Hepburn Lagoon and Lake 1986. A. Baxter Modewarre, 1982-1984. November 1987. A. 5 Recreational Fisheries Management Baxter Objectives for Victorian Fresh Waters. April 16 Creel Survey Report 1984-85. June 1987. D. 1987. C. Barnham Hume 6 Catch and Effort Data for all the Major 17 Creel Survey Report 1985-86. June 1987. D. Angling Species Caught by the Trout Hume Management Group During Gill Netting Surveys Conducted between 1978 and 1986 18 Creel Survey Report 1986-87. June 1987. D. inclusive. April 1987. A. Baxter Hume 7 1987 Consultations with Regions on Fish 19 Creel Survey Report: Toolondo Reservoir Stocking, Fish Surveys and other Freshwater 1987-88. October 1991. D Hume Fisheries Management Issues. June 1987. C. 20 Results of the diary creel survey for the Barnham and A. Baxter 1961/62 fishing season in Victoria. D Hume. 8 Annual Report 1987: Fish Stocking. Part 1: October 1991. Salmonid Stocking Plan 1988, with Stocking 21 A Summary of Trout Management Group Notes, Stocking Instructions and Fin-clipped Fish Population Surveys 1987. January 1988. Fish Requirements. June 1987. C. Barnham A. Baxter, S. Vallis and C. Barnham and A. Baxter 22 1988 Consultations with Regions on Fish 9 1987/88 Fish Populations Surveys Requests Stocking, Fish Survey and other Freshwater by Regions. June 1987. C. Barnham and A. Fish Management Issues. September 1988. Baxter P Rogan, A Baxter, C Barnham & S Vallis 10 Biomass Estimates for Trout and Major 23 Blue Rock Lake: an example of how fin- Angling Species Caught During Stream clipped trout have helped to manage the Surveys by the Trout Management Group in trout fishery. April 1988. A Baxter, S Vallis 1986. July 1987. A. Baxter and C Barnham

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 48 24 Snobs Creek Freshwater Fisheries Research 37 Ad Hoc Fish Population Surveys 1990. A Station and Hatchery: Native Fish Research, Baxter. February 1991 production and Distribution 1988/89. June 38 1991 Consultations with Regions on Fish 1988. F Craig, P Cadwallader, J Anderson, Stocking, Fish Population Surveys and other G Gooley, P Rogan, C Barnham and P Freshwater Fisheries Management Issues. J Tossol Barker. July 1991 25 Salmonid Stocking Plan 1989, with Stocking 39 Management of the Recreational Salmonid Notes, Stocking Instructions and Fin-clipped Fishery in Lake Wendouree, Ballarat, Fish Requirements. September 1988. P Victoria. A Baxter. August 1991 Rogan, A Baxter & C Barnham 40 Creel Survey Manual. D Hume (Ed.) 26 Salmonid Stocking Plan 1989 to 1991, with October 1991 Salmonid Stocking History 1984 to 1988. January 1989. P Rogan, A Baxter & C 41 A Summary of Trout Management Group Barnham Fish Population Surveys 1991. A Baxter & S Vallis. January 1992 27 A Summary of Trout Management Group Fish Population Surveys 1988. January 1989. 42 1992 Consultations with Regions on Fish A Baxter, S Vallis & C Barnham Stocking, Fish Population Surveys and other Freshwater Fisheries Management Issues. P 28 1989 Consultations with Regions on Fish Cadwallader & C Barnham. May 1992 Stocking, Fish Survey and other Freshwater Fisheries Management Issues. July 1989. J 43 The Recreational Trout Fishery in Toolondo Johnstone and C Barnham. Reservoir and Recommendations on Future Trout Stockings. A Baxter. December 1996 29 Salmonid Stocking Plans 1990-1992, Stocking Instructions and Stocking Notes 44 The Spiny Freshwater Crayfish Monitoring 1990, and Review of Stocking Plan 1989. Program, 1990. J Barker. April 1992 May 1989. J Johnstone, A Baxter and C Barnham 45 Salmonid Stocking 1991-94: 1991 Stocking Report; 1992 Stocking Plan with Notes and 30 Survey of Opinion on Trout Fishery Instructions; 1993-94 Stocking Plans. May Regulation - 1989. March 1990. C Barnham 1992. C Barnham & B Tunbridge. (30-P) - Principal Report. 46 A Summary of Trout Management Group (30-S) - Supplementary Report. Fish Population Surveys 1992. A Baxter & S 31 A Summary of Trout Management Group Vallis. January 1993 Fish Population Surveys 1989. January 1990. 47 Salmonid Stocking 1992-95: 1992 Stocking A Baxter, S Vallis and C Barnham. Report; 1993 Stocking Plan with Notes and 32 Report on Census of Angling Clubs 1990. Instructions; 1994-95 Stocking Plans. May June 1990. C Barnham & B Tunbridge. 1993. C Barnham 33 1990 Consultations with Regions on Fish 48 1993 Consultations with Regions on Fish Stocking, Fish Survey and other Freshwater Stocking, Fish Population Surveys and other Fisheries Management Issues. September Freshwater Fisheries Management Issues. P 1990. B Tunbridge & C Barnham. Cadwallader & C Barnham. July 1993 34 Spiny Freshwater Crayfish Management 49 A Summary of Trout Management Group Strategy. May 1990. J Barker. Fish Population Surveys 1993. A Baxter & S Vallis. January 1994 35 Salmonid Stocking 1989-1993: 1989 Stocking Report; 1990 Review of Stocking Plan; 1991 50 Report on Creel Surveys, Lake Purrumbete Stocking Plan with Notes and Instructions; and Lake Bullen Merri, 1 December 1992 to 1992-93 Stocking Plans. July 1990. C 30 November 1993. May 1994. S Eddy & I Barnham & B Tunbridge. Smith 36 A Summary of Trout Management Group 51 1994 Consultations with Areas on Fish Fish Population Surveys 1990. A Baxter, S Stocking, Fish Population Surveys and other Vallis and P Quinlan. January 1991. Freshwater Fisheries Management Issues. P Cadwallader & C Barnham. July 1994

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 49 52 A Summary of Trout Management Group 64 Summary of Fish Catches Taken During Fish Population Surveys 1994. A Baxter & S MaFRI Inland Fish Assessment Surveys, Vallis. January 1995 December 1997 – December 1998. A. Baxter. April 1999. 53 Report on Creel Surveys, Lake Purrumbete and Lake Bullen Merri, 1 December 1993 to 65 2000 Consultations with DNRE Regions on 30 November 1994. February 1995. S Eddy Fish Stocking, Fish Population Surveys and & I Smith other Recreational Fisheries Management Issues. M. Ainsworth & R. Winstanley. 54 1995 Consultations with Areas on Fish March 2000 Stocking, Fish Population Surveys and other Freshwater Fisheries Management Issues. 66 2001 Consultations with DNRE Regions on R. Winstanley, A. Baxter & C. Barnham. Fish Stocking, Fish Population Surveys and June 1995 other Recreational Fisheries Management Issues. M. Ainsworth & R. Winstanley. 55 Report on Creel Surveys, Lake Purrumbete, March 2001 Lake Bullen Merri and Lake Murdeduke, 1 December 1994 to 30 November 1995. W. 67 2002 Consultations with DNRE Regions on Skene & I Smith. April 1996 Fish Stocking, Fish Population Surveys and other Recreational Fisheries Management 56 1996 Consultations with Areas on Fish Issues. M. Ainsworth & G. Hayes. March Stocking, Fish Population Surveys and other 2002. Freshwater Fisheries Management Issues. A. Baxter, R. Winstanley & C. Barnham. May 68 2003 Consultations with DPI Regions on 1996 Fish Stocking, Fish Population Surveys and other Recreational Fisheries Management 57 Marine Creel Survey Report: Lorne to Bay of Issues. M. Ainsworth & G. Jones . May 2003. Islands, October 1994 to April 1995. P. Millar. June 1996. 69 2004 Consultations with DPI Regions on Fish Stocking, Fish Population Surveys and 58 Toolondo Reservoir Creel Survey Report: 1 other Recreational Fisheries Management January 1995 to 30 June 1996. T. Overman & Issues. M. Ainsworth & S. Mcglashan. April D. Heil. November 1996 2004. 59 1997 Consultations with DNRE Regions on Fish Stocking, Fish Population Surveys and other Recreational Fisheries Management Issues. A. Baxter, R. Winstanley & C. Barnham. April 1997 60 Marine Creel Survey Report: Anglesea to Bay of Islands, May 1995 to April 1997. P. Millar. February 1998. 61 1998 Consultations with DNRE Regions on Fish Stocking, Fish Population Surveys and other Recreational Fisheries Management Issues. A. Baxter, R. Winstanley & C. Barnham. April 1998 62 Report on Creel Surveys, Lake Purrumbete, Lake Murdeduke and Lake Bullen Merri, 1 December 1995 to 30 November 1997. S. Eddy. 1998 63 1999 Consultations with DNRE Regions on Fish Stocking, Fish Population Surveys and other Recreational Fisheries Management Issues. A. Baxter & R. Winstanley. April 1999

Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes - 2005 50