Fisheries Victoria
'A fortnightly round-up of recreational fisheries management issues'

Fish-Fax issue 176, 20th July 2006

Lake Hume – the place to be

Fisheries Victoria will be stocking a total of 60,000 brown and rainbow trout into Lake Hume this year. The Minister Responsible for Fisheries, Bob Cameron, made the announcement whilst visiting Lake Hume to assist Fisheries Victoria staff release 10,000 yearling brown trout.

The Victorian Government recognises that recreational fishing is a major social and economic contributor to local economies – especially in provincial Victoria . In September 2004, Victoria took over the responsibility of fisheries management for Lake Hume . Prior to this date, both NSW and Victoria regulated fishing activity on the lake, simplifying the management arrangements and enhancing stocking at Lake Hume will improve the experience for recreational fishers who visit the area.

Research is currently being undertaken to determine stock levels in, and angler utilisation of the lake to better manage the Lake Hume fishery. Results of this research will be publicised when they become available.

Paying the price for greed

A recent case before the Geelong Magistrates Court has proved costly for two Victorian fishermen convicted for fisheries offences on Port Phillip Bay .

Two men from Melbourne 's northern suburbs were convicted on two charges of taking undersized fish and exceeding the catch limit. They were fined a total of $3000 for the offences and $42 each for costs. Both men were also required to forfeit fishing equipment.

The men were fishing from a boat near Kirks Point and were approached by Fisheries Officers on their return to the boat ramp. After the officers searched the offender's boat and car, they discovered 92 undersized snapper ranging in size from 10 to 26cm concealed under some blankets in the vehicle. Victoria 's minimum catch size for snapper is 27cm, whilst the catch limit is 10 fish per person (of which no more than three fish may be equal to or exceed 50cm in length).

Fisheries Victoria encourages community members to report suspicious or illegal fishing activity to 13FISH (133 474), a telephone hotline which operates 24 hours a day and provides valuable information for enforcement staff to act upon.

Rising waters in the Surry River - a cause for concern

The water level of Narrawong's Surry River is continuing to rise. This has caused concern for the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority (Glenelg Hopkins CMA). On the anniversary of last years illegal opening, the CMA are hoping for improved water flow and dissolved oxygen levels so that the river mouth can be legally and safely be opened without causing the ecologically devastating effects experienced last year.

On the 19 July 2005, an unauthorised artificial opening of the mouth of the river resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of fish, crabs and freshwater creatures. The massive fish kill was due to oxygenated surface water in the estuary discharging out to sea, leaving behind suffocating oxygen-depleted water. Even the hardiest of animals such as crabs and eels did not survive the event.

A range of factors need to be assessed prior to an approval for an artificial river mouth opening. These factors include the risk and impact of flooding on the local community, the amount of freshwater inflow and the water quality conditions within the estuary.

At present, significant rainfall is required to increase river flows and provide the much needed dissolved oxygen to improve conditions within the estuary.

Monitoring of the flow rate is continuing, with an increase from 1.6 mL/day earlier this year to 10 mL/day. Dissolved oxygen levels of the Surry River are also being monitored in the hope that they can safely open the river soon to help relieve rising water levels.

DPI's policy on relocation of fish due to environmental conditions

During periods of drought, low water levels in lakes may threaten resident fish populations. In such instances, Fisheries Victoria will consider undertaking recovery and relocation programs for fish species that (a) are listed on Schedule 2 of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and (b) can be legally taken by anglers.

Species that may be recovered and relocated to five species are Murray cod, freshwater catfish, Macquarie perch, Murray crayfish and silver perch.

Trout species are not eligible for such exercises due to the ability of the fishery to recover quicker (within 2 years) than native species via stocking. Recreational fisheries for native fish, such as Murray cod, take longer to develop because native species grow more slowly than trout and take much longer to reach legal minimum size.

Other native fish species that are not listed as 'threatened', such as golden perch, may be included in the recovery and relocation exercise and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

If ‘commercial' fish species (i.e. species which may be legally sold in Victoria ) are present in the water, Fisheries Victoria may consider allowing this resource to be netted and sold commercially.

The recovery and relocation of fish is only undertaken following consultation with stakeholders, including the Victorian Recreational Fishing peak body (VRFish).