NEW FISHERIES REGULATIONS TO COMMENCE IN MARCH 2009

Substantial public interest from the recreational fishing sector has helped shape the Brumby Government’s new fishing regulations for 2009.

Minister Responsible for Fisheries Joe Helper said the new regulations, commencing on March 2, would include changes to the catch limits for popular recreational species, catch limits for commercial operators and reporting obligations for the aquaculture sector.

“The Brumby Government is taking action to ensure there is a long-term sustainable recreational and commercial fishing sector in Victoria,” Mr Helper said.

“The changes follow a substantial public consultation phase last year during which over 800 submissions were received, most from the recreational sector.

“Among the changes to recreational regulations, there will be reduced bag limits for flathead, mulloway, elephant fish, trout and estuary perch.”

Mr Helper said increased minimum legal sizes would be introduced for bream, flathead, Australian bass, silver trevally, luderick, Murray cod, mulloway and yellowtail kingfish.

“New bag limits will be created for a range of popular recreational species that did not previously have their own species-specific limit such as albacore, sweep, tailor, barracouta, gurnard, leatherjacket and redfin,” he said.

“There will not be any changes to current recreational rod and line entitlements. Anglers fishing marine waters may continue to use up to four lines. Anglers fishing inland waters may continue to use up to two lines.”

Fisheries Victoria Acting Executive Director Michael Hodder said recreational anglers were reminded the changes do not commence until March 2, so they should continue to refer to their 2007/08 Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide to fish legally over the summer period.

“There are also changes to commercial catch limits including increased minimum legal sizes for bream, flathead, luderick, southern rock cod, silver trevally and yellowtail kingfish, clearer mesh net regulations and uniform restrictions on equipment and crew limits for bait fish operations,” Mr Hodder said.

Aquaculture operators will be required to keep records of all fish acquired.

For more information about the new regulations visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing or ring the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186.