First freshwater fishing plan for Vic
Laying claim to the title of Freshwater Fishing State, Victoria is ramping up its investment in trout, redfin, Murray cod, golden perch and bass fisheriesThe Victorian Government has released its blueprint for boosting freshwater fishing across the State, with record fish stockings, partnerships for better fish habitat, and an actively engaged recreational fishing community.
Acting Minister for Agriculture Ben Carroll has released Victoria’s draft Freshwater Fisheries Management Plan for public consultation.
The draft plan sets out a new, statewide approach to build better recreational fisheries by bringing together fish, water and land management.
“We’re growing recreational fishing and boosting jobs through our record $46 million investment into Target One Million, which is getting more people fishing more often,” Mr Carroll said.
FIRST FRESHWATER FISHING PLAN FOR VIC
It is the first Freshwater Fisheries Management Plan for Victoria that considers the sustainable management of the state’s most popular recreational fish, including trout, redfin, Murray cod, golden perch and bass.
The plan was developed collaboratively by fishers, Traditional Owners and other stakeholders.
Its key elements include:
>> Improving fish habitat to help boost fish populations naturally
>> Using recreational angler catch and effort data to help track the performance of fisheries
>> Accelerating recovery of threatened species, including Macquarie perch
>> Expanding the breeding and stocking program of native fish
>> Creating the next generation of responsible anglers
>> Promoting our best recreational fisheries as tourism destinations
In addition, the Victorian Fisheries Authority says it will continue to build partnerships and improve recreational fishing through:
>> The Labor Government’s $222 million commitment to improve waterway and catchment health, including $1 million for fishers to enhance riverbank habitat and shading
>> Investing $500,000 and fishing licence fees to evaluate key native fisheries in 10 catchments
>> Expanding fish stocking to 270 waters across the state.
>> The plan is available online. Submissions are open until 22 March 2018.
“Fishing makes a significant economic contribution, particularly in our regional towns that depend on tourism, so it’s important to have a shared vision that everyone can work towards,” Minister for Agriculture, Mr Carroll, said.
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