Netting to end in Port Phillip
Legislation passed to end netting by 2022, with nets out of Corio Bay by 2018Legislation to end commercial netting in Port Phillip Bay was introduced into Parliament yesterday (October 22) in a bid to boost recreational fishing.
The introduction of the Fisheries Amendment Bill 2015 will commence the process to phase out commercial net fishing over the next seven years to improve recreational fishing opportunities.
The removal of netting is designed to increase catch rates and the size of fish for recreational anglers.
The Bill will:
>> Specify a clear pathway for phasing out nets from Port Phillip Bay by 2022, including the closure of Corio Bay to netting by April 1, 2018
>> Specify how compensation payments will be determined for the 43 licence holders who will be affected by this decision
>> Provide for a limited non-net commercial fishery of up to eight licence holders to operate in Port Phillip Bay from April 1, 2022
>> Provide for the first licences to be surrendered from April 1, 2016
The Government says it recognises that this decision impacts on the livelihood of 43 commercial licence holders, many of whom are multi-generational fishers with a strong family connection to the industry.
That’s why, following consultation with commercial fishers and their representative body, Seafood Industry Victoria, the Bill includes a revised package of up to $27 million to compensate affected licence holders.
Commenting on the Bill Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford said: "Removing netting from Port Phillip Bay will help attract more visitors to this prime fishing destination, boosting local economies and supporting local businesses."
Meanwhile, in a rare bipartisan approach, the Liberal-Nationals Coalition continues to support a buy-back of commercial netting licences for Port Phillip Bay.
The Nationals and Shadow Agriculture Minister Peter Walsh said that the Coalition also committed to the policy during the lead up to the November 2014 election.
"Both myself and Matthew Guy have met with recreational fishing and commercial fishing representatives and stakeholders in recent weeks and we’ve made it clear that we remain committed to the policy we took to the last election," Mr Walsh said yesterday.
"Our pre-election policy aspired to make Port Phillip Bay and Corio Bay recreational fishing meccas for locals and visitors alike, and ending commercial netting was a key part of the plan."
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