New Victorian Fisheries Authority to manage the marine resource
Everything to do with fisheries, fishing and fishers will fall under this new management authority's wingA new Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) has been established to manage the State’s fishing industries, its re-structured commercial industry, the future aquaculture sector, as well as the burgeoning recreational fishers inspired by the Government's Target One Million plan.
That plan, which acknowledges the importance of recreational fishing in Victoria, has led to the establishment of the new focused and dedicated Authority charged with the management of the valuable marine resource.
Fishing and its related activities contribute significantly to the Victorian economy and jobs, and the creation of the new Authority will help manage, sustain and support the development of fisheries.
The VFA is on course to be operational from July 1, 2017 and will be directly accountable for the administrative, licensing, compliance and enforcement functions currently undertaken by Fisheries Victoria.
It will support the development of recreational and commercial fishing and aquaculture in Victoria, regulate fisheries and provide advice to government on a range of fisheries management opportunities.
Kicking off the establishment of the new VFA, Minister for Agriculture, Jaala Pulford, said it was an exciting time for fisheries in Victoria.
"Our Target One Million initiative has stocked fish across the state and significantly improved facilities for recreational fishers."
"We have released new aquaculture sites in Port Phillip Bay, improved Wrasse fishing license transferability, and will continue working on options for commercial sales direct from fishing boats."
Although hardly the pin-up of the commercial fishing industry, Ms Pulford said the new Authority would create a strong driver for the creation of jobs across the commercial sector.
It will also continue delivery of the Andrews Labor Government’s recreational Target One Million initiative, aimed at getting more people fishing, more often, she added.
Gail Owen, Order of Australia Medal recipient, was named as Chair of the new Authority, which will ensure the sustainable management of Victoria’s fisheries resources into the future.
"I am delighted to be the inaugural Chair of the VFA, and I look forward to working with all stakeholders and the community to ensure the sustainability of our precious fisheries resources."
A new VFA logo has been launched. Further information on the new Authority at
Victorian Fisheries Authority.
Photo Credit: Opening photo by Reel Time Charters.
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