Scallop fishing in Port Phillip

Fisheries Victoria is seeking written comments on a proposal to establish a new 'niche' commercial dive fishery for scallops in Port Phillip. This small, high-value fishery gathering scallops by hand would provide benefits to Victoria, including new business and employment opportunities and fresh, locally-caught seafood, says the department.

The proposed management arrangements describe how access to the fishery will be allocated, how the fishery will be managed and the arrangements to ensure that recreational fishing will be maintained and protected.

Read the full copy of the proposed management arrangements here http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fisheries/commercial-fishing/proposal-to-establish-a-commercial-dive-fishery-for-scallops-in-port-phillip-bay/proposed-management-arrangements

You can submit written comments via an online form, by emailing kylie.wohlt@dpi.vic.gov.au or by post to:

Commercial Scallop Dive Fishery Proposal
Fisheries Victoria
GPO Box 4440
Melbourne VIC 3001

The submission period closes on Monday 17 June 2013. Please note that any submissions received in relation to the consultation being conducted by Fisheries Victoria will be published on the Department’s public website. In making a submission, unless the person making the submission provides reasons their views must remain private, they will be consenting to their submission, including their name only, being published on the Department’s website for 90 days from the conclusion of the consultative process.

The final arrangements to establish the new commercial dive fishery for scallops will be determined by the Victorian Government, after considering the written submissions and any other information relevant to the operation of the fishery.

If you are interested in gaining commercial access to the fishery and would like to be kept informed, you can register your interest online.