Victoria’s newest fishing ground hit by blue-green algae outbreak
Tullaroop Reservoir is now open to recreational anglers using battery-powered boats and kayaks, but anyone fishing there needs to be cautiousA body of water in central Victoria was today opened to recreational fishers with battery-powered canoes and boats – but for the moment they won’t be able to handle the fish they catch.
The Victorian Government announced today that the Tullaroop Reservoir was now open to small vessels with electric motors, part of a promise made in the lead-up to the 2018 election to open up more state-owned water to recreational anglers.
However, fishers are currently advised to avoid the body of water, used to irrigate down-stream farms near Maryborough, because it is fighting a blue-green algae outbreak. The algae contain toxins that are harmful to humans and animals.
“Goulburn-Murray Water is warning the public to avoid contact with water in Tullaroop Reservoir after monitoring detected high levels of blue-green algae,” the regional authority tasked with maintaining the reservoir says in a statement on its website.
“It is recommended that alternative supplies for stock drinking be used. Stock and pets should be kept away from the water. Watering of edible garden plants should be avoided.”
The reservoir is currently only 40 per cent full. It now has a new boat ramp, and more car parking as part of an $80,300 makeover of the site’s fishing facilities.
Trout, redfin bonanza
The government said almost 180,000 brown and rainbow trout, grown at the Snobs Creek hatchery, had been stocked into the reservoir over the last four years as part of its Target One Million program, complementing the redfin population that had bred naturally.
“In March, Tullaroop Reservoir was also stocked with 100,000 golden perch fingerlings for the first time to create a mixed fishery in the years ahead,” it said.
Other reservoirs soon to be opened up with better on-water access include Lauriston, Malmsbury, Hepburn, and the Upper Coliban.
Kayaks and canoes using certain low-powered electric motors are allowed on Victorian waters without marine licence or vessel registration as part of a trial exemption that was extended earlier this year.
The Victorian Government has committed to returning all of the money raised from boat registration fees and licensing back into recreational boating.
That includes removing all parking and boat launching fees form publicly owned boat ramps by spring.
Find out more about the rules and paddle craft safety advice from Maritime Safety Victoria: transportsafety.vic.gov.au/msv/paddling
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