THE Victorian Coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve opportunities for rec fishers in the state with a $16.2 million investment in the 2011-12 Victorian Budget.
Government funding will be used to boost fish rearing in Victoria with Murray Cod, golden perch, rainbow and brown trout bred at the DPI Snobs Creek Hatchery to be stocked in waterways.
Funding will also be used to make improvements to recreational fishing infrastructure, including artificial reefs, fish-cleaning tables and access to jetties.
A new Recreational Fishing Multicultural Liaison Team will be established to work with community leaders. Other recreational fishing projects funded in the Budget include:
- Development of new recreational fisheries, including the stocking of trout cod, Macquarie perch, freshwater catfish and Australian bass in suitable waterways;
- Installation of fish ladders to improve fish migration and production;
- Investigate opportunities to stock black bream and estuary perch in the Anglesea River, subject to the scientific review of the estuary;
- Working with relevant authorities to improve access tracks and upgrade existing boat launching facilities
- Conducting more public forums for recreational fishers and department staff to exchange ideas on ways to improve the management of Victoria’s fisheries
- Working with recreational and commercial fishers to implement measures to protect spawning fish stocks near river mouths
- Increasing fisheries patrols on weekends and public holidays; and developing and implementing research and development projects to support recreational fishing.
Funding has also been committed in the budget to continue the fisheries intelligence reporting line (13 FISH).
