LEGISLATION to end commercial netting in Port Phillip Bay was introduced into the Victorian Parliament late last week. 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 commitment to phase out commercial netting in Port Phillip Bay is the centrepiece of the Labor Government’s Target One Million plan to get more people fishing, more often.
The removal of netting will 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 1 April, 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 8 licence holders to operate in Port Phillip Bay from 1 April, 2022
- Provide for the first licences to be surrendered from 1 April, 2016
The Labor 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. The Bill therefore includes a revised package of up to $27 million to compensate affected licence holders. Compensation payments in the first year will range from $350,000 up to $1.6 million, depending on catch histories. These payments will reduce over the seven year period to encourage early departure.
You can read more about the net phase out HERE.
