MY BIG CATCH

THE Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre Summer holiday program is upon us once again.

If you are looking for something to do these school holidays with the kids why not go along and join in on some fishy fun at the Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre!

Located on the shores of Swan Bay in Queenscliff approximately one and half hours from Melbourne, the MFDC provides curriculum-based education for early childhood, school and tertiary groups as well as specialised programs and programs for the general community and school holiday programs

Their facilities include a visitor’s aquarium, student laboratory and classroom as well as being surrounded by a diverse range of habitats, ideal for field activities such as rock pool rambles and mudflat activities within our intertidal zones.

The school holiday program runs Wednesday January 2 to Friday January 25.

The Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre is open from 10am until 4pm daily during the program period, except for public holidays.

Where: 2A Bellarine Highway, Queenscliff Phone: (03) 5258 3344

Visitor Information
Children must always be accompanied by an adult on activities and in the centre. Entry fees to the Marine and Freshwater

Discovery Centre:
Adult $8.00 / Children $5.00 / Family $25.00 Refunds will be given if cancelled due to unsafe weather conditions; if you cancel and they receive 24 hours’ notice.

Bookings are essential for some activities.
Email: [email protected]. Send them your details and they will call you back. Phone: (03) 5258 3344

MEANWHILE, Fisheries Officers apprehended four men allegedly in possession of 80 abalone, half of which were undersize.

Victorian Fisheries Authority Director of Enforcement and Education Ian Parks said Fisheries Officers from the Warrnambool station responded to the call and inspected the men’s catch, which at the time was six abalone between them.

“Officers asked the foursome if they’d caught any more abalone that day. Their answer was no,” Mr Parks said. The daily catch limit is five abalone per person.

“Officers undertook surveillance of the men, who after visiting the main street of Port Fairy, drove their car to several locations and allegedly retrieved hidden bags of abalone collected earlier that day.

“A short time later, the four men were intercepted by officers on the Princes Highway, where they allegedly tried to escape.

“The men were apprehended and interviewed by officers. All the abalone and dive equipment was seized on the spot.

“The four men will appear in court charged with exceeding the abalone catch limit, taking undersize abalone and hindering authorised officers. They face heavy penalties up to

$30,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment.” Mr Parks said most abalone divers do the right thing and abide by recreational catch limits which ensure a sustainable fishery that can be enjoyed by all. Meanwhile, if you see or suspect illegal fishing activity any time over summer please phone the 24-hour reporting line 13 FISH (13 34 74).

Free come and try fishing days

Fishcare, supported by the Victorian Fisheries Authority, have organised experiences that teach all family members how to fish responsibly while enjoying what recreational fishing has to offer. Check for these events at fishcare.org.au/events. No bookings are required.

Club Corner

The Lorne Aquatic and Angling Club held its AGM recently and awarded the winners of their fishing competitions.

The Club Champion was Andrew Clarke 15,945 points, 2nd Paul Staley 14,547 points and 3rd was Bill Staley 14,205 points.

The Winter Cup Champion was Paul Staley 8,930 points, 2nd Ian Middleton 8,500 points and 3rd was Steve Arundell 7,750 points. The club runs 10 competitions each year with six major comps and four winter cup comps with roasts and mixed grills being supplied to all competitors.

If you are an Angling Club and you wish to let people know what’s going on within your club as well as help promote your club, just email [email protected] and we will post your club news here.

PHOTOS

I would also like to remind everyone to keep those photos coming in of your big catch! Please forward them to [email protected], with type of fish, weight, length, location and your name. I am more than happy to place your photos in My BigCatch.