My Big Catch: Bill passed for Gippsland Lakes netting closure

Commercial netting in Gippsland Lakes is set to end, with the State Labor Government passing legislation today that will boost tourism, create jobs and protect the unique lake system.

The Marine and Fisheries Legislation Amendment Act 2019 will phase out the 10 remaining Gippsland Lakes Fishing Access Licences over two years. The first opportunity for industry to exit will be 1 April next year, with all affected licences phased out by 1 April 2021.

The new laws deliver on a major milestone for the second phase of the Labor Government’s $35 million Target One Million plan to get more people fishing, more often in more places.

Recreational fishing is worth more than $325 million annually to the Gippsland economy. Returning the Gippsland Lakes to recreational fishers will see a huge boost in local tourism and regional jobs. It will also help rebuild fish stocks for popular recreational species like black bream and flathead.

The 10 remaining Gippsland Lakes Fishing Access Licences will have access to compensation packages consistent with those provided under the Port Phillip buy-out if they leave the fishery by 1 April 2020.

Licence holders that choose to stay in the fishery another 12 months can then claim reduced compensation packages by 1 April 2021.

Commercial bait, eel and mussel fishing will not be impacted by the Bill and will continue to be permitted in the Gippsland Lakes.

Victorian and Commonwealth offshore fisheries that use the Lakes as a port will also remain unaffected, ensuring that prawns and other species sold into the food market will remain available to consumers.

Today’s announcement comes on top of the $270,000 announced by the Government last month, which will improve habitat and help preserve internationally significant environment in the Gippsland Lakes.

Fishing and Boating Minister Jaala Pulford said she was pleased with the progress being made.

“We said we’d phase out commercial net fishing in the Gippsland Lakes and we’re delivering. These new laws will boost tourism, supporting local businesses and jobs.

“It is disappointing that the Liberals and Nationals have tried to stop this reform that will boost tourism and support jobs at every single turn.”

I would also like to remind everyone also to keep those photos coming in of your big catch!

Photos: Please forward them to the email address below, with Type of fish, weight, length, location and your name. I am more than happy to place your photos in My Big catch. Email photos to: [email protected].

Also, if you see or suspect illegal fishing activity any time over summer please call the 24-hour reporting line 13 FISH (13 3474).

Fishing Reports

 

Anglesea:

 

Reports of some pinkies being caught as well as a few snapper

Reports of the odd flathead offshore

Reports of a few gummy shark

Otherwise still reasonably quiet

Thanks to the Rusty Angling Club Anglesea    

 

Barwon Heads    

 

Offshore possibilities of a few snapper and pinkies

The occasional flathead catches have been reported

Whiting, trevally and salmon reported in the river

Salmon off local beaches are still being reported

Reports compliments of the Ocean Grove Angling Club

 

 

Torquay

 

Reports of a few pinkies and some snapper

The occasional flathead has also been reported

Local beaches continue to produce some salmon

Some good squid have been caught

Spring Creek reports some small bream

Water temp is still cold

Thanks to the Torquay Angling Club

 

Queenscliff:

 

St Leonards: reports of King George whiting, flathead and squid

Reports from Clifton Springs of whiting and some flathead as well as calamari

Queenscliff is seeing whiting, flathead, pinkies and squid being caught

The Creek reports a few trevally being caught

Swan Bay reports some calamari and whiting

Point Lonsdale reports salmon and squid off the pier

The White Lady is seeing whiting and calamari

Indented Head reports flathead, King George whiting and calamari

 

Club Corner

 

No reports.

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