A TEENAGE fisher from the Geelong region has made a proposal for sustainable fishing that is on the verge of becoming state government policy.<\/p>\n
Xavier Ellul, from Warrnambool, came up with the idea of introducing a minimum size to protect small mako sharks.<\/p>\n
Marty Ellul, Xavier\u2019s father and a VRFish board member, raised the idea with VRFish, which wrote to the Victorian Fisheries Authority last month, and public consultation began on the proposed introduction of a 120cm minimum size for all species of mako shark in Victoria.<\/p>\n
\u201cI really enjoy fishing, especially for game fish, such as the majestic mako shark,\u201d Xavier, 14, explained. \u201cI’ve been really lucky to catch a few and have released a couple.<\/p>\n
\u201cMako sharks need our help. They take many years to reach maturity, give birth to only a few live young at a time and live long lives.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mako shark fishing is popular along the Victorian coast, as is fishing for other shark species including gummy, school and bronze whalers.<\/p>\n
Mako shark presently fit within the overarching shark category, which is subject to a bag possession limit of one per species but with no minimum size.<\/p>\n
The proposed 120cm minimum size would increase protection of juvenile makos and reflects the strong sense of stewardship felt by many keen recreational fishers.<\/p>\n
The minimum size would be measured from the rear most gill slit to the base of the tail fin on any side of the body.<\/p>\n
\u201cHopefully this measure will ensure mako sharks continue their essential role as apex predators in our oceans,\u201d Xavier said.<\/p>\n
The idea is proving popular so far – public consultation closes on June 8 and about 99 per cent of submissions are in favour.<\/p>\n
Last week, Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford visited Torquay Angling Club to present Xavier with a certificate of appreciation and a new fishing rod in recognition of his efforts.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis will be good for the long term future of the species, a good thing for rec fishers and a good thing all round,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A TEENAGE fisher from the Geelong region has made a proposal for sustainable fishing that is on the verge of becoming state government policy. Xavier Ellul, from Warrnambool, came up with the idea of introducing a minimum size to protect small mako sharks. Marty Ellul, Xavier\u2019s father and a VRFish board member, raised the idea […]<\/p>\n