Operation Barwon in full swing as Queenscliff heats up

WITH the Queenscliff boat ramp at near capacity Victoria Police and the State Fisheries Authority are reminding the public that Operation Barwon is in full swing.

Early last week Queenscliff boat ramp attracted a large crowd in the wake of the summer holidays.

A spokesperson from the Victorian Fisheries Authority said the outing appeared to be particularly busy, but the trend is likely to continue along with the warmer weather.

“Last Tuesday was especially busy due to excellent weather conditions and a wide variety of targetable fish species,” the spokesperson said.

Keen fishers took to the water to try their luck at catching just some of the species found in the area including King George whiting, southern calamari and pelagic species such as southern bluefin tuna and yellowtail kingfish.

With Queenscliff’s boat launching facility expected to see similar visitation rates across the holiday period, authorities are reminding the public that they will be patrolling the area.

“Operation Barwon is a Victoria Police instigated and led operation that VFA has assisted as a partner agency, demonstrating the valuable relationship between the two bodies,” the VFA spokesperson said.

Operating since November, the program focuses on ensuring compliance with size and catch limits, checking recreational fishing licenses, inspecting equipment to ensure it is lawful and conducting marine safety inspections of vessels.

With some restrictions still in place inhibiting travel, it is anticipated that visitors will be holidaying locally this summer, meaning more boats could be on Peninsula waters.

“When fishing or boating in a new area, take the time to familiarise yourself with all rules and regulations, particularly those unique to the area,” the VFA spokesperson said.

“During the summer months a strong focus is placed on high profile patrolling and also education to inform novice anglers and boaters of regulations prior to inadvertently committing offences.

While crowds are welcomed into the area by many, including local businesses, the VFA and Victoria Police would like to remind the public about the importance of boat safety.

“Be aware of Marine National Parks and Sanctuaries, minimum size and catch limits for fish and ensure you have a valid recreational fishing licence,” they said.

“Compliance with both fisheries and marine safety requirements is critical to ensure sustainable recreational fishing practices and the safe operation of recreational boats in Victorian waters.”