Fisheries Victoria praises good tuna fisher behaviour
21 July 2016
Fisheries Victoria has congratulated the majority of south-west anglers and people who visited the region on their general positive fishing actions and behaviour so far in the Southern Bluefin tuna (SBT) season.
Fisheries Officer Cameron McCallum said during June and July nine Fisheries officers from across Victoria conducted over 350 boat and land-based inspections at Portland and Port Fairy.
"Officers undertook both covert and overt inspections of recreational fishers, including charter vessels, and aerial surveillance of tuna fishers by a fixed wing aircraft also took place for the first time which proved to be worthwhile.
Mr McCallum said overall fishers were compliant and good to deal with and only a very small percentage were found offending.
"Fisheries Officers detected 12 alleged offenders in total and seized six SBT, these offences included not having a current recreational fishing licence and failing to land SBT in carcass form.
Mr McCallum said a 43-year-old male charter vessel operator is expected to be charged on summons after he was allegedly detected with a commercial quantity of SBT.
"A vehicle was intercepted near Warrnambool after the June long weekend and contained 14 whole SBT.
"The man admitted to officers that four of the fish belonged to him, this was despite Fisheries Officers previously speaking to him at Portland regarding possession limits for SBT.
Mr McCallum said SBT are a priority species in Victoria and have strict bag and possession limits.
"There is a daily bag limit of two fish per person but also a statewide possession limit of two whole Southern Bluefin tuna.
"This means if you are caught in possession of three or more SBT in whole form or 160kg of fillets anywhere in Victoria it is classed as a commercial quantity and serious penalties may apply. These regulations are in place so that recreationally caught SBT are not sold," he said.
Fisheries Victoria said its vital fishers understand and respect the world-class off-shore fishing the season offers around Portland and Port Fairy.
"We are working hard with fishers and other stakeholders to ensure that recreational fishing is sustainable and continues to provide opportunities for local communities along the coast."
Anyone who sees or suspects illegal fishing activity is urged to call the 24 hour reporting line 13 FISH (13 3474).