Bays and Inlet Fisheries

Victorian bay, inlet and estuarine finfish fisheries are multi-species, multi-method fisheries that are subject to multiple competing uses and are characterised by large fluctuations in fish abundance that are driven more often by both natural and human induced changes in aquatic habitat and environmental conditions, than by the direct effects of fishing.

The larger bay and inlet fisheries include Western Port (Figure 1), Port Phillip Bay (Figure 2), Corner Inlet/Nooramunga (Figure 3) and the Gippsland Lakes (Figure 4) where both commercial and recreational fishing occur. Commercial netting was phased out in Western Port in 2009, in Gippsland Lakes in 2020, and in Port Phillip Bay in 2022. Long line fishing still occurs in both Port Phillip Bay and Western Port under 8 Licences. The long line fishery predominantly targets snapper. Other species such as gummy shark and rock flathead are caught in small numbers.

Gippsland Lakes has 2 non-transferable Gippsland Lakes (Mussel Dive) Fishery Access Licence and 9 Gippsland Lakes Fishery (Bait) licence’s.

Corner Inlet/Nooramunga (Figure 3) is Victoria’s largest commercial bay and inlet fishery, which provides a wide range of fresh seafood for Victorians in addition to other economic and social benefits. Popular species include King George whiting, rock flathead, southern calamari and southern garfish. There are 18 transferable Corner Inlet Fishery Access Licences (CIFALs). Fishers use small boats and low impact, sustainable methods, predominantly seine and mesh nets. However long line, hand line and hoop nets are permitted.

For more information on the Corner Inlet Fishery Management Plan please click here.

Western Port (Figure 1)

Port Phillip Bay (Figure 2)

Corner Inlet/Nooramunga (Figure 3)

Gippsland Lakes (Figure 4)

Commercial Bay and Inlets Fisheries

Commercial bay and inlets fisheries are multi-species, multi gear fisheries managed using a range of input controls.