Current consultation

The VFA is seeking feedback on the draft Trawl (Inshore) Fisheries Notice 2025/26.

The draft Fisheries Notice proposes to maintain the arrangements implemented in 2024, for the taking and possession of octopus as a bycatch species for the Trawl (Inshore) Fishery.

How to make a submission:

Please provide any comments regarding the draft Fisheries Notice to Candice Harwood, Fishery Manager via email  candice.harwood@vfa.vic.gov.au

Closing date for submissions: 31 October 2025.

The VFA is seeking feedback on the draft Fisheries (Ocean Access Vessel Monitoring) Notice 2025/2026.

The draft Fisheries Notice proposes to maintain the arrangements implemented in 2024, to continue to prohibit the use of a boat under an Ocean Fishery Access Licence (OFAL) unless it has a vessel monitoring system installed and operating.

How to make a submission:

Please provide any comments regarding the draft Fisheries Notice to Candice Harwood, Fishery Manager via email  candice.harwood@vfa.vic.gov.au

Closing date for submissions: 31 October 2025.

The VFA is seeking feedback on the draft Further Quota Order (FQO) and draft Fisheries (Banded Morwong) Notice 2026.

The draft FQO proposes to maintain the Total Allowable Commercial Catch for Banded Morwong at its current level 2,044 fish for the season commencing 1 January 2026 ending 31 December 2026

The draft Fisheries Notice proposes to maintain the arrangements implemented in 2025, to continue to reduce the closed season to two months (March-April) rather than three (February-April).

How to make a submission:

Please provide any comments regarding the draft FQO and draft Fisheries Notice to Candice Harwood, Fishery Manager via email candice.harwood@vfa.vic.gov.au

Closing date for submissions: 31 October 2025.

Draft Fisheries (Recreational Abalone Open days) Notice for Victorian central waters for 2025/26

The VFA is seeking feedback on the proposed Fisheries Notice.

The draft Fisheries (Recreational Abalone Open days) Notice 2025/26 outlines the open days where recreational fishers can access the central Victorian waters for the purpose of collecting abalone for the 2025/26 season.

Please provide any comments regarding the proposed Fisheries Notice to Anthony McGrath, Abalone Fishery Manager, at anthony.mcgrath@vfa.vic.gov.au by midnight 28 September 2025.

29 August 2025 to 28 September 2025

Sea Urchin Fishery

The VFA is seeking feedback on the draft Further Quota Order (FQO) and draft Fisheries (Black Sea Urchin Recreational Catch Limit and Commercial Operator) Notice 2025.

The draft FQO [PDF File - 64.3 KB] proposes to maintain the Total Allowable Commercial Catch for white urchin at its current level of 60 tonnes in Port Phillip Bay and 57 tonnes in the Eastern Zone for the season commencing 1 July 2025 ending 30 June 2026.

The draft Fisheries Notice [PDF File - 245.6 KB] proposes to maintain the arrangements implemented in 2024 to increase the number of operators on a sea urchin licence by allowing the engagement of up to 8 operators on a licence, and to remove the recreational bag limit of black sea urchin from 1 July ending 30 June.

How to make a submission:

Please provide any comments regarding the draft FQO and draft Fisheries Notice to Candice Harwood, Fishery Manager via email  candice.harwood@vfa.vic.gov.au

Closing date for submissions: Thursday 12 June 2025.

21 May 2025 to 12 June 2025