The Inland Plan

The Inland Fishery

Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series No. 69

November 2009

ISSN 1448-1693
ISBN 978-1-74217-329-0 (online)

Preferred way to cite this publication:
Department of Primary Industries 2009, Port Phillip and Western Port Management Plan, Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series No. 69, Department of Primary Industries, Melbourne.

Executive summary

The Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan specifies the objectives, strategies and actions for managing recreational fishing activities within the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery. This fishery includes all inland waters (as defined in the Fisheries Act 1995) in the area administered by the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority and Melbourne Water excluding marine waters.

The Port Phillip and Western Port fishery includes several popular recreational waterways including:

• Rivers such as the Werribee, Maribyrnong and Yarra where the key recreational fishing species are brown and rainbow trout, river blackfish, redfin, Murray cod and Macquarie perch
• Estuaries including the lower reaches of the Werribee, Maribyrnong, Yarra, Bass and Patterson rivers where the key recreational fishing species are black bream and mulloway
• Lakes such as Berwick Springs Estate, Casey Fields, Karkarook, Lillydale and Yarrambat Park and Pykes Creek Reservoir where the key recreational fishing species are brown and rainbow trout.

The Port Phillip and Western Port fishery does not include commercial bait or eel fishing or aquaculture ventures as these are managed through other management arrangements.

The purpose of this fishery management plan is to manage recreational fishing in the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery in accordance with the principles of ecologically sustainable development. This includes identifying habitats and aquatic environments on which fisheries resources depend and enhancing social and economic benefits to all Victorians.

This fishery management plan describes the key rivers, estuaries and lakes; key recreational fishing species; current management arrangements for recreational fishing activities; goals, objectives, actions, performance indicators and targets for management of recreational fishing activities. It includes processes for participating in management of other relevant issues to ensure possible adverse consequences to fish habitat are identified and responsible agencies notified.

Twelve strategies for the sustainable management of the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery are identified in this fishery management plan. Actions to implement these strategies include:

• Assessing the status of the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery
• Establishing monitoring programs for Murray cod and Macquarie perch
• Maintaining fish stocking in support of recreational fishing
• Advocating for the protection and enhancement of important fish habitats
• Applying the Inland Waters Classification Model to identify waterways as native, mixed or salmonid fisheries
• Monitoring fishing satisfaction and preferences of recreational fishers in the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery
• Encouraging responsible fishing behaviour
• Identifying opportunities to maintain and improve access to fisheries resources
• Identifying new fishing opportunities

Where there is a need to alter management arrangements to ensure sustainable use or to meet changing demands for recreational fishing opportunities, changes will be considered in consultation with stakeholders and management agencies.

Under this fishery management plan, the Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Reference Group will be established to work with the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) to deliver the desired management outcomes for the fishery. It is proposed that the fishery reference group include representatives nominated by DPI, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority, Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water, Victoria National Parks Association, Traditional Owners, VRFish and Melbourne Water.

Introduction

The Fisheries division (Fisheries Victoria) of the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) works with its stakeholders to facilitate the sustainable development of fisheries resources. A key task in sustainable management is preparing and implementing fishery management plans.

Fishery management plans specify the goals, objectives, strategies, actions, performance measures and targets for managing fishing activities in accordance with the principles of ecologically sustainable development.

Recreational fishing is the primary fishing activity in Victoria's rivers, tributaries, estuaries, lakes and impoundments. Other fishing activities in inland waterways include commercial bait and eel fishing and aquaculture. Inland fishery management plans manage recreational fishing activities to enhance environmental, social and economic outcomes and recognise the importance of fisheries resources to Aboriginal communities.

Inland fishery management plans are prepared with a strong focus on establishing partnerships with relevant catchment and water management agencies. Effectively managing inland fisheries requires the implementation of appropriate fisheries management tools (for example, bag and size limits) and recognition that other human activities may be equally or more important to sustaining fish stocks. In the Port Phillip and Western Port region, Melbourne Water manages waterways including leading the development and implementation of waterway strategies such as the Regional River Health Strategies. In other parts of Victoria, this waterway management role is fulfilled by catchment management authorities.

The Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority is responsible for strategic planning and priority setting to ensure an integrated approach to catchment issues and their management is taken. This includes overseeing the implementation of the Regional Catchment Strategy. To effectively align catchment and fishery management strategies and efficient delivery of management actions, this fishery management plan is aligned with the boundaries of Melbourne Water and Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority Figure 1.

The Port Phillip and Western Port fishery includes all lakes, rivers and estuaries in the Werribee, Maribyrnong, Yarra, Dandenong and Western Port catchments, excluding marine waters and waters on private property. This fishery management plan recognises that management of fishery resources must often occur at scales larger than Catchment Management Authority boundaries. Fisheries Victoria has identified key asset groups where similar species and ecological characteristics are found and manages these groups on a state-wide basis.

For the purpose of this fishery management plan, key asset groups include:

• Rivers such as the Werribee, Maribyrnong and Yarra where the key recreational fishing species are brown and rainbow trout, river blackfish, redfin, Murray cod and Macquarie perch
• Estuaries including the lower reaches of the Werribee, Maribyrnong, Yarra, Bass and Patterson rivers where the key recreational fishing species are black bream and mulloway
• Lakes such as Berwick Springs Estate, Casey Fields, Karkarook, Lillydale and Yarrambat Park and Pykes Creek Reservoir where the key recreational fishing species are brown and rainbow trout.

The key recreational fishing species were identified during stakeholder and community consultation (described in Appendix 1). This fishery management plan builds on stakeholder and community feedback and describes the highest priority strategies and actions to mitigate issues or risks that could impact on these species.

Figure 1: Map of the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery. CMA = Catchment Management Authority

Description of the region

The Port Phillip and Western Port region has a population of approximately 3.4 million residents and covers about 12,000 square kilometres of central Victoria. The region encompasses all or part of 38 municipalities including the City of Melbourne, Phillip Island, Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Ranges, Mount Macedon and Werribee. Five major river catchments, namely the Werribee, Maribyrnong, Yarra, Dandenong and Western Port, are located within the region.

Catchments of the Port Phillip and Western Port region

Werribee catchment

The Werribee catchment has an area of approximately 2,700 square kilometres and includes all rivers and creeks west of the Maribyrnong River to the Little River. The major river in the catchment, the Werribee River, rises in moderate to steep, granitic and sedimentary forested-country in the northern area of the catchment and flows south-east to Port Phillip Bay. The terrain of the southern catchment is flat with finely textured unconsolidated soils that include volcanic rock.

Around 25 per cent of the catchment retains native vegetation, 67 per cent is agricultural and five per cent urban. The major land use is grazing and broad acre cropping.

Rainfall in the catchment ranges from approximately 700 to 1,000 millimetres in the headwaters of the Lerderderg River and 400 to 600 millimetres in the remaining areas.

Most recreational fishing occurs in the Werribee River with lesser levels in the Pykes Creek Reservoir, Melton Reservoir, Colbrook Reservoir, Darlingford Lake, Navan Park Lake and West Lake. Lake Merrimu and Djerriwarrah Reservoir are domestic water supplies and closed to fishing.

Maribyrnong catchment

Most of the Maribyrnong catchment (approximate area 1,450 square kilometres) consists of dissected, upland volcanic plains with deeply entrenched waterways. The northern edge and a strip running down the Deep Creek consist of sedimentary rocks with areas of granite and gneiss.

Annual rainfall in the north of the catchment ranges from 700 to 1,500 millimetres and 600 to 700 millimetres in the central and southern sections. About 80 per cent of the catchment is cleared for grazing and broad acre cropping with the remainder being remnant, low, mixed-species forest in the Macedon, Cobaw and Blackwood Ranges.

The lower 15 kilometres of the Maribyrnong River flows through urban areas. Flow in the Deep Creek is unregulated but is usually low during January and February. Flow in the Jacksons Creek, and, to some extent, the lower Maribyrnong River, is regulated by the Rosslyne Reservoir and is normally low during summer.

Most recreational fishing in the catchment occurs in the Maribyrnong River and in the Nursery Reservoir.

Yarra catchment

The Yarra catchment (approximate area 4,096 square kilometres) extends from the forested mountains in the east to the City of Melbourne with its northern boundary formed by the Great Dividing Range. The Yarra River originates upstream of the Upper Yarra Reservoir in steep forest; this section is a water catchment and is closed to fishing. Downstream, the river flows for 110 kilometres through a variety of terrain with rainfall decreasing from approximately 1,000 millimetres at East Warburton to 700 millimetres in the middle reaches near Yarra Glen to 600 to 700 millimetres in the lower reaches through the City of Melbourne.

Most of the catchment upstream of Warburton is forested and there are numerous small tributaries feeding the Yarra River. Flows in the Yarra River and some tributaries are highly regulated because of large urban water storages. Six of these water storages, the Maroondah, O'Shannassy, Silvan, Toorourong, Upper Yarra and Yan Yean Reservoirs, are closed to fishing. Sugarloaf Reservoir is open to fishing with some restrictions. Popular lakes for recreational fishing are the Lillydale, Emerald, Yarrambat Park and Roxburgh Park and Jack Roper Reserve.

Dandenong catchment

The Dandenong catchment (approximately 855 square kilometres) originates in the Dandenong Ranges National Park and includes the Mordialloc Creek and the Patterson River. Other major waterways are the Dandenong, Bungalook, Blind, Eumemmerring, Corhanwarrabul, and Mile creeks. Fishing is popular in Berwick Springs Estate, Karkarook, Casey Fields and Rowville lakes.

Western Port catchment

The larger waterways in the Western Port catchment (approximate area 3,433 square kilometres), including the Bunyip, Bass and Tarago rivers, originate in steep mountains of its northern and eastern boundaries. These rivers flow through extensive plains before being discharged into Western Port. Annual rainfall over most of the area is 700 to 1,000 millimetres with falls of 1,000 to 1,400 millimetres in the northern, forested area and falls of 600 to 700 millimetres in the southern end of Mornington Peninsula.

Most of the catchment has been cleared for agriculture with intensive irrigation and cropping in the south, particularly on the Mornington Peninsula which has many vineyards irrigated from local streams.

Popular fishing spots include Pakenham Lake and the Bunyip, Bass and Tarago rivers.

Public land

The Port Phillip and Western Port Region includes approximately 300,000 hectares of public land including nine national parks, five state parks and numerous local parks, reserves and waterways.

Fishing is permitted in many parks and reserves in accordance with prescribed fishing regulations. Information on fishing in specific parks and reserves is available from the Parks Victoria website at www.parkweb.vic.gov.au.

Ramsar wetlands

The Port Phillip and Western Port region contains wetlands at Edithvale-Seaford, Western Port and on the western shoreline of Port Phillip Bay that are listed under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar, Iran 1971). The Ramsar convention also recognises waterways that supply water to wetlands of international importance (Environment Australia 2001; DSE 2003).

Where public access is not prohibited, fishing is permitted.

Heritage Rivers

Within the Werribee catchment, the Lerderderg River, including its bed and banks, between the downstream edge of Roach Road and where it crosses the southern extremity of Lerderderg State Park is listed as a Heritage River. The Lerderderg River at O'Briens Crossing is listed as a Representative River of west Victorian dissected uplands and volcanic plains. Where public access is not prohibited, fishing is permitted.

Within the Yarra catchment, the Yarra River from Woori Yallock to Warrandyte is listed as a Heritage River. Where public access is not prohibited, fishing is permitted.

The upper reaches of the O'Shannassy River are listed as a Natural Catchment Area and, similar to other protected water supply catchments within the region, the waterways within them are closed to fishing.

Recreational fishing

The most recent study of recreational fishers in Australia, the National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Survey (Henry and Lyle 2003), found there were approximately 550,000 active fishers in Victoria who divided their fishing effort about equally between fresh and marine species. Approximately 58 per cent of fishers were based in the Melbourne area.

The survey found that Victorians spent approximately $400 million per annum on goods and services associated with recreational fishing activities. At $721 per person, this is the highest per capita expenditure in Australia.

Commercial fishing

Commercial fishing activity in the Port Phillip and Western Port region is limited to eels, bait and noxious aquatic species.

The eel fishery is managed through the Victorian Eel Fishery Management Plan (DNRE 2002a). Private waters in the Port Phillip and Western Port region may be fished, with the landowners' permission, under an Eel Fishery Access Licences, Crown waters flowing into the Port Phillip Bay are closed to commercial harvest.

Bait licences allow for the harvest and sale of bait species, including yabbies, using prescribed commercial fishing equipment. Bait licences are issued in accordance with ecologically sustainable develop principles. Currently, commercial harvest of bait is not authorised in the inland waters of the Port Phillip and Western Port region.

Two commercial operators were authorised under noxious aquatic species permits to take carp in the inland waters of the region.

Aquaculture

An aquaculture licence is required to use, form or create a habitat for hatching, rearing, breeding, displaying or growing fish for sale or other commercial purposes. There are twelve classes of aquaculture licences that may authorise inland aquaculture activities including the production of trout, yabbies, eels, abalone, warm water finfish, ornamental fish and other species in Victoria. At the time of writing, there were 16 aquaculture licences issued in the Port Phillip and Western Port region.

Key asset groups

A basis for strategic state-wide fisheries management is the grouping of areas with similar environmental, geomorphological and fishery species characteristics into key asset groups. These are used to assist in identifying and describing issues.

The Port Phillip and Western Port fishery contains the following fisheries key asset groups:

• Rivers
• Lakes
• Estuaries.

Key asset groups will not be used as the basis for introducing different fishing regulations at smaller spatial scales within the fishery.

The following sections provide information on the recreational fishing species generally found in each key asset group. Information has been obtained from the Guide to Inland Angling Waters of Victoria (Tunbridge 2002) at www.depi.vic.gov.au/fishing/, from Fisheries Victoria regional staff and through public consultation undertaken during the preparation of this fishery management plan.

Rivers

The rivers in the Port Phillip and Western Port region flow through forested, grazing, agricultural and urban lands. Popular fishing locations include the Yarra, Maribyrnong and Werribee, Patterson, Lerderderg, Kororoit, Jacksons, Emu, Deep, Plenty, Diamond, Cardinia, Bunyip, Lang Lang and Bass rivers and creeks.

Key recreational fishing species include brown and rainbow trout, redfin, Murray cod and river blackfish.

Lakes

Lakes in the region include static water bodies which support or have supported fish species targeted by recreational fishers. Many lakes have been stocked and are popular areas for recreational fishing.

Berwick Springs Estate, Casey Fields, Karkarook, Lillydale and Yarrambat Park lakes, and Pykes Creek Reservoir are popular recreational fishing locations.

The key recreational fishing species in the lakes of the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery are salmonids, including brown and rainbow trout.

Estuaries

Estuaries within the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery include the lower reaches of the Bass, Patterson, Yarra, Maribyrnong and Werribee rivers. Many smaller estuaries including the Kororoit, Cardinia, Bunyip and Lang Lang rivers and creeks are also important to recreational fishers.

Estuaries provide accessible and important recreational fishing opportunities and a diverse range of fish species. The key recreational fishing species in estuaries include black bream and mulloway.

Family Fishing Lakes Program

The DPI Family Fishing Lakes Program provides recreational fishing opportunities for fishers of all ages and abilities at locations within or near population centres throughout the State. Under the program, 150 to 200 gram ready-to-catch trout are stocked into family fishing lakes at times that maximise fishing opportunities (e.g. second or third term school holidays, fishing weeks or junior fishing clinic events).

In most instances, rainbow trout are stocked because they are normally larger than the available brown trout and are reputedly easier for inexperienced fishers to catch.

Family Fishing Lakes in the Port Phillip and Western Port region are detailed in the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide that is available at most fishing tackle shops and at www.depi.vic.gov.au/fishing/.

Premier lakes

Under the Go Fishing in Victoria initiative, some Family Fishing Lakes are designated as Premier Lakes and partly stocked with 'Premier' rainbow trout weighing more than one kilogram. Premier Lakes feature family friendly facilities including toilets, BBQs, picnic tables and playground equipment.

Premier Lakes are the focus of free events where families and children can learn to fish. These events are planned and run in partnership with VRFish, local fishing clubs, local councils, Fishcare volunteers and other stakeholders.

The Premier Lake in the Port Phillip and Western Port region is Lillydale Lake.

Key native recreational fishing species inside their natural range

Black bream, river blackfish and mulloway were identified during stakeholder and community consultation as key native recreational fishing species inside their natural range.

Black bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri)

Black bream are a native species that inhabits estuarine waters of southern Australia (Kailola et al. 1993). Black bream may be found inhabiting rocky, river beds around structures and snags and may be caught over seagrass, mud and sand substrate (Cashmore et al. 2000). Black bream are rarely found at sea although adult black bream are known to undertake migrations between estuaries (Hall 1984) and may enter the sea following large rainfall events.

Adult black bream feed opportunistically on a variety of organisms including bivalve and gastropod molluscs, prawns and crabs, polychaete worms and small fish (Rigby 1982; Cashmore et al. 2000).

Spawning usually occurs from August to January but may begin later in more westerly estuaries (Cadwallader and Backhouse 1983). Female black bream reach sexual maturity at approximately 24 centimetres total length and release 300,000 to 3 million eggs per spawning event. Males become sexually mature at approximately 22 centimetres total length (Kailola et al. 1993). Larval survival is dependent on suitable salinity and water temperature and availability of food and habitat (Cashmore et al. 2000).

Larvae and small juvenile black bream are found primarily amongst seagrass beds which provide invertebrate prey and shelter (Cashmore et al. 2000).

River blackfish (Gadopsis marmoratus)

River blackfish are widely distributed throughout Victoria (DPI 2003) and inhabit many rivers and tributaries across the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery.

River blackfish prefer cool, clear streams with gravel, cobble or boulder substrate and abundant cover. Adult and older juvenile river blackfish prefer an abundance of snags and cover (Jackson and Davies 1983) in well oxygenated waters (Fletcher 1979). Introduction of artificial habitat including boulders and woody habitat to otherwise sparse bottom has increased abundance and confirmed its preference for instream habitat and shelter where high water velocities are present (Koehn 1987). River blackfish are carnivores and feed on aquatic insects, crustaceans, small fish and molluscs (Koehn and O'Connor 1990).

Spawning usually occurs in spring and early summer when water temperatures are approximately 16°C (Koehn and O'Connor 1990). Eggs are strongly adhesive, may be deposited in hollow logs and rock cavities and are thought to be guarded by the males (Jackson 1975). Eggs hatch approximately fourteen days after fertilisation and young river blackfish actively swim and seek food approximately five weeks after hatching (Koehn and O'Connor 1990). Small juveniles spend much of their time near the bottom and are heavily preyed upon by nymphs, dragonfly larvae and crustaceans (Koehn and O'Connor 1990). Adults can be aggressive towards other species and are nocturnal (Koehn and Morison 1990). River blackfish have a limited home range between 25 to 30 metres (Koehn 1986).

Mulloway (Argyrosomus japonicus)

Mulloway inhabit coastal waters from Bundaberg in Queensland, around southern Australia to Carnarvon in Western Australia. Mulloway occur in the lower reaches of rivers, estuaries, bays, inlets, waters off beaches and in open waters to a depth of 150 metres. Mulloway are common in western Victorian waters, but are much less abundant in waters east of Melbourne (Kailola et al. 1993).

Mulloway reach sexual maturity at six years and approximately 75 centimetres total length and live up to 30 years. They spawn in the surf zones close to ocean beaches from late spring to summer and larvae are thought to remain in open coastal waters for several months. Juveniles are thought to have wide salinity tolerances and enter estuaries and rivers when they are five to ten centimetres total length (Kailola et al. 1993).

One to two year old juvenile mulloway are most common in New South Wales estuaries from February to September, while young adults can be found bays and estuaries from September to October (Kailola et al. 1993).

Mulloway feed on a variety of organisms including other mulloway, yellow-eye mullet, garfish, crabs, prawns and worms (Kailola et al. 1993).

Other native species

Recreational fishers also target flathead, mullet and estuary perch in estuaries and yabbies in rivers and lakes.

Key native recreational fishing species outside their natural range

Murray cod and Macquarie perch were identified during stakeholder and community consultation as being the key native recreational fishing species outside their natural range.

Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii)

Murray cod is Australia's largest native freshwater fish species and occurs naturally in the upper reaches of the Murray-Darling River system. Although there are still good populations of Murray cod and their range has remained relatively constant, the species has undergone an extensive decline in abundance since European settlement. Reasons for the decline include habitat loss and degradation, pollution, barriers to fish passage, flow regulation, cold water releases from dams, predation of young fish by other fish and fishing.

Murray cod are generally found in or near relatively deep water and prefer habitats including rocks, large wooden snags, smaller woody habitat, under-cut banks and overhanging vegetation (Rowland 1988; Harris and Rowland 1996; Koehn 1997). Murray cod live and breed in lakes and rivers where water conditions and habitat are suitable.

Murray cod grow rapidly in the first four to five years with some individual fish reaching 64 centimetres total length in their fifth year. They can grow to 1.8 metres total length and 113.5 kilograms. Commonly they reach lengths of 55 to 65 centimetres in total length and weights of two to five kilograms.

Murray cod become sexually mature at about four years of age. Spawning occurs in the spring and summer months in water temperatures between 16 and 21°C. Females deposit up to 40,000 eggs in hollow logs or shallow water. Eggs hatch 6 to 13 days later with juvenile fish beginning to feed about three to four weeks later.

Murray cod are listed as a threatened species under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and as a vulnerable species under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Macquarie perch (Macquaria australasica)

Macquarie perch occur naturally north of the Great Dividing Range in tributaries of the Murray-Darling River system. Translocated populations exist in the Yarra River and its tributaries.

The abundance and distribution of Macquarie perch has been reduced by dam construction, changes to river flows and temperature regimes, silting of spawning streams and the impacts of introduced species including trout and redfin. Anecdotal evidence suggests that few Macquarie perch are removed by recreational fishers in the Port Phillip and Western Port region.

Macquarie perch reach up to 3.5 kilograms but in Victoria the species more commonly reaches 750 grams to 1 kilogram and 35 to 40 centimetres. Males can reach sexual maturity at 2 years and about 21 centimetres total length and females at 3 years and about 30 centimetres total length. Local environmental conditions may induce the species to breed at smaller or larger sizes.

Spawning usually occurs in flowing water over rock or gravel substrate during October to January when water temperatures range between 16 and 22°C. Female Macquarie perch produce 50,000 to 110,000 eggs which hatch 10 to 18 days after fertilisation and grow rapidly. Macquarie perch reach 38 centimetres total length in five years and fish up to ten years of age have been collected.

Macquarie perch feed on aquatic insects, crustaceans and molluscs.

Macquarie perch are listed as a threatened species under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act and as endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

Key introduced recreational fishery species

Brown and rainbow trout and redfin were identified during the stakeholder and community consultation as being the key recreational fishing species that have been introduced into the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery. These species were generally introduced into Australia to meet a demand for sport-fishing.

Brown trout (Salmo trutta)

Brown trout are native to the cool waters of Europe and were introduced to Australia in the 1860s from Scotland as a recreational sport fish (McDowall 1996). Its distribution has increased through a combination of translocation and migration.

The ideal habitat for brown trout is cool, well-oxygenated waters such as rivers and streams with moderate to fast flows. Suitable waterways generally occur in mountainous areas and feature adequate cover including submerged rocks, undercut banks and overhanging vegetation. Lakes where suitable water quality, habitat and food exist generally support brown trout.

Juvenile brown trout feed mainly on insects while adults feed on molluscs, crustaceans and small fish.

Brown trout mature at three to four years of age and spawn from autumn to winter. Fish spawn locally in their resident rivers or migrate upstream to spawn in smaller tributaries and feeder streams. To ensure sufficient oxygen supply, trout require a gravel substrate to deposit their eggs.

Females use their tail to excavate depressions in the stream bed called redds and deposit an average of 1,600 eggs per kilogram of body weight in them. The eggs are subsequently covered with gravel dislodged upstream of the spawning site (Cadwallader and Backhouse 1983).

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Rainbow trout are native to the Pacific coast of North America and were introduced in the 1890s from New Zealand where the species had previously been introduced from California. As with brown trout, rainbow trout was introduced to satisfy a sport fishing market (McDowall 1996).

Rainbow trout tolerate slightly higher water temperatures than brown trout and are more successful in lakes. When brown trout and rainbow trout share common habitat, brown trout are generally more abundant.

Spawning requirements of rainbow trout are similar to brown trout but rainbow trout spawn later in the year during winter and early spring.

Juvenile rainbow trout feed predominantly on zooplankton. Adult rainbow trout feed on aquatic and terrestrial insects, molluscs, crustaceans, fish eggs and small fish including other trout.

Redfin (Perca fluviatilis)

Redfin, also known as English perch, was introduced from Europe during the 1860s (McDowall 1996).

Redfin prefer lakes or slow flowing rivers with abundant aquatic vegetation where they feed on crustaceans, worms, molluscs, insect larvae and smaller fishes. Vegetation plays an important role in the life cycle of redfin. During spawning, female redfin deposit a mat of eggs over aquatic plants and submerged logs.

Redfin are susceptible to the lethal epizootic haematopoietic necrosis virus, particularly if they are thermally stressed during summer months.

Other introduced species

Other introduced species include European carp (Cyprinus carpio). In Victoria, European carp has been declared under the Fisheries Act 1995 as a noxious aquatic species and it is an offence to return the species to the water alive. Roach (Rutilus rutilus) and tench (Tinca tinca) are targeted by some fishers.

Regulatory and policy framework

DPI is responsible for ensuring the sustainable use of fisheries resources and seeks to maintain, and where possible enhance, recreational fishing opportunities.

The following sections describe the policy, legislative tools, management processes and current controls relevant to recreational fishing in Victoria. These current management arrangements provide a framework for sustainably managing the fisheries resources within the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery.

Fisheries Act 1995 and subordinate regulations

The Fisheries Act 1995 is administered by DPI. Fishing activities in all Victorian inland waters are managed under the provisions of the Fisheries Act and the Fisheries Regulations 2009.

The Fisheries Act provides a legislative framework for the regulation and management of Victorian fisheries and for the conservation of fisheries resources, including their supporting aquatic habitats. The objectives of the Fisheries Act include:

• To provide for the management, development and use of Victoria's fisheries, aquaculture industries and associated aquatic biological resources in an efficient, effective and ecologically sustainable manner
• To protect and conserve fisheries resources, habitats and ecosystems including the maintenance of aquatic ecological processes and genetic diversity
• To promote sustainable commercial fishing, viable aquaculture industries and quality recreational fishing opportunities for the benefit of present and future generations
• To facilitate access to fisheries resources for commercial, recreational, traditional and non-consumptive uses
• To encourage the participation of resource users and the community in fisheries management.

The Fisheries Act provides for the development, implementation and review of fishery management plans; facilitates participation of stakeholders in fisheries management via fisheries co-management arrangements; and prescribes enforcement powers to assist in achieving compliance with fishing controls.

The Fisheries Regulations 2009 prescribe detailed management arrangements for individual commercial and recreational fisheries, including licence requirements, restrictions on fishing equipment and methods, restrictions on fishing catch and or effort (e.g. bag limits, size limits, closed seasons/areas), and penalties for breaches of fishing controls. The Fisheries Act and the Fisheries Regulations are available on the Department of Premier and Cabinet website at www.legislation.vic.gov.au.

Relevant non-fisheries legislation

Various state and Commonwealth legislative instruments have implications for fisheries management. Key legislation and the relevance to fisheries is summarised in Appendix 2.

It is important to note that the provisions of fisheries legislation are only applied to the control of fishing activities. Other human activities (for example, catchment land use, foreshore management, and competing water-based recreational activities) that may directly or indirectly affect fish habitats, fishery resources or the quality of fishing, are managed by other agencies under a variety of legislation.

Fishing regulations

The Fisheries Regulations exist to meet the expectations of the Victorian community in regard to fisheries resource management. They ensure fish resources are conserved and their supporting habitats protected; fishing activities are managed so that resource use is sustainable; and fishing practices and fisher behaviour are socially acceptable.

Recreational Fishing Licence

Unless a person is exempt, a Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence is required to take or attempt to take from public waters any species of fish by any method. This includes fishing using hook and line, bait collecting, gathering shellfish, taking yabbies and prawns and spear-fishing.

A person must be specifically authorised under the Fisheries Act to sell fish.

People under 18 or over 70 years of age or holders of a Victorian Seniors Card, a Veterans' Affairs Pensioner Card, a Veterans' Affairs Repatriation Health Card (coded TPI) or a Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card (coded DSP, DSP Blind, AGE, AGE Blind or CAR) are exempt from the need to hold a Recreational Fishing Licence

Revenue from Recreational Fishing Licence sales is used to improve recreational fisheries in Victoria. Information on how to apply for a grant or previously funded projects can be found on the DPI website at www.depi.vic.gov.au.

Recreational fishing equipment

The Fisheries Regulations define recreational fishing equipment as a rod and line, handline, dip net, bait trap, landing net, spear gun, hand-held spear, recreational bait net and recreational hoop net. Recreational use of any equipment not included in this definition such as set lines, mesh nets, cast nets and snares is prohibited. The permitted number and dimensions of recreational fishing equipment vary between inland and marine waters.

In the Fisheries Regulations, inland waters are defined as any waterway, channel, lagoon, billabong, reservoir, dam, or water storage under the control of the Crown or a public authority, or any other waters declared by the Fisheries Regulations to be inland waters. Waters on private property are not considered inland waters.

This definition includes estuarine waters and defines the boundary between inland and marine waters as where the river flows into the sea or as an imaginary line running between the most seaward points on opposite banks of the river.

For details on specific rivers and lakes, refer to the definition of inland waters in the Fisheries Act and the Fisheries Regulations or the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide.

Closed seasons

A closed season is a period during which the take, attempt to take or possession of a species is prohibited. For example, taking Murray cod between 1 September and 30 November in each year is prohibited. Fish caught accidentally during the closed season must be released immediately with as little harm as possible.

Closed seasons may include the closure of some sections of rivers or lakes including many domestic water storages to all fishing regardless of the fish species being targeted.

Closed seasons are prescribed in the Fisheries Regulations and summarised in the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide.

Salmonid regulations

Victoria's streams and lakes are classified into groups for the purposes of regulating salmonid fisheries. Each group is defined by whether or not it has a closed season for salmonids and the daily bag limit.

Salmonid regulations are defined in the Fisheries Regulations and are summarised in the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide.

Size and catch limits

Minimum size limits and maximum catch limits (bag or possession limits) for fish are prescribed in the Fisheries Regulations and summarised in the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide. Further limits may be introduced by a Fisheries Notice when a threat to the resource is recognised.

Some size and catch limits have been introduced as measures to ensure sustainable take of fish stocks. Other controls exist for social or cultural reasons.

Requirement to land fish in whole or carcass form

Catches of certain fish species must be retained either whole or in carcass form until they have been brought ashore. This is to ensure adherence to size and or catch limits. Further information on the requirement to land fish in whole or carcass form is available in the Fisheries Regulations and the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide.

Intertidal collection of shellfish

The intertidal zone of marine and estuarine water is the strip of land from the high-tide mark to where the water is at least 2 meters deep at any given time. The collection of most shellfish is banned from the intertidal zone between the Thompsons Creek (Breamlea) and Arch Rock (Venus Bay).

In Port Phillip you may collect only marine worms, Bass yabbies and dead shells by hand or with an approved handheld bait pump only.

Controls on intertidal collection of shellfish and other invertebrate animals are prescribed in the Fisheries Regulations and the summarised in the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide.

Control of noxious aquatic species

To help protect Victoria's environment, under the Fisheries Act it is illegal for a person to bring live noxious aquatic species into Victoria or to take, hatch, keep, possess, sell, transport, put in any container or release into protected waters live noxious aquatic species including European carp and marron (Cherax tenuimanus and C. cainii). Protected waters are defined as all Victorian waters and any aquarium, hatchery or any other waters in Victoria whether or not on private property. A list of declared noxious aquatic species in Victoria is available at www.depi.vic.gov.au.

Policy framework

Fisheries Victoria's strategic direction

Figure 2: The Fisheries Victoria vision of success.

Fisheries Victoria manages fisheries resources by developing and implementing policies and projects and delivering a wide range of services.

The objectives of fisheries management are changing with community expectations. Fisheries were historically managed to maximise yields and employment but are now managed for maximum sustainable yield and to maintain viable industries. Management has moved from being reactive to adaptive and proactive and is now focussed on securing a long-term, high quality natural resource base for the long-term and to generate jobs and other economic and social benefits in local communities.

Fisheries Victoria's role is carried out in the context of increasing competition for water and access to fisheries resources, as well as increasing pressure on fish habitats as a result of other uses in the catchments. With this in mind, the establishment of clear directions for Fisheries Victoria is critical to the maintenance and effective management of the state's fisheries.

Fisheries Victoria's vision of success is to develop and manage Victoria's fisheries resources within an ecologically sustainable development framework to ensure fish now and for the future.

Securing fisheries resources is about demonstrating sustainability; sharing the fish means allocating fisheries resources in the public interest; and growing the value is about having competitive fishing industries (Figure 2).

Fisheries Victoria's vision and directions underpin its projects, policies and services. The vision and strategic directions will be achieved with the cooperation and support of the community, industry and other government agencies and within the legislative framework established by the Fisheries Act and the Fisheries Regulations.

Ecologically sustainable development

All Australian governments are committed to managing fisheries according to the principles of ecologically sustainable development (Fletcher et al. 2002). These principles include:

• Ensuring that fishing is carried out in a biologically and ecologically sustainable manner
• Ensuring that there is equity within and between generations regarding the use of fish resources
• Maximising economic and social benefits to the community from fisheries within the constraints of sustainable utilisation
• Adopting a precautionary approach to management – particularly for fisheries with limited data
• Ensuring that the processes and procedures involved in management of a fishery are appropriate, transparent and inclusive.

These principles have been followed during the preparation of this fishery management plan.

Ecosystem-based fisheries management

Ecosystem-based fisheries management promotes the use of fisheries resources in a manner that does not jeopardise the benefits and opportunities of those resources for future generations. It recognises that the users and beneficiaries of fisheries resources are obliged to behave in a way that promotes the sustainability of the resource.

An ecosystem-based approach recognises the uncertainty that characterises our knowledge of fisheries and supporting ecosystems and allows for this uncertainty by applying the precautionary approach where knowledge is incomplete. The precautionary approach is based on the principles outlined in the Commonwealth Intergovernmental Agreement on the Environment 1992:

Where there are threats of serious or irreversible environmental damage, lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation.

Fisheries Victoria undertakes a risk-based approach to implement ecosystem-based fisheries management so that the highest risks to fisheries and or supporting ecosystems that require treatment are addressed as a priority, planned for and risks monitored.

Victorian Climate Change Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture 2008-2018

The Victorian Climate Change Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture 2008-2018 will help to ensure the long term sustainability of Victoria's fisheries resources by guiding activities to support the fishing and aquaculture sectors and fisheries managers to prepare for, and adapt to, the impacts of a changing climate (DPI 2008a).

The Strategy covers all fishing and aquaculture for both inland and marine waters. It explains the roles of the Victorian Government and the fishing sectors in preparing for climate change, and explains how the Victorian Government will support adaptation changes.

Research information obtained under the Strategy will assist Victoria's fishing and aquaculture sectors to implement actions to manage their own exposure to climate change risks and to successfully meet the challenges and opportunities ahead; be used by the Victorian Government to assist the industry to prepare for the challenges; inform reviews of the legislation, plans and policies necessary to sustainably manager our community's fisheries resources within a changing climate.

The climate change strategy is available at www.depi.vic.gov.au/fishing/.

Fisheries consultative arrangements

The Victorian Government is committed to effectively engaging with stakeholders when making decisions about the sustainability of Victoria's fisheries resources. Principles of consultation are specified in the Section 3A (2) of the Fisheries Act.

A key feature of Fisheries Victoria's consultative framework is the Fisheries Consultative Body (FCB) which includes individuals with expertise in commercial, recreational, aquaculture, Aboriginal fishing and conservation interests. Where a decision which will affect the use and conservation of Victoria's fisheries resources will be made by the Minister or Secretary, including the development of fishery management plans, the FCB is required to provide advice on the design and implementation of purpose-specific, cost effective engagement processes and on the consultation methods that will be employed.

Regional recreational fisheries consultation meetings

The release or stocking of fish into inland waters is used to create, maintain and or enhance recreational fisheries. DPI conducts an annual recreational fisheries consultation process (CONS) to discuss fish stocking, fish population surveys and other related recreational fisheries management issues. Annual recreational fisheries consultation process meetings are attended by representatives from DPI, the Department of Sustainability and Environment, water and catchment management authorities, VRFish and other stakeholders as required.

The meetings:

• Review the current native fish and salmonid stocking plans and identify necessary modifications to them
• Identify management questions to be answered by stock or fisher surveys
• Present a state-wide perspective on current fishery management issues
• Obtain feedback from stakeholders on relevant fishery issues.

Appendix 3 provides a list of fish stockings in the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery from 2005 to 2008. Annual CONS reports are available at www.depi.vic.gov.au/fishing.

Translocation guidelines and protocols

The translocation of live aquatic organisms into and within Victoria has the potential to threaten the biodiversity and ecological integrity of Victoria's freshwater, estuarine and marine systems. These threats have flow-on consequences, potentially affecting the economic benefits provided by aquaculture; recreational and commercial fishing; domestic and international shipping; and the social and tourism benefits of being able to enjoy waters and foods free of pathogens and diseases.

The Victorian Government has developed Guidelines for Assessing Translocations of Live Aquatic Organisms in Victoria (DPI 2009) (the Translocation Guidelines) to meet its obligations under the National Policy for the Translocation of Live Aquatic Organisms (MCFFA 1999). This policy requires all states to adopt risk-based measures to manage the environmental risks of translocating live aquatic organisms.

Proposals to stock public and private waters are assessed in accordance with the Translocation Guidelines and may require the applicant to prepare a risk assessment.

Where translocation events have similar characteristics in terms of species, associated media and source and destination type and will be repeated, an approved translocation protocol may be developed. Translocations conducted in accordance with approved translocation protocols do not require preparation of a risk assessment by the applicant.

The Protocols for the Translocation of Fish in Victorian Inland Public Waters (DPI 2005) manage the environmental risks of existing and proposed fish stocking programs. Public water stocking programs conducted in accordance with this protocol can proceed without the need for separate risk assessments.

Information on the Translocation Guidelines and protocols is available from the DPI website at www.depi.vic.gov.au/fishing/.

Impact of drought on inland fisheries management

Victoria is experiencing a sustained drought resulting in water resource scarcity. These conditions have had a substantial impact on inland fisheries and may result in:

• Mass fish deaths
• Long or short-term loss of carrying capacity of water bodies (this may be natural or as a result of a water management decision)
• Concentration of fish in small bodies of water – making them easier to legally or illegally harvest
• Changes to species composition.

Fisheries Victoria has developed a policy to mitigate impacts from the drought conditions on Victoria's inland recreational fishery. Mitigation measures include:

• Minimising the risk of mass fish deaths in stocked fisheries
• Advocating for water management regimes that support capability of drought affected water bodies to sustain existing fisheries
• Facilitating processes or provide authorisations to reduce fish biomass
• Assisting the conduct of fish salvage operations
• Supporting the nominated lead agency in fish death response
• Advising on the implication of aeration proposals
• Enacting legislative measure to improve inland recreational fisheries or supportive habitats
• Leading processes to re-establish inland recreational fisheries affected by drought.

The policy document is available on the DPI website at www.depi.vic.gov.au/fishing/.

Non-fisheries issues

Aboriginal stewardship

Aboriginal people have an intimate relationship with the Port Phillip and Western Port region which stretches back over thousands of years and continues into the future. The relationship is reflected throughout the region by recorded cultural sites including middens and scarred trees, and is based on a long tradition of stewardship, utilisation and cultural significance. For Aboriginal people, cultural values are intertwined around traditional uses, spiritual connection, ancestral ties and respect for waterways, land and the resources they provide. Groups wishing to hunt and gather food for traditional ceremonies should seek permission from the relevant Traditional Owners of the area.

All sites of cultural significance and artefacts are protected by the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006. This Act replaces the Aboriginal cultural regime in Victoria which was governed by the Commonwealth Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 and the Victorian Archaeological and Aboriginal Relics Preservation Act 1972.

Key features of the Aboriginal Heritage Act include:

• The creation of the Aboriginal Heritage Council with membership consisting of Traditional Owners who will advise on the protection of Aboriginal heritage
• The use of cultural heritage management plans for certain development plans or activities
• The ability for registered Aboriginal parties to evaluate management plans, advise on permit applications, enter into cultural heritage agreements and negotiate repatriation of Aboriginal human remains
• Alternative dispute resolution procedures.

Enquiries in relation to registered or noted sites of cultural significance should be directed to Aboriginal Affairs Victoria. Any proposed works or use of Crown land are required to be carried out in accordance with the 'future acts' provision of the Native Title Act 1993 and the Aboriginal Heritage Act.

Customary fishing

This fishery management plan reflects the Victorian Government's current policy on resource access by Aboriginal Australians. Customary fishing practices by Aboriginal Australians are not identified as a distinct type of fishing activity under current Victorian legislation. Noncommercial fishing by Aboriginal Australians is therefore treated as recreational fishing.

Fisheries Victoria is presently developing a Victorian Aboriginal Fishing Strategy that will inform future management arrangements regarding customary fishing by Aboriginal Australians.

For specified cultural and ceremonial purposes, members of the Aboriginal community may be issued with general fisheries permits that allow fish to be taken in excess of the recreational bag limit.

Threatened species and potentially threatening processes

The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act, which is administered by the Department of Sustainability and Environment, provides an administrative structure to enable and promote the conservation of Victoria's native flora and fauna and to provide for the conservation, management or control of flora and fauna and the management of potentially threatening processes.

The following items are potentially threatening processes under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act:

• Alteration to the natural flow regimes of rivers and streams
• Alteration to the natural temperature regimes of rivers and streams
• Degradation of native riparian vegetation along Victorian rivers and streams
• Increase in sediment input into Victorian rivers and streams due to human activities
• Prevention of passage of aquatic biota as a result of the presence of in-stream structures
• Removal of wood debris from Victorian streams.

The following recreational fishing species are relevant to the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery and are listed as threatened under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act:

• Australian grayling (Prototroctes maraena)
• Macquarie perch (Macquaria australasica)
• Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii).

The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act requires that action statements be developed for listed species in Victoria. For further information, see www.depi.vic.gov.au.

Carp control

European carp are a declared noxious pest in Victoria. Carp can cause significant damage to aquatic habitats and compete for habitat with native fish species.

The National Management Strategy for Carp Control 2000- 2005 (Carp Control Coordination Group 2000a), developed by the Murray-Darling Basin Commission, outlines strategies to:

• Prevent the spread of carp
• Reduce the impacts of carp to acceptable levels
• Promote environmentally and socially acceptable applications of carp control programs
• Improve community understanding of the impacts of carp and management strategies
• Promote cost-efficient use of public resources in carp eradication and control programs.

Three important companion documents to the carp management strategy are:

• Future Directions for Research into Carp (Carp Control Coordination Group 2000b)
• Managing the Impacts of Carp (Koehn et al. 2000)
• Ranking Areas for Action: A Guide for Carp Management Groups (Braysher et al. 2000).

DPI invests around $160,000 annually into carp research through joint projects established by the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre. These projects include:

• Development of 'daughterless' technologies for the control of invasive fish pests
• Review and development of fish-specific biocides and delivery options
• Identification and isolation of natural environmental attractants for carp
• Development of software to simulate the effectiveness of possible carp management strategies
• Integration of tagging to determine movement and migration of carp in the Murray-Darling Basin
• Development of sensory attractants for pest fish control.

Food safety

Many Victorians enjoy fishing in Victoria's waterways as a recreational activity. Over time, urban waterways can become polluted and fish caught in these areas can be contaminated. Responsibility for the safety of consuming recreationally caught fish rests with the Department of Human Services. To reduce the risks associated with eating contaminated fish, the Department of Human Services has developed a factsheet for fishers and people who eat fish taken from the lower Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers (DHS 2007).

For more information about the safe consumption of fish taken from the lower Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers, contact the Environmental Health Unit, Department of Human Services on 1300 761 874 or visit the websites at www.health.vic.gov.au or www.epa.vic.gov.au.

Climate change

Information on the likely impacts of climate change in the Port Phillip and Western Port region can be found at www.greenhouse.vic.gov.au. In summary, future climate is expected to be drier and warmer, with more extreme heavy rainfall events, but with an overall decrease in run-off expected by 2030.

Fisheries resources, such as trout and river blackfish which prefer cooler water temperatures, may experience reduced viability in previously suitable areas. Reduced flows could affect river connectivity and reduce spawning cues for fish and have a deleterious effect on other aquatic organisms on which fisheries resources depend.

Climate change is a strategic priority for action by the Victorian Government. The Victorian Greenhouse Strategy and resulting actions seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; improve our understanding of climate change; and improve our ability to adapt to its impacts (DSE 2005). DPI has developed the Action Agenda on Climate Change and Greenhouse which outlines adaptation strategies including improving understanding of the likely climate change impacts (DPI 2006).

Regional catchment and river health strategies

The integrated management of all natural assets in the Port Phillip and Western Port region is under the direction of the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. Under this Act, the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority prepared the Port Phillip and Westernport Regional Catchment Strategy 2004-2009 (PPWCMA 2004) which provides long-term direction for managing the future of land, water resources, biodiversity and seascape of the region, and is the foundation for investment decisions to ensure improved natural resource outcomes.

This regional catchment strategy is underpinned by a series of sub-strategies and plans developed to provide the direction for specific asset and threat programs including the Port Phillip and Westernport Regional River Health Strategy (Melbourne Water 2007a), Native Vegetation Plan (PPWCMA 2006a), Regional Rabbit Action Plan (PPWCMA 2003) and Regional Weed Action Plan (PPWCMA 2006b).

The Port Phillip and Westernport Regional River Health Strategy (Melbourne Water 2007a) provides broad level strategic direction for future management of waterways in the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority area. The five-year strategy guides Government investment and directs development of a regional annual works program. This strategy links the objectives of the State and community and is an integral part of the Victorian legislative framework to protect the State's waterways. It combines all elements of river management under a single document, integrates river health programs into a multidisciplinary framework and considers water quality and quantity, flow, in-stream and riparian flora and fauna, fisheries and recreation. Fishing is listed as a high social value and many of the strategy actions will have positive outcomes for recreational fishing.

Melbourne Water has waterway, drainage and floodplain management roles and responsibilities as defined in the Water Act 1989 and is the lead agency in delivering on relevant objectives and targets of the Port Phillip and Westernport Regional Catchment Strategy.

Melbourne Water has developed a number of objectives aimed at enhancing river health including improving fish passage, environmental flows, riparian zones, water quality, reducing bed and bank erosion and strategic willow and weed management which will have positive outcomes for all aquatic ecosystems generally including fisheries resources. Additional information on Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority and Melbourne Water is available at their websites, www.ppwcma.vic.gov.au and www.melbournewater.com.au, respectively.

Local government

Local governments are primarily responsible for the planning and provision of services and facilities for the local community and for providing and maintaining community infrastructure. Local government works in partnership with Melbourne Water to set priorities and implement the Port Phillip and Westernport Regional Catchment Strategy 2004- 2009 (PPWCMA 2004).

In relation to fisheries issues, local governments: incorporate river restoration and catchment management objectives and actions into statutory planning processes; undertake floodplain management in accordance with the Port Phillip and Westernport Region Flood Management and Drainage Strategy (Melbourne Water 2007b); develop and implement urban storm-water plans; manage rural drainage schemes where appropriate; facilitate local industries' involvement in river restoration and catchment management activities; and provide support for local action groups.

Water supply

Water authorities are delegated under the Water Act to licence and regulate the extraction of water from rivers, lakes and groundwater supplies including unregulated rivers and farm dams for consumptive uses such as irrigation and commercial use. With the exception of the Yarra catchment and the part of the Maribyrnong catchment which are managed by Melbourne Water, Southern Rural Water is the responsible water authority in the Port Phillip and Western Port Region.

Environmental water reserve

The allocation of water to the environment is the environmental water reserve. The environmental water reserve is used to maintain the environmental values of water systems and the other water services that depend on environmental condition and to sustain biodiversity, ecological function and water quality.

The environmental water reserve is not a separate physical construction like a dam but can be held within existing water supply storages and released into a waterway or it can be run-of-river flow. Water in the environmental water reserve is legally protected under the Water (Resource Management) Act 2005 and is held by the Crown.

In establishing or enhancing the environmental water reserve, the Victorian Government will ensure existing water entitlement holders are recognised. In priority catchments, the Government will assess the adequacy of the environmental water reserve and in consultation with the community, improve it where necessary.

In the Port Phillip and Western Port region, Melbourne Water is responsible for the operational management of the environmental water reserve.

Stream flow management plans

The goal of stream flow management plans is to share available water sustainably between all users and thus ensure that licensed diverters and the environment receive the required amounts of water.

Stream flow management plans include arrangements that: recognise historical rights to water in the catchment; establish environmental flows, including minimum flows, and other aspects of the flow regime; outline conditions on licences that protect the environment or other water users; define the total volume of water that can be taken under a licence in any year (a cap on diversions); and establish trading rules that will apply to transfers of water entitlements into, and within, the catchment.

In the Port Phillip and Western Port region, stream flow management plans have been completed for the Diamond, Hoddles, Olinda, Steels, Pauls, Dixons and Stringybark creeks and the Plenty River.

For further information, see the Melbourne Water website at www.melbournewater.com.au.

The plan to manage the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery

Scope of this fishery management plan

The overall purpose of this fishery management plan is to formalise management arrangements for the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery in accordance with the provisions of the Fisheries Act and Ministerial guidelines and consistent with the principles of ecologically sustainable development (ESD).

To achieve its purposes, this fishery management plan:

• Specifies goals, objectives, strategies, performance indicators and actions for managing fisheries resources across the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery
• Builds on community feedback, identifies the most valued recreational fishing assets in the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery and describes the highest priority strategies and actions to mitigate issues and risks that could impact on these fishing assets
• Identifies actions recommended by stakeholders and other management agencies to manage other values and uses of waterways, including the identifying and minimising potential adverse impacts on fish habitat and fisheries.

The process of producing this fishery management plan is described in Appendix 4.

Definition of the fishery

The Port Phillip and Western Port fishery is defined as all inland waterways (e.g. lakes, rivers and estuaries) in the Werribee, Maribyrnong, Yarra, Dandenong and Western Port catchments. The fishery is aligned with the geographical boundaries of the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority and does not include marine waters.

The Port Phillip and Western Port fishery does not include commercial bait fishing and aquaculture which are managed under commercial access and aquaculture licensing processes, respectively, or recreational and commercial eel fisheries which are managed under the Victorian Eel Fishery Management Plan (DNRE 2002a).

Duration of this fishery management plan

This fishery management plan came into effect following its declaration by the Minister via a notice in the Victoria Government Gazette and provides the basis for the management of the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery for a period of at least five years from the date of declaration.

Preparation of a new fishery management plan will begin with a review of the goals, objectives, strategies, performance indicators and targets of the current plan. The need for new or amended objectives as a result of monitoring and research information obtained will be considered.

Amendments to this fishery management plan will be made in accordance with the requirements of the Fisheries Act.

Implementing this fishery management plan

In implementing this fishery management plan, most management arrangements, for example catch limits, will remain unchanged and there will be a greater focus on establishing programs to monitor the status of key recreational fishing species and to identify key environmental threats to fisheries resources. If information from monitoring programs indicates a need to alter fishery management arrangements to ensure sustainable use or to meet changing demands for recreational fishing opportunities, changes will be considered in consultation with stakeholders.

Proposed changes to the Fisheries Regulations may require that a Regulatory Impact Statement be prepared and stakeholders consulted under the provisions of the Subordinate Legislation Act 1994.

Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Reference Group

The Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Reference Group will be established by Fisheries Victoria within one year of the declaration of this fishery management plan and will meet at least once a year for the duration of the plan.

The Fishery Reference Group will advise the Executive Director Fisheries Victoria with respect to the coordination of activities and projects in support of management plan actions, strategies and objectives, including monitoring implementation and will facilitate partnerships with other agencies to develop programs, review the outcomes of research and provide recommendations on future research directions.

It is proposed that membership include representatives from VRFish, Melbourne Water, the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority, the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victorian National Parks Association, Parks Victoria, the Boon Wurrung Foundation Ltd and or the Wurundjeri Tribe Land Compensation and Cultural Heritage Council Inc. Other groups or individuals may be engaged as required.

Fishery Reference Group Terms of Reference will be issued by the Executive Director Fisheries Victoria. Fisheries Victoria will provide administrative support and provide the reference group chair.

Funding arrangements

Fisheries Victoria will fund from its program budget the management plan actions required to meet the objectives of the Fisheries Act 1995. Actions not required to meet these objectives will require funding to be obtained from other sources (e.g. the Recreational Fishing Licence Trust Account or through cost recovery arrangements).

Management goal and objectives

Goal

The goal of this fishery management plan is to manage recreational fishing in accordance with principles of ecologically sustainable development. Ecologically sustainable development enables the ongoing use, conservation and enhancement of fisheries resources such that ecological processes are maintained into the future.

In the context of this fishery management plan, ecologically sustainable development includes monitoring and research to demonstrate the sustainable harvest of fisheries resources, identifying the habitats and aquatic environments on which fisheries resources depend, and, enhancing social and economic benefits for all Victorians.

Objectives

In preparing this fishery management plan, the risks to the biological, social, environmental and governance components of the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery were considered in accordance with the principles of ecologically sustainable development.

The themes are presented under the following chapters:

• Objective 1: Sustainable use of fishery resources
• Objective 2: Recreational fishing opportunities
• Objective 3: Protection and enhancement of fish habitat
• Objective 4: Compliance with fishery management arrangements.

The strategies, actions, performance indicators and targets for each objective are provided in the following sections and are summarised in the section entitled Outcomes of the Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan.

Performance indicators and targets

Performance indicators allow progress in implementing fishery management plans to be tracked and are provided for actions which Fisheries Victoria is responsible. In implementing this fishery management plan, performance indicators may be refined using data obtained from monitoring programs and surveys. Targets define the benefit of implementing the strategy.

Further information

For further information on this fishery management plan or to comment on its implementation or on recreational fishing in general, contact the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or visit the DPI website at www.depi.vic.gov.au.

Objective 1: Sustainable use of fishery resources

Strategy 1: Assess the status of the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery

This strategy will facilitate the compilation and dissemination of information on the status of the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery and assist in informing management decisions as they relate to stocking and the Fisheries Regulations in the Port Phillip and Western Port region. The results of research already conducted will be consolidated for use by resource managers to implement this fishery management plan and for other purposes. A gap analysis will assist fisheries managers to identify priority areas for research or monitoring that can be considered by the Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Reference Group, which will be established under this fishery management plan.

Action

Fisheries Victoria will, subject to available funding, facilitate a desktop assessment of the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery.

Performance indicator

A report detailing the status of the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery is published within three years of declaring this fishery management plan.

Target

Information needs for sustainable management of the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery are met and information gaps and research priorities are identified.

Strategy 2: Monitor fishing activities in the Yarra River to ensure a sustainable fishery

Macquarie perch and Murray cod are important recreational fisheries species in the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery. Both species are listed as a threatened species under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act and as endangered (Macquarie perch) and vulnerable (Murray cod) under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

Macquarie perch and Murray cod are endemic to areas north of the Great Dividing Range in the Murray-Darling Basin. These species have a limited geographic distribution and have been significantly impacted by habitat alteration and degradation. Stocks of these species in the Yarra River were translocated there in the 1800s and early 1900s.

There is limited data available on recreational take and population abundance of Macquarie perch and Murray cod in the Yarra River. Anecdotal reports suggest that the sustainability of these species should be investigated.

This strategy follows the recommendations of the Assessment of the Freshwater Fish Community and Riverine Habitat in the Yarra River (Pitman 2007) to review current Fisheries Regulations related to Macquarie perch. This requires that the effects of fishing on the target species stocks in the Yarra River must be better understood.

Cost-effective and efficient fishery monitoring techniques for recreational fishing species include creel surveys and angler diary programs. With these methods, data collected over a number of years can provide fishery managers with scientifically valid information that can be used as a basis for reviewing the appropriateness of current fisheries management arrangements.

Actions

Fisheries Victoria will, subject to available funding, lead a process to conduct periodic creel surveys of Yarra River fishers.

Fisheries Victoria will, subject to available funding, develop a general angler diary program focusing on Macquarie perch and Murray cod in the Yarra River.

Performance indicators

A creel survey is conducted within two years and another within four years following declaration of this fishery management plan.

A general angler diary program is established within two years following the declaration of this fishery management plan.

A report detailing the results of these programs is published within five years of the declaration of this fishery management plan.

Target

The recreational harvest of Macquarie perch and Murray cod are sustainably managed.

Objective 2: Recreational fishing opportunities

Strategy 3: Maintain stockenhanced fisheries

Populations of brown and rainbow trout provide recreational fishing opportunities throughout the Port Phillip and Western Port region. Fisheries for these species are primarily based on self-sustaining wild populations in rivers and on stocking programs in lakes.

Rivers in the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery are not stocked because of the effect it may have on self-sustaining wild populations, particularly in rivers and streams where habitat and environmental conditions are unfavourable. Research has confirmed that the benefits of stocking trout into self-sustaining wild populations are generally minimal (Stoessel 2008).

In 2008, Fisheries Victoria released approximately 14,000 rainbow and brown trout into lakes across the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery (Appendix 3). Maintaining stockenhanced fisheries generates important social and economic benefits (Henry and Lyle 2003).

Action

Fisheries Victoria will continue to stock fish in the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery consistent with the outcomes of the Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting.

Performance indicator

Subject to unforseen factors, fish stocking in the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery is consistent with the annual Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes report.

Target

Fish stocking is consistent with the targets established in the Regional Fisheries Consultations Meeting Outcomes report.

Strategy 4: Classify waters using the fisheries inland waters classification model

Fisheries Victoria has worked with recreational fishers to prepare the Victorian Inland Waters Classification Model which will be used as a working tool to classify rivers, streams and impoundments across Victoria as salmonid, native or mixed fisheries (DPI 2008b). The Inland Waters Classification Model will be a useful tool in promoting Victoria's inland fisheries.

The Inland Waters Classification Model will be an important part of fisheries management in Victoria and is in aligned with Fisheries Victoria's commitment to secure, grow and share potential benefits from Victoria's inland fisheries with the wider community.

Action

The Inland Waters Classification Taskforce will develop and implement the Inland Waters Classification Model.

Performance indicator

The Inland Waters Classification Model will be applied to the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery within four years of the declaration of this fishery management plan.

Target

Classifying waterways as salmonid, native or mixed fisheries will inform other management agencies how they are managed by Fisheries Victoria and will allow Fisheries Victoria to secure, grow and share benefits from Victoria's inland fisheries with the wider community.

Strategy 5: Improve access for boat-based fishing

The need for new or improved boat launching facilities for the lower Yarra River as a means to enhance recreational fishing opportunities was raised during public consultation. Adequacy of boat launching infrastructure in other areas that were not identified during public consultation may require review.

Depending on the waterway, the responsibility for providing and maintaining boat launching facilities rests with agencies including Parks Victoria, committees of management, water authorities and local government.

This fishery management plan supports applications for new or upgrading of existing infrastructure that meet the following criteria:

• The proposal must have the support of the relevant natural resource management agency (i.e. land manager and or water authority)
• The proposal must consider the impact of works on the environment and, where possible, minimise adverse impacts
• The proposal must consider the impact of variations in water levels, particularly during times of drought or estuary closure
• The proposal must align with existing infrastructure such as roads
• The proposal must benefit other recreational boating groups.

Proposals for funding the provision of new or upgrading of existing boat launching facilities are made through Marine Safety Victoria's Boating Safety and Facilities Program at www.marinesafety.vic.gov.au.

Action

VRFish will liaise with fishers, land managers and water authorities to identify and submit applications for new or the upgrade of existing boat launching facilities.

Strategy 6: Improve access for land-based fishing

Land-based fisher access may be the only means of fishing some waterways within the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery.

Work to upgrade roads and tracks is prioritised by land managers and is based on available funding and the needs of the community. The most effective way to achieve improvements to roads and tracks is to influence the prioritisation process by engaging land managers and providing information on the most valued recreational fisheries.

Urbanisation and development around estuarine environments can alienate available access points to recreational fishers. Opportunities may exist for planning by local governments to maintain fisher access in proposals for housing estates and other ventures that privatise land adjacent to fisheries resources.

Fishers identified their lack of knowledge regarding the legal status of land adjoining waterway (for example, Crown frontages, private land) and their right of access as important issues. In its policy, Access for Recreational Fishing (VRFish 2004), VRFish reviewed this issue and made a number of recommendations to improve fisher understanding of access issues across the state.

Actions

VRFish will liaise with fishers, land managers and water authorities to identify and promote new or the upgrade of existing access tracks and facilities.

VRFish will implement actions in Access for Recreational Fishing (VRFish 2004) to improve fishers understanding of their rights to access land adjoining recreational fisheries.

Strategy 7: Encourage responsible recreational fishing behaviour

Access to Victoria's fish stocks for recreational purposes brings with it a responsibility to act responsibly and to demonstrate stewardship of the resource. To support Fisheries Victoria in promoting this responsibility, VRFish developed the Victorian Recreational Fishing Code of Conduct (the Code of Conduct). This document provides guidance to recreational fishers on issues such as:

• Protecting the environment
• Respecting the rights of others
• Attending fishing gear
• Being aware of and complying with fishing restrictions
• Returning unwanted fish to the water
• Valuing fish caught
• Passing on fishing and local knowledge to new fishers.

The Code of Conduct recognises that damage to the environment can indirectly harm fisheries resources and the environment generally. The Code of Conduct contains recommendations regarding the appropriate disposal of rubbish, unwanted fishing gear and bait, and recommends taking care of the environment and maintaining an awareness of impacts to plants and animals when fishing.

Details on the Code of Conduct are available at www.vrfish.com.au.

Action

VRFish will promote the Victorian Recreational Fishing Code of Conduct.

Strategy 8: Provide new fishing opportunities

During the consultation underatken for this fishery management plan, some fishers expressed interest in enhancing fishing opportunities for native fish species such as river blackfish and to develop user-pays trophy fisheries.

In 2006, the State Government made a commitment to establishing new fisheries and fishing opportunities and advised that it will consider options for developing new fisheries in the Port Phillip and Western Port region including Devilbend Reservoir on the Mornington Peninsula.

Fisheries Victoria, in consultation with VRFish and relevant management authorities, will actively consider developing new fisheries in waters on new housing estates and elsewhere in the region to provide new trout and or native fish fishing opportunities.

Action

Fisheries Victoria, in consultation with VRFish and relevant management authorities, leads investigations into developing new fishing opportunities.

Performance indicator

Potential new fisheries are assessed in accordance with Government policies and with the input of stakeholder and relevant agencies.

Target

Additional recreational fishing opportunities are available to anglers in the Port Phillip and Western Port region.

Strategy 9: Monitor fishing satisfaction and preference

Recreational fishing is a major contributor to economic activity in the Port Phillip and Western Port region. Surveys of recreational fishers are needed to understand fisher demographic profiles, satisfaction and preferences and to evaluate the return on investment in recreational fishing. These surveys should be conducted periodically to first benchmark and then detect changes over time.

This information is required to identify fisheries management actions needed to satisfy the aspirations of recreational fishers.

The most cost-effective collection of such information is likely to be through periodic surveys at fishing access points for visiting and local non-club fishers and direct surveys of local fishing club members.

Action

Fisheries Victoria will, subject to available funding, undertake periodic surveys to provide information on fishing satisfaction and preference.

Performance indicators

A benchmark survey is conducted within two years of the fishery management plan declaration and a follow-up survey is conducted within four years of declaration.

A report detailing the survey results is published within five years of the fishery management plan declaration.

Target

Fisheries Victoria to use survey results to evaluate possible fishery management actions to satisfy recreational fishing aspirations.

Objective 3: Protection and enhancement of fish habitat

Strategy 10: Habitat advocacy for key recreational fishing species

Estuarine and inland waters are facing increasing pressures from human population growth and associated agricultural, industrial, urban and tourism development. There is increasing evidence worldwide that the sustainable use of fishery resources is dependent on controlling the impacts of fishing on fish stocks and on maintaining the integrity of the habitat and the ecological processes they support.

The purpose of this strategy is to facilitate the dissemination of information on environmental requirements including habitat, food and life history that affect the productivity of fish species.

The responsibility for implementing programs to improve habitat and water quality rests primarily with the Department of Sustainability and Environment, the Environment Protection Authority, Melbourne Water and the Commonwealth Department of Environment, Water, Heritage, and the Arts. The provisions of the Fisheries Act can only be applied to the management of fishing activities. Other activities (for example catchment land use, foreshore management, and competing water-based recreational activities) that may directly or indirectly affect fish habitats, fishery resources or the quality of fishing, are managed by different agencies and legislation.

Fisheries Victoria provides advice on the environmental requirements of recreational fishery species which can be used by other agencies to inform policies and programs such as the Port Phillip and Westernport Regional River Health Strategy 2004-2009 (PPWCMA 2004).

Action

Fisheries Victoria will provide advice on environmental requirements of key recreational fishing species to other agencies.

Performance indicator

Advice on the environmental requirements of recreational target species is provided to other agencies to inform policies and programs.

Target

Information regarding the environmental requirements of recreational target species is used by other agencies to develop policy and investment programs.

Objective 4: Compliance with fishery management arrangements

Strategy 11: Educate fishers on sustainable fishing

Community expects fishery resources to be managed at sustainable levels. The Fisheries Act and the Fisheries Regulations provide the legislative framework to assist in the protection of fishery resources. Compliance with this legislation is achieved through a combination of maximising voluntary compliance and creating a deterrent to illegal activities (e.g. penalty infringement notices, prosecution).

Voluntary compliance is best achieved with effective education programs that promote a sense of shared responsibility for maintaining healthy fisheries for future generations. Fisheries Victoria is committed to fisheries education and to promoting and supporting close and ongoing cooperation between fishers and DPI.

Fisheries Victoria education programs are often complemented by community education activities of other organisations including VRFish and Fishcare. Both organisations foster responsible fishing practice and play an important role in fisheries education.

Information on these organisations is available at www.fishcare.org.au and www.vrfish.com.au.

Action

Fisheries Victoria will continue to provide fisheries education and information to the community.

Performance indicator

Education material is provided at all DPI Go Fishing in Victoria Family Fishing Events.

Target

Implementation of education programs ensures ongoing access to recreational fishing species.

Strategy 12: Enforce fishing regulations

Fisheries Victoria delivers a range of fisheries compliance services from detection and apprehension of illegal fishers to providing education and information that maximises voluntary compliance.

Routine and targeted patrols provide important opportunities for communication and engagement with fishers and discourage illegal activities by providing a physical presence. Issuing penalty infringement notices is also a deterrent to illegal activities.

Patrolling is complemented by targeted investigations including covert operations to disrupt and dismantle largescale organised crime.

DPI also operates a 24-hour, 7-day a week, state-wide offence reporting service – 13 FISH (13 3474) – on which members of the public who are concerned about suspected illegal activities are encouraged to report these matters.

Actions

Fisheries Victoria will, subject to available funding, continue to promote community reporting of suspected illegal fishing activities through 13 FISH.

Fisheries Victoria will continue to use information derived from fishery compliance risk assessments, 13 FISH reports and historical patrol activities to prioritise, plan and target patrols, inspections and compliance operations to achieve a high level of compliance with the Fisheries Regulations.

Performance indicator

Compliance with the Fisheries Regulations is greater than 90 per cent.

Target

Compliance programs ensure ongoing access to recreational fish species.

Outcomes of the Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan

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References and websites

Braysher, M, and Barrett, J 2000, Ranking Areas for Action: A Guide for Carp Management Groups, Murray-Darling Basin Commission, Canberra.

Cadwallader, PL, and Backhouse, GN 1983, A Guide to the Freshwater Fish of Victoria, Victorian Government Publishing Office, Melbourne.

Carp Control Coordination Group 2000a, National Management Strategy for Carp Control 2000-2005, Murray-Darling Basin Commission, Canberra.

Carp Control Coordination Group 2000b, Future Directions for Research into Carp, Murray-Darling Basin Commission, Canberra.

Cashmore, S, Conron, S and Knuckey, I (eds) 2000, Black Bream – 1998, Fisheries Victoria Assessment Report No. 24, Marine and Freshwater Resources Institute, Queenscliff, Victoria.

DHS 2007, Should I eat the fish I catch? Advice for people who catch fish in the lower Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers. DHS, Melbourne.

DNRE 2002a, Victorian Eel Fishery Management Plan, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Melbourne.

DNRE 2002b, Victorian River Health Strategy, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Melbourne.

DPI 2003, Freshwater Fish of Victoria - Blackfish, Fisheries Note, Department of Primary Industries, Melbourne.

DPI 2005, Protocols for the Translocation of Fish in Victorian Inland Public Waters, Fisheries Victoria Management Report Series No. 24, Department of Primary Industries, Melbourne.

DPI 2006, Action Agenda on Climate Change and Greenhouse: Growing Sustainable Primary Industries, Department of Primary Industries, Melbourne.

DPI 2008a, Victorian Climate Change Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture 2008-2018. Department of Primary Industries, Melbourne.

DPI 2008b, Inland Waters Classification Model. Department of Primary Industries, Melbourne.

DPI 2009, Guidelines for Assessing Translocations of Live Aquatic Organisms in Victoria (Version 2). Department of Primary Industries Report No. 65, Melbourne.

DPI n.d., Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide, Department of Primary Industries, Melbourne.

DSE 2003, Port Phillip Bay (Western Shoreline) and Bellarine Peninsula Ramsar site: Strategic Management Plan. Department of Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne.

DSE 2005, Victorian Greenhouse Strategy Action Plan Update, Department of Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne.

Environment Australia 2001, A Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia, 3rd edn, Environment Australia, Canberra.

Fletcher, WJ 1979, 'Effects of Salmo trutta on Galaxias olidus and Macroinvertebrates in Stream Communities', MSc thesis, Monash University, Clayton.

Fletcher, WJ, Chesson, J, Fisher, M, Sainsbury, KJ, Hundloe, T, Smith, ADM, and Whitworth, B 2002, National ESD reporting framework for Australian Fisheries: The 'How To' Guide for Wild Capture Fisheries, Final Report for Fisheries Research and Development Corporation Project 2000/145, Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, Canberra.

Hall, DN 1984, Commercial Fishery Situation Report: Lake Tyers, Gippsland, Fisheries and Wildlife Service, Victoria, Commercial Fisheries Report No. 11.

Harris, JH, and Rowland, SJ 1996, 'Family Percichthyidae Australian freshwater cods and basses', in R McDowall (ed.), Freshwater Fishes of South-eastern Australia, Reed Books, Chatswood, pp. 150-163.

Henry, GW, and Lyle, JM (eds) 2003, The National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Survey, New South Wales Fisheries, Cronulla.

Jackson, PD 1975, 'Bionomics of Brown Trout (Salmo trutta Linnaeus, 1758) in a Victorian Stream with Notes on Interactions with Native Fishes', PhD thesis, Monash University, Clayton.

Jackson, PD, and Davies, JN 1983, 'Survey of the Fish Fauna in the Grampians Region, South-Western Victoria', Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria, vol. 95, pp. 39-51.

Kailola, PJ, Williams, MJ, Stewart, PC, Reichelt, RE, McNee, A, and Grieve, C 1993, Australian Fisheries Resources. Bureau of Resource Sciences and The Fisheries Research and Development, Canberra.

Koehn, JD 1986, 'Approaches to determining flow and habitat requirements for freshwater native fish in Victoria', in IC Campbell (ed.) Stream Protection: The Management of Rivers for Instream Uses, Water Studies Centre Chisholm Institute of Technology, Melbourne, pp. 95-113.

Koehn, JD 1987, Artificial Habitat Increases Abundance of Two-spined Blackfish Gadiopsis bisponsis in Ovens River, Victoria, Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands, Heidelberg.

Koehn, JD 1997, 'Habitats and movements of freshwater fish in the Murray-Darling Basin' Proceedings of the inaugural Riverine Environment Research Forum of MBDC Natural Resource Management Strategy funded project, Murray Darling Basin Commission, 4-6 October 1995 Atwood, Victoria, pp. 27-37.

Koehn, JD, and Morison, AK 1990, 'A review of the conservation status of native freshwater fish in Victoria', Victorian Naturalist, vol. 107 pp. 13-25.

Koehn, JD, and O'Connor, WG 1990, Biological Information for Management of Native Freshwater Fish in Victoria, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne.

Koehn, JD, Brumley, A, and Gehrke, P 2000, Managing the Impacts of Carp, Bureau of Rural Sciences, Canberra. McDowall, R 1996, Freshwater Fishes of South Eastern Australia, Reed Books, Chatswood.

MCFFA 1999, National Policy for the Translocation of Live Aquatic Organisms – Issues, Principles and Guidelines for Implementation, Ministerial Council on Forestry, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Canberra.

Melbourne Water 2007a, Port Phillip and Westernport Regional River Health Strategy, Melbourne Water, Melbourne.

Melbourne Water 2007b, Port Phillip and Westernport Region Flood Management and Drainage Strategy, Melbourne Water, Melbourne.

NNTT 2007, Native Title Facts: What is Native Title?, National Native Title Tribunal, Canberra.

Pitman, K, Ryan, T and King, A 2007, Assessment of the Freshwater Fish Community and Riverine habitat in the Yarra River (with Reference to Macquarie perch, Macquaria australiasica). Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Technical Report Series No. 170. Department of Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne.

PPWCMA 2003, Regional Rabbit Action Plan, Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority, Colac, Victoria.

PPWCMA 2004, Port Phillip and Westernport Regional Catchment Strategy 2004-2009, Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority, Colac, Victoria.

PPWCMA 2006a, Native Vegetation Plan, Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority, Colac, Victoria.

PPWCMA 2006b, Regional Weed Action Plan, Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority, Colac, Victoria.

Rigby, BA 1982, An Ecological Study of the Ichthyoplankton and Juvenile Fish of the Gippsland Lakes, Victoria, Marine Science Laboratories, Ministry for Conservation, Queenscliff, Internal Report No. 27, p. 29.

Rowland, SJ 1988, Murray cod, Agfact F3.2.4, New South Wales Agriculture and Fisheries, Sydney.

Stoessel, D 2008, Macalister River Creel Survey, Fisheries Victoria Research Report Series No. 34, Department of Primary Industries, Melbourne.

Tunbridge, BR 2002, Guide to Inland Angling Waters of Victoria, Department of Primary Industries, Melbourne. VRFish 2004, VRFish Policy Paper - Access for Recreational Fishing, VRFish, Melbourne.

Websites

Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts	www.environment.gov.au
Department of Human Services	www.health.vic.gov.au
Department of Premier and Cabinet	www.dpc.vic.gov.au
Department of Primary Industries	www.depi.vic.gov.au
Department of Sustainability and Environment	www.depi.vic.gov.au
Environment Protection Authority	www.epa.vic.gov.au
Fishcare	www.fishcare.org.au
Guide to Inland Angling Waters of Victoria	www.depi.vic.gov.au/angling/
Melbourne Water	www.melbournewater.com.au
Parks Victoria	www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority	www.ppwcma.vic.gov.au
Victorian Climate Change Program	www.climatechange.vic.gov.au
Victorian National Parks Association	www.vnpa.org.au
Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide	www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing/
VRFish	www.vrfish.com.au

Appendix 1: Stakeholder and community engagement

Stage 1: Understand the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery

Goal: To understand community views on the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery

• A workshop was held with Fisheries Officers at Mornington, Cowes, Altona and Geelong DPI offices
• Consultation was undertaken with Aboriginal communities including Boon Wurrung Foundation Ltd, Wurundjeri Tribe Land Compensation and Cultural Heritage Council Inc, Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative
• A series of meetings were held with key natural resource management agencies including the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne Water, the Fisheries Co-Management Council, VRFish, Southern Rural Water, Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority and Victorian National Parks Association and Parks Victoria
• A flyer was sent to 350 stakeholders based in Port Phillip and Western Port informing them of how they can contribute to the development of the Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan
• An article informing the community on how they can contribute to the development of the Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan was published in:
  • Fish-e-Fax (distributed to approximately 2000 stakeholders)
  • Seven local newspapers
  • Several websites including DPI, VRFish, FishVictoria, FishNet and Southern Fly Fishers
• A radio interview was broadcast during the fishing program Out of the Blue on 3CR Melbourne
• Flyers informing the community of how they can contribute to the development of the Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan were distributed at the Fishing Show and Outdoor Expo
• Public meetings were held at Cranbourne, Lilydale, Epping and Wyndham Vale

Stage 2: Develop the Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan

Goal: To gather the communities views on the Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan

• Consultation was undertaken with Aboriginal communities including Boon Wurrung Foundation Ltd, Wurundjeri Tribe Land Compensation and Cultural Heritage Council Inc and Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative
• A series of meetings were held with key natural resource management agencies including the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne Water, the Fisheries Co-Management Council, VRFish, Southern Rural Water, Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority and Victorian National Parks Association and Parks Victoria
• A flyer was sent or emailed to 4000 stakeholders based in Port Phillip and Western Port informing them of how they can comment on the Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan
• An article informing the community on how they can comment on the Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan was published in:
  • Fish-e-Fax (distributed to approximately 2000 stakeholders)
  • local newspapers
  • DPI website
• A copy of the Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan was sent to 60 stakeholders who participated to the development of the Draft Plan

Stage 3: Declare the Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan

Goal: To inform the community that the Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan has been declared

• A flyer was sent or emailed to stakeholders based in Port Phillip and Western Port informing them of how they can obtain a copy of the Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan
• An article informing the community on how they can obtain a copy of the Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan was published in:
  • Fish-e-Fax (distributed to approximately 2000 stakeholders)
  • DPI website
• A copy of the Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan was sent to stakeholders who participated to the preparation of the Plan

Appendix 2: Summary of key non-fisheries legislation

A range of Commonwealth and state legislation affects fisheries management in Victoria. The following discussion is a summary of key legislation.

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 is administered by the Commonwealth Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act promotes the conservation of biodiversity and provides for the identification of key threatening processes and the protection of critical habitat, listed species, protected areas and communities.

Under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts may make or adopt and implement recovery plans for threatened fauna, threatened flora (other than Conservation Dependent species) and ecological communities listed as threatened.

Recovery plans establish research and management actions that will support the recovery of and maximise the long term survival in the wild of listed threatened species or threatened ecological communities. These plans specify the actions needed to protect and restore important populations of threatened species and habitat, to manage and reduce threatening processes and provide a framework by which key interest groups and responsible government agencies can coordinate activities to improve the plight of threatened species and threatened ecological communities.

Within the Port Phillip and Western Port region, the following freshwater fish species have been listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act as endangered is Macquarie perch (Macquaria australasica), and as vulnerable is the dwarf galaxias (Galaxiella pusilla), Yarra pygmy perch (Nannoperca obscura), Australian grayling (Prototroctes maraena) and Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii).

Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988

The Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 is administered by the Department of Sustainability and Environment and provides an administrative structure to enable and promote conservation of the State's native flora and fauna and a range of procedures that can be used for conserving, managing or controlling flora and fauna and managing potentially threatening processes.

The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act provides for the listing of species, communities or threatening processes. For listed species, community or threatening process, action statements are prepared to identify what has been done to conserve the species and what will be done in the future. They provide background information including habitat, life history, reasons for its decline and threats.

Action statements are designed to apply for three to five years after which time they are reviewed and updated. Implementation of action statements is the primary responsibility of the Department of Sustainability and Environment with input from other stakeholders. Within the Port Phillip and Western Port region the following fish species have been listed as threatened under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act:

• Australian grayling (Prototroctes maraena)
• Australian mudfish (Neochanna cleaveri)
• Yarra pygmy perch (Nannoperca obscura)
• Macquarie perch (Macquaria australasica)
• Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii).

The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act is considered the most appropriate management tool for achieving optimum ecologically sustainable development outcomes for these species.

Species listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act can only be taken or kept by recreational fishers if authorised by an Order of Governor in Council in accordance with the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act. The Order of Governor in Council specifies the species that can be taken and conditions such as gear restrictions, seasonal closures, closed waters, and size and bag limits. These conditions are reflected in the Fisheries Regulations.

Water Act 1989

The Water Act 1989 is administered by the Department of Sustainability and Environment and establishes rights and obligations in relation to water resources, mechanisms for allocating water resources, governs statutory powers and functions for all water authorities outside the metropolitan area and provides for integrated management of water resources and environmental and consumer protection.

Native Title Act 1993

Native Title describes the interests and rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in land and waters according to their traditional laws and customs that are recognised under Australian Law (NNTT 2007). The Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan is required by law to adhere to the requirements of the Native Title Act 1993 as part of the planning process, which allows Native Title parties an opportunity to comment on the plan through a 28-day notification process.

Advice on particular situations relating to Native Title in the Port Phillip and Western Port region is available through the regional Department of Sustainability and Environment Native Title Coordinator.

Heritage Rivers Act 1992 and National Parks Act 1975

The Heritage Rivers Act 1992 and the National Parks Act 1975 are administered by the Department of Sustainability and Environment and provide guidance for protecting biodiversity when considering translocations in inland waters. In summary, the introduction of non-native fauna is not permitted in natural catchment areas as defined in the Heritage Rivers Actor National Parks, State Parks and Wilderness Parks as defined in the National Parks Act and reference areas as stated in provisions under the Reference Areas Act 1978.

Other relevant legislation

Other Victorian legislation that is relevant to management of the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery includes:

• Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006
• Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994
• Coastal Management Act 1995
• Environment Effects Act 1978
• Environment Protection Act 1970
• Planning and Environment Act 1987
• Water (Resource Management) Act 2005

Victorian legislation is available at www.legislation.vic.gov.au.

Appendix 3: Fish stocked in the fishery between 2005 and 2008

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Appendix 4: Preparing the Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan

This fishery management plan was prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Fisheries Act. Fisheries Victoria, a division of DPI, is responsible for preparing fishery management plans.

Relevant stakeholders were invited to join the Steering Committee for the purposes of assisting Fisheries Victoria in preparing this fishery management plan. The Steering Committee provided advice to DPI in relation to the conformance of the plan with the requirements of the Fisheries Act and to respond to consultation on the draft fishery management plan.

Requirements of the Fisheries Act

The Fisheries Act stipulates that a fishery management plan must—

1. define the fishery to which the plan relates
2. be consistent with the objectives of the Fisheries Act and with any guidelines issued with respect to the preparation of the plan
3. include the management objectives of the plan
4. specify the management tools and other measures to be used to achieve the objectives of the plan
5. include guidelines for the criteria to be used in respect of the issue of licences and permits and in respect of the renewal, variation or transfer of licences
6. as far as is known, identify critical components of the ecosystem relevant to the plan and current or potential threats to those components and existing or proposed preventative measures
7. specify performance indicators, targets and monitoring methods
8. as far as relevant and practicable, identify in respect of the fishery, declared noxious aquatic species or fisheries reserve, the biological, ecological, social and economic factors relevant to its management including -
   1. its current status, human uses and economic value
   2. measures to minimise its impact on non-target species and the environment
   3. research needs and priorities
   4. the resources required to implement the plan.

The Fisheries Act stipulates that a fishery management plan may -

9. specify the manner in which fishing capacity is to be measured and the fishing capacity so measured;
10. specify the duration of the management plan
11. specify the procedures or conditions for review of the plan
12. include any other relevant matters.

Additional direction on the preparation of the Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan has been provided by the gazettal of guidelines on 1 October 2007.

Planning process

The process for developing fishery management plans includes the following steps:

1. Fisheries Victoria calls for nominations and appoints a steering committee with an independent chair
2. Ministerial guidelines for, or with respect to, the preparation of the fishery management plan are prepared and published in the Victoria Government Gazette (Appendix 5).
3. Fisheries Victoria undertakes a process of public consultation, including public meetings, to identify issues relevant to the fishery for which the management plan will be developed
4. Fisheries Victoria, with guidance from the steering committee, prepares a draft fishery management plan
5. The Fisheries Co-Management Council endorses the planning process followed in preparing the draft fishery management plan
6. The Minister responsible for fisheries or delegate endorses the draft management plan for public release
7. A notice of intention to declare the fishery management plan is published in the Victoria Government Gazette and a newspaper circulating generally within Victoria and begins a sixty day period of public consultation
8. The steering committee considers public submissions and with its guidance, Fisheries Victoria completes the draft fishery management plan
9. The Fisheries Co-Management Council endorses the planning process followed in preparing the final management plan
10. The Minister responsible for fisheries declares the management plan by notice in the Victoria Government Gazette.

Public consultation

The initial step in preparing this fishery management plan was understanding the values and issues regarding fishing in estuaries, lakes and rivers of the Port Phillip and Western Port fishery that are important recreational fishers and other stakeholders.

During a 60-day consultation period, stakeholders had the opportunity to provide comment on the Draft Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan. Three written submissions were received.

Key issues identified during this consultation phase have been considered by the Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan Steering Committee which provided responses supported by the Executive Director Fisheries Victoria and the Minister responsible for fisheries.

Steering Committee

Membership of the stakeholder-based Steering Committee included:

Chair

Mr Ross Winstanley

Committee members

Ms Sandra Brizga, Fisheries Co-management Council

Mr Mark Smith, Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority

Mr Ron Lewis, VRFish Mr Franz Grasser, VRFish Mr Rhys Coleman, Melbourne Water

Ms Jessica Littlejohn, Southern Rural Water

Mr Mark Winfield, Department of Sustainability and Environment

Mr Jon Belling, Boon Wurrung Foundation Limited

Ms Vicki Nicholson-Brown, Wurundjeri Tribe Land Compensation and Cultural Heritage Council Inc

Ms Megan Clinton, Victorian National Parks Association Mr Peter Lawson, Department of Primary Industries

Mr Travis Dowling, Department of Primary Industries

Executive Officer

Ms Candice Basham, Department of Primary Industries

Appendix 5: Ministerial Guidelines

Excerpt from the Government Gazette G 41, 11 October 2007, page 2308.

Fisheries Act 1995

Guidelines for the preparation of the Port Phillip and Western Port Fishery Management Plan

I, Jon Presser, as delegate of the Minister for Agriculture, pursuant to section 28(2) of the Fisheries Act 1995 (the Act), issue the following guidelines with respect to the preparation of a Fishery Management Plan for the inland Port Phillip and Western Port region.

1. Fisheries Victoria of the Department of Primary Industries will be responsible for the preparation of the Fishery Management Plan. The plan must be consistent with the objectives of the Act.
2. The Fishery Management Plan must be consistent with all existing Government legislation and Departmental policies.
3. The Fisheries Co-Management Council will oversee the process for the preparation of the Fishery Management Plan. The plan must comply with Part 3 of the Act.
4. The Fishery Management Plan will be prepared with input from all major affected stakeholder groups, including recreational fishing interests and Indigenous interests.
5. The inland Port Phillip and Western Port region includes inland waters, as defined in the Act, within the Werribee Catchment, Maribyrnong Catchment, Yarra Catchment, Dandenong Catchment and Westernport Catchment as defined by the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority.
6. The inland Port Phillip and Western Port region does not include marine waters as defined by the Act. 7. The Fishery Management Plan will identify factors, including habitat and water management issues, impacting on fishery resources.
7. The Fishery Management Plan may identify opportunities to maintain or enhance the recreational fishing experience.
8. The Fishery Management Plan may specify appropriate management controls with regard to recreational fishing and may recommend options to assist in managing related activities.
9. The Fishery Management Plan will identify research and information needs to support the sustainable management of fishery resources.
10. The Fishery Management Plan will include processes for reporting to the Victorian community on achievements of the Plan.

Dated 1 October 2007

Delegate of the responsible Minister

JON PRESSER
Acting Executive Director Fisheries Victoria