Fish-e-Facts 378
15 October 2015
October 2015
Volunteers sought for recreational fishing licence fees advisory group
Fisheries Victoria is seeking nominations from keen recreational fishers to join a working group that provides advice to Government on how best to spend fishing licence fees.
All the money raised from fishing licence sales goes back directly to improving recreational fishing in Victoria. This means more fish stocked, better fishing access and healthier rivers and bays.
The Recreational Fishing Grants Working Group consists of eight recreational fishers appointed for a three year term, who collectively bring together a range of fishing knowledge and experience from across the state.
These volunteers review and prioritise project submissions from angling clubs, community groups, councils and government agencies.
Recreational fishers are passionate about protecting and growing Victoria's amazing fisheries, so, we are looking for grass roots anglers to provide advice on the best projects that will lead to even better freshwater and salt water fisheries in this state.
The group includes one person nominated by VRFish and another representing recreational fishing business interests such as a guide, charter operator or bait and tackle retailer.
Committed to getting more women, children and families fishing in Victoria, the next term of the working group will include 50 per cent representation by females. This provides an excellent opportunity to get broader insight into better fishing opportunities across all of the community.
Improving fishing facilities and growing participation will help families enjoy the great outdoors together and lead active, healthy lifestyles.
Nominations for the working group close on 27 November 2015.
For an Expression of Interest form, contact Mr Robin Billen from Horton International on (03) 9650 2555 or via email billen@horton-intl.com.au.
New plastic licences available from November 1
Anglers who buy a 1 or 3-year Victorian fishing licence online will receive a plastic licence in the mail under new arrangements to commence on 1 November.
The new plastic fishing licence offers keen anglers the choice of buying a more durable format that will better cope with moisture prone environments such as tackle boxes and aboard vessels.
Licence retailers, including tackle shops, will still sell 1 and 3-year fishing licences, and the shorter 2-day and 28-day options, however all four formats will remain paper-based when bought over the counter.
Plastic licences will arrive in the mail within seven days of purchase and an emailed equivalent will provide immediate coverage so anglers can fish immediately.
All revenue from the sale of fishing licences continue to support projects that improve fishing opportunities such as stocking, fish habitat improvement and better access and facilities.
A new fishing opportunity for novice anglers
Fisheries Victoria's Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre helped 38 beginner anglers wet a line in Port Phillip Bay during the September school holidays.
Funded by the State Government's Target One Million plan for recreational fishing, which aims to get more people fishing more often, the anglers joined one of several educational experiences offered by the Centre, based near Queenscliff.
The Discovery Centre's fisheries education programs have been expanded to include more of these two hour long on-water clinics for beginners that combine hands on fishing with engaging activities that promote sustainable fishing and responsible angling.
Amongst the clinics' catches were leatherjackets, southern calamari and wrasse along with several undersize fish that were released.
To register interest in the summer holiday program email marine.discovery@vfa.vic.gov.au and you will receive a program of activities scheduled for the next school break.
Estuaries Unmasked Tarwin River event
Have you ever wondered what fish live in the Tarwin River, and the importance of habitat and connections between the upper catchment and estuary for fish? Well this is your chance to find out more!
Come along to our Tarwin River, Estuaries Unmasked 'Off the Hook' event! Learn about the Tarwin River Catchment and actions to improve its health.
Hear about local fish research and methods to sample fish. Watch a boat-electrofishing demonstration and see first-hand what fish live in the Tarwin estuary. Connect with other local people that are interested in the Tarwin River and its wildlife.
When: Sunday 8th November 2015, 10.30 am to 1.30 pm
Where: Tarwin Lower boat ramp and jetty, Inverloch-Venus Bay Road, Tarwin Lower
RSVP: Call ARI on 0448 983 627 or email ari.reception@delwp.vic.gov.au
BBQ lunch provided. This event is outdoors, so please wear appropriate clothing, closed footwear, hat and sunscreen.
This event is being hosted by the Arthur Rylah Institute and the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority. It's jointly supported through the Australian Government's National Landcare Programme, the Victorian Government using Recreational Fishing Licence Fees and EstuaryWatch.