Fish-e-Facts 383
01 February 2016
February 2016
Target One Million in 2015
2015 was big for Target One Million, a program which aims to get more people fishing, more often.
Two trout cod fisheries opened, boating access was improved at Blue Rock Lake, marine stocking began and legislation was passed to remove commercial netting from Port Phillip Bay, beginning in April 2016.
There's more to be done this year with a $2,000 grants program for fishing clubs commencing, fish stocking increasing towards 5 million, barramundi stocking into Hazelwood Pondage and expanding the trout opening festival - for more information visit www.vic.gov.au/targetonemillion.
Better Fishing Facilities grants
The boat ramp on the western shore of Taylors Lake, south east of Horsham, has been upgraded.
The upgrade included nearly 650 tonnes of rock and aggregate and was funded by the Better Fishing Facilities grants program, which is part of the State Government's Target One Million plan.
Undertaken by Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water with the support of the Mid Northern Association of Angling Clubs, the upgrade has fixed the severe drop off at the end of the ramp.
Taylors Lake is a popular fishery, home to populations of Murray cod, golden perch and silver perch, all of which are stocked annually using recreational fishing licence fees.
The lake boasts a relatively secure water allocation in the Wimmera so investing in better facilities and stocking should provide long term benefits for local and visiting anglers.
Learn more about the Better Fishing Facilities grants program at www.vic.gov.au/targetonemillion or email improving.fishing@vfa.vic.gov.au with suggestions for projects in your area.
Suburbs to Sea - movies and muffins night
Suburban litter entering local waterways impacts our fish and other marine life.
Come and learn more at the Suburbs to Sea – movies and muffins night being held on Friday 26th February, 7 – 9 pm at Point Cook Community Centre, 21 Cheetham Street, Point Cook.
The night includes screening of two short films titled 'Baykeepers' and 'Plastic Oceans' and talks about local initiatives people can get involved in to reduce litter and help improve habitat for fish. Muffins, tea and coffee will follow.
This event is brought to you by the Point Cook Open Spaces Community Group. It is jointly funded by the Victorian Government using Recreational Fishing Licence Fees, Wyndham City Council and the Australian Government's National Landcare Programme, and supported by Nature West.
To register, please visit: www.experiencewyndham.com.au/whatson/suburb_to_sea_movie_and_muffin_night_
Geelong Fishers for Fish Habitat Forum
Are you an angler? Do you want to learn more about fish habitat projects that are helping to improve your fishing opportunities in Victoria? Then come along to a free, one day Fishers for Fish Habitat forum on 27 February at Simonds Stadium, Geelong.
Restoring Australia's Great Southern Seascapes, fish passage in the lower Barwon River, fish and habitat improvements in the Gellibrand estuary and an update on rebuilding Port Phillip Bay's shellfish reef are some of the topics of the day.
The forum includes an afternoon bus tour to view local habitat projects and a dinner with a special guest speaker from OzFish Unlimited.
Participants are welcome to attend all or part of the day, but booking is required as places are limited. For more information or to register, contact the Arthur Rylah Institute on 0448 983 627 or email ari.reception@delwp.vic.gov.au.
The forum is jointly funded by the Victorian Government using Recreational Fishing Licence Fees, the Australian Government's National Landcare Programme and The Nature Conservancy. It's also supported by VRFish, Australian Trout Foundation, Native Fish Australia and Corangamite Catchment Management Authority.