Recreational Fishing Grants Working Group Meeting 23

25 February 2015 - Location: Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, 1 Spring Street, Melbourne

Independent Chair's Summary

This was the 23rd meeting of the Recreational Fishing Grants Working Group.

Key items discussed included:

RFL Small Grants – Revision of guidelines and funding criteria
RFL Large and Commissioning Grants – Revision of scoring and assessment
Report on Snobs Creek Fish Production and Liberation project
Fish Stocking Evaluation – Results
Jigging For Squid: Results
Wild Trout Management Program: Progress
Torquay Offshore Reef Update

RFL Small Grants – Revision of guidelines and funding criteria

The RFGWG agreed on what were considered to be reasonable amounts for various components of small grant applications, and agreed that these should be adhered to. The Secretariat, Recreational Fishing Grants Program will continue to preview all small grant applications, and work with applicants if necessary, to ensure that applications are in line with expectations prior to applications being referred to the RFGWG for assessment.

RFL Large and Commissioning Grants – Revision of scoring and assessment process

The RFGWG has agreed that they would prefer to score the seven criteria that are relevant to the assessment of Large and Commissioning Grants on a scale of 1-10, and this provision will be made prior to the assessment of the 2014/15 round of applications.

Report on Snobs Creek Fish Production and Liberation project

Discussion was had in regard to the concern that the new election commitment of increasing fish stocking from 3 million to 5 million, has the potential to compromise the quality (i.e. size and genetic integrity) of fish stocked into Victorian waters. As a result it was agreed that the Independent Chair of the RFGWG will write to the Snobs Creek Advisory Board to express this concern.

Fish Stocking Evaluation - Results

The RFGWG agreed that the provision of $820,000 per annum for fish stocking had brought considerable benefit to recreational fishing in Victoria, and supported the ongoing allocation of $820,000 (plus CPI adjustment).

Jigging For Squid - Results

Fisheries scientist Corey Green presented findings of this RFL funded research project.

Wild Trout Management Program: Progress

Fisheries scientist Taylor Hunt presented on the progress that has been made with the Wild Trout Management Program to date, and alluded to what work will be completed in the coming months.

Torquay Offshore Reef update

Fisheries Manager Brian Mottram provided an update on the pending deployment of the Torquay Offshore Reef and success of the recent Ministerial launch.

Next meeting: 31 March 2015

Rob Loats
Independent Chair
Recreational Fishing Grants Working Group