Responsible fishing to protect wildlife

Fifteen years of rescues and research by Australian Seabird Rescue teams has revealed that 94 per cent of fishing-related injuries on sea and shorebirds are caused by anglers accidentally hooking a bird when they are fishing and to a lesser extent, by un-attended set lines. Historically, it was believed that the most common cause of injury to wildlife was discarded line, which rescue teams have found to be related to only 6 per cent of injuries.

To ensure that the threat to wildlife is reduced, fishers are encouraged to:

• Cast away from foraging birds;
• Use barbless hooks, where possible;
• Not leave lines unattended;
• Collect all rubbish and tackle and dispose of it correctly; and
• Report any injured animals to Help of Wildlife on 0417 380 687 or Wildlife Victoria on 0500 540 000.

Licence-funded Tarwin River fishing platforms completed

Four new fishing platforms on the south bank of the Tarwin River are complete and ready for use by recreational anglers.

The platforms, located between the Tarwin Lower township and the road bridge upstream, will significantly improve access to the river for shore-based anglers chasing species such as estuary perch, mullet and bream.

All four platforms were custom-designed to fit each location on the river and feature bench seats and angled top railings which make ideal rod rests.

The platforms will help maintain bank stability, prevent erosion, reduce the loss of vegetation and enhance safety.

Before the platforms were built, anglers were fishing from degraded banks that were often muddied from high tides and lots of foot traffic. Now anglers can enjoy a family fishing experience that is clean, safe and has minimal impact on the surrounding environment.

The two-year, $210,000 project, was delivered by the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (WGCMA) as part of its program to enhance the health of the Tarwin River and provide for the social and recreational needs of locals and visitors.

A grant of $115,000 from the Recreational Fishing Licence Trust Account contributed to the project.

The fishing platforms are linked by existing tracks and the WGCMA has plans for another three platforms along the river as part of its ongoing improvements for the area.

Since the introduction of the all-waters Recreational Fishing Licence in 1999, more than 180 projects totalling over $6 million have been funded to improve freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities throughout Victoria.

Stocking update

The following waters were stocked by Fisheries Victoria during the month of July, 2007.

 

Date:	Water:	Species:	Number:
2/07/07	Seagull Lake	Rainbow trout	800
2/07/07	St Augustines Water Hole	Rainbow trout	300
2/07/07	Bannockburn Lagoon	Rainbow trout	100
2/07/07	Cobden Lake	Rainbow trout	100
2/07/07	Tea Tree Lake	Rainbow trout	200
2/07/07	Hyland Lake	Rainbow trout	1000
4/07/07	Darlingsford Lake	Rainbow trout	250
4/07/07	Navan Park Lake	Rainbow trout	250
4/07/07	Caulfield Racecourse Lake	Rainbow trout	200
4/07/07	Arboretum Dam	Rainbow trout	125
4/07/07	Fosters Dam	Rainbow trout	125
4/07/07	Sambell Lake	Rainbow trout	500
4/07/07	Allans Flat Dredge Hole	Rainbow trout	250
9/07/07	Gillear Lake	Rainbow trout	1000
9/07/07	Gillear Lake	Brown trout	1000
9/07/07	Aringa Reservoir	Rainbow trout	1000
9/07/07	Aringa Reservoir	Brown trout	500
11/07/07	Eildon Pondage	Brown trout	163
11/07/07	Eildon Pondage	Rainbow trout	320
12/07/07	Narracan Lake	Rainbow trout	3000
12/07/07	Narracan Lake	Brown trout	3000
16/07/07	Purrumbete Lake	Brown trout	216
18/07/07	Barkers Creek Reservoir	Brown trout	3000
19/07/07	Lake Hume	Rainbow trout	5000
19/07/07	Lake Hume	Rainbow trout	3930
25/07/07	Bullarto Reservoir	Rainbow trout	500
25/07/07	Bullarto Reservoir	Brown trout	500
26/07/07	Bellfield Reservoir	Rainbow trout	5000