▲TopMAJOR FISHERIES PLAN NEEDS REEL INPUT FROM ANGLERS

Fisheries Victoria is seeking ideas from anglers to prepare a new plan to provide even better opportunities for recreational fishing in Victoria.

The Acting Executive Director Fisheries Victoria, Anthony Hurst, says the preparation of the plan is a great way for fishers to get involved in suggesting future initiatives to improve their sport.

“The new plan began to take shape in discussions with recreational fishers at a Recreational Fishing Round Table meeting in Melbourne last month,” Mr Hurst said.

“Initial suggestions so far include starting a marine stocking program for species such as mulloway and bream, building more reefs in estuaries and ocean waters, and further boosting fisheries education to school children.

“The plan will build on the Victorian Government’s $13.5 Million Enhanced Fishing Program, which is delivering a 30 per cent increase in fish stocking, new fish cleaning tables, a recreational fishing haven in Western port and improved access to waterways.

“In keeping with the Government’s commitment to improve the consultative arrangements for recreational fishing we will be holding a series of open public forums across Victoria, starting in July, to get fishers' ideas.

“The dates and venues for the regional forums will be publicised soon. “The feedback we get will be used to finalise the plan.

“It will also help to guide the new Recreational Fishing Grants Working Group, which will provide advice on priority projects using recreational fishing licence revenue.

“Fisheries Victoria is developing strong and transparent governance arrangements to underpin the plan, starting with an independent review of the process for funding projects under the Recreational Fishing Grants program.”

For more information about the newly proposed Recreational Fishing Grants Working Group visit

www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing