Victoria

	Victoria's Recreational Fishing Peak Body ...representing all Victorian fishers.

	VICTORIA'S RECREATIONAL FISHING CODE OF CONDUCT
	A code of conduct for recreational boat, shore, river, stream and jetty fishers in Victoria.

	Recreational fishers have a responsibility to look after fisheries resources for the benefit of the environment and future generations of fishers. Recreational fishers should also show respect for other users of the aquatic environment. This Code of Conduct provides guidelines to minimise conflicts on the water, and should be adopted by all recreational fishers.

	1. AWARENESS OF AND COMPLIANCE WITH FISHING REGULATIONS
	2. RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF OTHER ANGLERS AND USERS
	3. PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT
	4. CAREFULLY RETURN UNDERSIZED, PROTECTED OR UNWANTED CATCH BACK TO THE WATER
	5. FISH SPECIES AND OTHER ORGANISMS MUST NOT BE RELOCATED/TRANSFERRED INTO OTHER WATER BODIES
	6. ALWAYS SEEK PERMISSION WHEN ENTERING PRIVATE PROPERTY
	7. USE ESTABLISHED ACCESS ROADS AND TRACKS
	8. ATTEND TO YOUR FISHING GEAR AND VALUE YOUR CATCH
	9. EDUCATION - PASS ON YOUR KNOWLEDGE
	10. RESPECT INDIGENOUS SITES AND VALUES

1. AWARENESS OF AND COMPLIANCE WITH FISHING REGULATIONS	Recreational fishers must acquaint themselves with all fisheries regulations, size and bag limits. Adherence to the regulations will benefit fishing for the future. Top
2. RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF OTHER ANGLERS AND USERS	Avoid crowding fellow recreational fishers. Either on the shore or on the water. Crowding and “hogging” jetty space detracts from the recreational fishing experience. The rights of all users of the fisheries resource should always be respected. Always be aware of your surroundings and the impact you may have when fishing. Top
3. PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT	The health of our fisheries resources depends upon the health of our environment. Damage to our environment can inadvertently harm the fish you are trying to catch. Dispose of rubbish, unwanted fishing gear and bait scraps in appropriate refuse receptacles or take them home when you leave. Only leave footprints wherever you go. Take care when anchoring to minimise damage to the aquatic environment. Be aware of plants, animals and native fauna you may encounter when fishing. Top
4. CAREFULLY RETURN UNDERSIZED, PROTECTED OR UNWANTED CATCH BACK TO THE WATER	Catching undersized or unwanted species is inevitable. But they should be returned to the water in a humane manner immediately. Wetting of hands or use of a wet cloth when handling fish improves their survival rate, and their contribution to future catches. Learn and practice the best methods of releasing live fish with a focus on releasing fish while still in the water. Top
5. FISH SPECIES AND OTHER ORGANISMS MUST NOT BE RELOCATED/TRANSFERRED INTO OTHER WATER BODIES	Many problems, such as the establishment of feral populations like European carp and invasive weed can result from such activities. Unnatural interactions may result in depletion of fish populations. Wash your boat with fresh water to prevent translocation of marine organisms. Top
6. ALWAYS SEEK PERMISSION WHEN ENTERING PRIVATE PROPERTY	Having access to fishing waters within private property is a privilege, not a right. Respect the rights of the property holders by: Gaining permission prior to entering private property. Not interfering with livestock or crops in any way. Leaving all gates as they were found. Top
7. USE ESTABLISHED ACCESS ROADS AND TRACKS	We all like to get away from it all, but this must be done responsibly. Off-road driving or “bush bashing” causes erosion and vegetation loss; likewise tramping across sand dunes, reef beds and other fragile areas can cause damage. Use established walking tracks and avoid driving on beaches. Protecting sand dunes and vegetation will help minimise beach and bankside erosion. Pay particular attention to the ongoing and often unacceptable impacts created by vehicles accessing inland area on unformed dirt roads and tracks during wet weather conditions. Damage caused during these times can lead to costly remedial works and potential closures of important access roads. Top
8. ATTEND TO YOUR FISHING GEAR AND VALUE YOUR CATCH	Treat fish humanely and avoid waste by: Despatching fish that you are going to keep immediately after capture. Attending to your gear to ensure that fish are retrieved as soon as possible. Top
9. EDUCATION - PASS ON YOUR KNOWLEDGE	Educating other anglers, particularly children to understand and observe fishing regulations will lead to a better-informed recreational fishing community. This will encourage awareness of the environment and responsible recreational fishing. Top
10. RESPECT INDIGENOUS SITES AND VALUES	Victoria has many indigenous cultural heritage sites, to preserve these sites: Use established walking tracks around sites. Do not remove or deface any historical artefacts. Respect the rights of indigenous people. Top