September 26, 2018
VRFish, the peak body representing Victorian recreational fishers, is reminding anglers that the Macquarie perch closed season to protect spawning fish runs from 1 October to 31 December.
In Victoria, Macquarie perch are listed as a threatened species and anglers can only catch Macquarie perch in selected waters during open season.
VRFish Chairman, Mr. Rob Loats said, “In addition to raising awareness about the closed season, VRFish are also advocating for a boost in infrastructure to increase Macquarie perch restocking and grow new fishing opportunities.”
“To boost our native freshwater fishery, a purpose-built native fish hatchery in northern Victoria is critical.”
“This will free up much needed space and resources at the Snob’s Creek Hatchery to develop innovative methods to breed and to substantially increase the production of Macquarie perch.”
In the meantime, recreational fishers have advocated strongly to the Victorian Fisheries Authority for the installation of updated signage across Macquarie perch’s last stronghold populations in Australia.
“Our fishers want to ensure anyone fishing in these areas are playing their role to help in the recovery of Macquarie perch as well as reporting any illegal fishing activity,” he said.
New signs will be installed at 22 sites across the Mitta Mitta River and Dartmouth Dam by Parks Victoria and Goulburn Murray Water.
VRFish will continue to advocate on behalf of Victorian fishers to continue to make fishing better across the state and recovery of our native fish. This demonstrates the value of having a strong and independent Recreational Fishing Peak Body.
