October 30, 2018
VRFish, the peak body representing Victorian recreational fishers, is encouraging recreational fishers, local businesses and the public concerned with the quality of fishing and lack of tourism to the Gippsland area to attend a community rally to support the campaign to end commercial netting in the Gippsland Lakes.
The community rally will be held on Sunday 4thNovember from 11.30am at the Paynesville Foreshore. The campaign overview with David Warren, President of the Gippsland Lakes Recreational Fishing Alliance, will commence at 1.30pm.
VRFish Chairman, Mr Rob Loats, said “The Gippsland Lakes Recreational Fishing Alliance is holding a community rally to have their voices heard. The fishery is no longer viable to support both a quality recreational and commercial fishery.”
“A great fishery brings fishers to these smaller towns, providing a boost to the local economy and helping small local businesses such as restaurants and accommodation. With the current state of the fishery, fishers are choosing to go elsewhere.”
VRFish is calling for a fair and respectful compulsory buy-out of the commercial Gippsland Lakes net fishery, a review of recreational fishing management arrangements, habitat restoration and restocking programs.
“Our fishers are concerned about the state of the Gippsland Lakes fishery and are in support of voluntary cut bag limits, increase in size limits and participating in habitat restoration to benefit the area.”
VRFish have developed their Election Policy based on the priorities of Victorian recreational fishers. This demonstrates the benefit of having a strong and independent peak body.
Visit the following event for more information on the Community Rally to Make the Gippsland Lakes Great Again.
