August 30, 2022
VRFish, the peak body representing Victoria’s 1,114,000 recreational fishers, has revealed the results from an annual advocacy priorities survey conducted with almost 5,000 recreational fishers.
The survey received an overwhelming response from 4,858 recreational fishers sharing their thoughts on what will make fishing better in Victoria. Their input will go into creating VRFish’s new advocacy plan and play an integral role in developing our election policy ahead of the Victorian state election in November.
SUMMARY OF RESULTS:
- Marine waters were most commonly fished.
- Land-based was the most common fishing access method, followed by boat.
- The top five marine and estuarine species were: King George whiting, snapper, flathead (all other species), flathead (dusky), calamari/squid.
- The top five freshwater species were: trout (rainbow), trout (brown), Murray cod, Redfin, golden perch.
- A large majority of respondents (approx. 87%) were on the spectrum of being satisfied with the quality of recreational fishing in Victoria (being either very satisfied, satisfied, somewhat satisfied).
TOP 3 INLAND ISSUES
- Habitat restoration to improve our wild trout fisheries.
- Screens on irrigation pumps and channels to prevent the loss of fish from our rivers.
- Funded fish recovery plans for species such as Macquarie perch, blackfish and trout cod.
TOP 3 MARINE ISSUES
- Expand restoration of living shellfish reefs in our bays, inlets and estuaries.
- Future-proof our snapper fishery through enhanced management and increased angler stewardship.
- Seagrass mangrove and salt marsh fish habitat restoration.
TOP 3 STATEWIDE ISSUES
- Campaigns to reduce litter and rubbish around waterways.
- Oppose development and activities that negatively impact fish stocks or pollute waters.
- Imposing tougher penalties on those that break the law.
TOP 3 IMPACTS ON FISHING SATISFACTION AND EXPERIENCES
- Lack of bins or fishing gear disposal facilities.
- Overcrowding at boat ramps.
- Difficulty catching target species.
