More protection required for dusky flathead

by Paul Sellars on 10 Aug 2012 Support for action to provide more protection for large breeding dusky flathead, particularly females, in East Gippsland estuaries has been expressed by the recreational fishing community.

Fisheries research through boat ramp surveys and angler diary information collected in Mallacoota Inlet and Lake Tyers suggest catches of large females have declined since the 1990s.

'To boost big fish stocks, Fisheries Victoria had issued a draft Fisheries Notice to introduce a maximum size limit for dusky flathead of 55cm for recreational anglers and the new maximum size limit will provide a no-take refuge for large fish and help rebuild breeding stocks,' Mr Bull said.

'The notice will also increase the minimum size limit from 27cm to 30cm and the new minimum size limit reflects the views of recreational fishers that the current minimum size limit of 27cm does not provide a fish of suitable size to eat,' he said.

Recreational fishers supported these proposals at forums in Lakes Entrance and Mallacoota. The Fisheries Notice will apply to recreational fishers in all Victorian waters.

Mr Bull said, the implementation of this Fisheries Notice will not change the current daily bag limit of five dusky flathead per person.

'The new slot size limit will not apply to commercial fishing activity to avoid the wasteful discard of large flathead.'

Fisheries Victoria is seeking public comment on the draft Fisheries (Dusky Flathead) Notice until Sunday 30 September 2012.

To comment on this Fisheries Notice, please provide comments in writing to Zac Lewis, Fisheries Manager, PO Box 4440, Melbourne 3001, or email DPI Victoria Fisheries website