Victorian Snapper bonanza backed by compliance blitz

by DPI VIC on 17 Dec 2010 Fisheries Victoria officers issued more than 50 fines to recreational anglers on the weekend as part of a wide ranging blitz to enforce snapper bag limits and other regulations. All the indications were that the snapper season was showing great promise, with good quantities of fish between 3-5kg and a good run of smaller fish in the 1-2kg range.

Victorian anglers can enjoy this world class snapper fishery due to favourable conditions and sustainable fisheries management. The future of the fishery depends on everyone who targets snapper, whether recreationally or commercially, understanding their rights and responsibilities.

Intensive patrols by Fisheries officers on the weekend found some anglers had succumbed to the temptation of taking more than their fair share of snapper. Extra officers and two extra boats patrolled Port Phillip Bay last weekend and some people went to great lengths to take more than their fair share.

In two cases the offending was considered serious enough to warrant prosecution and those involved will be charged on summons. As a result of those cases approximately $3,100 worth of fishing rods were seized.

Fisheries Victoria will continue to direct resources to fishing hot spots to ensure anglers keeping within the catch limits designed to ensure sustainable fishing. Many anglers are catching their daily bag limit in a short time this season.

Officers inspected 520 anglers and detected 57 offenders, with several matters destined for the courts.

The current minimum legal length for snapper is 28cm and the daily bag limit is ten fish, of which only three may equal or exceed 40cm.

Fisheries Officers regularly patrol popular boat ramps and are well aware of the most productive areas of the Bay.

Recreational anglers are also reminded it is illegal to sell or trade their catch. Anglers found exceeding catch limits or selling their catch face significant fines.

Anyone observing anglers exceeding their catch limits or multi-tripping can report vehicle or vessel details to Fisheries Victoria’s 24-hour reporting line 13 FISH (13 3474). Call 13Fish if you suspect a fisheries crime

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