The Enhanced Recreational Fishing Program

The Government demonstrated its commitment to recreational fishing at the last election by allocating $13.5 million to further enhance fishing opportunities and facilities.

The Government’s 2006 Recreational Fishing and Boating Policy Statement committed to enhancing recreational fishing opportunities throughout Victoria. The policy identified a number of projects that would be delivered during the Government’s term by, primarily, Fisheries Victoria and Marine Safety Victoria.

Fisheries Victoria will be delivering on the Government’s commitment by: Initiating an ‘Adopt-A-Stream’ grants program - NOW OPEN! Creating a recreational fishing haven in Western Port Bay by banning all commercial netting Increasing the number of fish stocked by 30 per cent over the next four years Building a native fish production facility in northern Victoria Cracking down on fisheries crime by continuing the 13FISH offence reporting line Improving angler access in priority areas through signage, information and minor on-ground works Establishing a fish cleaning table program Trialling artificial reefs to determine their benefits Developing new fisheries such as Devilbend Reservoir Reviewing the membership of the Fisheries Revenue Allocation Committee to ensure all fishing licence revenue is spent on the most worthwhile projects Classifying rivers and streams throughout the state Expanding the educational programs through the Marine Discovery Centre.