The Government committed to creating a recreational fishing haven in Western Port. On 1 December 2007, commercial net fishing was prohibited in Western Port.
Licensed commercial fishers affected by the ban have been offered an adjustment package and the Rural Finance Corporation is currently working with affected fishers to implement the $5 million adjustment package.
The bulk of the commercial catch taken by netting in Western Port was rock flathead, King George whiting, calamari and gummy shark.
The prohibition on commercial net fishing in Western Port is not expected to have any long term impacts on the supply of fresh fish across Victoria.
Total commercial fish production from Western Port accounted for about 2% of production from State-managed fisheries during 2005/06.
Commercial long line fishing will still be allowed to continue in Western Port.
To September 2008:
This initiative is complete. The Western Port Recreational Fishing Haven is established. All affected Commercial Fishers have accepted relocation offers or surrended their licences. |  | Commercial net fishing was prohibited in Western Port on 1 December 2007 |
