Commercial Fishing
Most Victorian consumers choose to buy fresh fish so there is an ongoing need for vibrant commercial fisheries. Seafood from Victoria’s fisheries are some of the cleanest in the world, coming from unpolluted marine and estuarine waters. Sustainably harvested and fresh, this seafood is keenly sought in local, interstate and overseas markets.
Harvesting of fisheries resources is managed by Fisheries Victoria, which works in partnership with commercial and recreational fishing stakeholders to ensure sustainability.
The Fisheries Act 1995 aims to utilise fisheries resources according to ecologically sustainable development principles which means meeting the needs of today without compromising the needs of the future.
Victoria's commercial fisheries are managed primarily by input controls such as limits on the number of commercial licences, fishing equipment restrictions and area/seasonal fishing closures. Output controls include legal minimum lengths. Both types of controls protect fish stocks from excessive fishing pressure and minimise undesirable interactions with other users of public waters.
Quick Links
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Access to commercial fisheries
Interim policy for the development of new wild catch fisheries.
Blue Groper is now protected
The take of blue groper by all fishing methods in Victorian waters is prohibited.
Port Phillip Bay - Fish in Our Waters
A report that summarises what we know about Port Phillip Bay's fisheries.
Commercial fish production
Annual statistics on catch and effort for Victoria's commercial fisheries.
European Green Shore Crab
Regulations to reduce the spread of this invasive species.
Commercial fishing statement of intent
Victoria's commitment to the commercial fishing industry.
