Devilbend Reservoir
In May 2010, Parks Victoria released the Devilbend Natural Features Reserve Management Plan.
The Plan establishes future directions for protecting and enhancing the Reserve’s values while providing for visitor use, including fishing.
Parks Victoria is finalising and implementing a Master Plan for the public opening of the Reserve.
Questions about when the Reserve will be open and access should be directed to Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or visit www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
Frequently Asked Questions
Will recreational fishing be permitted in Devilbend Reserve?
Yes. Fish will be stocked into Devilbend and Bittern reservoirs; however, Bittern Reservoir will not be stocked until the water level increases.
Has a decision been made to stock fish into Devilbend and Bittern reservoirs?
Yes. Fish will be stocked into Devilbend and Bittern reservoirs; however, Bittern Reservoir will not be stocked until the water level increases.
Devilbend Reservoir was considered by Fisheries Victoria in this year’s fish stocking planning meetings with brown and rainbow trout allocated for stocking in 2010. A longer term stocking plan for Devilbend Reservoir is being finalised.
What species have been approved for stocking?
Brown trout and rainbow trout have been approved for Devilbend and Bittern reservoirs. Estuary perch has also been approved for Devilbend Reservoir, but won’t be stocked in the short term.
When will Devilbend Reservoir be stocked?
Implementation of the stocking plan for Devilbend Reservoir has started. The first rainbow and brown trout have been stocked. The reason they have been stocked prior to the public opening of the Reserve is to allow the trout to grow to a catchable size.
What is the process for assessing fish translocations/stockings in Victoria?
Fish translocations in Victoria fall under the Guidelines for Assessing Translocations of Live Aquatic Organisms in Victoria. These guidelines outline the process for assessing proposed translocations. Applications that do not fall within an approved translocation protocol are subject to a full risk assessment.
The Translocation Evaluation Panel (TEP) assesses applications and provides advice to the Executive Director of Fisheries Victoria who makes a final decision on the stocking proposal.
What is the membership of the Translocation Evaluation Panel?
Membership includes:
- Up to three non-DPI/DSE persons with combined expertise in aquaculture, recreational fishing, fish habitat and aquatic species conservation. The Chair is selected by these members.
- Up to three representatives from DPI with combined experience in aquaculture, fish stocking, fish habitat, aquatic animal diseases and disease management
- Up to two representatives from DSE with combined experience in aquatic ecosystems management and aquatic species conservation.
Was a risk assessment undertaken for the proposal to stock fish into Devilbend and Bittern reservoirs?
Yes. Fisheries Victoria commissioned an independent risk assessment undertaken by Lloyd Environmental Pty Ltd.
The risk assessment utilised all research reports that had been completed in relation to the Reserve and is the culmination of all work undertaken. No further research is required.
The risk assessment addressed potential risks posed by stocking particular species of fish into both reservoirs.
What were the TEP recommendations?
Translocation Evaluation Panel (TEP) recommendations
