Proposed Fisheries (Corner Inlet fishery) Notice 2021
The Corner Inlet commercial fishery has a long and proud history
of sustainable management, driven by the fishers themselves. The
fishery produces around 400 tonnes of fish per year, which has a
landed catch worth about $8 million per annum. On top of this, the
fishery brings significant tourism, economic and social value to
the local region. Given this, it is important it remains
sustainable and managed to world class standards.
Input controls such as a limited number of licences, gear
restrictions and weekend restrictions are currently used to manage
commercial fishing effort. However, the VFA recently introduced new
laws to enhance the management of this significant fishery and has
commenced the preparation of a management plan. The Plan is being
developed in consultation with the Corner Inlet Steering Committee,
Seafood Industry Victoria, Corner Inlet Fishery Access Licence
holders, indigenous interests and VRFish and FutureFish on behalf
of recreational fishers.
The VFA has recently been made aware that some operators are now
using fishing practices that involve long lengths of rope on either
end of the seine net and the use of winches and boats to tow seine
nets through the water.
These practices significantly increase the area that can be
fished and the amount of fish that can be taken by each seine net
shot and have the potential to result in unsustainable levels of
take. The use of long tow ropes may also pose a safety risk to
other water users.
While the operation of a seine net in this manner is not
currently prohibited, it is a shift from traditional fishing
methods and is more akin to trawl fishing, which is not permitted
in Corner Inlet.
This type of fishing is also inconsistent with the intent of the
existing rules under the Fisheries Regulations 2019 which restrict
Corner Inlet fishers from working both ends of the net at the same
time with a boat (except for the final stage whereby the net is
retrieved or hauled). This rule is designed to limit the area that
can be swept by the seine net, which traditionally has been towed
from one end in a circle and is an important measure to manage
fishing effort.
These fishing practices were discussed at the first meeting of
the Corner Inlet Steering Committee and were raised as a priority
issue for resolution to ensure commercial fishing in the area
remains sustainable and safe. A recent survey of licence holders
indicated that most operators support reducing the length of rope
permitted to be attached to the ends of the seine net. Management
changes to return seine netting in Corner Inlet to more traditional
practices, are also supported by Seafood Industry Victoria.
To address this issue, the VFA has released a draft Fisheries
Notice for public comment. The draft Notice will prohibit the use
of a seine net that does not have one end anchored, prohibit the
use of more than 100 metres of rope or combination of ropes on the
ends of seine nets and prohibit the movement of both ends of the
seine net at the same time in Corner Inlet.
Corner Inlet commercial fishers are also being encouraged to
review their current fishing practices to ensure they are not
putting the health and safety of themselves, any employees or any
other member of the public at risk.
Public comments on the draft Notice can be emailed to the VFA at
[email protected] by no later than 5pm on Tuesday 29
December 2020.
A
GPO Box 4509Melbourne Vic 3000
E
[email protected]
T
136 186
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vfa.vic.gov.au
A
GPO Box 4509Melbourne Vic 3000
E
[email protected]
T
136 186
W
vfa.vic.gov.au
