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| news release: fish-e-fax newsletter issue 317 by dpi fisheries division |
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Dated: 21 June, 2012
 | | Mornington pier |
Fish-e-Fax Newsletter Issue 317
A fortnightly round-up of recreational fishery management issues
21 JUNE 2012
Major upgrade at Mornington Pier
Mornington Pier is set to undergo major reconstruction with the announcement of the multi-million dollar upgrade project.
The project will see the full reconstruction of the 75 metre outer section of pier and the installation of new wave screens along the pier’s full 123 metre length to provide further protection for boaters.
Once completed, this upgrade will allow the outer section of pier to be reopened and enhance recreational boating opportunities and tourism in the area.
$23 million in the recent State Budget has been allocated for critical local port infrastructure upgrades and it is fitting that Mornington Pier is the first project to benefit from this fund.
It is important to restore access to the outer section of the Mornington Pier and provide better protection for the current berths and moorings at Mornington Harbour.
The project is great news for the Mornington region and will have wide-ranging benefits for the local community.
Mornington Pier attracts about 2 million visitors every year so this is a vital piece of infrastructure not only for the local users, but also for the local economy and tourism sector.
The $23 million Local Ports Critical Infrastructure Fund demonstrates the Victorian Government’s commitment to investing in local port facilities. Victoria’s local ports are an important part of the state economy generating more then $550 million every year through tourism, commercial fishing and recreational boating.
The total cost of the Mornington Pier reconstruction will be determined through a competitive tender process.
 | | Northern Pacific seastar at Tidal River |
Tidal River Northern Pacific seastars update
Divers have now removed 129 Northern Pacific seastars from the Tidal River estuary. Extensive searches in nearby estuaries, beaches, inlets, and in offshore areas have found no sign of the spread of Northern Pacific seastars.
The precautionary limitations on swimming and fishing have been lifted, however the use of all water vessels including kayaks and canoes in Tidal River remains strictly prohibited until further notice.
The infestation at Tidal River is being treated as seriously as a fire or flood emergency.
Northern Pacific seastar females can produce from 10-25 million eggs per year and from July to October, larvae remain in the water column for up to 120 days providing a huge opportunity for the species to spread to new areas through the water movements along the coast.
It is a voracious predator feeding on a wide range of native animals and can have a major effect on the native, and commercially important, shellfish populations that form part of the marine food chain.
They directly compete with many fish, including Snapper, which use native shellfish as a source of food.
A team will be working through management options while manual removal of the Northern Pacific seastars continues with professional diving teams.
Sightings of suspected Northern Pacific seastars outside of Wilsons Promontory National Park or Port Phillip Bay can be reported to the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) Customer Service Centre on 136 186.
DSE recommends taking a photo of the suspected seastar as well as providing the specific location where it was observed will assist in any investigation.
[b]Fisheries Victoria grows its relationship with the Karen & Burmese communities[/b]
Fisheries Victoria was recently part of a ‘Come and Try fishing day’ hosted by the Wyndham Community and Education Centre in Werribee.
The day, held at the mouth of the Werribee River, was funded by the Recreational Fishing Licence revenue – Small grants program.
It aimed to teach newly arrived refugees and immigrants the rules and regulations associated with fishing along with valuable tips on how to fish.
Approximately 50 people from the Karen community and 50 people from the local community came to get information from Fisheries Victoria, Fishcare, Coast guards, City West Water and a couple of the local community groups.
 | | "Come and try" fishing day at Werribee |
Hidden Snapper should prove costly in court
Two Springvale men will be charged on summons after allegedly being caught with 31 Snapper hidden on board their boat.
The men were intercepted by Fisheries Officers during a routine patrol at Mordialloc where they allegedly presented four fish for inspection and denied having any more when the Fisheries Officers spoke to them at the boat ramp.
However an inspection of the boat found another 31 Snapper in a hidden compartment on the floor.
The vessel and fishing equipment were subsequently seized and both men interviewed. Both allegedly made full admissions about hiding the fish as they knew they were doing the wrong thing.
Those who conceal or take fish in such circumstances without regard for current or future generations will be pursued through inspections, surveillance and then the courts.
Anyone who sees or suspects illegal fishing activity is urged to call the 24 hour reporting line 13FISH (13 3474).
 | | Snapper |
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| For more information about the new regulations visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing
or ring the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186. |
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