Fisheries Victoria praises good tuna fisher behavior

[fishingvic]

Media Release
Thursday 21 July 2016 | Media contact: Melanie Curtis (03) 5561 9938
www.vic.gov.au/fisheries

Fisheries Victoria praises good tuna fisher behavior

Fisheries Victoria has congratulated the majority of south-west anglers and people who visited the
region on their general positive fishing actions and behaviour so far in the Southern Bluefin tuna
(SBT) season.
Fisheries Officer Cameron McCallum said during June and July nine Fisheries officers from across
Victoria conducted over 350 boat and land-based inspections at Portland and Port Fairy.
“Officers undertook both covert and overt inspections of recreational fishers, including charter
vessels, and aerial surveillance of tuna fishers by a fixed wing aircraft also took place for the first
time which proved to be worthwhile.
Mr McCallum said overall fishers were compliant and good to deal with and only a very small
percentage were found offending.
“Fisheries Officers detected 12 alleged offenders in total and seized six SBT, these offences
included not having a current recreational fishing licence and failing to land SBT in carcass form.
Mr McCallum said a 43-year-old male charter vessel operator is expected to be charged on
summons after he was allegedly detected with a commercial quantity of SBT.
“A vehicle was intercepted near Warrnambool after the June long weekend and contained 14
whole SBT.
“The man admitted to officers that four of the fish belonged to him, this was despite Fisheries
Officers previously speaking to him at Portland regarding possession limits for SBT.
Mr McCallum said SBT are a priority species in Victoria and have strict bag and possession limits.
“There is a daily bag limit of two fish per person but also a statewide possession limit of two whole
Southern Bluefin tuna.
“This means if you are caught in possession of three or more SBT in whole form or 160kg of fillets
anywhere in Victoria it is classed as a commercial quantity and serious penalties may apply. These
regulations are in place so that recreationally caught SBT are not sold,” he said.
Fisheries Victoria said its vital fishers understand and respect the world-class off-shore fishing the
season offers around Portland and Port Fairy.
“We are working hard with fishers and other stakeholders to ensure that recreational fishing is
sustainable and continues to provide opportunities for local communities along the coast.”
Anyone who sees or suspects illegal fishing activity is urged to call the 24 hour reporting line 13
FISH (13 3474).

[Sinsemilla]

That's not surprising. Going for tuna isn't for the average fisho, most of these guys are serious and respect the rules and regs. Its a good thing to hear. I hope the greens are reading this! making out like us fishers and hunters just go out and slaughter everything we see.

On another note.. fixed wing aircraft.. That's a bit serious. Nice to see our licence fees at work!

[chris srsc]

On another note.. fixed wing aircraft.. That's a bit serious. Nice to see our licence fees at work!

They should pick random fishing license numbers to go on flights with them..

[Wolly Bugger]

Wonder if they will give away the location of the tuna from the air.

[barra mick]

Very good to see

[Lightningx]

Good to hear :thumbsup: