GOOD NEWS FOR BREAM NUMBERS IN GIPPSLAND LAKES

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GOOD NEWS FOR BREAM NUMBERS IN GIPPSLAND LAKES

Post by fishingvic » Wed Oct 21, 2020 1:54 pm

GOOD NEWS FOR BREAM NUMBERS IN GIPPSLAND LAKES

Media release


Wednesday 21 October 2020

GOOD NEWS FOR BREAM NUMBERS IN GIPPSLAND LAKES

A survey of black bream spawning success in the Gippsland Lakes has recorded its second highest level of the last ten years.

Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO Travis Dowling said the survey results are terrific news for the Gippsland Lakes system, which is now free of commercial net fishing thanks to the State Government’s $35 million Target One Million plan.

“These scientific surveys are done annually at 50 sites in the Gippsland Lakes to provide a time series of information about the spawning success of key species,” Mr Dowling said.

“Specialised sampling methods during winter catch juvenile black bream less than one year old, which are typically less than 10cm long.

“The abundance of these small bream provides a snapshot of how successful the previous spawning season was and enables fisheries managers to predict the health of the fishery in years to come.

“Spawning variation from year to year is normal and influenced by environmental factors such as river flows and waterway health, however the trend over the last four years is significantly better than the six years prior.

“Black bream take about six years to reach the minimum size of 28cm, which means this relatively strong pulse of small bream will enter the fishery in 2026/27.

“Recreational fishers won’t have to wait that long though because the strongest spawning year of the last 10 was in 2017 and those fish will enter the fishery from 2023/24.”

Mr Dowling reminded fishers that the Gippsland Lakes Recreational Fishery Plan is currently out for public comment until 28 October.

“The Plan will accelerate the recovery of key species including black bream and dusky flathead and return the lakes to a recreational fishing mecca by improving fish habitat, installing artificial reefs and stocking fish.”

To learn more and complete the online survey with your feedback on the Plan, visit www.vfa.vic.gov.au/gippslandlakes


Media contact: Amelia Crafter 0437 801 068

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Re: GOOD NEWS FOR BREAM NUMBERS IN GIPPSLAND LAKES

Post by re-tyred » Wed Oct 21, 2020 5:19 pm

They need to take a serious look at restoring intertidal zones. The wide areas of sandy tidal zones have been progressively covered over by retaining walls and back filling. The end result is the distruction of sand worm beds and soldier crab habitat. A couple of islands in the lake had their shorelines re nourished a few years back. No thought was given to make it an environment suitable for sand worm. Why not do this in large areas specifically designed for sand worm habitat. To really restore the lakes to a world class fishing area there has to be a holistic approach to the habitat as it exists now. It can never be restored to what it was.
There's nothing . . . absolutely nothing . . . half so much worth doing as simply messing around in boats.
Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows (River Rat to Mole)

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