Sick of DELWP's bull on trout cod

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Truedogz
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Sick of DELWP's bull on trout cod

Post by Truedogz » Tue Apr 24, 2018 6:45 am

I read a news item in the Wangaratta Chronicle about DELWP wasting more money making a pr movie about trout cod, and claims about carp and trout cod. It made me very, very mad!

Part of the Seven Creeks was closed to fishing at the request of the Strathbogie-Euroa Angling Club in 1973 to protect the last population of trout cod. This was agreed to on the basis that 1. when breeding techniques for trout cod were developed that the Polly McQuinns Weir on the creek (which remained open for fishing) would be stocked for angling; 2. that a research station/hatchery/visitors centre would be built there. Once it was closed DELWP's predecessor (the Ministry of Conservation or MOC) shut the angling club's hatchery that produced trout for stocking, and netted all of the trout out of the weir (up to 11 pounds in weight) and buried most of them. The research station or even a visitors centre was never built. Incessed, the locals held a public meeting where Jim Wharton, the Director, promised that the weir would be stocked with trout cod within 7 years of breeding techniques being developed - this was followed up by letters confirming the undertaking. The locals also highlighted the fact that a tributary stream was pouring large volumes of sand into the Seven Creeks in the section closed to fishing and that urgent action was needed.

In 1984 a meeting was held with MOC between the Victorian Piscatorial Council (the peak body and predecessor of VRFish), fly fishing groups and NFA over trout cod. A long term vision was mapped out with agreement with MOC for recreational fisheries for trout cod in Polly McQuinns Weir, Hughes Creek, the Ovens River and the Goulburn near Trawool. Trout cod were first produced at Snobs Creek in 1989. In the early 1990s the Strathbogie Angling Club reminded the government of its promises, who responded by totally protecting the Macquarie perch in Polly McQuinns Weir, effectively closing the locals fishery! At that point there were millions of maccas in Dartmouth Dam, so the protection was pointless. The result was somebody released redfin into Polly McQuinns, ruining the Seven Creeks forever. Since then between the redfin and siltation the distribution of Trout cod in the Seven Creeks has declined by a half and Macquarie perch by more. About 2010 I met with a member of the Trout Cod Recovery Team who worked for DELWP who invited NFA to put in applications for stockings for the long promised recreational fisheries, saying they now would be considered. It was agreed that the Ovens would be left off the list for the time being, but the King would be considered. I have a witness to that conversation who backs up my recollections. The applications were submitted and one for the Goulburn River at Trawool widely circulated by email and posted on the web. DELWP asked NFA to work really hard to get the stream classifications through so that we could get these fisheries. A couple of years ago DELWP denied everything, saying they don't have to honour commitments made in the past and denied ever seeing the applications for recreational fisheries sent by email!!!

VRFish, where are you??? You are pathetic, you are supposed to represent us, well our money is being wasted, we are being misled and you sit on your hands. The same thing is now happening with Macquarie perch. There was a lot of other things that I could add in, but I think you get the picture.

For those that are interested here is the text of the original news item and my letter to the editor in response which was published. The stuff on carp in the article is nonsense, just more of the pr campaign for the release of the virus. There has been a major breakthrough overseas, just published, that may be a much better way to control carp. When I get a chance I will create a thread on it:

Local trout cod star in documentary-style film
• Wangaratta Chronicle
• 11 Apr 2018

THE Arthur Rylah Institute, with Griggmedia, began filming on the Ovens River near Wangaratta yesterday for a documentary style film recording the history of trout cod in local waterways.
The film aims to promote awareness of the history of trout cod and their population struggles since the 1980’s, leading to the species becoming threatened.
The 10-15 minute long documentary will look at electrofishing, other native species in the waterways, why the trout cod was under threat and what steps community and federal and state wide, were taken to educate communities.
Speaking on the bank of the Ovens River, scientific consultant Kim-Leang Loeun told the Wangaratta Chronicle that the removal of European carp from waterways is vital to the survival of trout cod, as the carp will destroy the habitat and push out native fish.
“Trout cod need running water and high oxygen to live, and carp create the opposite, murky waters that trout cod gills don’t cope well with,” he said.
“Because of this, carp have needed to be continu- ally removed, with over seven tonne being collected locally and sent to Wodonga NutriSoil, causing the biomass to drop from 85 to 30.
“The survival rate of trout cod is now greater due to the removal of carp and the increased community awareness about the species.”
As part of yesterday’s filming, authorities used electrode equipment to temporarily stun fish in the waterways so they could be measured and tagged, offering valuabel data on the resident population.
Mr Loeun said he was pleased with the continued survival of the trout cod.
“Trout cod numbers have elevated to a more sustainable level due to the reintroduction of the species into waterways to restock certain areas,” he said.
“What is important now is the continued monitoring of native species and the control of exotic species and how it ties into the whole system to find a balance.”
Dr Scott Raymond, who specialises in native fish ecology and habitat rehabilitation - and has helped restore the trout coud population around Wangaratta over the past decade - is hoping the film will create a better community awareness.
“This film is part of a group of things going on... we’re putting together a library of videos including demonstrations of different species, how to tell the difference between Murray cod and trout cod, and various other topics we feel are important,” he said.
“The progress has been great, community awareness is definitely getting there and trout cod population has seen a huge rise.”


TOO MUCH SPIN ON TROUT COD

18 Apr 2018

As someone who has had an involvement with the recovery of the endangered trout cod for over forty years it is disconcerting to see more taxpayer money wasted on ‘spin’ and misinformation promoted (Local trout cod star in documentary-style film, April 11 2018). Kim-leang Loeun believes that the removal of carp is “vital” to the survival of trout cod despite a large body of historical evidence demonstrating that trout cod disappeared from many of its former haunts prior to the arrival of European carp. Carp are an environmental disaster but have had limited, if any, impact on trout cod which have in waters like the Ovens River thrived despite their presence.

While Griggmedia do produce quality work perhaps DELWP should reconsider their priorities and allocate the money to fixing the mess they have overseen in the Seven Creeks – the last stream in the state that held trout cod and one I dearly love. Instead of wasting money on putting snags in downstream of the Gooram Falls DELWP should be focussing on the silting of holes upstream where trout cod and Macquarie perch are known to breed. And how about putting trout cod into the Polly McQuinns Weir for angling as was repeatedly promised to the local community? This may go some way to controlling the redfin menace in the Seven Creeks which DELWP should take responsibility for.

Yes, we should all be celebrating the recovery of the trout cod which no longer fit IUCN Red List criteria as being a critically endangered species. But the behaviour of government agencies in reneging on the past commitments they made to the community - facilities on the Seven Creeks and recreational fisheries for trout cod in rivers and streams – have soured the achievement. History is now repeating itself with the reintroduction of Macquarie perch to the Ovens River, largely funded by anglers who have been promised in the long term a recreational fishery if the project succeeds. Does anyone really believe those promises based on what has happened with trout cod?

DELWP it is time that you reconsider your priorities and ‘start mending some fences’. Less money on spin, fix the Seven Creeks and restore public trust by honouring past commitments.

Will Trueman
Author of
True Tales of the Trout Cod

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Re: Sick of DELWP's bull on trout cod

Post by Hendo55 » Tue Apr 24, 2018 9:52 am

Here Here, well said True dogs, way too much money spent on spin and not enough on doing real work on improving fisheries across the state.

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Re: Sick of DELWP's bull on trout cod

Post by Stumpjumper » Tue Apr 24, 2018 11:09 am

Yep, they have a history of dumb ****. The introduction of the new dog's breakfast trout regs on the eve of last trout opening was a good example.

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Re: Sick of DELWP's bull on trout cod

Post by cobby » Tue Apr 24, 2018 12:45 pm

It's a government department. It comes as no surprise stupid amounts of money is being wasted on garbage whilst they sit on their hands when real action is needed and right in front of them. Incompetence and government go hand in hand

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Re: Sick of DELWP's bull on trout cod

Post by Texas » Tue Apr 24, 2018 2:28 pm

As you know Will, with each change of government, the goal posts move
Just ask the alpine cattlemen (the Stoney's are my cousins)
It took me over 4 years to get a cemetery cleaned up, only thanks to Jill Hennessy in the end
Then the fight for the RAAF base jetty, finally got response from the Federal Minister
VRfish have NEVER responded to any of my queries
It's definately difficult to stand by and observe their lies and incompetence
David Davies (remember that name if his in your electorate) lied, in writing, to me and as you can see, it still bugs me.
I've also fought Melbourne City council and came out, even.
Although we would like to "throw up are hands" and give in, it's just not in our make up.
Like you Will, I am placid and easy going, but, don't push me too hard
Cheers Gra

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Re: Sick of DELWP's bull on trout cod

Post by Sinsemilla » Tue Apr 24, 2018 2:32 pm

When will they do their job right.

What can be done Truedogz?

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Re: Sick of DELWP's bull on trout cod

Post by Truedogz » Wed Apr 25, 2018 6:20 am

cobby wrote:It's a government department. It comes as no surprise stupid amounts of money is being wasted on garbage whilst they sit on their hands when real action is needed and right in front of them. Incompetence and government go hand in hand
Cobby, I can handle incompetence its the outright deceit and dishonesty that pushes my buttons. What is astounding is we have so many groups now pandering to DELWP, eg, VRFish, farmers groups. They have a carefully cultivated network of facebook 'likers' with hooks everywhere. When you trace these networks its leads to some very undesirable people. And there are a hell of a lot of hangers on with their snouts in the trough, milking us for all it is worth. Just look at some of those promoting the release of the carp virus.

Don't get me wrong, I am passionate about conservation and am not a redneck. But the way DELWP behaves is appalling and they should be held to account. I know several politicians who say they have got to the point of being untouchable.

I severed all cooperation with government agencies a while back. The final straw was on a project I was assisting fixing a stream. A government person was unhappy about the rate of progress and assistance of a farm manager. They suggested I go behind the back of the farm manager and talk to the owner to speed things up. That's seems to be how they operate. I walked away at that point.
Texas wrote:with each change of government, the goal posts move
Unfortunately they aren't moving, its just they are getting more brazen and powerful so they continue on their agenda irrespective of which government is in power.
Sinsemilla wrote:What can be done Truedogz?
You need a a brave minister to come in and put the broom through them, but that won't happen. The minister has the power by order in council to authorise fisheries for trout cod, irrespective of their conservation status. There are some pretty ruthless, nasty people in there. Appropriate action would be a full inquiry into the whole trout cod thing. If VRFish had any backbone, they would cease all cooperation with DELWP, demand that no further angling license money be spent on any fish species where people can't fish for them. In the past I was an advocate for anglers contributing to endangered species recovery, but we are simply being used. Not one cent should be spent!!! Some serious questions need to be asked about the funding. VRFish really are just an extension of the government, Wally Cubbin tries, but thats about it. Conversations I have had leave me in no doubt that the long term objective of some is the protection of all native fish in streams, eg, 'The last person to take a cod from a river has been born' and I'd rather not see maccas back in a river if people can fish for them'. Draw your own conclusions.

Whenever I see DELWP do a media release about what a good job they have done for the native fish in the Seven Creeks, I'll be writing a letter to the editor.

Ideally what should happen to fix things?

I'd shut up and be prepared to turn the other cheek if this happened:

1. Develop recreational fisheries in rivers/creeks for trout cod. Start with the Goulburn at Trawool. The upper Murray is a great option too, but its a NSW water, so DELWP don't (officially) have an input. There are several other streams in this state which are good candidates;
2. Fix the problems caused in the Seven Creeks from the sand pouring in from the Surveyors Creek;
3. Stock Polly McQuinns Weir with trout cod for a recreational fishery and to control redfin - using broodstock of Seven Creeks origin. There have been proposals to introduce trout cod from the Murray River to the Seven Creeks but that could be a disaster. NFA could grow the broodstock from small fish sourced from the Seven Creeks then pass them on to Snobs Creek when mature;
4. Do some research on developing TrojanX redfin to control or wipe out the redfin in the Seven Creeks - that would be money well spent instead of wasting it on pr clips and might prove useful elsewhere;
5. Give something back to the Strathbogie community such as a visitors centre employing locals, it doesn't have to be soley about native fish. The government has s*at on the local people for a long time, destroyed their local fishery, something needs to be given back.

Best Wishes

Truedogz

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Re: Sick of DELWP's bull on trout cod

Post by Sinsemilla » Thu Apr 26, 2018 9:36 pm

Seeing as though we have a lot of passionate members here on fishing-vic, Could a fishing-vic angling club be started and then can we get involved that way? Can we be that loud minority that gets people talking and gets things done?

I like the idea of giving back to the Strathbogie community. Could bringing this up and then how they were promised by the government on developments that didn't eventuate start the conversation? I would love to be involved.

Thanks for the info Truedogz.

Anth

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