Snapper anglers reminded to know their limits
Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2016 10:28 am
Media Release
Wednesday 26 October 2016 | Media contact: Jane Rawson 8392 6757
www.vic.gov.au/fisheries
Snapper anglers reminded to know their limits
Recreational fishers are being reminded to abide by bag and size limits for snapper this season
ahead of Operation Venture commencing this Friday.
Fisheries Victoria Director of Education and Enforcement, Ian Parks, said Fisheries Officers would
be enforcing catch limits, checking fishing licences and educating anglers about fishing responsibly
in Port Phillip Bay and Western Port.
“It’s important anglers know their limits and take only what they need so that our snapper fishery
remains sustainable,” Mr Parks said.
“Fisheries Officers will patrol day and night, from the shore, aboard vessels and back at boat
launching ramps, big and small. They’ll be in uniform and plain clothes, undertaking inspections
and surveillance from marked and unmarked vessels, including jet skis.
“On-the-spot fines of $466 per offence can be issued to anyone exceeding catch limits for snapper
and other bay species such as gummy sharks, King George whiting, flathead and calamari.
“Anglers hiding illegal snapper catches aboard can expect to have their fish and boat seized, and
for more serious offences the courts can prohibit fishing altogether for a year or more.”
Mr Parks said fishing responsibly for snapper meant following a few basic rules:
· Obey the minimum size of 28cm and the bag limit of 10, of which only three snapper can
equal or exceed 40cm.
· Release unwanted snapper quickly and in a manner that minimises injury to the fish.
· Snapper to be kept must be landed whole so they can be measured by Officers if required.
· It is illegal to multi-trip, which is making several fishing trips in one day, retaining the bag
limit each time.
· It is illegal to fin-clip snapper tails to shorten their overall length.
Fisheries Officers will again be working with Transport Safety Officers from Maritime Safety
Victoria, who are encouraging skippers to check over vessels and safety gear before venturing out,
stay tuned to weather forecasts, steer clear of ships while underway and avoid anchoring in
shipping channels.
Anyone who sees or suspects illegal fishing can report it by calling Fisheries Victoria’s 24-hour
intelligence reporting line 13FISH (133474).
Wednesday 26 October 2016 | Media contact: Jane Rawson 8392 6757
www.vic.gov.au/fisheries
Snapper anglers reminded to know their limits
Recreational fishers are being reminded to abide by bag and size limits for snapper this season
ahead of Operation Venture commencing this Friday.
Fisheries Victoria Director of Education and Enforcement, Ian Parks, said Fisheries Officers would
be enforcing catch limits, checking fishing licences and educating anglers about fishing responsibly
in Port Phillip Bay and Western Port.
“It’s important anglers know their limits and take only what they need so that our snapper fishery
remains sustainable,” Mr Parks said.
“Fisheries Officers will patrol day and night, from the shore, aboard vessels and back at boat
launching ramps, big and small. They’ll be in uniform and plain clothes, undertaking inspections
and surveillance from marked and unmarked vessels, including jet skis.
“On-the-spot fines of $466 per offence can be issued to anyone exceeding catch limits for snapper
and other bay species such as gummy sharks, King George whiting, flathead and calamari.
“Anglers hiding illegal snapper catches aboard can expect to have their fish and boat seized, and
for more serious offences the courts can prohibit fishing altogether for a year or more.”
Mr Parks said fishing responsibly for snapper meant following a few basic rules:
· Obey the minimum size of 28cm and the bag limit of 10, of which only three snapper can
equal or exceed 40cm.
· Release unwanted snapper quickly and in a manner that minimises injury to the fish.
· Snapper to be kept must be landed whole so they can be measured by Officers if required.
· It is illegal to multi-trip, which is making several fishing trips in one day, retaining the bag
limit each time.
· It is illegal to fin-clip snapper tails to shorten their overall length.
Fisheries Officers will again be working with Transport Safety Officers from Maritime Safety
Victoria, who are encouraging skippers to check over vessels and safety gear before venturing out,
stay tuned to weather forecasts, steer clear of ships while underway and avoid anchoring in
shipping channels.
Anyone who sees or suspects illegal fishing can report it by calling Fisheries Victoria’s 24-hour
intelligence reporting line 13FISH (133474).
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