Fisheries operation completed in South Gippsland
by Bronte Ryan 11 Jan 2018 08:59 UTC
VFA operation South Gippsland © Bronte Ryan
The Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) has conducted an operation targeting those fishing recreationally in South Gippsland.
The joint operation with Victoria Police ran over two days, as temporary road blocks were put in place at Welshpool on 10 January and 15 December.
Recreational fishers who had been fishing around Port Welshpool were checked to ensure they held recreational fishing licenses, were using the correct equipment and following the legal fishing limits.
As part of the VFA's role in promoting responsible fishing, Fisheries Officers in Victoria are also appointed as Transport Safety Officers and may inspect vessels and operators to ensure they are complying with Marine Safety Regulations. The aim is to ensure that fishing is carried out in a safe manner.
Overall, fisheries compliance was good. Five infringements were issued for marine safety non-compliance relating to Personal Flotation Devices and flares.
Senior Fisheries Officer Joel Sedgwick said the aim of the operation was to make contact with as many fishers as possible and promote public awareness of fisheries regulations.
Anyone who sees or suspects illegal fishing is urged to call the 24-hour reporting line 13FISH (133474), anytime.
Quotes attributable to Mr. Sedgwick.
"It was great to see that the vast majority of fishers were doing the right thing and that no fisheries offences were detected.
Fisheries Officers will be out and about all summer at various times of the day and night, in uniform and plain clothes to ensure that fishing is carried out in accordance with the rules."