Record number of fishers reveal recreational fishing priorities

Record number of fishers reveal recreational fishing priorities © VRFish

VRFish, the peak body for recreational fishing in Victoria, has revealed the results from their advocacy priorities survey which received a record-breaking response from nearly 5,000 recreational fishers.

VRFish Chair, Mr Rob Loats, said "This response shows us that recreational fishers want to have their say on issues that impact their fishing and continue to shape the advocacy work VRFish does to make fishing better in Victoria."

Overall, reducing litter and rubbish around our waterways remains the top statewide priority and provision of bins or fishing gear disposal facilities has a marked impact on improved fisher satisfaction and the quality of urban fishing experiences.

Inland recreational fishers identified trialling new ways to stock fish as their top priority, skyrocketing to the top spot from fourth position in our last priorities survey.

Remaining in the top priorities for coastal and marine fishers is future-proofing our snapper fishery, and the restoration of vital fish habitat including living shellfish reefs and seagrass, mangrove and salt marsh.

"The data shows more than 70% of recreational fishers go land-based fishing which emphasises the importance of ensuring we have safe and ongoing access to our piers and jetties, as well as our shorelines and riverbanks."

When it comes to the most popular recreational fish species, the crown remains with King George whiting as the most targeted fish. We found that freshwater fishers are most often targeting trout and our iconic Murray cod.

"The advocacy survey is used to inform VRFish advocacy planning by ensuring we understand the issues that are most important to the recreational fishing community, and we are effectively representing their views when providing advice back to Government."

"We thank the record-breaking number of recreational fishers who took part in our latest survey. The more support VRFish has, the stronger the recreational fishers voice when advocating for better recreational fishing in Victoria."

At VRFish, it's imperative that we give recreational fishers a chance to have their say, to share ideas and raise any concerns, and this response highlights the importance of having a strong and independent peak body representing Victorian recreational fishers.

A summary of the results can be found on the VRFish website here.