THE Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) say they have listened to the community about its love of sting rays, skates and banjos.
After overwhelming support from recreational fishers and environmental groups in favour of looking after these beautiful animals, the following recreational fishing rules will come into effect from November 7:
– Taking or possessing sting rays, skates or guitarfish greater than 1.5 metres in width will be prohibited;
– The combined daily bag limit for rays, skates and guitarfish will be reduced from 5 to 1, which must be less than 1.5 metres in width;
– The take of these species within 400m of any pier, jetty, wharf or breakwater will be prohibited; and
– These species must be landed whole so they can be measured by Fisheries Officers.
To support the introduction of these new regulations, our Fisheries Officers will be out and about to help everyone do the right thing.
We’ll have more signage up near piers around Port Phillip, Western Port and along Victoria’s coast raise awareness amongst the fishing community, promote the new rules and illustrate good handling practices.
Want to know more? Visit vfa.vic.gov.au/protectingrays.
