Black Bream Stocks Forum A forum was recently held at the Johnsonville Town hall to discuss the declining Black Bream stocks within the Lakes and Rivers of East Gippsland. A resolution was passed by those attending, that a working party should be formed.

This group has representatives from recreational anglers, local tourism operators, BTA representatives, VR Fishing, and the advisor to the group is Mr. Lyn Barr.

The newly formed working group met recently to discuss the possibility of meeting with representatives of the Gippsland Lakes commercial fishermen to look at the feasibility of a voluntary ‘buy back’ of the majority of commercial fishing licenses.

• The working party suggested that Mr. Craig Ingram be appointed ‘Chair’ of the proposed meeting and that it be held on neutral territory.
  
• The Working party agreed that a number of factors contributed to the declining numbers of fish stock, some of which we have no control over ie. Sea grasses, blue/green algae. drought. Some factors however, we do have control over and these are the factors that need to addressed.
  
• The Gippsland Lakes had been part of the original plan of compulsory ‘buy back’ of licenses when Mallacoota and Lake Tyers were targeted. Somehow it appears that the Gippsland Lakes were ‘dropped off the end’.
  
• The group acknowledged the commercial fisherman’s need to earn an income and support their families, however with the dwindling fish stocks many of the fishermen were subsidizing their incomes with other part time jobs locally.
  
• A voluntary ‘buy back’ of licenses would provide have opportunities for those holding licenses to develop their skills into other areas.
  
• The Fisheries Department has indicated that they may have positions suitable for people with “hands on” knowledge of the industry.
  
• A letter is to be sent to The Mayor and councilors of East Gippsland Shire asking their position on this important local matter.
  
• Mr. Lyn Barrs report on the state of the bream stocks will be made available to everyone by placing it on the Twin Rivers web site to allow easy access to reading and downloading the information.

CLICK HERE to access the report

This report is produced using Adobe Acrobat Reader (.pdf) format and you will require a copy of this software on your computer in order to view it. This software is free and may be downloaded from www.adobe.com/acrobat 

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