Booming Opportunities for Victorian Recreational Fishers to Give Back
Recreational fishers know that healthy and complex habitats, such as seagrass and snags, are the best place to catch a fish.
Many of these anglers have seen fish habitat decline, and consequently a reduction in catch. OzFish provides a way for fishers to protect and improve their local waterways – because better habitat means better fishing.
Thanks to funding through the Victorian Government’s Community Volunteering Action Grants, OzFish can support more anglers in joining the habitat restoration movement! This is allowing us to help get the OzFish Campaspe-Loddon Chapter underway, and work towards creating new opportunities for volunteering in Westernport.
The new OzFish Campaspe-Loddon Chapter started with a bang, hosting an exciting fishing competition to celebrate the opening of the Murray cod season on the first weekend of December.
It was cod galore, with 45 anglers landing 45 fish over the weekend, showcasing the excellent fishing and habitat the region has to offer.
The Chapter then followed this up with a waterbug blitz, and the plathora of mayflies and nypmphs were an indicator health for the Campaspe River. This Chapter means business and is already making plans for exciting fish habitat projects across the region, to provide homes for many of our favourite freshwater fish.
Westernport is an internationally important wetland and provides some of the best fishing in the State. Here, you can catch yourself a snapper, gummy shark, King George whiting, and calamari. However, a decline in mangroves, seagrass, and shellfish reefs means less fish habitat in this region.
OzFish are currently undertaking projects such as Reel Big Fish, in partnership with local the PPWCMA, Parks Victoria, and Bass Coast Landcare Network to reverse habitat loss in Westernport and address other issues like erosion. We need all the help we can get! We’re looking for local fishers come along, lend a hand, meet other anglers, and safeguard the future of fishing.
The CVAG funding will enable Ozfish to engage the local recreational fishing community of Westernport. Through hosting fishing seminars, public outreach at events and workshops to discuss habitat issues, and chatting to fishers at BCF stores, were hoping to establish the OzFish Westernport Chapter over the coming months.
Our first event, the Westernport Fish Habitat Night, will take place on the 16th of February at the Westernport Hotel from 7 pm. Learn about fish habitat in Westernport, and what is being done to safeguard the future of fishing in our Bay. The event is free, with finger food provided and prizes up for grabs.
Volunteering with OzFish is a great way to give back to our waterways and favourite sport provides mental health benefits and allows anglers the chance to meet like-minded people. OzFish is excited to provide these opportunities to Victorian recreational fishers, both for the community and for the future of fishing. Become a member and like us on Facebook to keep up to date with events in your area.
The Booming volunteering opportunities for recreational fishers at their favourite waterways project is supported by the Victorian Government through the Community Volunteer Action Grants.