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Geelong Chapter

We bring people together to help protect and restore the places you love to fish.

OzFish is dedicated to helping local rec fishers across Australia take control of the health of their rivers, lakes and estuaries. We partner with members and the broader community to invest time and money into the protection and restoration of our waterways.

What we do:

    • Work with fishers to make local fishing grounds healthy, vibrant and more productive.
    • Share ideas on how to improve, restore and protect fish habitat.
    • Seek grants and support for hands-on habitat restoration.
    • Provide events, resources, education and research that support fishing groups to achieve local outcomes.

The OzFish Geelong Chapter was formed when a few mates decided they wanted to make a positive contribution to marine habitat.

They are looking forward to undertaking restoration projects including resnagging local waterways and reestablishing lost shellfish reefs.

As passionate rec fishers, Chapter members have a deep understanding of the relationship between healthy fish habitat and vibrant local fisheries.

Geelong has lots of waterways to explore including Corio Bay, the Barwon River, and the Moorabool River.

The area is home to many highly sought-after fish species including King George whiting and calamari. Locals love casting off the rock walls in winter for snapper, while others prefer kayaking around the jetties.

Whether you prefer bait or lures, the Geelong area has you covered.

The traditional owners and custodians of the Geelong waterways and land are the Watha wurrung people.

LET’S CREATE A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR FISHING IN GEELONG

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Shellfish Reef Restoration

Chapter members are keen to get involved in shellfish reef restoration projects in the Bay.

Shellfish reefs are key fish habitat that provides fish with places to breed, feed, and shelter whilst improving water quality, protecting shorelines, and increasing biodiversity.

Over the past 200 years, we have lost between 90-99% of shellfish reefs in Australia, it is key that we restore these essential ecosystems.

Resnagging the Barwon

Snags play a major role in the life cycles of native fish. They provide places for fish to feed, breed, shelter from predators and seek refuge from strong currents. Unfortunately, millions of snags have been removed from Australian waterways over the past 200 years.

Resnagging the Barwon will increase breeding environments, add natural food sources and create a sustainable native fish community, resulting in benefits not only to the local environment and waterway but to recreational fishers throughout the region.

Up and coming

In partnership with the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, Ozfish has been successful in a number of federally funded grants through the fish habitat restoration program.

Chapter members will be rolling up our sleeves and helping out with the Corio Bay Shellfish Project and resnagging in the Barwon River and Curdies River.

They’re looking forward to working with the CMA and other fishing stakeholders to achieve great outcomes for fish habitat in our Bays.

BRUV Monitoring

The Chapter is looking at using BRUV (baited remote underwater videos) to complete fish surveys and determine species diversity and abundance within the Geelong area.

They are also keen to begin regular beach and waterway clean-ups. If you’re interested in lending a helping hand, the Chapter would love to hear from recreational fishers in the area that wants to improve fish habitat.

Continue the conversation with the Geelong Chapter by following them on Facebook or tagging @OzFishGeelong

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