In order to counteract environmental degradation that has taken place over the past two centuries, the Chapter has two core goals
The traditional owners of this region are the Jarwadjali, Djab wurrung, Watha wurrung, Djargurd wurrung, Girai wurrung, and Dhauwurd wurrung people.
The spectacular coastline in the region is second to none and there are also many beautiful rivers where you can wet a line. The Hopkins River and the Merri River are favourites with the locals.
There is great bream fishing and you can even sang yourself a river blackfish. Further up river, there a plenty of trout to be found. If it’s coastal fishing your after, try your hand at tuna fishing or perhaps you could go for some Southern rock lobster.
Most inland fishers have probably caught a common carp in their fishing adventures, doing their bit to remove this damaging invasive pest from our waterways. With increasing Carp numbers being recorded in the Glenelg River in Victoria’s west, the Ozfish SouthWest Chapter have been working with a team of local organisations to try and help manage their impacts on the local waters. Check out what went down over the huge 3 day effort to clean the Glenelg of invasive fish species.
The OzFish SW Vic Chapter, together with BCF Warrnambool, have resnagged the Merri River with 7 ‘habitat packs’ including large redgum tree stumps, rocks, fish hotels and lay-down snags.
The structures are now important habitat for local species such as estuary perch, bream and tupong. They also help prevent erosion of the river bed and river banks.
The Chapter has planted 500 natives along the banks of the Merri River.
Native vegetation along creek banks is a direct source of food for native fish, with up to 60% of some species diet consisting of terrestrial insects that live off plants close to water.
The vegetation will also create habitat for a range of species including fish, prevent erosion, and improve the water quality by balancing oxygen and nutrients.
Every new member will receive an OzFish cap, sticker, facemasks and a $10 BCF Gift Card courtesy of our major partner.
Recreational anglers and research managers broadly know the types of habitat that can be found in various areas.
However, to make informed decisions about future restoration projects and identify sensitive areas that may need protection, high-resolution habitat maps are necessary. Extensive on-ground surveys are the best way to get an accurate picture of aquatic habitat.
The Chapter has carried out comprehensive habitat mapping in the Hopkins river and the data will be used to inform restoration work.
OzFishers all over Australia host Clean Up Australia Day events every year on the first weekend in March.
The SW Vic Chapter holds events each year in the local area.
Getting involved in a clean up event is a fantastic way to give back to the waterways and fish that you love.
If you’d like to lend a helping hand this Clean Up Australia Day, the Chapter would love to hear from you.
Back in August we saw OzFish SW Victoria Chapter team up with BCF and the Warrnambool community in launching their Resnagging the Merri River project. After 4 months of waiting for favorable weather, the right conditions finally arrived. Over the weekend, 7 ‘fish habitat packs’ were installed in the Merri River. These packs contained large redgum root balls, rocks, lay down snags and fish hotels.