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Media release
From the Department of Primary Industries

Wednesday August 12, 2009

SILVER LINING FOR TREVALLY FISHERS AND CONSUMERS


Following consultation with commercial and recreational fishing groups, the legal minimum size limit for silver trevally caught in Victorian waters has been re-adjusted to 20 centimetres from 23cm.

Fisheries Victoria Acting Executive Director, Anthony Hurst, said earlier this year a regulatory review, aimed at simplifying the rules for recreational fishers, resulted in the minimum legal size for silver trevally being changed to 23cm.

“While consultation with recreational and commercial fishers indicated that there was support for the move to 23cm, in practice it had an unforeseen impact on the financial viability of some commercial operators,” Mr Hurst said.

“This meant that marketable silver trevally measuring 21cm and 22cm, which are highly desirable on the plate, had to be put back in the water.

“There are no sustainability concerns surrounding the silver trevally fishery in Victoria.”

Mr Hurst said commercial catches of silver trevally by Victorian fishers ranged from 40 tonnes to 90 tonnes a year.

“This species is an important part of the commercial catch for some Victorian operators and it is important that our management rules are responsive and practical.” he said.

“Following consultation with both commercial and recreational fishers and with their support, Fisheries Victoria has reverted to the 20cm minimum length.

“Fisheries Victoria actively supports the State’s commercial seafood industry and recreational fishing, and will continue to work closely with both groups to share and sustain our fisheries now and into the future.”

For more information about recreational catch limits, including minimum legal sizes, bag limits and closed seasons, visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fisheries.