The proposed changes are outlined in a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS), which has been released for public comment today for a period of 60 days.
New and amended regulations are proposed for a host of recreational species including bream, elephantfish, estuary perch, flathead, golden perch, kingfish, mulloway, Murray cod, prawns, redfin, snapper, trout, tuna and whiting.
There are also changes proposed to recreational hook and line entitlements and regulations protecting the intertidal zone.
"Many of these proposed changes in the recreational sector aim to simplify complicated regulations that confuse occasional anglers unnecessarily," Dr Appleford said.
Proposed amendments to commercial fishing regulations include changes to size limits for some species, licence provisions, recording of catch and effort requirements, baitfish operations, clarifying the use of mesh nets and reporting for the eel fishery.
In the aquaculture sector, proposed changes relate to record keeping on the source of fish stock and restrictions on abalone shucking by licence holders.
Written submissions to the RIS must be received by 5pm Friday 1 August 2008.
To obtain a free hard copy of the Draft Regulations, the Regulatory Impact Statement, Fact Sheets and Feedback Forms, contact the Department of Primary Industries Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or visit www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing.
Consultation on Fishery Regulation Changes
AUSTRALIA - Fisheries stakeholders in the recreational, commercial and aquaculture sectors are being encouraged to have their say about proposed changes to fisheries regulations, Executive Director Fisheries Victoria, Dr Peter Appleford said.