Rare and Endangered? A Victorian Fisheries Inspector

Ok they say it is the lowest form of humor but sometimes you just have to say something! I have been living here at Thornton for about nine years now and have never been approached by a Fisheries Inspector. That is speaking as a guide who is on the river everday either working or fishing.

This is not a swipe at those on the ground either. It is a complaint aimed at those higher up the food chain that the most popular trout fishery in the state has no policing of its regulations. Those who are inclined to break the rules rightly believe they will get away with it.

For example the weekend before trout opening there were people fishing at Gilmore's Bridge on both the Saturday and Sunday. Also on the Friday before Opening Day. This is a blatant flouting of the regulations, fishing out of season at such a public place. Surely a presence is required on our rivers not just Port Phillip Bay and Lake Purrumbete.

Go to New Zealand or Tasmania and chances are you will be asked for a licence every other day. I have never been asked to produce mine, nor have I witnessed such an event. I haven't even heard of it happening.

The fact that there is not a full time officer working just on the Goulburn, Rubicon and Pondage is an absolute joke. People can say that the regulations are not working but if there is no enforcement and people feel no need to obey the rules then how can their success or otherwise be judged.

So click the image for a larger photo so that you recognise this species (should you are lucky enough to see one on our local rivers). If you do see one of them go up and shake his hand and say keep up the good work. I will be the first to do so.

Antony Boliancu