9 June 2022 - Blue-Green Algae Toxin (bugs & Prawns) in Lakes Entrance - Media Release Please see attached a media release relating to the Blue Green Algae Bloom and water sample results. In summary:
The ‘No contact with water’ recreation advice has now been removed across the entire Gippsland Lakes and the ocean. It is now deemed safe for contact with water.
The Seafood Advisory remains in place to not eat Shellfish, such as mussels, crabs and prawns from anywhere in the Gippsland Lakes or the Ocean from McLoughlins Beach through to Marlo.
Fish caught from anywhere in the Gippsland Lakes or the ocean should be gutted, gilled and washed thoroughly in fresh water prior to cooking, with the guts and gills discarded.
Test results from seafood samples caught from inside the Gippsland Lakes are showing very high levels of toxins.
Signage in place for no contact with water across the Gippsland Lakes is currently being removed, however the seafood advisory signage will remain in place until seafood test results come back below safe levels, which may take some time.
1 June 2022 - Upgrading the LEFL South Jetty in Lakes Entrance - Media Release The Andrews Labor Government is upgrading a popular jetty in Lakes Entrance to benefit boaters, fishers and visitors to the area.
25 May 2022 - Blue-Green Algae found in Lakes Entrance Prawns - Media Release Commercial harvesting of shellfish and crustaceans for human consumption from the Gippsland Lakes has been prohibited since March following identification of the algae bloom.
A toxin, linked to the blue-green algae in the Gippsland Lakes has been detected from samples of prawns harvested outside the Lakes area. The samples were collected two nautical miles of the coast from Lakes Entrance. The readings of toxic Nodularia are above the safe level for human consumption.
1 April 2022 -Temporary Crewing Permits As many primary production industries continue to battle labour shortages, AMSA has advised domestic commercial vessels may be able to operate temporarily below the minimum crewing requirements that apply to the vessel. Temporary crewing permits may be issues for up to three months. Further information is available via the link. To apply for a temporary crewing permit, you must complete an application for temporary crewing form 779 and submit it to dcvapplications@amsa.gov.au.
3 March 2022 - Why Victorians can soon expect a shortage of fresh locally caught fish. Click on the following link to hear SIV Independent Chair Joanne Butterworth-Gray speaking to 3AW's Neil Mitchell about the Victorian Government's proposed catch limits for the Port Phillip and Western Port Bay. www.3aw.com.au/why-victorians-can-soon-expect-a-shortage-of-fresh-locally-caught-fish/
SIV's Media Release - Response to Victorian Government Announcement of Port Phillip Bay Commercial Fishing By-Catch Limits click here.
15 December 2021 -Fresh from the Boat - Seafood Permits. Local fresh fish sold direct from the boat. Seafood Industry Victoria is working with the Victorian Fisheries Authority to promote permits for fresh locally caught seafood to be sold directly from boats. Permit holders can sell fish species such as snapper, whiting, calamari and gummy shark for direct sale from the dock to tourists and locals keen to sample locally sourced fresh fish, as well as local businesses such as restaurants and supermarkets.
Fish caught under the fresh from the boat permits can only be sold locally – to restaurants and businesses within 30km of the home port e.g. Apollo Bay, Mallacoota, Portland, Port Fairy, San Remo and Queenscliff. Local sales of seafood fresh from the boat mean more healthy options for local communities and more opportunities for fishers to create and develop a local sales network. For further information, call the VFA Commercial Licensing Team on 03 8392 6860 or email Commercial.Licensing@vfa.vic.gov.au.