Recreational fishing provides significant economic and social benefits. In Victoria, it is estimated that over 830,000 people go fishing every year and this generates $2.6 billion in direct output.

The Victorian State Government is committed to growing recreational fishing participation by delivering its $46 million Target One Million plan, which aims to grow participation to one million anglers by 2020.

The Target One Million plan is comprised of 19 commitments and is supported by fisheries management, science, aquaculture, compliance, education and social connection to ensure the sustainability and vibrancy of Victorian recreational fisheries.

Key highlights Target One Million and recreational fisheries management in Victoria include:

• Removal of commercial netting from Port Phillip Bay
• Establishing of the Women in Recreational Fishing Network
• Delivering school education and children’s fishing events and festivals
• Opening of Trout cod fisheries at Beechworth
• Stocking Hazelwood Pondage with barramundi
• Saving Lake Toolondo, one of Victoria premier trout fisheries
• Stocking Rocklands Reservoir to create a native fishery
• Improving access by removing boating restrictions at Blue Rock Lake
• Opening Dartmouth Pondage to fishing
• Developing the GoFishVic smart phone app for better recreational fishing monitoring
• Establishing the Wild Trout Fisheries Management Program
• Developing a rock lobster app to measure recreational catch
• Phasing out of opera house nets and establishing Yabby Net Swap program
• Conferences to better engage and build capacity of recreational fishers