The Victorian State Government has presented a
bill to ban commercial net fishing in Port Phillip Bay by 2022. Supplies of
fresh King George Whiting, rock flathead, garfish and squid will be affected.
Industry commentators have expressed concern
not only about the availability of fresh fish but also the increased cost of
importing overseas fish if the ban goes ahead.
The herald-Sun has quoted Agricultural Minister
Jacinta Allen as saying - "What should be understood about this is that
this is a ban on commercial netting in Port Phillip Bay. It is not a ban on
commercial fishing in this area. There will be significant fishing activity.
There will still be fish available, whether it is at Queen Victoria Market or at
local restaurants.”