RPP FM reports mounting concern across the Mornington Peninsula as the Victorian Government moves to slash compliance roles within Fisheries Victoria—sparking fears of irreversible damage to the region’s coastline, marine life, and seafood industry.
In a joint statement, Victorian National Parks, VR Fish, and the Abalone Council expressed dismay at the planned redundancies, warning that the cuts could have disastrous consequences for Victorian waters including Port Phillip Bay and surrounding waters.
The Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has written to the State Government, outlining its “very grave concerns” over the proposal. Thousands of Victorians have also signed petitions calling for the decision to be overturned.
It comes amid reports that Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos is expected to announce the loss of 27 compliance positions, on top of 15 regional roles already left vacant—leaving many areas, including the Mornington Peninsula, exposed to illegal activity on the water.
Retired Fisheries Officer Dave Burgess, who spent nearly five decades in the department, said Port Phillip Bay’s ecosystems could collapse without adequate oversight.
“Without enforcement, regulation and oversight, the consequences will be catastrophic for fish stocks, shellfish, the local seafood industry, recreational anglers and the Victorian coastal environment,”
Burgess told RPP FM.
He warned that commercial sectors such as rock lobster and abalone—which depend on export certification—face collapse if compliance frameworks are dismantled.
“That accreditation is due next year. Without a proper compliance regime, they will not get it. So they won’t be able to export their product… that industry is doomed.”
Burgess also raised the alarm on the future of Port Phillip Bay, which he said could be “stripped bare” of shellfish within five months due to poaching and illegal harvesting.
“The fisheries out there will be devastated, and some could take 10 to 20 years to recover,” he added.
With recreational fishing, aquaculture and marine biodiversity playing a vital role in the Peninsula’s lifestyle and economy, locals are urging the State Government to reconsider.
One Response
The Bays will be very quickly cleaned out and fishing and the future of Marine Life wrecked.
These people making these decisions really need a wake up call. Get out and around and see how badly we need these control measures enforced.
I wonder on what basis is this crazy decision made.
Just $’s not common sense.