Why a regulation gap makes rock fishing even more risky

THE decision by the State Government and the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) to introduce a mandatory lifejacket requirement on anglers visiting Victoria’s top 10 most dangerous rock fishing sites has been spectacularly successful.

According to emergency service responders, the new rule likely saved the life of a man swept off the rocks at the notorious Punchbowl Rocks near San Remo in November last year.

The man spent several hours in the water, unable to get back on to the rock shelf, and according to first responders, was exhausted by the time he was winched onboard a police helicopter.

There may have been similar incidents at some of the other sites, and near misses not reported.

But even one life saved is a huge endorsement for the initiative.

The only problem with the introduction of mandatory lifejackets is that it was only on a trial basis, with the two-year trial set to conclude on February 29, little more than a month from now.

The VFA has however stressed that rock fishers should continue to wear lifejackets at the nominated sites, listed below, even after the trial finishes and data from the trial is assessed.

“We want Victorian anglers to enjoy rock fishing, but we also want them to get home safely,” said a spokesperson for the Victorian Fisheries Authority.

“The trial will continue as planned through until March 1 2024 and permanent regulation of these lifejacket rules will be considered when the final data is returned,” they said.

“Rock fishers must wear a lifejacket at the 10 high-risk sites identified in the trial, but it’s recommended to wear one no matter where you’re rock fishing.”

Background

On March 1, 2022, the Victorian Fisheries Authority began a two-year trial of mandating the use of lifejackets for fishers at 10 high-risk locations around Victoria.

No matter where you are, the VFA always recommends wearing a lifejacket when rock fishing.

As part of the trial the VFA developed educational material in several languages to ensure fishers were aware of the new rules and which lifejackets complied with Australian Standard (AS 4758).

The trial will conclude on 29 February, 2024, at which point data from the trial will be reviewed and the future of the rules will be considered.

The 10 sites are located across central and western Victoria. Anyone fishing at these sites is required to wear a lifejacket from March 1, 2022:

1. Rock platform near blowholes carpark at Cape Bridgewater

2. Artillery Rocks, west of Lorne

3. The rock platform opposite Sheoak Falls, south of Lorne

4. Sorrento Back Beach rocks

5. No. 16 beach at Rye back beach

6. Cape Schanck lighthouse rocks

7. Bushrangers Bay rocks, east of Cape Schanck

8. Pyramid Rocks, Phillip Island.

9. Rocks at the southern end of Potters Hill Road, San Remo

10. Punchbowl Rocks near San Remo

However, while the VFA has recommended rock fishers continue to wear lifejackets at all rock fishing locations, it will no longer be mandatory after February 29, 2024.

The Sentinel-Times has contacted the Minister for Outdoor Recreation, the Hon. Steve Dimopoulos MP, for comment about whether the conditions of the trial will be extended beyond February 29 this year, until legislation can be introduced.

For more information on the 10 locations and how you can stay safe when rock fishing anywhere in Victoria, head to www.vfa.vic.gov.au/rockfishing