Nationals MP for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, has raised in Parliament this week a ludicrous anomaly that is stopping Gippsland Lakes recreational fishers from catching prawns and crabs for consumption – a determination that is impacting several local businesses.
“According to the Department of Health, commercial fishers can now legally harvest crabs on the Gippsland Lakes for human consumption after the department recently provided the green light after testing confirmed quality concerns no longer existed,” Mr Bull said.
“However, strangely, the Department of Health advice has not changed for recreational fishers and is still recommending that shellfish, prawns and crabs caught in the Gippsland Lakes should not be consumed.”
Mr Bull said there should not be two sets of rules and in the past, the all clear has been given concurrently. “We have had locals contact the Department of Health and even other government agencies contact the department to have them revisit this, but they do not respond, and it has now remained in place for a fortnight.
“We have Easter approaching, which is a big weekend for the recreational fishing industry and those who rely on day boat hire and recreational fishing more generally should not have this unnecessary impediment remaining because someone is not doing the paperwork,” Mr Bull said.

IMAGE: Frank Milito, off Bass Strait Bait and Tackle, says it makes no sense recreational fishers cannot catch crabs and prawns for consumption while commercial boats are taking their catch to market.