Recreational anglers have welcomed the opportunity to further improve the quality of Victoria's rebounding kingfish fishery through a proposal to reduce the daily bag limit from five to two.
Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO Travis Dowling said kingfish are considered royalty by saltwater fishers right along the coast, from Mallacoota in the east to Portland in the west, including southern Port Phillip and Western Port.
"Recreational anglers are telling us that the current limit of five kingfish per person per day is too high and that two kingfish is a more reasonable day's take that will better share the stock amongst more anglers across the summer season," Mr Dowling said.
"We've listened to this feedback and are now seeking to consult more broadly about the bag limit change, which reflects a strong sense of stewardship by Victoria's passionate fishing community who have enjoyed a kingfish resurgence in recent years.
"Kingfish are highly regarded as a sportfish, reaching 120cm or more, and are revered on the dinner table for their firm white flesh, either cooked or raw as sashimi.
"Found right along Australia's eastern seaboard from Queensland, south to Tasmania and across to South Australia, the bulk of the nation's kingfish stock is found in New South Wales coastal waters.
"We've been talking about kingfish with these neighboring jurisdictions, sharing and reviewing scientific research, including movement patterns.
"In recent years, kingfish averaging 5-10kg have been caught in Victorian waters such as Mallacoota, Marlo, Port Welshpool, Port Fairy, Portland, inside Western Port, and around the entrance to Port Phillip known as the rip.
"They are a fast-growing species, capable of reaching Victoria's minimum size of 60cm in two to three years, depending on marine ecosystem productivity and baitfish populations.
"Kingfish are also highly migratory, with studies showing movement up and down the coast from season to season. A 121cm kingfish that was tagged at Lady Julia Percy Island near Port Fairy was detected seven months later at Mollymook in New South Wales, then Coffs Harbour seven days later. That is an average swim of 91km a day and 637km all up."
Mr Dowling said the proposed change would leave more kingfish in the water to be shared amongst experts and beginners and encourage responsible fishing practices that balance taking home a meal of fresh fish with continued improvements in local stock levels.
