East Gippsland Shire Council has responded to a surge in large tuna catches off Lakes Entrance by providing a dedicated skip bin for tuna remains – and has urged anglers to dispose of fish waste responsibly.
More than a dozen very large tuna have been landed by anglers in recent days, generating significant quantities of fish waste, so Council has partnered with the Gippsland Lakes Fishing Club to provide a 600 litre skip bin solely for tuna remains.
Under the arrangement, the Gippsland Lakes Fishing Club will manage access, cleaning and locking and unlocking of the bin, while Council will empty it three times a week.
East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth said a good tuna run was great news for local anglers and fishing tourism, but it was important to dispose of fish waste responsibly to keep Lakes Entrance clean and protect local wildlife.
“With catches of this size comes a responsibility to dispose of fish waste properly,” Cr Ashworth said.
“We’re asking anglers to use the designated skip bin provided and not to leave tuna remains near the boat ramp, on the foreshore or in the water.
“Anglers should also avoid feeding tuna scraps to pelicans or other wildlife, as this can draw them into areas where they risk injury from hooks, lines and other fishing gear.
“Keeping fish waste contained is a simple way everyone can help keep Lakes Entrance clean and protect our wildlife,” Cr Ashworth said.
The recent catches have generated considerable interest, offering significant opportunities for recreational fishing and tourism in Lakes Entrance.
Council supports fishing and fishing tourism through investments in boat ramps, jetties, marinas, fishing platforms and fish-cleaning facilities; sponsorship of fishing and seafood events such as Hooked on Lakes, the Twin Rivers Bream Classic and Wild Harvest Seafood Festival; advocacy for the commercial fishing industry; and tourism and investment attraction activities that showcase East Gippsland's waterways, seafood industry and fishing experiences.