# Octopus fishers welcome new licensing arrangements in East Gippsland
Source URL: 	https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-31/octopus-fishing-licences-in-east-gippsland/12611712
Date: 		20200831T0201

East Gippsland fishers have welcomed a new regime for octopus fishing,
following the creation of 11 tradable licences and catch quotas.

A cap of 68 tonnes of octopus has been imposed on the industry, with an
expected value of $1 million each year.

Previously, fishers were operating under non-transferable ocean access
permits.

For Lakes Entrance fisher Tony Pollard, that meant his business would
have ended with him.

He said transferable quotas meant he could pass the operation to his
son.

"I haven't got a lot of years left because fishing is quite physically
demanding, so it gives me the opportunity to pass the business on to my
son and hopefully onto his son," he said.

## No risk of overfishing

Fishing Minister Melissa Horne said the continuity provided by the new
licences would allow for more investment in the industry.

"We're providing much-needed security for commercial operators while
ensuring this fishery is managed sustainably," she said.

Mr Pollard said the quotas ensured there was no risk of overfishing.

"The pale octopuses have only got a lifespan of about 12 to 18 months
max, and they're very prolific breeders in the right conditions."

He said his traps used no bait — the pots drop onto the seabed where the
octopuses then make their homes.

"There's no bycatch whatsoever, what we're targeting is what we catch.