It is interesting to note that the commercial catch in Port Phillip in 2015/16 was 613 tonnes, this is about the average catch of 631 tonnes over the previous 18 years. Despite this the decision was still made to end commercial netting despite NO OBVIOUS DECLINE in fish catch over nearly two decades. The Gippsland Lakes, commercial catch DECLINED 73% in the past 35 years, to JUST 313 tonnes (includes 100 tonnes of carp) in 2016/17. Clearly the decision to ban netting in Port Phillip and Corio Bays was NOT based on a declining fishery. It was decided prior to the 2014 election that commercial netting in the Gippsland Lakes was not to end but just be restricted DESPITE an obvious decline in both commercial and recreational catch . The Minister for Agriculture and Regional development frequently makes statements regarding "improving recreational fishing opportunities and boosting regional economies as part of the Target One Million campaign". Locals want actions not just words! It would appear that the Gippsland Lakes, except for a few minor contributions to fishing clubs and extending an already legislated netting ban at river mouths, does not qualify as important enough for a ban on commercial netting of fish full stop. One could ask are we waiting for total decimation of fish stocks to a point where there is not only increasing tensions between rec fishers and commercials, but commercials with each other, when competing for an ever dwindling supply. In the mean time commercial fishers will maintain their licences contributing less and less to the East Gippsland economy due to lower and lower annual catch and East Gippsland businesses which survive on recreational fishing tourism will continue to go bust. It just does not make sense. We don't know who is advising the Minister, but something needs to clearly change. The Gippsland Lakes as the largest eustuarine system in Australia should have been the cornerstone of the Government's policy with substantial benifits to the local economy and a showcase for Victorian tourism.