Your Support STILL needed, but VFA IS listening!!! Although the proposed regulation changes to safeguard stingrays are NOT over the line yet, this media release from the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) is the culmination of many months of hard work behind the scenes in getting closer to improved outcomes for these amazing ocean animals! The greatest part about the discussions that have unfolded and all the work that's been done to get to this point has been how receptive and proactive the VFA has been in listening to and addressing concerns about this issue. We have had excellent face to face meetings with the Executive Director, Director of Education and Enforcement, and the Director of Policies and Licensing, and with key members of their enforcement, policy and social media teams. They GET that these are genuine problems that need to be addressed and they have acknowledged the need to be proactive in developing solutions. It has been a HUGE effort on their part to produce the draft Fisheries Notice (now under public consultation until 14 August) as part of a package of broader education and enforcement initiatives to address the mistreatment of rays. We have every respect for VFA and the high level of commitment they have shown to best meeting the needs and concerns of recreational fishers and the broader public in addressing this issue. (We also want the outcome to be a win-win for all concerned!) YOUR SUPPORT IS STILL NEEDED! Thank you to ALL who have submitted their responses of support for EITHER the draft Fisheries Notice as it OR in support of a total ban on the taking of rays in Victoria (as per this petition). IF YOU HAVEN'T YET EMAILED YOUR SUPPORT (in addition to signing this petition) there's still time and every email helps to make a difference! You can see our previous petition update for a sample letter that you can copy and email to: stingray.consulation@vfa.vic.gov.au Sincere thanks to all the supporters (especially those who have sent their emails in and supported this petition financially to 'RaysAwareness'), and to the amazing individuals working tirelessly behind the scenes to make this happen! This campaign IS well on its way to making a difference - we will keep you posted! HERE's the full text of the media release by VFA on this issue: VFA MEDIA RELEASE New measures to safeguard stingrays 19 June 2017 The Victorian Fisheries Authority is seeking public comment on a set of proposed measures aimed at increasing protection to the States' iconic rays, skates and guitarfish. A Fisheries Notice was released today proposing a range of reforms to the way recreational fishers catch these species. The notice is open for consultation for the next two months. The notice proposes prohibiting the take or possession of large, iconic rays with a wingspan wider than 1.5m. It is proposed that the catch (bag) limit be reduced from five to one per day for rays less than 1.5m wide, skates or guitarfish. Fishers will not be permitted to take any of these species within 400m of any man-made fixed structure including any pier, jetty, wharf or breakwater. Fisheries regulations already require fishers to return any unwanted catch to the water with the least possible injury or damage. Over the past few months, Project Banjo has echoed community concerns about socially unacceptable treatment of rays, particularly those taken from piers and jetties in and around Port Phillip Bay. Fisheries Victoria Executive Director, Travis Dowling, said the proposed reforms have been developed to address those concerns. "We are working constructively with Project Banjo and recreational fishing groups to increase awareness and protection of rays and banjo sharks," Mr Dowling said. "We are improving signage on piers to remind fishers they need to be responsible in the way they fish for, handle and release these species." "The proposed reforms will take that a step further, and we urge all interested fishers and members of the community to make a contribution to the proposed rules on rays and skates." The notice is open for consultation until Monday 14 August 2017 and can be viewed at www.vic.gov.au/fisheries.