EXCITING #RaysAwareness / PROJECT BANJO UPDATE: SIGNAGE!!! The broad community consultation period on proposed changes to ray protection legislation has now closed and the results should be made known over the next few months. In the meantime, The Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) (in conjunction with Parks Victoria) have been INCREDIBLE in terms of their proactive responsiveness on this issue. Their unfolding INSTALLATION OF THIS NEW SIGNAGE on piers, jetties and boat ramps throughout Victoria is a HUGE leap forward in addressing the issue at the coalface (we may even start to see sticker versions appearing on bait freezers soon!) HERE's what the Victorian Fisheries Authority have posted today on their social media: We've just installed signs to remind people to respect rays and skates in the coming months! You might spot the signs next to boat ramps and piers around Port Phillip. If you’re fishing and unintentionally catch a ray or skate, return it to the water as soon as possible without injury or suffering. Ideally, keep it in the water to gently remove the hook or cut the line as close to the hook as possible. If you catch a barbed ray, minimise handling and do your best to stay safe. Don't place rays on hot dry surfaces and use wet hands or wet towels to assist. If you love rays and skates like we do, then let’s work together and give them the respect they deserve! ______________________________________ These brilliant signs will provide an effective way for the fishing community to become better aware of the current regulations and ways that they can play more active roles in self-regulation. While these signs reinforce current regulations, we remain very hopeful that the results of the recent broad community consultation will lead to improved regulations over the coming months to provide better protection for rays. We anticipate that this signage may well be the first stage of an exciting, multi-faceted solutions package including a range of enforcement and education initiatives. Massive thanks to EVERYONE who has played a part in helping us to reach this point. Your support so far is helping to make a GENUINE difference! Keep watching this space as we continue to move forward! #raysawareness #ocean #rays #stingray