VRFish, the peak recreational fishing body representing all recreational fishers in Victoria, today
commended the passage of a Bill through the Australian parliament Monday night, which will allow for the recreational fishing ban on Mako and Porbeagle Sharks to be lifted.

VRFish Chair, Mr Geoff Cramer said the whole of VRFish has been working very hard for Victoria's
recreational fishers on this issue and we are satisfied with this outcome. VRFish representatives
Trevor Buck, Christopher Collins, Ted O'Rourke and Ben Scullin were personally mentioned and
thanked by Senators for their role in reaching this successful outcome during debate of the Bill.

"Senator Steve Fielding was quoted in the proof Senate Hansard as thanking God for organisations
such as VRFish and while I cannot disagree with those sentiments, I believe it was the thorough and professional work of many that secured this outcome". Geoff stated

The EPBC Act amendment (Recreational Fishing for Mako and Porbeagle Sharks) 2010 Bill, which
allows for recreational fishers to catch and keep these fish without facing harsh penalties was passed by the Senate and will now become law.

"There are many, many people and organisations we need to thank for this" says Mr Cramer. "The
bipartisan way this was positively dealt with in the parliament shows how unfair the effects of an
automatic listing process have been on the recreational fishers of not just Victoria, but almost every jurisdiction", he said.

"VRFish would especially like to thank the recreational fishing community in Victoria for their support
during this difficult period. Without the support of the every day recreational fisher, we cannot achieve this level of outcome for all" said Mr Cramer.