The proposed restrictions…

The proposed restrictions for anglers collecting and using their own bait are too restrictive.

Any new restrictions ought to be in proportion to the risk of VHS transmission, which is more likely related to commercial bait suppliers, where greater distances exist between places where bait caught and where bait is used.

If, for example, I catch baitfish in a small feeder creek, which I have access to, and then use them 5 miles away in a larger waterbody, where I do not have access to a feeder creek, this ought be acceptable.

I would suggest that if new proposed restrictions on anglers catching their own bait are overtly onerous and illogical, and not addressing the real risk, then the compliance is likely to be very low.

The reality is that fish eating birds moving from waterbody to waterbody are far greater risk for VHS transmission than is an individual angler catching his own bait and using it locally.

[Original Comment ID: 208631]