Nym
Free Ranging
More New Moon chaos ...
While Gippsland's five ports are not officially closed, fishing crews are erring on the side of caution.
Gippsland's Lakes Entrance is the largest fishing port in south-eastern Australia.
"All the bigger boats in our fleet are parked up, and also some of the support boats for the Esso platforms – the real big boats – are parked up as well," said Anthony Woodland, head of the Lakes Entrance Fishermen's Coop.
"We know that they're not overly keen on being out. They're well aware some of the wave heights out there are going to be up to 4.5 metres.
"With the wind, it's just a recipe for disaster, so no one's going out there at this time."
The disruption comes as fishers have been enjoying a bumper flathead and gummy shark season, Mr Woodland said.
Wild weather has knocked out critical safety markers and navigation aids along the coast, said David Talko-Nicholas from Gippsland Ports.
"We've got a dive team heading out to find a lost beacon in the Toora Channel," Mr Talko-Nicholas said.
Stormy seas strand boats
Victoria's largest commercial fishing fleet has been unable to leave port since Sunday due to the stormy seas.While Gippsland's five ports are not officially closed, fishing crews are erring on the side of caution.
Gippsland's Lakes Entrance is the largest fishing port in south-eastern Australia.
"All the bigger boats in our fleet are parked up, and also some of the support boats for the Esso platforms – the real big boats – are parked up as well," said Anthony Woodland, head of the Lakes Entrance Fishermen's Coop.
"We know that they're not overly keen on being out. They're well aware some of the wave heights out there are going to be up to 4.5 metres.
"With the wind, it's just a recipe for disaster, so no one's going out there at this time."
The disruption comes as fishers have been enjoying a bumper flathead and gummy shark season, Mr Woodland said.
Wild weather has knocked out critical safety markers and navigation aids along the coast, said David Talko-Nicholas from Gippsland Ports.
"We've got a dive team heading out to find a lost beacon in the Toora Channel," Mr Talko-Nicholas said.
