Reef named in fishing identity's honour

One of Victoria's three new recreational fishing reefs in Port Phillip Bay will be named after the well-known fishing identity, Neil Tedesco, who died suddenly last month.
While launching the new reefs at Carrum recently, Minister Responsible for Fisheries Joe Helper said the naming of the "Tedesco Reef" was a fitting tribute to the popular presenter of a television program and enthusiastic angler.

"Sadly Mr Tedesco passed away at just 31 in a recent diving accident, however his passion for recreational fishing will be remembered in the naming of this reef," Helper said.

"Through his role as presenter of the popular community television program Adventure Bound, Mr Tedesco reached the homes of many passionate fishing fans.
His popularity was reflected in the number of suggestions to name one of the new reefs after him."

A public competition saw the remaining two reefs named "Rec Reef" after the recreational value of fishing to many Victorians and "Yakka Reef" to reflect the growing number of kayaks in Port Phillip Bay.
Helper said the Brumby Government recognised the important role the reefs would play in enhancing recreational fishing in Victoria.

"The Brumby Government is taking action to improve the recreational fishing opportunities for all Victorian families," he said.

"We expect to see plenty of snapper calling these reefs home but also other fish including leatherjacket, wrasse, longfin pike, flathead, King George whiting, yellowtail scad and possibly yellowtail kingfish," he said.

"Recreational anglers will have access to the reefs for the beginning of the 2009 snapper season which usually commences around September."

The reefs are currently being placed in Port Phillip Bay off Aspendale (Rec Reef), Seaford (Tedesco Reef) and Frankston (Yakka Reef).
Member for Carrum, Jenny Lindell MP, said the new Tedesco Reef promised to be a popular spot in the bay.

"Recreational fishing is a solid economic driver in this area as well as a healthy pastime for many locals and visitors to the region," Ms Lindell said.

"There were many requests to my office about naming one of the reefs after Mr Tedesco and this is a fantastic way to remember this passionate local identity."

Fisheries Victoria Acting Executive Director, Anthony Hurst said the three reef areas and a buffer zone (approximately 1 km) would be closed to commercial fishing in order to assess their recreational use during their three-year trial.
Competition winners who named the new reefs were John Farmer and Neil Boal (who suggested Rec Reef) and Peter Jolly (who suggested Yakka Reef). The entrants each won a rod-and-reel combo prize valued at $500.