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Recreation

Fishing

Recreational fishing is a popular pastime around the world. So it's important to safeguard our fish stocks, marine life and the environment for future generations to enjoy.

By caring for the many species in and around our waterways, we can help ensure a healthy and diverse environment. Easy ways to make a difference:

• Fish responsibly – abide by NSW Fisheries regulations
• Respect and preserve Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) – sanctuary zones enjoy the highest level of protection. Removal or harm to any plants or animals within a sanctuary zone is strictly prohibited
• Carry a licence – you are required by law to carry a license to fish in NSW waters. This applies when spear fishing, hand lining, hand gathering, trapping, bait collecting and prawn netting or when in possession of fishing gear in, on or adjacent to waters. You can purchase a license for a period of a few days, one month, a year or three years from a range of outlets or contact 1300 369 365
• Practice "catch and release" – it is becoming a popular practice among many anglers. Anglers with a strong conservation commitment often release fish that they could legally keep. To maximise a fish's survival when practicing catch and release, follow these simple rules
• Follow the basic rules:
  • Whether you fish from a boat or shore, try to cast away from birds foraging near you, or move away. If embedded in a bird, a hook will likely cause a fatal infection or death due to other complications. And avoid using unattended set lines
  • Hooks don't rust away in a few days, even in the gut of a bird. Even in saltwater environments, most hooks, including the common "bronzie", can take at least six months to disintegrate. So avoid using stainless steel hooks that take many years to break down if left in the environment
  • Remember not to leave anything behind. Collect any discarded line, other gear or rubbish left by other thoughtless people. Even plastic bags can prove fatal when sea turtles mistake them for their natural jellyfish prey
  • Take home tangled tackle. Dispose of it properly by cutting into small pieces to avoid entanglement when birds scavenge rubbish dumps
• Reduce marine wildlife injuries – large numbers of birds, especially pelicans, are hooked or entangled in fishing gear each year. The injuries can be severe, horrific and often fatal. The most common cause of injury is accidental hooking when birds forage near active fishers. Birds that forage in estuaries or along beaches and break walls are frequently entangled by unattended set lines or discarded tackle. Many terrestrial birds are also entangled by discarded line that they have scavenged for nest building
• Report injured marine and wildlife – to your local wildlife group or the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). Rescuers have developed techniques for capturing most injured creatures even injured birds that are capable of full flight
• Avoid threatened species – it is vitally important that all of our protected and threatened species are given every chance to recover. Avoid fishing in areas and using techniques that are likely to catch protected and threatened species. Talk to locals, including rangers, and staff at fisheries and boating marinas to find out what areas are particularly sensitive or protected. If you do accidentally catch a threatened species, it should be returned to the water unharmed.
• Report sightings of protected and threatened species – record and register any sightings you've made of protected or threatened aquatic species in the NSW Department of Primary Industries database. This information will help in the management and understanding of these species
• Participate in rehabilitation activities – encourage your fishing club or community group to become involved in habitat rehabilitation projects
• Report any fish kills – "any sudden and unexpected mass mortality of wild or cultured fish" ("fish kills") are often the result of pollution or water contamination. Report discoveries to NSW Fisheries on (02) 9527 8411 or 1300 550 474
• Take care when fishing from a boat – remember to stow all items and dispose of waste onshore. Take great care with discarded plastic bags, tackle and fishing lines – these items could easily injure or kill marine animals. When anchoring, particularly around seagrass beds and other sensitive areas, take care as these are important fish habitats
• Help stop illegal fishing – report illegal or suspect fishing activities to your nearest Fisheries Office or call Fishers Watch on 1800 043 536. Stealing fish and black marketing are a serious problem and can deplete our fish and shellfish stocks on the coastline
• Take all rubbish with you – collect all rubbish and discarded items, including cigarette butts and dispose of it properly. If bins are not available, take it home with you for disposal in your household rubbish