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Best Practice Guideline 11 - Recreational Fishing

Introduction

The aim of this guideline is to ensure recreational fishers are aware of the environmental values of Pittwater as an important fish habitat and to summarise ways in which recreational fishers can help to protect and preserve this habitat.

Fish are an important part of the Pittwater waterways and require food, shelter, clean water and room to move. Therefore it is important that Pittwater Council works to improve the fish habitat and promote safe and environmentally friendly recreational fishing activities by protecting healthy, balanced aquatic ecosystems and ensuring fishers are aware of the rules and regulations they must abide by. 

Anyone fishing in NSW waters (fresh water and saltwater) must have a recreational fishing licence for any type and style of fishing. The following list provides tips on how to be a responsible recreational fisher. The links provide in further information are resources produced for NSW fishers indicating all the fish species, size and bag limits, advice on techniques and any information you may need to know.

Ways you can fish responsibly

  • Know your fish species, including species you are allowed to catch, and endangered species which you must not catch (see pages 50 of the recreational fishing guide).
  • Know the legal size and number of each fish species that you are permitted to catch (page 37 of the recreational fishing guide for how to measure fish and invertebrates) (page 38-55 for legal size and bag limits for all fish and invertebrates)
  • Never catch a protected fish or other species (which species are protected and how to recognise them, page 56 recreational fishing guide).
  • Only catch sufficient fish for your immediate needs.
  • Only use legally permitted fishing equipment
  • Practice catch and release techniques to ensure the ongoing survival and supply of fish into the future.
  • The NSW Recreational Fishing guide has excellent advice on the most successful catch and release techniques
  • Always use legally permitted fishing equipment including the size, shape and operation of nets, traps, fishing, diving and spear-fishing (page 31-36 of the recreational fishing guide).
  • Always dispose of all litter responsibly.
  • Report any illegal fishing activities to the fishers watch phone line: 1800 043 536.

To access the full details of the Best Practice Guidelines click here

Further information

 Guideline 11