Australian state gets $18m recreational fishing boost

The recreational fishing tackle industry across Australia is set to benefit from more than Aus$18m of funding for the sport in one of the country’s states.

The Minns Labor Government says the funding to New South Wales is part of its commitment to making recreational fishing more accessible to everyone and ensuring it continues to contribute to the local economies of the communities in the region.

The investment includes:

• $5 million for recreational fishing enhancement and improving access;
• $3 million for Fishcare Volunteers, schools education, fishing workshops and communication with recreational fishers;
• $3 million for research and monitoring programmes;
• $3 million for detecting and preventing illegal fishing and protecting fisheries resources;
• $2 million to restore and improve fish habitat;
• $2 million for a digital and over-the-counter licence payment system.

In 2023/24 more than 400,000 fishing licences were issued with revenue from these sales flowing into the Recreational Fishing Trusts and then back to fund programmes and projects that support and grow recreational fishing activity and the environment for vibrant fish habitats.

Tara Moriarty, the Minister for Agriculture, said: “Recreational fishing is fun for families and small local regional businesses and that is why the Minns Government is keen to make good investments in programmes and infrastructure that will ensure this activity can be sustainably ongoing.

“As well as enhancing fishing, many of these programmes help drive economic growth in the regions through fishing tourism and business opportunities, while also providing significant ecological and productivity benefits. This year our world-leading fish stocking programme has seen over 5.3m freshwater and marine fish stocked in NSW waterways, providing a boost to fishing, conservation outcomes, employment and local economies

“Fishing enhancement programmes like the Offshore Artificial Reefs and fish attraction devices (FADs) deliver quality sportfishing opportunities and are a popular drawcard for locals and tourists alike.

“To ensure that our fishing stocks and habitats are not depleted or over fished, we also invest in compliance and administering fishing rules so that a small number of bad actors are not ruining it for everyone else.”