The Twelve Principles

The Twelve Principles contained within the recreational fishing Code of Practice are:

We take no more than our immediate needs

We understand and observe all fishing regulations and report illegal fishing activities

We support and encourage activities that restore and enhance fisheries and fish habits

We prevent pollution and protect wildlife by removing rubbish

We use established roads and tracks

Take care when boating and anchoring to avoid damaging sensitive areas

We report environmental damage and pollution to the relevant authorities

We quickly and correctly return unwanted illegal catch to the water

We use only legal tackle, attend our gear and value our catch

We practise courtesy toward all who use inland and coastal waters

We obtain permission from landowners and traditional owners before entering land

We care for our own safety and the safety of others when fishing



We take no more than our immediate needs

A vital way we can participate in conserving fish stocks is to limit our catch by taking only our immediate personal needs. Overfishing has a detrimental effect on fish stocks and, in extreme cases, entire fish species. To look after our fisheries we must:  

  • Use commonsense and restraint when fishing, for example, return endangered or threatened species to the water.
  • Carefully return unwanted live bait to the waters they were taken from. Live bait is an important part of the food chain, so it is important to leave some to support the fish we wish to catch in the future.

We understand and observe all fishing regulations and report illegal fishing activities

Fishery Departments set up regulations to manage the fisheries for now and the future. Report illegal fishing activities to the relevant authorities (FISHWATCH). It is important that the fishing community does not ignore activities that threaten the fisheries and damage the reputation of responsible fishers. To look after our fisheries:

  • Keep up to date with regulations and observe them. They are based on the best available scientific evidence .
  • Help explain fishery regulations and the reasons for them to others, especially to children.
  • Report black marketing of fish, as it is illegal to sell your catch without a licence (FISHWATCH).
  • Report poaching, theft and illegal netting to the relevant authorities (FISHWATCH).
  • South Australia has Fisheries Officers, so don’t presume to act as officers of the law.

We support and encourage activities that restore and enhance fisheries and fish habits

We are all dependent on healthy eco-systems. Habitat destruction and modification, resulting largely from human activities, presents a huge threat to the future maintenance of fish stocks and the availability of other species such as shell fish, rock lobsters and crabs. To look after our fisheries:

  • Recognise the fragility and environmental diversity of streamside vegetation, estuaries, seagrass, mangroves and reefs. These areas provide food, shelter and are important breeding areas for many fish species.
  • Participate in research, rehabilitation and monitoring programs, and tagging programs. 
  • Educate others, especially children about sustainable fishing practices.
  • Become familiar with the life cycles and breeding seasons of aquatic species and other fauna.
  • Become involved in programs that restore coastal and streamside vegetation.
  • Keep a safe distance from aquatic wildlife, and avoid undue noise when birds are roosting or nesting.
  • Never use feral fish as live bait or introduce exotic fish into natural waters.

We prevent pollution and protect wildlife by removing rubbish

Pollution affects the health of the environment, and spoils our experience of the outdoors. Natural areas continue to suffer major problems due to the side effects of human activities. We can help! To protect the environment:

  • Take nylon line, polystyrene foam packaging, bottles, six pack holders, bait bags, cups and packaging etc away from fishing sites. These items must be disposed of correctly to avoid potentially entrapping birds and other aquatic creatures.
  • Don’t leave bait to foul rocks, river banks or beaches.
  • Don’t wash rubbish, chemicals or other waste into stormwater systems. Most stormwater drains run directly into waterways.
  • Participate in programs such as ‘Clean Up Australia’ and ‘Ocean Care Day’.

We use established roads and tracks

Off-road driving or ‘bush-bashing’ can be a major cause of erosion and vegetation loss; likewise trampling dunes across dune systems, reef beds and other fragile areas. To protect the environment:

  • Use walking tracks and avoid driving on the beaches. The protection of sand dunes and vegetation will help minimise beach erosion.
  • Avoid straying from established roads and tracks.
  • Treat all natural area with care and respect.

Take care when boating and anchoring to avoid damaging sensitive areas

Boating increases the range of fishing possibilities, but unskilled and thoughtless use of boats can lead to environmental damage. To protect the environment:

  • Show care when anchoring, particularly over sensitive reef areas.
  • Avoid disturbing wildlife by excessive noise or harassment.
  • Keep a constant vigil when boating, to avoid hitting wildlife
  • Refuel on land whenever possible, and do not discharge wastes, oil and sewerage into the water.
  • Be aware of your boating speed to minimise erosion of riverbanks from excessive wave action.
  • When diving, avoid disturbing or modifying fish habitat.

We report environmental damage and pollution to the relevant authorities

The protection of the environment is everyone’s responsibility. By reporting pollution problems to the relevant authorities, we help to ensure that waters become pollutant free and discourage practices that destroy fish habitat. To protect the environment:

  • Report any fuel and oils spills.
  • Report all stranded or dead aquatic animals and protected reptiles.
  • Report any signs of discharge of polluted waste waters and runoff containing fertilisers and pesticides.
  • Report any vegetation or stream damage, eg sedimentation, declining water quality, algae etc.
  • Report sightings of suspected aquatic pest organisms

We quickly and correctly return unwanted illegal catch to the water

Incorrect handling damages fish and reduces their chances of survival after release. A fish out of water cannot live for more than three to four minutes because of brain damage caused by lack of oxygen. An exhausted fish played with for too long may not recover. To treat fish humanely:

  • Retrieve fish as quickly as possible.
  • Ensure that fish are not left to flop or flail around
  • Use wet hands and a minimum of handling to ensure that released fish will have a good chance of survival.
  • Revive a tired or semi-conscious fish. Hold it gently and move it forward to force water through its gills. When it has revived, and is able to swim normally, set it free.

We use only legal tackle, attend our gear and value our catch

Good treatment and handling of fish is not just about maintaining table fish quality. It is also a mark of the respect that fishers have for fish. To treat fish humanely and avoid waste:

  • Use only tackle that is appropriate for the size and type of fish.
  • Attend gear to ensure that fish are retrieved as soon as they are caught.
  • Dispatch fish immediately with a firm tap on the top of the head with a suitable blunt object or by pithing.
  • Ice fish down and store them away from sunlight, preferably in a moist bag or cooler.

We practice courtesy toward all who use inland and coastal waters

Lakes, creeks, rivers and coasts are used for a variety of purposes. By recognising the rights of others to use the waters for their recreation and livelihood, recreational fishers help ensure that all are equally able to enjoy their activities. To respect the rights of others:

  • Be courteous to those whose communities we enter when fishing. Remember that this is their home.
  • Realise that friendly rivalry can exist between fishers without the need for anyone to dominate.
  • Prepare your boat and trailer before launching at boat ramps to avoid any delays.

We obtain permission from landholders and traditional owners before entering land

Having access to land held in trust by landholders and traditional owners is a privilege and not a right. To respect the rights of others:

  • Gain permission before entering the land and clearly indicate where you are going.
  • Recognise the cultural and spiritual attachment indigenous people feel for their land and their water.
  • Avoid lighting fires unless permission has been granted
  • Avoid interfering with land, stock or crops in any way.
  • Leave all gates as they are found.
  • Leave the gun and dog at home to avoid harming or harassing livestock or wildlife.

We care for our own safety and the safety of others when fishing

Playing it safe while fishing is good commonsense. Never risk a life when trying to catch a fish. To avoid endangering others:

  • Observe and understand all boating regulations, including the carrying of required safety equipment.
  • Keep a safe distance from shore-based anglers, jetties, swimmers and other boats.
  • Be aware of the dangers of rock fishing and seek local knowledge of adverse tide or wave conditions.
  • Gain local knowledge of common beach dangers including rip currents, large waves, shore platforms, deep water, offshore reefs and tidal currents.
  • Exercise caution and plan for contingencies when fishing inland waters and mountain lakes and streams. Submerged logs, sudden squalls, icy waters and extremely cold temperatures can create difficulties.