Illegal fishing activities

Report any suspicious or illegal fishing activity via the Fishwatch 24-hour hotline or the SA Fishing app.

What to report

Illegal sale of recreational fishing catch

Selling fish without a commercial fishing license is illegal.

Recreational fishers must not sell or attempt to sell their fishing catch (including bait and shellfish).

Learn more about why selling your catch is illegal.

Fishing in closed or prohibited areas

It is illegal to take fish in waters where closures apply. You must return any species you catch during a closure period to the water immediately.

Some closed areas cannot be entered by the public.

Go to closure information.

Exceeding daily fishing limits

It is illegal to exceed daily personal, bag or boat limits.

You are not allowed to catch any more of a species once you have caught your daily limit for that species.

A "day" is the 24 hour period from midnight to midnight.

Find out the daily fishing limits that apply to different species of fish.

Taking protected species

Anyone who takes or causes harm to a protected species may face heavy fines.

Learn more about protected species in South Australia.

Illegal activity involving aquatic pests

Illegal activity involving noxious and exotic aquatic pests can include the:

  • release of exotic species into the environment
  • movement
  • keeping
  • breeding
  • sale.

Learn more about aquatic pest species.

Taking undersized fish

Minimum size limits apply to some species of fish.

Find out the different size limits for fish species.

Use of illegal fishing gear

Restrictions apply to the type of fishing gear and the combinations of gear that you can use in South Australia.

It is illegal to use fishing gear that is not listed as permitted.

Learn more about illegal fishing gear.

Information to give when reporting

Provide as many details as you can when reporting a suspected fishing offence.

This includes:

  • the location of the offence
  • the type of illegal activity
  • a description of suspected offenders, including their clothing and any distinguishing features
  • the names of the offenders if you know them
  • registration numbers of vehicles, vessels, or trailers
  • date and time of the activity
  • any other information that may be relevant.

All information given to Fishwatch is treated with the strictest confidence.

Contact Fishwatch

Call the 24-hour Fishwatch hotline for fishing information and reporting.

Freecall 1800 065 522
Page last reviewed: 09 May 2022

 


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