Illegal fishing activities
Report suspicious or illegal fishing activity
Call the 24-hour Fishwatch Hotline or use the SA Fishing app to report any suspicious or illegal fishing activity.
Freecall 1800 065 522 SA Fishing appActivities you must 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.
See the closure information.
Exceeding daily fishing limits
It is illegal to exceed daily personal, bag or boat limits. This applies for a 24-hour period from midnight to midnight.
You are not allowed to catch any more of a species once you have caught your daily limit for that species.
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
It is illegal to move, keep, breed, sell, or release noxious and exotic species into the environment.
Anyone who is involved in these activities may face heavy fines.
Learn more about aquatic pest species.
Taking undersized fish
Minimum size limits apply to some types of fish, which are in place to help preserve the species. Find out the different size limits for fish species in SA.
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. You are only allowed to use permitted fishing gear.
Learn more about illegal fishing gear.
Information to report
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.