About

Recreational fishers in Australia enjoy some of the world’s best fishing from Barramundi and Sailfish in the north, Snapper and Southern Bluefin Tuna in the south, Yellowtail Kingfish and Marlin in the east, Western Australian Dhufish and King George Whiting in the west. And who can forget the omnipresent bream and flathead, or our inland species such as Murray Cod, Golden Perch and Trout. These and other iconic species are an integral part of Australian culture, and our food supply, keeping us active and healthy, and driving national and global tourism opportunities worth billions of dollars. 

Sustainable management of fish populations is vital to ensure that recreational fishers continue to enjoy the positive benefits of aquatic resources, forever. Challenges such as climate change, overfishing, urbanisation and habitat degradation threaten fish populations and continual research and development is required to deliver effective solutions that support fishery sustainability.  

FRDC supports and identifies research priorities through partner organisations that include RecFish Australia and the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation (ARFF). However, views and ideas from individuals and groups that seek to address issues of national concern to recreational fishing, are always welcome.

Key resources

• 2018-161 - National Social and Economic Survey of Recreational Fishers
  • National Social and Economic Survey of Recreational Fishers - Final Report
  • National Social and Economic Survey of Recreational Fishers 2018-2021 - Executive Summary
  • 2019-2021 National Recreational Fishing Survey – Appendices 2 to 7
• State-based Social and Economic Survey of Recreational Fishers 2018-2021 Reports
• National recreational fishing survey website
• Tuna Champions

Relevant Media

• Emerging leaders take up communication challenge from World Recreational Fishing Conference

FRDC Management Contacts 

Josh Fielding – FRDC Portfolio Manager (T +61 2 61222121; E: josh.fielding@frdc.com.au) 

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