Fishing has always been an integral part of the cultural and economic life of coastal and inland Aboriginal communities. Fishing provides an important source of food and is an important part of cultural and ceremonial life. Traditionally, Aboriginal fishers had responsibility for providing not just for themselves but for family and community. These cultural expectations continue in Aboriginal communities today.

In December 2002, the NSW Government released an Indigenous Fisheries Strategy and Implementation Plan (the Strategy), to protect and enhance the traditional cultural fishing activities of Aboriginal communities and to ensure Aboriginal involvement in the stewardship of fisheries resources. The strategy was an important first step in developing a framework for engaging Aboriginal communities in fisheries management and raising awareness of Aboriginal traditions associated with fishing.

The National Native Title Tribunal and the National Indigenous Fishing Technical Working Group developed a set of National Indigenous Fishing Principles in 2004. These principles are not legally binding but encourage jurisdictions to better recognise traditional fishing practices and greater Aboriginal involvement in commercial fisheries, charter fishing and eco-tourism activities. The NSW Government is committed to these principles and it is envisaged that in NSW future development of Aboriginal fisheries policy will have regard to these principles.

The NSW Government continues to seek to protect and enhance the traditional cultural fishing activities of Aboriginal communities, and ensure Aboriginal involvement in the stewardship of fisheries resources.