Fishing in Sydney Harbour
Recent test results have revealed elevated levels of dioxins in fish and crustaceans across the Harbour, including Parramatta River and other connected tidal waterways. A ban has been placed on commercial fishing as a precautionary measure. This fishing closure took effect at 5:00pm on 10 February 2006 and remains in effect until 9 Feb 2011, unless sooner amended or revoked.
Recreational fishing in the Harbour has not been banned, but fishers are urged to follow dietary advice on the consumption of seafood from the Harbour and to be aware of existing fishing restrictions.
Fishers can continue to practice catch and release.
An expert panel has recommended that fish and crustaceans caught west of the Sydney Harbour Bridge should not be eaten. You should release your catch.
For fish caught east of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, you should generally not eat more than 150 grams per month. Higher amounts of some fish and crustacean species may be eaten. For further details see below:
More information on dioxins
- Media release 20 Dec 07 - Dioxin levels down in some rec species as harbour survey gets underway
- Questions and answers on dioxins in fish and crustaceans in Port Jackson
- Media release 9 Dec 06 - New Dietary Advice for Anglers is Catch of the Day
- Media release 2 May 06 - Hopeful early dioxin test results on some recreational fish species
- Media release 16 March 06 - Early test results show dioxin levels lower in “recreational” fish species
- Food Standards Australia and New Zealand - Dioxins in Food
- Supplementary report from the expert panel considering the blood dioxin levels for Sydney Harbour fishermen and their families