Trust fund allocation

Freshwater: 2006-2007 $176,000

Saltwater: 2006-2007 $613,000

About the program

If you have a passion for fish and fishing and you'd like to help protect our aquatic habitat, why not think about becoming a Fishcare Volunteer. Volunteers talk to anglers about fishing rules and responsible fishing and help in a range of activities, such as fishing workshops, catch surveys and community fishing events. Funded by the recreational fishing licence, the NSW Fishcare Volunteer Program continues to expand boasting volunteers in many inland and coastal areas around the State.

Who can become a Fishcare Volunteer?

If you're 18 years or over and have a keen interest in fish, fishing and the conservation of our fish resources and habitat, you can apply to become a Fishcare Volunteer. You don't need any formal qualifications but some knowledge of angling and the aquatic environment is useful.

As a volunteer you'll be expected to give approximately one day per month to assist the program, and occasionally attend events, such as fishing competitions. You'll be involved in helping create better awareness among anglers and the wider community about fishing issues, but you won't have enforcement powers.

Volunteers are issued with clear identification as well as a distinctive hat, shirt and backpack containing the necessary documentation.

New volunteer undertaking biology training, Cronulla NSW

Boat advisory work

Experienced volunteers also partake in on water advisory, assisting NSW DPI Fisheries Education Officers with distribution of PR material, catch and release kits and information in relation to food safety issues. To undertake on water advisory work, all volunteers must pass additional training requirements, such as Elements of Shipboard safety and risk assessment. A rolling 8 week roster is produced for each region whereby volunteers are committed to working at least 3 shifts within the roster period.

Distributing new regulation material on Sydney Harbour

Want to apply?

Download the form in word document format and send it to:

State Coordinator
Community Programs
NSW DPI
PO Box 21, Cronulla NSW 2230
Fax: 02 9527 8560

Want to know more?

• Volunteer code of conduct
• Training for volunteers
• Fishcare Volunteer Activities
• What volunteers are saying about the program

Contact

If you'd like more information about the program, contact an Education Officer:

Sydney harbour volunteers pack up after a day on the water.

State coordinator community programs