NSW Commercial Fisheries Administration Guide (PDF, 1871.21 KB)
FisherDirect account holders have the option to renew their licences online. Online account holders will see their licence renewals as pending transactions on the home screen, and can simply follow links to complete transactions.
Fishers choosing to renew their licences entirely online, including payment, have the benefit of immediate renewal. Plastic licence cards will be issued once renewal is completed, unless digital authorities are held. Digital authority holders have immediate access to their renewed commercial fishing licence via the FisherMobile app.
If you want to renew online you can apply for a FisherDirect account by downloading the form from the FishOnline website.
For information about digital authorities, visit the FishOnline website.
The ability to pay for licences by instalments is not available due to the introduction of the online renewal process. All licence renewal fees must be paid in full at the time of renewal.
Applications received during the renewal period (May-June), will be issued for a 13-14 month period. These licences will be charged the pro rata fee from May-June in addition to the annual renewal fee. All licences will expire 30 June 2020.
From 1 July 2018, you only require a fishing boat licence if you are conducting certain fishing activities, known as “declared commercial fishing boat activities”. You do not need a boat licence for:
From 1 May 2019, you will not need a boat licence for boats 20 metres or less in Ocean Trawl Inshore Prawn, Offshore Prawn or Fish Northern Zone.
All other activities that involve the use of a boat are “declared fishing boat activities” and require a boat licence.
For more information please see New boat licensing arrangements fact sheet (PDF, 49.1 KB).
Management fees for 2020/21 will be calculated on the number of share classes held as at 14 August 2020 at 9am.
The 1st instalment of the 2020/21 fees that would be due payable 30 September 2020 has been waived.
The 2nd instalment of the 2020/21 fees will be due payable 28 February 2021.
The 3rd instalment of the 2020/21 fees will be due payable 31 May 2021.
Before submitting an application form, please refer to the "Schedule of Commercial Fishing Fees and Charges" (see below) to determine the appropriate application fee. Note that the costs of specific licensing and quota management services are recovered through transaction fees. The fees are adjusted annually in line with the Consumer Price index (CPI).
Persons wishing to transfer and/or acquire fishing businesses, shares or components of a fishing business should complete the form titled "Application for Approval of Transfer of Components of a Fishing Business" Applicants should be aware that there are specific rules relating to the transfer of shares, endorsements and components of fishing businesses. Applicants should ensure they are familiar with these transfer rules prior to submitting an application. The rules are detailed under Part 6 Fisheries Management (General) Regulation 2010.
For any other queries regarding these rules please contact DPI on 1300 720 662 or seek your own independent legal advice.
If your application relates to a deceased estate, please contact NSW DPI on the above number prior to submitting your application as additional information may be required.
Important Notice: Please be advised that you should not make any financial commitments in relation to the trading of shares or other fishing business components until the application has been approved by NSW DPI and you have been formally notified of the approval.
For further information on the rules applying to a fishery refer to the DPI commercial fishing webpages at:
You should also consider any legislative requirements under other Acts administered by other state and federal agencies (refer to relevant legislation at www.legislation.nsw.gov.au).
Fisheries Business Services
NSW DPI
LMB 3020
NOWRA NSW 2541