Recreational
Fishing Trusts

Improving recreational ﬁshing
in NSW for everyone.

Annual Report 2023

390,146

licenses

In 2022-23, there were 390,146 Recreational Fishing Licenses sold

$18.4

million

$18.4 million was provided to support recreational fishing projects

351

projects

There are a total of 351 projects underway, 135 of these were approved in 2022-23 worth $23.8 million

View the 2023 Annual Report

Priority Areas & Achievements

The Recreational Fishing Trusts have supported funding for more than 3,300 large and small projects since 2001, with almost 3,000 projects completed. During 2022–23, more than $18.4 million was provided to support projects currently underway (including ongoing programs).

Priority areas for funding are:

Fisheries enhancement

Improving recreational fishing opportunities in coastal and inland regions by deploying FADs, building artificial reefs and fish stocking.

Fishing facilities and access

Providing new or upgrading existing facilities and protecting and enhancing fishing access for recreational fishers.

Aquatic habitat rehabilitation

Protecting and enhancing fish habitat and creating improved environmental conditions to build fish populations naturally.

Research

Supporting a large range of research projects on fish and recreational fishing, including surveys, citizen science programs and game fish tagging.

Education and promotion

Promoting awareness and stewardship of our aquatic resources and educating the next generation of anglers.

Fisheries Officers

Supporting coastal and inland fisheries officers and enhancing DPI’s capacity to enforce fisheries rules and regulations.

Your licence fees at work

NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts channel fishing fees (licenses) to support a huge variety of projects aimed at protecting and improving fishing opportunities and fisheries habitats.

Learn more about the Trusts

Trust Funding Summary

In 2022–23, over 390,000 recreational fishing licenses were sold, and more than $18.4 million was provided to support recreational fishing projects. With a total of 351 projects underway, 135 of these were approved in 2022–23 worth $23.8 million. When surveyed in 2023, 95% of fishers found Trust projects beneficial.