A snapshot of revenue and project funding in 2021-22.
NSW Recreational Fishing Licenses sold
Revenue received from fishing fees (licenses)
Drawn from the Trusts to fund projects
Funding of $15.5 million was drawn from the Trusts in 2021–22 to support a wide range of projects that improve recreational fishing. Revenue received in 2021–22 from fishing fees (licenses) totalled $15.7 million (compared with $17.7 million in 2020–21).
The closing balance for the Trusts at 30 June 2022 was $20.7 million.
A total of 376,363 recreational fishing licenses (new and renewals) were sold during 2021–22 (compared with 474,517 in 2020–21). Recreational fishers purchased their licenses though a variety of different channels in 2021-22, with online sales being the most popular option, accounting for 79% of sales.
Since 2001, over 3,000 large and small projects have received funding from the Trusts, with more than 2,800 projects completed. Of the 281 existing projects, 129 were approved for funding in 2021-22 worth $21 million.
In 2021-22, funding of $15.5 million was drawn from the Recreational Fishing Trusts to support a wide range of projects that improve recreational fishing.
Learn more about the priority funding areas:
Fisheries Enhancement
Fishing Facilities & Access
Aquatic Habitat Rehabilitation
Research
Education & Promotion
Fisheries Officers
| Area | % value of total | Number of projects | Total value of projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fisheries Enhancement | 19.2% | 15 | $4 million |
| Fishing Facilities and Access | 5.9% | 32 | $2.8 million |
| Research | 15.5% | 26 | $3.3 million |
| Aquatic habitat rehabilitation | 11.2% | 11 | $2.3 million |
| Education & promotion | 11.8% | 31 | $2.5 million |
| Trust program delivery | 4.5% | 7 | $946,000 |
| Fisheries officers | 13% | 3 | $2.7 million |
| Licence payment system | 8% | 3 | $1.7 million |
| GLS fees | 3.6% | 1 | $750,000 |
Funds from the Recreational Fishing Trusts are used to support the administration of the recreational fishing licence fee and the management of the Trusts, including management of grants, to ensure transparent and accountable governance arrangements.
