Recreational fishing is a significant activity for South Australia, estimated to generate $1 billion in economic activity, as well as social, health and wellbeing benefits to those who participate in fishing each year.

Recreational fishing delivers an estimated $403 million value in tourism to South Australia, supporting jobs and regional communities across the state.

The state government has committed $6.6 million to boost recreational fishing across South Australia and has established a new Recreational Fishing Authority to drive this commitment.

Recreational Fishing Authority

The Recreational Fishing Authority works across the whole of government, provides a centralised home for recreational fishing policy and development in South Australia. The Authority:

  • enables a whole-of-government approach to the management of recreational fishing
  • seeks out and targets recreational fishing access and opportunities
  • identifies ongoing sustainable solutions for fingerling fish supply in South Australia
  • enhances fishing tourism opportunities in South Australia.

The Recreational Fishing Authority collaborates closely with peak body RecFish SA, key South Australian government agencies and a broad range of sector and industry stakeholders on matters related to recreational fishing in the state.

Contact the Recreational Fishing Authority by email RecreationalFishingAuthority@sa.gov.au.

The government's commitment to recreational fishing

The state government has committed to improve recreational fishing across South Australia, by:

  • establishing the Recreational Fishing Authority
  • providing funding for RecFishSA to ensure the recreational fishing community continues to have a voice, and supporting RecFish SA's tagging and translocation program
  • fast-tracking freshwater fish stocking plans (in addition to the $4 million saltwater restocking program)
  • supporting more children's fishing clinics in partnership with RecFish SA, and supporting community fishing events, competitions and tourism initiatives
  • planning community fishing infrastructure projects such as jetty rod holders, bait boards and fish filleting tables in both ocean and river environments, prioritised through direct engagement and consultation with the community
  • investigating establishing a freshwater fish hatchery in South Australia
  • broader fishery reform to support the long-term sustainability of South Australia's recreational and commercial fishing industries.

Related information