NSW fisheries rules for marine invertebrates: A simple guide

October 10, 2024

The weather is warming up, and if you’re planning a day out by the beautiful waters of NSW, whether it’s rock fishing, spearfishing, or collecting marine invertebrates, understanding fishing rules and regulations is crucial.

Rock platforms along the NSW coast are rich in marine life but also vulnerable to human activity. Many marine invertebrates, such as shellfish, crabs, and sea urchins, are fascinating creatures that play essential roles in ocean ecosystems. NSW DPIRD has important rules and regulations you need to know before engaging in any collecting activities to help protect our delicate marine environments and ensure that future generations can enjoy them too.

To safeguard these species and their habitats, NSW has specific rules. Broadly these are:

Licencing: Adults in NSW are required to pay the Recreational Fishing Fee before collecting marine invertebrates, unless exampt.
Bag and Size Limits: To prevent overfishing and allow for reproduction, most invertebrates have restrictions on how many can be collect, and the specific minimum and/or maximum size they can be.
Collecting Methods: While collecting invertebrates can be challenging, there are rules in place around how they may be taken. You can use your hands, gloves and a knife, but please leave the garden, kitchen and DIY tools at home, as these are not permitted.
Bait and Consumption: Marine invertebrates including crabs and cunjevoi can be used as bait while fishing, however, there are further regulations around personal consumption and the shucking of invertebrates on rock platforms.
Protected Areas: Some rock platforms are protected or have restricted access to preserve their natural state. These include Aquatic Reserves and Intertidal Protected Areas. In NSW, there are 12 Aquatic Reserves and 9 Intertidal Protected Areas. The fishing/collecting rules for each of these protected areas differs and should be consulted prior to engaging in any activity. Look for and follow any posted signs, check the DPIRD website or download the free FishSmart application.

Detecting illegal fishing and ensuring compliance on rock platforms is a major priority for DPIRD Fisheries Officers, particularly during the warmer months and holiday periods. In the 2023-2024 financial year, Fisheries Officers seized over 46,000 marine invertebrates relating to offences against the Fisheries Management Act 1994 and the Marine Estate Management Act 2014.

Fishing and collecting marine invertebrates in NSW can be a rewarding family experience, but it comes with responsibilities. By following these guidelines and staying informed about local regulations, you can enjoy your time in our beautiful marine environments while helping to conserve them into the future.

For the most current information, always refer to the NSW DPIRD website, the NSW FishSmart Application or contact NSW Fisheries on 1800 043 536.