Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia is known for its world-class game fishing, coastlines for beach or rock fishing, and its array of freshwater and inland waterways. However, there are regulations in place to protect the marine environment and ensure these resources are maintained for future generations. In Western Australia, you need a recreational fishing licence for certain types of fishing activities, such as fishing from a boat, rock lobster fishing, abalone fishing, marron fishing, freshwater angling, and net fishing. These licences can be applied for or renewed online, and must be carried at all times when participating in fishing activities. While anglers under the age of 16 and Aboriginal persons fishing for non-commercial purposes are exempt from the requirement, it is important to note that licensing rules vary across states and can change over time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Licence Requirement | In Western Australia, a recreational fishing licence is needed for specific fishing activities: recreational fishing from a boat, rock lobster fishing, abalone fishing, marron fishing, freshwater angling, and net fishing. Shore or jetty fishing without using a boat does not require a licence. |
| Exemptions | Anglers under 16 years old are exempt from a south-west freshwater angling licence. Aboriginal persons fishing for personal, domestic, ceremonial, educational, or non-commercial communal needs are also exempt, as long as the fish is not for commercial purposes. |
| Application Process | Applications or renewals for a recreational fishing licence can be done online, by post, or in person at a Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development office. |
| Costs | Licencing fees range from $40 to $50 at full price. Half-price fees are offered for individuals under 16 and those eligible for government concessions. A 10% discount is applicable when purchasing two or more activities simultaneously. |
| Gear Identification | Gear identification numbers, based on initials and birthdates, are required to be displayed on floats for department officers to detect illegal activities. |
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What You'll Learn
Who needs a fishing licence?
In Western Australia, a recreational fishing licence is required for the following types of fishing activities: fishing from a boat, rock lobster fishing, abalone fishing, marron fishing, freshwater angling, and net fishing. If you are engaging in any of these activities, you must carry your fishing licence with you at all times.
It's important to note that there are some exemptions from the licensing requirement. Anglers under the age of 16 do not need a southwest freshwater angling licence. Additionally, Aboriginal persons fishing in accordance with customary law and tradition for personal, domestic, ceremonial, educational, or non-commercial communal needs are exempt from the licence requirement. This exemption applies when fishing in any waters, as long as the fish is for personal or family use and not for commercial purposes.
If you are fishing from the shore or a jetty and have not used a boat to reach your fishing location, you do not need a licence. However, if you are targeting specific species or using certain types of equipment, such as a fishing net or spearfishing gear, you may need a licence or permit, even in states that do not generally require a fishing licence.
The rules and regulations for fishing in Western Australia are designed to protect the marine environment and maintain sustainable fish resources. It is important to follow these regulations to ensure responsible enjoyment of the fisheries and avoid fines. For the most up-to-date information on licensing requirements and regulations, it is recommended to refer to the Western Australia Fisheries website.
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Fishing from a boat
If you want to go fishing from a boat in Western Australia, there are a few things you need to know and some rules you need to follow. Firstly, you will need a recreational fishing licence if you are fishing from a boat. You can apply for a licence online through the Department of Transport's DoTDirect website, or you can download an application form and submit it by post or in person at a Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development office. The fees for a fishing licence range from $40 to $50, with those under 16 years of age and some government concession cardholders eligible for a 50% discount. You will need to carry your fishing licence with you at all times when participating in fishing activities.
In addition to a fishing licence, you will also need a boat licence, known as a Recreational Skipper's Ticket, if your boat has an outboard or inboard engine or electric motor producing more than 4.5kW/6.0hp. To get a boat licence, you will need to undergo an eyesight check and provide a medical declaration if you don't already have a valid WA driver's licence. You will also need to prove your identity with a driver's licence or two forms of identification, such as a birth certificate and Medicare card. Then, you will need to complete a practical assessment that includes learning how to drive a boat and a test on your driving skills and knowledge of boating rules and regulations. The process for obtaining a boat licence is slightly different for those under 18, who will need to obtain a letter of consent from a parent or guardian.
Once you have your boat licence, you can drive any boat registered as a recreational boat, as long as it is used for recreational purposes. This means you cannot charge people to join your boat, but you can ask them to contribute to fuel costs. It is also important to note that you cannot sell any fish you catch to someone else.
Finally, it is crucial to follow sustainable fishing practices and abide by size and bag limits to ensure the health and longevity of Western Australia's waterways and fish populations.
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Fishing from the shore
If you're fishing from the shore in Western Australia, you don't need a licence. However, if you're fishing from a boat, you will need a Recreational Fishing from Boat License (RFBL). There are also specific licences for certain activities, such as netting, freshwater fishing, or fishing for rock lobster, abalone, or marron. Bag and size limits apply to most species throughout Western Australia, but the state has also been divided into 'bioregions' with different rules and regulations.
To keep the Western Australian marine environment healthy, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has developed rules for recreational fishers. These include bag and size limits for the main species you are likely to catch. You can find most of the fishing rules online by searching for the species and location. There are also recreational fishing guides available, and rules for licensed fisheries and Marine Protected Areas.
If you want to apply for a recreational fishing licence in Western Australia, you can download an application form and submit it by post or in person at a Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development office. You can also collect a form from one of these offices and make payment over the counter. Fees range from $40 to $50, with half-price fees for people under 16 and those eligible for Government concessions. If you apply for more than one type of fishing activity at once, you get a 10% discount. Aboriginal persons are exempt from the requirement to have a recreational fishing licence as long as the fish are for their family and not for commercial purposes.
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Aboriginal fishing rules
In Western Australia, a recreational fishing licence is required for the following types of fishing activities: fishing from a boat, fishing for rock lobster, abalone, or marron, freshwater angling, and net fishing. However, there are exemptions to this requirement for certain individuals and circumstances.
Firstly, according to the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth), Aboriginal people holding native title rights are generally exempt from laws restricting their ability to hunt, fish, and gather for non-commercial purposes. This means that Aboriginal fishers in Western Australia do not require a recreational fishing licence if they are fishing in accordance with customary law and tradition and if the fish are for personal, domestic, ceremonial, educational, or non-commercial communal needs. This exemption applies as long as the fishing is not for commercial purposes and does not deplete species unduly. Additionally, gear identification numbers, which are usually required to be displayed on floats, are optional for Aboriginal fishers, although they may choose to identify their gear with the letter 'A' followed by their date of birth.
Furthermore, under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WA), Aboriginal people are exempt from conservation laws when hunting for food on land that is not a native reserve or wildlife sanctuary. Similarly, the Fisheries Act 1905 (WA) exempts Aboriginal people engaged in traditional fishing from its provisions. However, it is important to note that these exemptions can be restricted or limited by the government if they are abused or if there is a risk of species depletion.
While Aboriginal fishers in Western Australia have these exemptions and rights, it is still important to follow general fishing rules and regulations, such as size and bag limits, and to be mindful of any specific rules that may apply in different bioregions within the state. Additionally, it is worth noting that each native title determination is unique, and the specific rights of different Aboriginal groups may vary. As such, it is always advisable to refer to the latest information from official sources and to understand the local rules and regulations before engaging in any fishing activities.
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How to apply for a fishing licence
In Western Australia, you need a recreational fishing licence for certain types of fishing activities, including recreational fishing from a boat, rock lobster fishing, abalone fishing, marron fishing, freshwater angling, and net fishing. Anglers under the age of 16 do not require a southwest freshwater angling licence. Additionally, Aboriginal people fishing in accordance with customary law and tradition for personal, domestic, ceremonial, educational, or non-commercial communal needs are exempt from licensing requirements.
- Choose the type of licence: Determine the type of fishing activity you will be engaging in and select the appropriate licence. You can visit the WA Fisheries website or use the RecFishWest app to understand the different regulations and licensing requirements for each type of fishing.
- Download and complete the application form: You can download the application form from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development website or collect a physical form from one of their offices. Fill out the form with the required personal and payment information.
- Submit the application: You can submit the completed form by mail or in person at a Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development office. Alternatively, you can apply online through the Department of Transport's DoTDirect website.
- Receive your licence: If you apply online, your licence will be emailed to you. If you apply by mail or in person, you will receive your physical licence card within 30 days of your payment being received. You are not entitled to fish until you receive the receipt for your licence.
- Carry your licence while fishing: It is important to carry your recreational fishing licence with you at all times when participating in fishing activities. This is to ensure compliance with regulations and to avoid any potential fines or issues with fisheries officers.
Remember that the regulations and licensing requirements may vary within Western Australia, so it is always a good idea to check the specific rules for the area you plan to fish in. Additionally, there are bag limits and possession limits on the number and size of marine species you can take, so make sure to familiarise yourself with these restrictions before heading out.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you need a recreational fishing licence for fishing activities in Western Australia.
You need a specific licence for each of the following activities: fishing from a boat, rock lobster fishing, abalone fishing, marron fishing, freshwater angling, and net fishing.
No, you do not need a licence to fish from the shore or a jetty as long as you did not use a boat to get to your fishing location.
Yes, anglers under the age of 16 do not require a licence for southwest freshwater angling. Aboriginal persons are also exempt from the licence requirement as long as the fish are for personal or family use and not for commercial purposes.
Most statewide fishing rules can be found online at rules.fish.wa.gov.au, where you can search by species and location. Detailed information is also available in the recreational fishing guides published by the Western Australian Government.
