Fishwatch hotline
Report illegal fishing in Queensland:
- call the 24-hour Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116 (toll free within Queensland)
- submit a form
The Fishwatch hotline allows the public to report suspected illegal fishing directly to the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol, such as:
- illegal use of nets
- fishing in closed waters or during closed seasons
- taking female crabs
- taking undersize fish or exceeding possession limits
- exceeding crab pot/dilly limits
- destruction or disturbance of marine habitat
- interfering with other people's crab pots/dillies or other fishing gear
- taking oysters from licensed oyster grounds.
If you suspect someone is fishing illegally, please provide as much of the following information as possible:
- date, time and area where it took place
- registration numbers and a description of any vehicles or boats involved
- details of the person or people involved (if known)
- an accurate description of the activity (e.g. setting large numbers of crab pots, netting the local creek on low tides).
More information
- Recreational fishing rules
- General fisheries enquiries – call 13 25 23
