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