Fishcare volunteer discussing rules and regulations with a recreational fisher.

If you´re a keen angler with a passion for your recreational fishery and care about keeping it in good shape for the future, become a Fishcare volunteer today.

Fishcare volunteers work to raise community awareness about preserving fisheries resources and the need for an ethical approach to recreational fishing.

Fishcare volunteers give advice about fishing methods and how to improve the quality, rather than the quantity, of the catch. They promote the benefits of catch-and-release and give information on handling fish to increase survival rates. Volunteers provide information about rules and regulations, but their role is educational only and they do not have enforcement powers.

What is required of Fishcare volunteers?

The volunteers are asked to commit to one field activity per month and occasionally attend events, such as boat shows and fishing competitions, kids fishing clinics and seniors' fishing days.

Volunteers wear a brightly coloured uniform for easy identification, and talk to people while they are fishing.

What does the volunteer program achieve?

The program encourages community support for conservation in recreational fishing by educating fishers about reducing the take of juvenile fish and the number of individuals taking too many fish.

The Fishcare volunteer program also provides an opportunity to keep recreational fishers up-to-date with any changes or new information relevant to their fishing.

How do I become a volunteer?

To become a Fishcare volunteer, contact the coordinator on:

• Email: fishcare@dpi.qld.gov.au
• Toll-free phone: 1800 659 861, or
• Download, print out and complete the form below, and send to:
  Fishcare Volunteer Program Coordinator, GPO Box 46, Brisbane Qld 4001.