Fishcare Volunteer Program – We’ve been busy!

The Fishcare Volunteer Program is always busy with volunteer patrols heading out each week to help educate the public about current recreational fishing rules and regulations. Over the last two months, volunteers have attended several events across the state, making it an especially busy period for the program.

Events play an important role in achieving the Fishcare Volunteer Program’s goals and objectives, providing volunteers with valuable opportunities to engage with as many fishers as possible. We carefully select events that are likely to attract people interested in recreational fishing, allowing volunteers to connect with their target audience and help fishers better understand the rules and regulations that support sustainable recreational fishing.

Many regional events include children’s activity trails, where families visit participating stalls to collect stamps and receive giveaways. As families are a key target audience for the Fishcare Volunteer Program, we regularly participate in these activities. The program's vision is "Fish for the Future", making it important to educate children about sustainable fisheries management and responsible fishing practices.

Over the past eight weeks, the Fishcare Volunteer Program attended eight events: the Eyre Peninsula Field Days, Gawler Show, Riverland Field Days, Murray Bridge Show, Yankalilla Show, Barmera Markets, Strathalbyn Show and the recent 4WD Adventure & SA Boat Show where we spoke to 1115 people over three days!

Across these eight events, Fishcare volunteers engaged with 3,685 people including hundreds of children. This is an outstanding result in a relatively short period and a significant achievement for both the program and its volunteers. In addition to speaking with attendees, volunteers distributed recreational fishing resources, including brochures and handouts, measuring gauges, and information about the harmful algal bloom (HAB) and H5N1 bird flu.

By attending events from late August through to the end of October, volunteers had the opportunity to educate the public about upcoming seasonal arrangements for species such as Blue Swimmer Crab, Pipi and Rock Lobster. Fishcare volunteers shared important regulatory information about fishing regulations, demonstrated the correct use of measuring gauges, and provided up-to-date advice on bag and size limits.

The Fishcare volunteers play an important role in supporting Fisheries Compliance; by providing the public with accurate advice, up-to-date information and practical tools – to help recreational fishers enjoy the activity in a legal, responsible and sustainable way.

If you are interested in becoming a Fishcare Volunteer contact Ben Boothby, State Fishcare Volunteer Coordinator, ben.boothby@sa.gov.au

Volunteer set up at 4WD Adventure & SA Boat Show.

The team at Eyre Peninsula Field Days.