Fisheries
Trawler
Australia's finfish resouces are shared between a variety of user groups including commercial, recreational, indigenous fishers, fishing tour operators and the wider community. The industry is important to the national economy both directly and via support industries such as seafood supply and tourism, and in terms of valuable export dollars.
The health of both the commercial and the recreational fishing industries rely entirely on a healthy, well-managed fisheries resource. This not only means the fishes upon which the industries depend, but also on the health of fish habitats and of Australia's freshwater and marine environments in general.
Australia's commercial fisheries are managed in Commonwealth waters by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA). Within State waters, both commercial and recreational fishing is managed by the various State Fisheries agencies.
Recreational Fishing
Fishing is one of Australia's largest single outdoor participatory activities. Each year, about 3.5 million keen anglers enjoy fishing for sport and recreation, injecting millions of dollars into the Australian economy in terms of fishing gear, boats and tourism.