NSW Recreational Fisheries Monitoring Program (RFMP)
Recreational fishing is one of NSW’s most popular pastimes and the department is committed to providing quality recreational fishing opportunities into the future. To achieve this, the Recreational Fisheries Monitoring Program (RFMP) is designed to collect high quality, up-to-date information on recreational and charter fishing in NSW.
The data collected from the RFMP complements the information we get from monitoring other fishing sectors, providing us with a complete picture of the health of our fisheries and aquatic ecosystems. This information is critical to managing the State’s aquatic resources more effectively and ensuring recreational fishing in NSW remains among the world’s best.
The RFMP is a comprehensive citizen science program that engages with thousands of recreational fishers who voluntarily provide information on their fishing activities within a rigorous scientific framework.
There are two components to the RFMP:
- Recreational Fishing Research Surveys
State-wide 12-month surveys of long-term (1 & 3 year) recreational fishing licence holders. - Boat Ramp Surveys (BRS)
Interviews conducted with trailer boat fishers returning to selected coastal boat ramps state-wide and run concurrently with the TDS.
A logbook and on-board observer program to monitor the NSW Charter Fishery.
Previously a logbook and on-board observer program were also used to monitor the NSW Charter Fishery operating in nearshore marine waters. The logbook program is ongoing, however the on-board observer program has now been superseded by the BRS for collection of biological data on important recreational fish species found in estuarine and marine waters.
All fishers and encouraged to review the RFMP participant information summary available here. Importantly, participation in the research is completely voluntary, and any information provided through the surveys is de-identified and completely confidential.
The first RFMP surveys of long-term licence holders and the charter fishing fleet were completed in 2017/18. The current series of RFMP surveys are underway for 2025/26.
The information from the RFMP contributes crucial information to the ongoing sustainable management of NSW’s shared fisheries resources and is supported with funding from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts.
Further Information
If you require further information regarding the RFMP, please contact:
