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Government of Western Australia - Department of Fisheries

FishWatch – 1800 815 507

The FishWatch 24-hour hotline phone line provides a quick and easy way to report sightings or evidence of:

  • aquatic pests and diseases;
  • fish kills; and
  • illegal fishing.

Aquatic pests and ​diseases

You can help to protect our valuable aquatic environment by reporting any aquatic pests or diseases. Note where and what you saw (with GPS coordinates and photographs if possible).


Fish kills

If you see a fish kill (small or large numbers of dead fish in the aquatic environment), please report it immediately​ to FishWatch on 1800 815 507 (24 hour reporting).  As above please note where and what you saw including location, numbers of dead fish and species affected. (If possible, please retain GPS coordinates and photographs ready for a call-back).

DPIRD is responsible for responding to fish kill events that occur in ocean environments, but when necessary we work together with other WA Government departments.

The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation manages investigations of fish kills that occur in estuaries, rivers and naturally occurring inland water bodies.

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions manages investigations of fish kills that occur in the Swan Canning Riverpark.

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Illegal fishing

If you have seen something involving fish or fishing which doesn’t look quite right, the FishWatch phone line provides a quick and easy way to report it.

You can also report it through the online form on Crimestoppers​.

Illegal fishing could include someone netting in the river, exceeding their bag or possession limits, taking undersize fish, fishing in a closed area, having more fishing gear in the water than they should, or selling or attempting to sell recreationally caught fish.

Any information you provide about illegal fishing activity could be valuable, before you call make a note of:

  • How many people you saw.
  • Who they were. Did you hear/know any of their names?
  • What they were doing.
  • Where it happened; the nearest known landmark or intersection of the closest road may help to pinpoint the location of the activity.
  • What type of equipment you saw being used; the type of cars or boats, registration numbers, and descriptions.
  • When it happened - time and date. Is it something that is happening right now, while you are making a report, or was it something you observed previously?

Your reports are treated in strict confidence.

We recommend you do not approach anyone you think is involved in illegal activity involving fish or fishing. You can also email your information to tipoff@dpird.wa.gov.au which goes direct to our Intelligence Section. Please note this mailbox is not monitored 24/7 and your information will be assessed during business hours. If you wish to report live information regarding a suspected fisheries offence, our preference is for you to call the FishWatch hotline so that the information is sent immediately to your local fisheries officer. However, by reporting what you see you will be assisting us in protecting WA's fish resources for future generations.

If you don’t wish to contact us through FishWatch or email Tipoff you can pass your information to one of our local offices.

 

Fishwatch - 1800 815 507 
 

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Last modified: 27/03/2023 4:13 PM

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Disclaimer

The information and advice provided by the Department of Fisheries website is made in good faith and is from sources believed to be reliable and accurate at the time of release onto the website. Changes in circumstances after a document is placed on the website may affect the accuracy of the information. Full disclaimer details are available at www.fish.wa.gov.au.