Recreational Fishing Trusts Grants - 2026 - Round 2

When fishing in NSW waters, both freshwater and saltwater, recreational fishers are required to pay the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee. All revenue raised by the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee is placed into the Recreational Fishing Trusts. There are two Trusts - one for saltwater and one for freshwater. Funds from the Trusts are used to deliver a wide range of projects and programs to boost recreational fishing opportunities in NSW.

The objective is to deliver projects using funds from the Trusts to boost recreational fishing opportunities in NSW. Projects in the current funding round are required to fall within the following grant platforms:

• fishing access and facilities
• recreational fishing enhancement
• recreational fishing education
• research on fish and recreational fishing
• aquatic habitat rehabilitation
• enforcement of fishing rules (NSW Government only)
• licence fee payment system and Trust management (NSW Government only)

Goals

• Implement innovative projects to boost recreational fishing opportunities.
• Promote recreational fishing as a healthy, outdoors activity for the whole family.
• Educate fishers to fish responsibly and safely.
• Promote the sustainable growth of recreational fishing.