Caring for Our Marine Environment

Codes of Practice

Prepared with assistance of many contributors – Version February 2022

As spearfishers we get to explore many parts of Australia’s magnificent coast. From lush estuarine seagrass beds to isolated rocky bays and spectacular offshore reefs as well as traveling out to and beyond the edge of the continental shelf seeking the productive Australian Currents and the range of pelagic species that ride it.

These wide-ranging journeys give spearfishers a unique opportunity to observe and care for our diverse marine environments. There are many practical ways that spearfishers can increase their contribution to caring for the marine environment.

Each year many divers participate in “Clean up Australia Day” by removing tonnes of rubbish from our waterways – check with your local spearfishing club to join in the fun. Clean up days are a great social event and an excellent way to improve your dive fitness.

AUF spearfishers participating in “Clean Up Australia Day”

Tweed River, NSW 2021

Introduced marine pests pose a threat to our native biodiversity. Spearfishers can assist the effort to combat these invaders by reporting sightings of pest species to their State Government Department.

Spearfishers frequently get to observe threatened or protected species such as whales, white sharks, grey nurse sharks, black rock cod and many others. As these species are hard to study our reports provide a valuable source of data to assist with their management. Many States/Territories have an ongoing threatened, protected and pest species sighting program and a handy booklet with pictures and information about these species. Contact your State Government Department.

If you suspect illegal fishing activity you should report it to your State Government Department.

Marine mammal strandings and entanglements should also be reported.

Pollution such as oil spills and illegal dumping threaten our marine environment. Spearfishers should report pollution incidents.

The Australian coastline has many shipwrecks some of which have yet to be discovered. You can help protect and enjoy these sites by reporting them to the Heritage Branch of your local State/Territory government.

As underwater fishers we have the unique opportunity to be selective in our catch and care for our special marine environment. Responsible spearfishers abide by these Spearfishing Codes of Practice.

State Government Departments: