Codes of Practice
Prepared with assistance of many contributors – Version February 2022
The Australian coastline has many exciting places to go spearfishing:
- Headlands, harbours, bays and estuaries
- Rocky reefs and coral
- Offshore islands
- Fish aggregating devices (FADs)
- Shipwrecks and other artificial structures
- Underwater features
- Bluewater (open ‘pelagic’ offshore marine waters)
However, please be aware that many bathing pools, ocean beaches, river/estuary entrances and break walls, coastal lagoons and estuaries and other tidal waters are closed to spearfishing, as are some areas within aquatic reserves and marine parks. It is recommended that you avoid busy areas and use common sense when selecting where to spearfish. Generally, all freshwater is closed to spearfishing. If you are unsure about local regulations, make sure you check with your local DPI Fisheries office before you go. Great locations within the heavily populated coastal areas are also enjoyed by many other water users and particular care needs to be taken in such places.
Australian Underwater Federation - Spearfishing 