This program is managed by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment. The program aims to address the impacts of climate change and other stressors on fish populations. It focuses on restoring degraded habitats, improving water quality, and enhancing fish passage opportunities. These actions are crucial for maintaining healthy fish populations and ensuring the long-term sustainability of NSW’s coastal ecosystems. The program has a strong focus on community engagement and collaboration.

This includes restoring degraded habitats, controlling invasive species, and managing water quality. The government is also promoting recreational fishing through education and outreach programs. These programs aim to educate anglers about responsible fishing practices, such as catch and release, and the importance of conservation. They also provide information on fishing regulations, licensing requirements, and safe fishing practices. Furthermore, the government is working to make recreational fishing more accessible to diverse populations.

Since the inception of the Flagship Grant Program in 2016, almost $3 million from the Recreational Fishing Trust has been invested in coastal aquatic habitat rehabilitation, water quality improvement and fish passage opportunities. Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said: “These Flagship grants allow fishing clubs, non-Government organisations and other agencies to tackle large, complex projects that will safeguard and enhance local fish habitats and recreational fisheries. “Improved habitat means better opportunities for fish and therefore better opportunities for recreational fishers. “This program is yet another excellent example of how recreational fishing fees are helping to support and improve sustainable fisheries in NSW.”

More information on Flagship Habitat Rehabilitation Grants is available here.