CRIMFISH frequently asked questions

What is CRIMFISH?

CRIMFISH is the national hotline for reporting illegal fishing activity in Australia.

CRIMFISH is run by AFMA.

The CRIMFISH hotline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

What type of illegal fishing does CRIMFISH cover?

CRIMFISH covers recreational fishing, commercial fishing, foreign fishing and marine park trespass.

If the reported incident is about a fishery not managed by AFMA, the information will be passed onto the appropriate state or territory agency.

Is illegal fishing a problem?

Yes.  Illegal fishing activity makes it harder to measure and manage fish stocks.

Why should I report illegal fishing?

Illegal fishing  the financially affects families and businesses involved in the fishing industry who are doing the right thing.

The commercial fishing industry employs more than 3000 people and is worth over $2 billion to the Australian economy annually.

If I report illegal fishing can I remain anonymous?

Yes. When reporting you only need to include the details you want to provide.

How do I know if it is illegal fishing?

It may be suspicious activity if on or near water at strange hours or an activity that has never occurred in that area in the past.

For example: nets across a river, a commercial trawler in an inland waterway, people offering to sell fresh fish from the boot of a car.

What happens after I report illegal fishing to CRIMFISH?

The information you provide will be checked against our records. That information may be forwarded to the relevant jurisdiction for further investigation.

How much detail do you need?

The more information you are able to provide, the greater the chance AFMA has of being able to identify offenders.

Information that can be helpful to include when reporting illegal fishing activities:

  • The type of boat and registration details if possible
  • The fishing method- nets, traps, trawls etc
  • The time, date and location
  • Any vehicle/s you may have noticed, including registration details if possible
  • The type of fish being caught
  • If they were selling the fish, what price were they charging?

Can I get an update of the information I provided?

Yes, but because of privacy regulations or if the incident is still under investigation, we will only be able to give you general information.

How do I report illegal fishing?

To help make reporting easier you can use the following printable form CRIMFISH form (PDF, 26kb)

You can report suspected illegal fishing activities in several ways:

  • By phone CRIMFISH hotline – 1800 274 634
  • By email – intell@afma.gov.au
  • By fax: (02) 6225 5442
  • By post to:

CRIMFISH
Australian Fisheries Management Authority
Box 7051
Canberra BC
CANBERRA ACT 2610