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Report illegal activity

Shutterstock 95447302 big game fishing reels.

Shutterstock 95447302 big game fishing reels.

Suspicious or illegal activity in Australian Marine Parks can be reported through our hotline number – 1800 852 975.

Illegal activity in marine parks can damage the marine environment and prevent parks from providing economic and recreational benefits for fishers and other users who do the right thing.

Balancing different uses in Australian Marine Parks is achieved through zoning and rules. Helping marine park users understand and comply with the rules is a key role of our Compliance and Communications programs.

We can all help to protect Australian Marine Parks from the impacts of unlawful fishing and other activities by sticking to the rules and reporting those who don’t.

Suspicious or illegal activities

If you witness, or know about any illegal activity within an Australian Marine Park, we urge you to report this activity. Examples of suspicious or illegal activities include:

  • fishing in ‘green’ (national park) zones
  • using vessels or drones too close to wildlife
  • sightings of ghost nets or other marine debris. 

Making a report

It is important to provide as much detail as you can, including:

  • where the offence took place (give as much detail as you can)
  • time and date
  • type of illegal activity (for example fishing in a green zone)
  • description of the suspected offenders, including the clothing they were wearing
  • names of the suspected offenders and any distinguishing features
  • type of boat and registration details
  • registration numbers of vehicles, vessels or trailers
  • other information you feel may be useful or any other suspicious activity that might be associated with the offence
  • photographs.

After a report is provided, our officers will determine whether further investigation or referral is required. 

All reports are completely voluntary and can be anonymous. However, if you include your personal details, you may be contacted to provide more information about your report or to be advised of the outcome.

Contact us

You can report in one of two ways:

  1. call our reporting hotline 1800 852 975 where you can talk to one of our Marine Park Officers, or
  2. email us at Marine.Compliance@dcceew.gov.au.

Thank you for your continued support in helping to protect our marine parks.