Whether you are a landowner, fisher, business owner, beachgoer, or a member of the broader community, the following resources will guide you in understanding and contributing to the health and preservation of this vital ecosystem.

The Brunswick River is well-known for its recreational beach and river fishing, the area's diverse range of habitats including mangroves and seagrass meadows, offshore rocky reefs and modified structures, attract a range of target fish and invertebrate species.

Recreational fishers have been enjoying the River's bounty for decades and Indigenous communities have lived alongside and utilised the resources in the area for many thousands of years before then.

Unfortunately, while fishing is a key recreational activity undertaken on the Bruns, there are also a host of associated issues, which are threatening the future of this important and environmentally-sensitive waterway.

Here's some tips for fishing sustainably, not just on the Bruns, but wherever you are:

1. Catch only what you need.
2. Use environmentally-friendly tackle where possible.
3. Dispose of litter responsibly and make use of fishing tackle bins if available.
4. Slow down! Bank erosion is real and it affects the habitat of the fish you're targeting.

1. Acquaint yourself with the NSW regulations covering protected species and minimum fish sizes.
2. Spearfishing is not permitted in the Brunswick River estuary or Cape Byron Marine Park sanctuary zones.
3. Licences are required for hand or line fishing, bait collecting, collecting invertebrates and for possession of fishing gear near waters.

For more information about fishing regulations and fishing in the Brunswick area, check out the NSW DPI Fisheries page HERE.

Engaging people in mangrove citizen science improves local awareness of tidal wetland habitat values and threats, helps to fill scientific knowledge gaps, and informs wetland management strategies.

These outcomes improve estuary conservation, contributing to wider catchment health outcomes such as improved water quality, increased habitat, and greater climate resilience.

OzFish is a fishing conservation organisation dedicated to helping recreational fishers restore Australian fish habitats and waterways for future generations.

Fisher Science Tackle Bag of Tools provides knowledge and resources to recreational fishers about fish habitat needs and enables fishers to participate in citizen science research.

These projects build the capacity of recreational anglers to undertake and better prioritise actions in their backyard.

Discover funding opportunities available to support your efforts in protecting and restoring the Brunswick River. Whether you are a community member, individual landowner, or small business, various grants can help finance your conservation and sustainability projects.

Explore the resources below to find suitable grants and learn how to apply.

Landcare Grants:

• Community Grants up to $20,000 Due 20/09/2024

North Coast Local Land Services Grants:

• Marine Estate Management Plan - Submit a Project EOI
• Clean Coastal Catchments
• Farm drainage and Erosion Management Plan EOI - for intensive horticultural producers

Department of Primary Industries Fisheries

• Habitat Action Grants - funding on-ground actions to improve fish habitat and recreational fishing in NSW.

NSW Government Grants

• Environmental Trust - Ongoing Grant Opportunities
• Conservation Partners Grants
  • There are four levels of funding available:
    1. Up to $15,000 per year for up to three years for landholders with in-perpetuity conservation agreements, Trust Agreements, Registered Property Agreements.
    2. Up to $8,000 per year for up to three years for landholders with a term Registered Property Agreement.
    3. Up to $2,000 per year for up to three years for landholders with a wildlife refuge or wildlife refuge agreement or who are members of Wildlife Land Trust.
    4. Landholders with Land For Wildlife agreements can apply to the Community Environment Network (CEN) for conservation partners grants of up to $2,000 per year.

Northern Rivers Community Foundation

• Community Grants Program