A highly successful primary school fishing education program which has introduced more than 70,000 students to the joys of fishing, has expanded into New South Wales high schools.
The Get Hooked fishing primary schools’ program was launched in 2008.
Since then, more than 750 primary schools in NSW have taken part in program, learning from education officers and Fishcare volunteers about responsible fishing and environmental awareness.
The program integrates practical fishing skills with environmental education through subjects like Biology, Environmental Science, and Physical Education, helping students learn and take care of our water ways and resources.
The new high school program includes curriculum-aligned units – Fishing in NSW; Understanding Fish Habitat; Conserving Fish Habitat with lesson plans, activities and assessments tailored to Year 7 to 10 students.
Minister for Agriculture, Regional and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said the Get Hooked high school program will support the next generation of fishers.
“The Get Hooked program will now give high school students a chance to experience to the joys of fishing,” she said.
“The Get Hooked program has thrived in NSW primary schools over the past 17 years and I look forward to seeing the next generation of avid fishers grow within our geography, science and marine studies classrooms.
“Each year, about 100 schools and over 5000 students from both public and independent primary schools across NSW join the primary school program. Now, it’s being expanded to include high school students.
“This is a great example of how money from the NSW Recreational Fishing Licence Fee is being used to support projects that benefit the fishing community,” she said.
The expanded program also delivers additional benefits to the community by educating students on sustainable fishing practices, including habitat conservation and biosecurity, to protect the environment for the future. Additionally, the program also promotes the health and social benefits of recreational fishing to teenagers and encourages inclusive participation across ages and genders.
From the North Coast, to Bega, out to the Far West, 67 high schools have already shown interest in the high school program, showing a demand across the public, private, and independent education sectors. The program is proudly supported with funding from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust.
High schools can get involved by registering for the free program and gain access to four online learning units designed to support sustainable fishing education.
Johann Bell, Chair, Recreational Fishing NSW Advisory Council said the success of the Get Hooked program in primary schools has sparked a passion for fishing and conservation in countless students.
“Expanding into high schools is an exciting next step that will inspire the next generation of recreational fishers.”
For more information visit High Schools Get Hooked on Fishing.
