The Minns Labor Government's highly successful primary school fishing education program which has introduced more than 70,000 students to the joys of fishing, is set to expand into NSW high schools from today.
The Get Hooked fishing primary schools' program was launched in 2008 under the Iemma Labor Government.
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.
This 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.
Minister for Agriculture, Regional and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
"The Get Hooked high school program will support the next generation of fishers.
"The Minns Government is committed to providing children with lifelong skills throughout their school years and the Get Hooked program will now give high school students a chance to experience to the joys of fishing.
"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 5,000 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.
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."
Ryan Decker, Science Teacher, St John Bosco College said:
"Over the past few years, St John Bosco College has partnered with Fishcare and the Get Hooked team through Fishing for Sport.
"This collaboration has helped students develop a passion for fishing, build lasting bonds, and gain skills in fishing safety, handling, and species identification.
"As a Marine Science teacher, I'm excited to integrate aspects of the new High School Program into my lessons, empowering students with the skills and resources to become responsible stewards of the marine environment and deepen their appreciation for marine activities like fishing."
