Marine Life Emergencies
Who to Contact ?
New South Wales (State waters only)
Sick, Injured or Stranded Marine Wildlife
If you come across sick or injured marine life, report it as soon as possible.
Report Suspected Bird Flu
If you notice sick or dead birds or other animals, you should not touch them. If there are dead birds or other animals, take photos or a video.
If you spot sick or dead birds or other animals, you should report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 as soon as possible.
· Turtles, seabirds & sea snakes
o Australian Seabird & Turtle Rescue
§ North Coast 0428862852
§ South Coast 0431282238
o Sea Life NSW 0402783455 or fill in their online form https://www.visitsealife.com/sydney/conservation/animal-rescue-centre/report-a-marine-rescue/
o Sea World Rescue hotline 07 5588 2222 (9:00am to 5:00pm) or 07 5588 2177 (After Hours)
· Marine mammals
o National Parks and Wildlife on 13000 PARKS (1300 072 757)
o ORRCA 02 9415 3333
o Sea World Rescue hotline 07 5588 2222 (9:00am to 5:00pm) or 07 5588 2177 (After Hours)
· Sharks
o Within a Marine Protected Area contact your local Marine Parks office. For full list of contacts in NSW https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/marine-protected-areas/marine-parks
o Sea Life NSW 0402783455 or fill in their online form https://www.visitsealife.com/sydney/conservation/animal-rescue-centre/report-a-marine-rescue/
o Sea World Rescue hotline 07 5588 2222 (9:00am to 5:00pm) or 07 5588 2177 (After Hours)
Marine Wildlife Incidents & Harassment
If you observe an incident of harassment and/or violation of regulations relating to the interaction and observation of marine life
· Marine mammals
New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife on 13000 PARKS (1300 072 757)
For more information https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/animals-and-plants/native-animals/approaching-marine-mammals-in-nsw
· Other marine species
o Within a Marine Protected Area: Contact the local Marine Park office. Find the full list of contacts here https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/marine-protected-areas/marine-parks
o Outside Marine Protected Areas: New South Wales National Parks & Wildlife on 1300 PARKS (1300 072 757)
Illegal Fishing & Fisheries Violations
If you observe an incident involving commercial or recreational fishing non-compliance and violation of regulations
· Report illegal fishing activity (including oyster theft, lobster theft, excess fishing lines, or fish trapping, taking of protected species in NSW)
· Department of Primary Industries https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/compliance/report-illegal-activity
* Australian Commonwealth Waters – Australian Fisheries Management Authority call the 24 hour CRIMFISH hotline on 1800 274 634
Fish Kills or Disease
Marine Protected Area Violations & Non-Compliance
· Department of Primary Industries Fishers Watch 1800 043 536
If you observe a person or incident that is not compliant to local Marine Park or Aquatic Reserve regulations
· Contact the local Marine Park office. Find the full list of contacts here https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/marine-protected-areas/marine-parks
· For violations in Aquatic Reserves in NSW report to local offices. Contact marine.environment@dpi.nsw.gov.au.