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Fish

The Fraser Coast Region is abundant with both freshwater and marine fish (Gurul) species. While the Atlas of Living Australia currently lists 316 species, there may still be many more waiting to be discovered.

To help identify these species, Reef Ecologic has launched an exciting citizen science project on iNaturalist. This project welcomes everyone—fishers, divers, traditional owners, students, and marine park rangers—to contribute their fish sightings from within the Fraser Coast Regional Council boundaries.

As of October 2024, 69 observers have recorded 657 sightings, representing 182 different species, with the help of 191 identifiers. Click here to view the project and explore the observation data collected so far.

What is iNaturalist?

iNaturalist is a global platform where people share biodiversity observations and learn more about nature while helping to document the world’s biodiversity. Observations are identified with assistance of artificial intelligence and a community of experts.

How to join the project:

It’s easy to get involved! Simply create an iNaturalist account and start recording your fish sightings.

  • 1. Create an account by:

    2. Enter your email, choose a username, and set a password.

    3. To record an observation, tap "Observe" in the app.

    4. Add photos or sounds as evidence of your sighting.

    5. Select the species, or let the app suggest an identification.

    6. Time and location will be auto-filled (check privacy settings if they aren’t).

    7. Save and upload your observation—it should upload automatically.

    8. Keep an eye on the app or your email for community feedback on your observation.

    If you're having trouble creating an account, making an observation, or just want to learn more, visit the iNaturalist How-Tos page for helpful guidance.

Common fish species found across the Fraser Coast 

These guides can be printed out and used as educational posters using the 'on page' print option.

Marine fish guide     Freshwater fish guide

After exploring the guides, test your general knowledge with a short quiz! Click here to take the quiz!

Sustainable fishing and marine parks

There are rules for ensuring sustainable fishing for the future managed by the Queensland Government. These include protected areas, protected species, size and bag limits. More information here: https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/activities/boating-fishing/rec-fishing/rules

There are also a range of protected (no-take) species of fish and sharks including Mary River cod, Australian lungfish, Barramundi (closed season), White shark and Grey nurse shark. For the full list go to Queensland Fisheries: (https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/activities/boating-fishing/rec-fishing/fish-species-guide/no-take-species)

Great Sandy Marine Park has a zoning plan that lists the entry and use provisions for different activities including those which can occur ‘as of right’ and those for which a permit is required.
https://parks.desi.qld.gov.au/parks/great-sandy-marine/management-and-zoning/zones-and-designated-areas

Pest fish

Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) is a restricted noxious fish under the Biosecurity Act 2014. This species has established populations present in many water bodies in Queensland. Any caught must be humanely killed and disposed of by burying above the high-water mark or placed in a bin.

For identification and further information visit: 
https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/biosecurity/animals/invasive/restricted/tilapia

Staying safe in our waterways

The Fraser Coast is home to various marine creatures, some of which are venomous, including several species of jellyfish, blue-ringed octopuses, cone shells, stonefish and other stinging fish. To stay safe, it’s helpful to be aware of these potential hazards in the water and know how to respond to any stings or bites.

Click on the link below to learn more:

https://www.poisonsinfo.health.qld.gov.au/bites-and-stings/sea-creature-bites-and-stings

Source: Reef Ecologic Pty Ltd

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