This paper explores the challenges associated with engaging Australian recreational fishers in the environmental issues that directly affect the viability of their sport but which are divisive and contentious within the fishing community.

The impact on fisheries productivity of habitat loss and degradation is increasingly well documented. What to do about it and who needs to be involved is more contested. Fishers participate in a sport that is dependent on healthy aquatic environments and they could play a significant stewardship role. In other parts of the world, they are a driving force for environmental conservation and rehabilitation.

Fishers fall into two quite distinct motivational profiles, reflecting the fact that identification as ‘a recreational fisher’ is as much about the enjoyment and anticipation of going fishing as it is about catching a fish. However, the natural environment is notable by its absence in the mainstream recreational fishing media, especially as it relates to its importance for fish, and in some of the public dialogue about linkages with ‘green’ groups. The task with which we are engaged is to effect a cultural change and to communicate the stories from fishers who are actively engaged in habitat rehabilitation in ways that supports this.

Reflection on our practice leads us back to basics: to communicate effectively with fishers about the environmental issues affecting the sustainability of their sport we need to work from underlying values, have a credible voice that is ‘of the community’ and facilitate the voice of change from within the community.