The South Australian Government has undertaken an investigation into the treatment of marine life by recreational fishers, with a focus on reviewing the policy, research and management issues associated with recreational fishing for sharks and rays. Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA) has developed and implemented an education and awareness campaign to firstly reduce fishing related mortality of sharks and rays through better understanding of appropriate gear and handling techniques and secondly, to enhance understanding of shark and ray biology by recreational fishers and the general community. This was achieved through the development of safe handling videos, media and website updates which have been provided to key stakeholders and promoted through PIRSA’s FISHCARE program. PIRSA is also investigating a cross-jurisdictional approach to the issue through the development of a Fisheries Research and Development Corporation funded project to enhance the understanding of shark and ray biology by recreational fishers through the incorporation of citizen science data on appropriate gear types, handling and post-release survival. A key outcome of the project will be elicit a cultural change in the sector of the importance of releasing sharks and rays to enhance survival rates and support ecosystem health.