Fisheries Officer - Career Advice - Government and Defence

Boating and Fisheries Patrol Officer
Fisheries Observer

Fisheries officers are responsible for the management, conservation and preservation of state and territory fishery resources. They work to make sure that these resources are not endangered or over-exploited. Future Growth Static

Fisheries officers patrol and examine waterways for illegal fishing activities and the taking/destruction of protected marine life. This may involve inspecting ships, fishing equipment and processing organisations. They need to compile reports and may be required to give evidence in court. They may also be involved in education, research or other clerical duties. They could also be involved in/with assisting beached whales, the pearling industry, shark nets or monitoring fish and their habitats.

ANZSCO ID: 311311

Alternative names: Fisheries and Marine Officer,

Specialisations: The duties of fisheries officers vary greatly across the states and territories. The type of work they do often depends on the size and type of commercial fishing and related industries in their region. Fisheries officers may also serve as fisheries observers on naval patrol boats, or they may be responsible for wildlife protection.

Knowledge, skills and attributes

physically fit
normal colour vision
good oral and written communication skills
good negotiation and conflict resolution skills
enjoy outdoor work.

Fisheries Officer 2021 recruitment
https://youtu.be/JuQ98dysfFU

Duties and Tasks

Fisheries officers may perform the following tasks: Fisheries Inspector measuring

patrol and investigate waterways for unlawful fishing activities and the removal of protected marine life
make sure that relevant laws and regulations are obeyed
inspect fishing vessels, fishing gear and processing establishments to ensure compliance
survey oyster, pearling, fishing and prawning leases to make sure that regulations are observed
advise industry personnel on fishing regulations, export standards and the renewal of fishing licences
check that fish are sold through legal markets and that fish markets do not sell undersized fish
investigate alleged breaches of legislation
prepare reports and provide evidence in court when required
assist in the supervision of shark nets
identify, survey and monitor areas and activities that affect fish and their habitats
promote marine management programs and policies
educate, advise and provide information on a wide range of topics relating to fish and their protection
assist other agencies by responding to emergency situations such as oil spills and the beaching of whales
provide assistance in research programs
keep vessels and equipment in good order
produce statistical reports and undertake other clerical duties.
may initiate or assist in legal action to enforce regulations.

Working Conditions

Fisheries officers are required to wear uniforms. They work irregular hours, including weekends, public holidays and nights. They are often required to move around the state or territory and may be absent from their headquarters for long periods. They work in all weather conditions and may have to sleep in vehicles, tents or boats.

Tools and technologies

Fisheries officers need to have a current C class driver’s licence. A boat licence would be highly desirable.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a fisheries officer in Queensland, SA and Victoria, you usually have to complete a VET qualification. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You can also become a fisheries officer through a traineeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10. In NSW and WA, you usually need to complete training with the relevant government department. In Tasmania, you can work as a marine and rescue officer with Tasmania Police or as an inland fisheries enforcement officer with the Inland Fisheries Service. To work as a marine and rescue officer, applicants must first become qualified police officers. Fisheries officer does not exist as a separate occupation in the NT. This role is performed by sworn officers of the NT Police. Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have a degree in fisheries and aquaculture, criminal justice, criminology, environmental science, environmental management or a related area. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

Additional Information

Depending on your state, you may be required to hold a drivers licence and boating licence. You may also need to be an Australian citizen or have permanent residency, undergo a National Police Check, hold a Provide First Aid Certificate, undergo a medical assessment or obtain a Coxswains Certificate. Applicants may be required to pass a swimming test or hold a swimming certificate or licence. See the separate entry for Lifeguard for more information.

Employment Opportunities

Fisheries officers are employed by state or territory governments in fisheries or primary industries departments. Entry to this occupation is very competitive. With experience, and further training, fisheries officers may move into professional science positions or into general management.

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) is the government agency responsible for the efficient management and sustainable use of Commonwealth fish resources on behalf of the Australian community. Officers performing duties on behalf of AFMA may be required to perform duties anywhere in Australia.

Life on the Job - Michael Cameo

Name: Michael
Job Title: District Fisheries Officer
Job Location: Monaro District - Snowy Mountains

Describe your typical day
A fisheries officer's duties vary on a day to day basis. You have a wide range of responsibilities and need to be multi-skilled. Field duties range from routine inspections to operations involving targeted surveillance. A typical day also involves educating and advising fishers with state laws.

What attracted you to this profession?
I enjoy working outdoors and I have a keen interest in fishing.

How did you get started?
I spent seven years in the military and then went back to school and studied marine resource management, initially full-time for a year and then part time. During this time I also obtained my Commercial Coxswains Certificate as well as my Bronze Medallion swimming qualifications. I also spent a month with NSW Fisheries doing work experience.

What initial training did you do?
Most training is provided by the department, both on the job and by way of short courses. Some examples of these courses are:

Fire fighting
Safety at sea training & Senior First Aid
4wd training & chainsaw operation
Conflict resolution & Baton and Handcuff training
Extensive courses are also carried out during training. A Certificate IV in Government is obtained, some units covered through this are: gather, manage and present evidence, conduct formal interviews and take witness statements.

Is there an ongoing need to update your skills?
There is always a need to update your skills, especially in the environment you work in. The Department offers courses that are compulsory for the position i.e.: senior first aid, baton and handcuff training. They also offer a good range of courses for self improvement.

What keeps you motivated?
I love the job and the environment in which I work, most days are different and some can be a real challenge. I enjoy promoting the fishery and find it very rewarding when we receive good feedback from the public. There is a good comradeship in the job with other Fisheries NSW staff and assisting them in their district is also motivating.

Who do you work with to do your job?
The Monaro District office at Jindabyne consists of two fisheries officers. The office is located on the grounds of the Gaden Trout Hatchery. We work with the staff there from time to time when they are at their busiest production times. Joint compliance patrols are conducted with the Maritime boating officer and with the local NSW Police. We also liaise with other authorities such as NSW Parks and Wildlife rangers and Catchment Management Authority.

Department of Primary Industry: Gaden Trout Hatchery
https://youtu.be/KBqbhlDpsT8

What is the most interesting thing you have done, discovered or seen in your job?
The great part of the job is the locations in which you work. I’ve spent time on the coast as well as my current location in the mountains. Once while patrolling the offshore waters of the Solitary Islands, we rescued a whale which was caught up in some rope. I have also been involved in some aerial surveillance patrols where I flew in a small plane along the coast.

Working in the Snowy Mountains is a privilege. The area has a steep history of stockmen as well as the Snowy Hydro Scheme; there are some beautiful camping locations along with the iconic bushman’s huts. On a daily patrol can see most of Australia’s wildlife here.

How does your work benefit people and/or the environment?
Fisheries officers have the duty to protect and preserve fish stocks for present and future generations, reserve the rights of all who share the resource and to educate and assist those who share the resource.

Fisheries officers also detect and prevent environmental/conservation offences. This includes protecting threatened species from exploitation and also fish habitats from unauthorised works.

What advice do you have for students still at school?
Find what you’re passionate about and study. Stick to it and give yourself the best chance at being competitive for the job.

A boating and fisheries patrol officer is responsible for enforcing the laws governing boating in marine parks and protective zones.

ANZSCO ID: 311311

Knowledge, skills and attributes

work anywhere in the state/territory
comply with department transfer guidelines
comply with the department's code of uniform and appearance
take up your initial appointment at your own expense (that is, accept responsibility for moving if required)
disclose your employment history and details of any court-imposed penalties if asked
successfully complete an extensive training program.

Working for Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol
https://youtu.be/r8u0vrgpLRI

Duties and Tasks

Education: They explain fishing rules and regulations to recreational fishers, commercial fishers and the general community, and keep vessel operators informed about small craft safety. They also give talks to community groups and take part in community events.
Monitoring and inspection: They patrol the state's waterways to ensure that everyone is abiding by fishing and boating laws – checking licences and catches, inspecting fishing vessels and gear, monitoring small craft safety and supervising shark safety. They also check that fish are sold through legal markets and that fish markets do not sell undersize fish.
Investigation: They investigate cases of alleged infringements and compile reports.
Enforcement: They issue cautions or infringement notices and, when necessary, prosecute matters in the Magistrates Court.
Patrolling state or territories' marine and inland waters by foot, vessel or vehicle
Operate four-wheel drive vehicles and a range of different vessels including kayaks or small punts through to large sea going vessels.
Inspecting commercial and recreational fishers to ensure compliance with legislation
Inspecting wholesale and retail fish premises to ensure that fish are legally sourced
Preparing briefs of evidence and prosecuting matters in court
Undertaking surveys to collect, analyse and prepare reports related to fisheries management issues
Responding to fishing offence reports received via the 13FISH offence reporting line
Promoting marine management programs and policies
Ensuring compliance within marine protected areas and reserves
Assisting in the execution of major operations which target illegal activities and conducting search warrants of premises, factories and restaurants
Undertaking surveillance work and investigations
Providing advice to Fisheries management
Educating, advising and providing information to the community on a wide range of topics relating to fish and their protection, responsible fishing and regulation changes
Assisting with the delivery of education programs to angling clubs, schools, multicultural groups and other forums through informative talks and practical fishing sessions.

Working conditions

Most of the time, Boating and Fisheries Patrol Officers are on the waterways.

Education and training/entrance requirements

There are some mandatory requirements and some desirable skills.

You will need one of the following:

Diploma of Government Investigations
Diploma of Policing
Diploma of Crime and Justice Studies
a qualification relevant to department duties and considered to be equivalent to or higher than a Diploma.

You will also need:

a current open drivers licence for a manual vehicle
a recreational shipmasters licence
a medical certificate indicating that you are physically capable of performing the required duties (including an assessment that indicates that you are not colourblind)
a certificate stating that you are able to swim 100 metres in 5 minutes.

Desirable qualifications or experience include:

a senior first aid certificate
a coxswain certificate
a Certificate IV in Government (Investigation) or appropriate elements
Royal Lifesaving Society qualification or Surf Lifesaving Australia qualification
work experience or service in a community voluntary organisation (e.g. Coast Guard, Air Sea Rescue, Landcare, Australian Surf Rescue, Surf Lifesaving).

Did You Know?

Physical requirements
Working as a Fisheries and Marine Officer involves a great deal of physical activity. All successful applicants will be required to pass a physical and medical assessment prior to appointment to ensure that they have the physical capabilities for the job. Some of the physical activities a Fisheries and Marine Officer may be expected to perform include:

Stamina – Fisheries and Marine Officers can be required to work for up to 12 hours per day over four to eight day periods, often in exposed environments and in all weathers both day and night. Examples include night river patrols in winter, exposure to cold and rain, surveillance in sand hills during summer heat for long periods, lifting crates of lobsters and measuring them over a three hour period and walking two to five kilometres in exposed summer and winter conditions.

Motion sickness – Fisheries and Marine Officers are required to work effectively on vessels at sea and travel significant distances by vehicle and aircraft, without being unduly affected by motion sickness.

Lifting – Fisheries and Marine Officers must be able to lift the following objects (with assistance and training in appropriate techniques) during a working day: lift a one metre diameter lobster pot, lift and carry small outboard motors, lift three metre dinghies and punts onto the roof racks of vehicles, lift other assorted gear and may also be required to drag dinghies over beaches,
sandbanks and shallows.

Jarring – Fisheries and Marine Officers need to be able to cope with driving 4WD vehicles over rough roads or operating a small vessel in open sea conditions.

Sitting/lying – Fisheries and Marine Officers need to be able to remain in static observation positions for up to eight hours during surveillance operations.

Walking – Fisheries and Marine Officers need to be able to walk two to five kilometres in all weather conditions at day or night carrying up to 20 kg of equipment. Examples include night patrols of dams for marron fishing inspection, walking into areas to establish observation posts and walking along beaches to inspect abalone and other fish catches.

Paddling – Fisheries and Marine Officers need on occasion to be able to row or paddle dinghies or canoes 10-15 km in all weather conditions. Examples include canoe patrols of southwest rivers and closed water patrols.

Climbing – Fisheries and Marine Officers need to be able to climb hills or man-made structures. Examples include climbing trees for observation and placing radio aerials, climbing fences while apprehending offenders, climbing steep riverbanks, and climbing on boats that are mounted on trailers, to inspect catches.

Diving – Fisheries and Marine Officers may need to be able to undertake diving operations to carry out inspections of fishing activities and to gather evidence. Officers are required to maintain a standard of swimming fitness and, depending on the Officer’s location, dive training is provided by the Department.

(Source: WA: Fisheries and Marine Officers Information)

A fisheries observer is responsible for collecting information on fishing operations, catches and the interaction of vessels with the environment. This information is reported back to fisheries managers, the fishing industry, research organisations and the community. Future Growth Static Australian Fisheries Management Authority places observers on Commonwealth commercial boats in many Commonwealth fisheries to collect unique, accurate and reliable data on fishing operations, catches, and interactions with the marine environment by the vessel and its fishing gear.

ANZSCO ID: 311311

Knowledge, skills and attributes

Observers are Australian Fisheries Management Authority [AFMA] employees trained in specialised sampling techniques including the collection of otoliths (fish ear bones), biological samples such as the sex and length of a fish and environmental observations such as whether birds and other wildlife could be seen during a fishing trip or if there was bad weather.

Observers often provide the most reliable data on catch composition, fate of target and non-target species and fishing effort.

AFMA Fisheries Officer vessel inspection
https://youtu.be/8plMYKubyFg

Duties and Tasks

The Observer Program provides fisheries managers, research organisations, environmental agencies, the fishing industry and the wider community with independent, reliable, verified and accurate information on the fishing catch, effort and practice of a wide range of boats operating inside, and periodically outside, the Australian Fishing Zone.

The Observer Program places AFMA trained observers on domestic and if required, foreign boats fishing within the Australian Fishing Zone and some adjacent high seas areas under international arrangements.

Each year the requirements and priorities for the Observer Program are determined by AFMA after consultation with the relevant management advisory committees and resource assessment groups, so that timing and spacing observer coverage is proportional to fishing effort within and across fisheries.

Observer data, along with data from other sources such as fisher’s catch records, assists AFMA in setting total allowable catches for each quota species.

Observer data is also important in helping gauge the level of interactions with non-target species including with threatened, endangered and protected species.

All operators are required to carry observers when requested by AFMA.

Education and training/entrance requirements

Observers have fishing industry experience and/or environmental science or management qualifications.

Life on the Job - Cameo - Jake Horton - Observer

Jake Horton

20 September 2019

Jake Horton’s connection to the ocean and marine resources has remained strong since childhood. So, for Jake, forging a career in fisheries was a logical decision. We caught up with Jake to find out more about his experience in marine science and what inspired him to become an Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) observer.

Growing up, I always loved the ocean and knew I wanted to work near it, so I went on to study a marine science degree at university. My studies opened my eyes to job opportunities in the fishing industry, and I knew I wanted a job working outdoors in a hands-on role. My first role in the industry was working in aquaculture on a prawn farm. A few years ago when I was still at the prawn farms, one of my friends was working as an observer and his stories about working at sea inspired me to apply to become an AFMA observer as it seemed to be exactly what I was looking for.

I’ve been an AFMA observer for about two years now and mostly work in the South East Trawl Fishery and the Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI) Fishery in the Southern Ocean. My favourite fishery is the HIMI toothfish fishery because it is such a unique environment with a large variety of wildlife not seen in waters further north. The weather always keeps things interesting too, and it’s a place that not too many people ever get to see, so every trip is a special experience.

Where is Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI) Fishery?

Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI) Fishery

(Source: Frontiers in Marine Science)

My longest trip is around three months long in the HIMI fishery, however I’m currently deployed on a trip in the same fishery that is expected to run for four months. It’s a strange experience being at sea for so long and being so isolated from the rest of the world, particularly if there is limited phone and internet reception. At first, the time can seem to drag on but once you get into the routine the trip goes quickly. It can also be difficult living in such a confined space with people you have just met. You have to adjust your habits and attitude to get along with everyone, while maintaining professionalism as a representative of AFMA. The crews I have worked with have been great and made me feel welcome.

My favourite moments as an AFMA observer are when I have been on deck observing lines in the Southern Ocean. The weather down there is so dynamic, you can go from having clear skies and sunlight to having less than five-metre visibility with heavy snowfall and strong winds, and then back to clear skies again all within half an hour. Arriving back in port is always a great moment too as you know you have got the job done and everyone has returned home safely.

In the future, I hope to broaden my experience and have the opportunity to work as an observer in all AFMA fisheries where observers are deployed.
(Source: AFMA)