Fisheries Officer ANZSCO 311311: Job Role, Skills & Visa Pathways

Fisheries Officer ANZSCO Code 311311

A Fisheries Officer works to protect aquatic resources, secure sustainable fishing operations, and law enforcement of fisheries laws. Their responsibility aids in the preservation of marine and freshwater ecosystems and aids the communities and industries in utilising their resources in a responsible manner. They are employed by the government and environmental organisations, and fisheries management agencies. Fisheries Officers patrol the waterways, coastlines and ports to verify that fishers are adhering to the rules and regulations such as catch limits, licensing, species protection and gear regulation. They patrol on land or water, check chips, check equipment and figure the size of the catches and if there are any violations.

The position requires scientific information to facilitate the management of resources. They also collect data about fish stocks, ecology, and threats to the environment and harvesting patterns. This assists in informing the policies concerning sustainability, refilling the stock, and protecting the environment. Fisheries Officers notify fishers, industry bodies and the community on the sustainable practices in the fishing industry, conservation policies and the environmental responsibilities. They are involved in the community outreach initiatives, awareness and meeting with stakeholders to secure resources.

Skills in communication, problem solving and conflict resolution are necessary because the job scope frequently involves communication with commercial operators, recreational fishers and community members. It is also necessary to be physically fit and be able to work outdoors in diverse conditions. In general, a Fisheries Officer is an important figure in the process of protecting aquatic ecosystems, sustainable fisheries, and environmental regulations that provide protection to marine and freshwater sources for the next generations.

Tone
Accuracy
Speed
Behaviour

Skill Level:	2
Alternative Title:	Fisheries Inspector
Migration Strategy:	CSOL
ANZSCO Code:	311311

Fisheries Officers Job Description, Responsibilities, and Education Requirements

In Australia and New Zealand:

Most occupations in this group should have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma ANZSCO Skill Level 2. Must have 3 years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances, relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Tasks Include

May examine imported plants and animals, and products such as timber, seeds and dried fruits, and make quarantine arrangements.
May initiate or assist in legal action to enforce regulations, appear in court to give evidence in cases involving breaches of the regulations.
Make sure that commercial fishing regulations are obeyed.
Patrolling and investigating waterways for unlawful fishing activities and the removal of protected marine life.
Educating, advising and providing information on a wide range of topics relating to fish and their protection.
Check that fish are sold through legal markets and that fish markets do not sell undersized fish.
Assist in the supervision of shark nets.
Assist other agencies by responding to emergency situations such as oil spills, the beaching of whales, and shark-related incidents.
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.
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.
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.
Providing advice to the 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.
Survey oyster, pearling, fishing and prawning leases to ensure regulations are observed.
Responding to fishing offence reports and investigating alleged breaches of legislation.