• Fisheries Act and Fisheries Regulations

• Wildlife Act

• National Parks Act

• Land Conservation Act

• Land Act

• Forests Act

• Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act

• Crown land Act

• Coastal Management Act

• Catchment and Land Protection Act

• The Environmental Protection Act.

• Inspecting fishing licences and exemptions

• Inspecting size and catch limits

• Inspecting fishing equipment

• Engaging/educating the public

• Inspecting safety equipment

• Operating large and small vessels

• Working a variety of shifts including morning, night, and weekend shifts often outside of business hours inclusive of public holidays.

• Inspecting size and catch limits

• Inspecting equipment

• Inspecting on water aquaculture facilities

• Inspecting aquaculture premises

• Identifying offences

• Issue infringements or official warnings

• Prepare and deliver a brief of evidence for prosecution.

• Provide evidence in court

• Prosecute summary matters

Fisheries Officers conduct targeted covert surveillance using advanced tactical strategies and specialised equipment such as camouflage, night vision, cameras, and drones to monitor illegal fishing activities and other breaches of regulations.

They gather critical intelligence through routine patrols and focused surveillance operations, including mobile surveillance, to track suspicious activity.

The information collected is then compiled into detailed reports to support enforcement actions, prosecutions, and ongoing investigations aimed at protecting Victoria’s marine ecosystems.

• Perform and/or coordinate search warrants.

• Assist other agencies such as Conservation Regulator (Wildlife)

• Prepare, plan and execute operations targeting significant compliance issues, risks or persons of interest

• Detect underwater offences such as illegal equipment

• Check catch and size limits

• Commercial in-water inspections

• Conduct 13FISH Duty Officer role

• Respond to offending reported through 13FISH

Fisheries Officers patrol marine parks and sanctuaries by boat, enforcing no-take zone regulations, preventing illegal fishing, and protecting sensitive marine ecosystems.

Fisheries Officers inspect restaurants, wholesalers, and retailers for black market fish by verifying receipts, ensuring seafood is legally sourced, and cracking down on illegal trade practices.

• Conduct marine safety checks

• Enforce speeding and vessel operation rules

• Engage with recreational boaters regarding marine safety

Fisheries Officers participate in education events, including boat shows, school visits, and community workshops, to promote sustainable fishing practices, raise awareness about fisheries regulations, and engage with the public on marine conservation efforts.

Fisheries Officers attend angling club meetings to provide valuable information on fishing regulations, sustainable practices, and the latest updates on fisheries management, while also answering questions from club members to ensure compliance and foster a community-focused approach to conservation.

Fisheries Officers conduct inspections of aquariums to identify and control the spread of noxious pest species, ensuring that all aquatic life complies with legal regulations, and verify permits to prevent the illegal importation or trade of harmful species that could threaten local ecosystems.

Fisheries Officers respond to state emergencies by providing vessels and operational expertise, as well as offering logistics and planning advice to support effective crisis management and minimise environmental impact.

Fisheries Officers assist with whale entanglement incidents by providing specialised vessels, experienced operators, and skilled crew to safely conduct whale disentanglement operations, ensuring the animal’s well-being while minimising risks to both the whale and the response team.

Fisheries Officers provide vessels and experienced operators to support agencies such as Parks Victoria, the Marine Response Unit (Melbourne Zoo), and Phillip Island Nature Park, assisting with a variety of marine conservation efforts, including animal rescues, habitat protection, and environmental monitoring.

Fisheries Officers are often the first to put their hand up whenever the State needs front-line workers!