Nine new fisheries officers to protect NSW State’s fisheries resources

by NSW DPI on 15 Dec 2010 Industry & Investment NSW has appointed nine new fisheries officers across the State to work to ensure compliance with NSW Fisheries Legislation, Minister for Primary Industries, Steve Whan, announced today.

Minister Whan said fisheries officers play an important role in the management and conservation of our precious fisheries resources.

'Following a six month long recruitment and induction program the nine new officers are now working in communities across the State including the South Coast, Sydney, the Central Coast, South West Slopes and the New England,' Minister Whan said.

'These officers will work to detect and deter illegal fishing activity, and optimise compliance with the fisheries rules through the delivery of enforcement and education programs in these key regional and metropolitan locations.

'The officers will be engaged in a range of patrol duties targeting high risk offenders and will provide advice on issues relating to both commercial and recreational fisheries.

'The officers will also be engaged habitat protection and conservation work, as well as duties associated with aquaculture.'

Mr Whan said the fisheries officers went through a rigorous recruitment program and are now involved in a year long induction and training program to ensure that the officers are well equipped to perform their challenging compliance role.

'During the 12 month training program, fisheries officers must undertake extensive theory and practical on the job training so that they are well prepared to undertake the role,' Mr Whan said.

'Practical training completed by the officers includes boat handling, fish identification, monitoring of commercial and recreational fishing equipment, oyster lease inspections, targeted coastal and inland patrols and surveillance operations.

'This rigorous recruitment process ensures the Department gets the best possible candidates but also ensures the officers are ready to work with communities to deliver compliance services.'

http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au