Abolishment of Fisheries Officers

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Fisheries Officers to be ABOLISHED in Victoria

The CEO of the Victorian Fisheries Authority has proposed devastating changes that could lead to the destruction of Victoria's fragile aquatic environment and leave the State's fishing resource without protection.

Proposed Changes:

  • No more Fisheries Officers in the State of Victoria
  • All 73 Fisheries Officer positions in Victoria are to be removed and replaced by 36 'Engagement' Officers, focussed predominantly on community education
  • All 5 Fisheries Stations around greater Melbourne will close.
  • Just 9 "Engagement" staff will cover the entire greater Melbourne Area from Venus Bay to Anglesea.

What can you do to help?

Updated 08/05/2025
While Victoria's Fisheries Authority proceeds with their proposal to cut enforcement officer numbers the non compliance runs amok and poaching is the new boom business here jeopardising of multi billion dollar commercial and recreational industry.With some great weather over the Easter and ANZAC long weekends, lots of people were out and about, including our Fisheries Officers, however unfortunately, many people didn’t do the right thing. Some of these breaches were recorded by members of the ... -->
Updated 14/04/2025
The percentage of offenders detected per inspection is at a record high (10.11%) with increases in non-compliance, shown within VFA reporting, despite Fisheries Victoria proposing a reduction in Fisheries Officers. The most recent reporting period (2023-24) has the lowest number of inspections (50,740 inspections, excluding marine park inspections) since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, a record number of offenders were detected (5,131) for the period but Fisheries Victoria inten ... -->
Updated 31/03/2025
Saturday's Convoy for Conservation was another huge step forward in our campaign to save our fish and it was inspiring to see so many people spend their day advocating for our Fisheries Officers and the bigger picture being to raise awareness of the ludicrous VFA restructure, which proposes axing all Fisheries Officers around Port Phillip and Westernport bay. Stay ConnectedLike and follow Protect Victorian Fisheries Tourism to connect with fellow convoyers and stay updated on our latest initiati ... -->
Updated 13/03/2025
Minister cancels meeting with FishosThe Chief Executive Officer of the Victorian Fisheries Authority has proposed a major change that will significantly affect the protection of our aquatic environments, natural values (being able to access the aquatic environments) and our fisheries (the proposal will result in the decimation of our aquatic environments). Fisheries Officers (FOs) in Victoria ensure this protection for all Victorians. FOs provide vital services to Victoria, ensuring that f ... -->