Andrew - District Fisheries Officer

Name:   Andrew
Job title:  District Fisheries Officer
Job location:  Lake Illawarra Office

Describe your typical day

Checking recreational and commercial fishers, either by boat or car, and ensuring they adhere to fisheries rules and regulations. We spend a great deal of our time apprehending abalone and lobster poachers, and prosecuting matters in court. Our work is conducted during the day and night.

What attracted you to this profession?

I enjoy working outdoors and I have a keen interest in fishing and diving.

How did you get started?

I completed a four year carpentry and joinery trade certificate and then spent three years in Tasmania at the Australian Maritime College (AMC) studying a marine science / fisheries management degree.

What initial training did you do?

Most training was provided by the department, both on the job and by way of short courses. A short amount of time was spent at the Goulburn Police Academy.

Is there an ongoing need to update your skills?

Skills are generally developed by experiences on the job; however, Industry & Investment NSW regularly provides training courses to officers in order to increase their skills.

What keeps you motivated?

I love the job, find it a real challenge, and the work can be very exciting.

Who do you work with to do your job?

The office at Lake Illawarra consists of three fisheries officers, with at least two working together on any day or night. Joint patrols are also conducted with Water Police and Maritime boating officers.

What is the most interesting thing you have done, discovered or seen in your job?

We get to see lots of great things when out in boats, including whales and seals, and large schools of fish.

How does your work benefit people and/or the environment?

We try to look after the marine environment and ensure that people don’t take too many fish, or take undersized fish, and we encourage people to think about their actions and the impact they have on the marine environment.

What advice do you have for students still at school?

If you really want to do something then just find a way to do it - there is always a way to achieve your goals. If it means spending a few years training or completing a uni degree, time will pass before you know it and it will be worthwhile in the end.