About us

Who are we?

The Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) is an independent statutory authority established to effectively manage Victoria's fisheries resources. We work closely with many stakeholders to deliver three core outcomes:

• Sustainable fishing and aquaculture
• Clear resource access and sharing arrangements
• Increased economic, social and cultural value.

Our strategy

• Sustainable and healthy fisheries
• Social and economic prosperity
• Effective and innovative authority
• Strong and collaborative relationships

It reflects the VFA’s position as a modern fit-for-purpose statutory authority, which services all fisheries and aquaculture sectors and provides advice to government on a range of initiatives and opportunities. It places an emphasis on working closely with our stakeholders and partners.

The Plan sets high level strategies and targets that will be reflected in the VFA’s Annual Business Plans and operational strategies where there will be greater detail and you will better able to see how it applied to your day to day work .

Our people

We have more than 160 staff based at 25 locations across the state. Our main sites are:

• 1 Spring St, Melbourne, 3001
• Queenscliff
• Snobs Creek, near Eildon

What we do?

• Commercial licensing and quota management
• Recreational licensing
• Educating the public about their rights and obligations relating to fishing
• Enforcing the provisions of the Fisheries Act 1995
• Supporting sustainable and responsible commercial and recreational fishing and aquaculture
• Indigenous community engagement focused on recognition of customary fishing rights, better economic opportunities and sustainable fisheries management
• Research, and fishery monitoring and assessment
• Fisheries management planning
• Administration of grants to improve recreational fishing opportunities
• Working with other government agencies on a range of fisheries related matters.

To support the Minister for Outdoor Recreation as the responsible Minister for fisheries in Victoria, the Department of Transport (DoT)  retains a role in coordination and strategic policy. DoT and the VFA will continue to work closely together, as well as with the Commonwealth and other key stakeholders.

Our organisation

Corporate Services

The Corporate Services Division supports the VFA and CEO in managing the day-to-day operations of the VFA. The Corporate Services Division provides essential support functions such as finance, human resources, IT, facilities management and governance to enable the organisation to operate efficiently and meet its strategic objectives.

Fisheries Management and Boating

The Fisheries Management and Boating Division delivers core regulatory marine and freshwater fisheries management, fisheries science, and aquaculture management services, including undertaking fish stock assessment and monitoring and setting total allowable commercial catch for the rock lobster, abalone, giant crab, scallop, pipi, octopus and urchin fisheries.  The Division delivers the VFA fish production and stocking program stocking 10 million fish into over 240 waters across Victoria. The Division also administers recreational and commercial licensing, quota trading, permitting and commercial catch and effort reporting, recreational fishing improvement activities and supports the disbursement of Recreational Fishing Licence funds to improve recreational fishing in Victoria.

The Division includes the Better Boating Victoria (BBV) team responsible to make recreational boating cheaper, easier and more accessible for all Victorians. BBV oversees the reinvestment of boaters’ licence and registration fees through the Better Boating Fund while progressing the state’s biggest ever ramp construction program.

Community Engagement and Major Crime

The Community Engagement and Major Crime Division undertakes engagement and enforcement activities directed at protecting our fisheries and ensuring sustainable and responsible fishing.  The Division also undertakes state-wide investigations and compliance operations to address serious fisheries criminal activity.

Child Safe statement

The VFA is committed to the Victorian Child Safe Standards and is focused on creating a safe environment that fosters the protection of all children to keep them safe from harm.