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

Office of the Chief Executive Officer

The team manages day to day operations of the authority and delivers business management and corporate services, including board support and administration.

Fisheries Management and Science

The team delivers core regulatory fisheries science, management and aquaculture services, including fish stock assessment, fisheries monitoring and setting total allowable commercial catches for the rock lobster, abalone, giant crab, Port Phillip Bay, and ocean scallop and urchin fisheries.

Policy and Licensing

The team delivers operational policy, access and governance arrangements, planning and program management. They also administers recreational and commercial licensing, quota trading, permits and commercial catch and effort reporting.

Education and Enforcement

The team develops and implements state-wide education and enforcement strategies. They also undertake state-wide investigations and compliance operations to tackle serious organised criminal activity exploiting fisheries resources.

Recreational Fishing Improvements (Go Fishing Victoria)

The team delivers recreational fishing improvements activities and projects and supports the disbursement of Recreational Fishing Licence funds to improve recreational fishing opportunities.

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.