Victoria welcomes nine new Fisheries Officers

14 July 2016

The appointment of nine newly-trained Fisheries Officers across the state will bring the team looking after Victoria's fish stocks up to full strength.

Fisheries Education and Enforcement Director, Ian Parks said the new officers would be widely deployed.

"One will go to Horsham, one to Portland, three to Yarram, two to Mallacoota and one each to Traralgon and Mornington," Mr Parks said.

"Today marks the end of ten week's training that covered everything from small boat handling to testifying in court.

"The training has been a comprehensive program to get the officers ready for their role as education and enforcement authorised officers for Fisheries Victoria.

"The nine new officers join an experienced state-wide team who are the vital front line in our efforts to ensure the sustainability of Victoria's fish stocks."

The recruitment program began in August last year when 315 applications were received and the shortlisted applicants went through a competitive recruitment process involving psychometric testing, first round telephone interviews, face to face interviews and a scenario based assessment centre.

Their training has included legal, defensive driving, community education, fisheries management, and an understanding of recreational and commercial fisheries, both inland and marine.

Mr Parks said the nine new officers would also help deliver the State Government's Target One Million plan for recreational fishing, which aims to grow participation to one million anglers by 2020.

"They will be helping to release trout and native fish grown at our Snobs Creek hatchery, attend community events to promote sustainable fishing and visiting angling clubs to talk about local issues and identify opportunities to improve fishing and angler access."