The Victorian Fisheries Authority has proposed changes to redirect their focus towards education and community engagement, rather than enforcement. This decision has raised concerns among industry experts and former employees who fear that without dedicated enforcement teams, illegal poaching could go unchecked, particularly in marine parks. The authority has stated that recreational fishers have high levels of compliance and that fisheries in Victoria are being maintained at sustainable levels. However, critics warn that cutting the ranks of fisheries officers could lead to ecological disasters and overfishing of vulnerable species.
Former employees and experts in the field have expressed concern that the decision to reduce the number of fisheries officers could embolden poachers and organized crime, as some seafood species are highly prized on the international black market. Incidents of large-scale illegal fishing, such as the apprehension of four men who allegedly took over 1000 blacklip abalone, highlight the risks associated with inadequate enforcement measures. Species such as wrasse, gummy shark, abalone, and crayfish are particularly at risk of overfishing due to their popularity in restaurants both in Australia and overseas.
The decision to cut fisheries officer positions has also raised safety concerns, as remaining officers may have to work alone more often. Fisheries officers have varied roles, including enforcing regulations, conducting inspections, and assisting wildlife, and are well-regarded within the fishing community. Industry experts emphasize the importance of having dedicated enforcement teams to prevent illegal poaching and maintain the ecological balance of Victorian waters. The Community and Public Sector Union has raised objections to the proposed redundancies, stating that the reduction in enforcement personnel could pose risks to both the environment and the safety of remaining officers.
Former chief investigator at Fisheries Victoria, Donaldson, believes that the decision to cut fisheries officer positions is misguided, as generations of fisheries officers have worked to maintain abundant fish stocks in Victoria through their enforcement efforts. He highlights the importance of having the legislative powers and resources necessary to combat illegal fishing operations effectively. The CPSU has reported that 73 fisheries officer positions will be cut and replaced with 36 fisheries engagement officers focused on community engagement, a move that has been met with skepticism from experts and industry insiders who stress the importance of dedicated enforcement teams in protecting Victoria’s marine resources.
