FishVictoria.com - Fisheries Officers

FISHERIES OFFICERS
Fisheries Officers are employed by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment to protect our fisheries.

One of their roles is to ensure compliance with fishing regulations. Fisheries Officers do not always wear a uniform, however, should you be approached by an officer they will display their official identification to you. They have extensive powers of search and entry and may stop any boat, or vehicle, in order to carry out inspections.

They may also seize any fish, fishing gear or other equipment that has been used in an alleged offence against the Fisheries Act 1995 including boats and vehicles.

FINES AND PENALTIES
The Department welcomes reports of suspected illegal fishing activities. Where an immediate response is not possible due to other priorities or operational safety considerations, the information received will be recorded and will assist in targeting ongoing enforcement operations.

Should you be found allegedly offending against the Fisheries Act 1995 you are obliged by law to provide your correct name and address. Failure to do so may result in your arrest. Minor offences are usually handled by a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN). More serious offences are processed through the court system.

REPORTING OFFENCES, CALL 133 474 ANYTIME
18 September 2003:

Report Illegal Fishing Call 13FISH Anytime

The Victorian Government has allocated $1.05million over four years to operate a 24 hour illegal fishing reporting line.

You can help ensure all Victorians have fish for the future by sticking to catch and size limits and reporting those who break the rules.

Our uniformed and plain-clothes Fisheries Officers constantly perform spot checks all over Victoria, resulting in fines of up to $20,000 and/or penalties of up to 12 months in jail and confiscation of equipment.

If you suspect illegal fishing activity, call our fisheries offence reporting line on 13FISH (133 474).

Helpful information that will assist when calling includes:
- registration and descriptions of boats/cars
- descriptions of people involved
- the type of activity
- time, date and location

All information will be treated in strict confidence.

When no immediate response is possible, your information will be combined with other reports to assist in establishing targeted fisheries patrols and special operations.