How to become a Fisheries Officer

Also called: Fisheries Inspector

Inspects fishing vessels, gear, licences and catches to ensure that fisheries laws and regulations are obeyed.

Main tasks

• Patrols and investigates waterways for unlawful fishing activities and the removal of protected marine life
• Conducts inspections of fishing vessels, gear and equipment to ensure compliance with laws and regulations
• Checks fishing licences and permits to ensure validity
• Monitors and records fishing catches to ensure compliance with catch limits and quotas
• Investigates and responds to reports of illegal fishing activities
• Provides advice and guidance to fishers on sustainable fishing practices
• Educates, advises and provides information on a wide range of topics relating to fish and their protection
• May initiate or assist in legal action to enforce regulations

Ways in

• University: Science degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
• University: Health & Public Health degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Fisheries Compliance (SFI30419); Certificate IV in Fisheries Compliance (SFI40319); Diploma of Fisheries Compliance (SFI50219); Certificate II in Fisheries Compliance Support (SFI20419)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $69,160 a year
• About 3,900 people work in this job group now, and about 4,100 are projected by 2035. (+5.4%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Agricultural and Agritech Technician
• Animal Husbandry Technician
• Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician
• Biosecurity Officer
• Irrigation Designer
• Meat Inspector

Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz

Questions people ask

How do I become a Fisheries Officer?

Ways in include: Science degrees; Health & Public Health degrees; Certificate III in Fisheries Compliance; Certificate IV in Fisheries Compliance.

How much does a Fisheries Officer earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $69,160 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Fisheries Officer a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 5% by 2035, from about 3,900 to about 4,100 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Fisheries Officer?

Not always. 50% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Science degrees; Health & Public Health degrees; Certificate III in Fisheries Compliance; Certificate IV in Fisheries Compliance.

Will AI change the work of a Fisheries Officer?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04