Fisheries Officers

Freshwater Trust Allocation: 2008-09 $495,545

Saltwater Trust Allocation: 2008-09 $1,053,476

Aim

Enhance the level of compliance and advisory services in recreational fisheries.

Background

The Recreational Fishing Trusts are providing ongoing funding for fifteen fisheries officers positions, nine coastal and six inland. These officers continue to enhance the overall effectiveness of coastal and inland compliance strategies in NSW. These positions form an integral component of the team of officers based in various offices throughout NSW.

Compliance officers use Operational Plans to target high risk offenders and known "black spots". Operations are conducted at key times at coastal and inland locations when large increases in angler activity are anticipated. All officers adopt a strong teamwork approach, with staff travelling to neighbouring Districts to assist in operational patrols.

The increased presence of fisheries officers at these times is widely appreciated by anglers, as it is an effective deterrent against illegal activity, and provides good opportunities to distribute advisory material and answer angler enquiries.

Education activities have also been increased via fishing clinics, response to enquires, talks at fishing shows and through ongoing in-field advisory work. Officers also undertake duties in relation to aquaculture inspections and general environmental matters.

Coastal Recreational Mobile Squad

Saltwater Trust Allocation: 2008-09 $390,000

Aim

Maintain a mobile support group with rapid response capacity responsible for the protection of the State's coastal recreational fisheries.

Background

The Saltwater Trust is also funding a Recreational Mobile Squad or 'Flying Squad' of 3 fisheries officers.

The objectives of the squad include:

• To maximise compliance with the Recreational Fishing Fee and recreational fishing rules.
• To maximise compliance with fishing rules in Recreational Fishing Havens.
• Suppression of unlawful harvesting practices.
• To improve compliance by the delivery of effective education and advisory programs.
• Protection and conservation of key fish habitat.
• Provide assistance on request from coastal district staff.