Fisheries Officer

Fisheries officers inspect fishing vessels, gear, licenses, permits and catches to ensure compliance with fisheries laws and regulations. They check fish quantities and size sold in markets and processing plants and enforce regulations for juvenile and spawning fish. Some are also involved in fish stock recovery operations for species at risk of decline or that are endangered. Fisheries officers further provide advice on sustainable fishing practices.

Fisheries officers work closely with national environmental and law enforcement protection agencies in surveillance and enforcement. They sometimes work in harsh physical and sometimes even hostile environments. They can work aboard fishing vessels for long periods, returning to an office environment to report on fishing activities.

Skills

Fisheries officers need to have a sound knowledge of fish species and a comprehensive understanding of the laws and regulations that govern the fishing industry, coupled with: 

• High level of attention to detail
• Physical stamina 
• Good interpersonal skills
• Strong verbal and written communication competence

Tasks

Identify and classify the biological and environmental characteristics of marine and estuarine fish species

Report on activities for subsistence, recreational and commercial fishing

Enforce compliance of fishing regulations and laws

Communicate and advise external bodies, stakeholders and the public

Studies

B.Sc., B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc. in Ichthyology and Fisheries Science at RU 

B.Sc., B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc. in Marine Biology at UCT and UKZN

B.Sc., B.Sc. (Hons), M.Sc. in Biological Sciences specialising in Botany or Zoology at all universities

Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Marine Science at CPUT

Employers

National, provincial and local government in coastal areas.

NGOs, community-based and development organisations and private consultancies.