Victorian government budget cuts could trigger illegal fishing boom
Environmental groups and peak bodies are concerned the amount of fisheries officers in the state could be cut in half.
Jacob Wallace
June 03, 2025
Illegal fishing in Victoria could rise dramatically following state budget cuts, according to the Victorian National Parks Association, Victorian Recreational Fishing Peak Body, Seafood Industry Victoria and the Abalone Council Victoria.
The restructuring and cutting of fishery officers was announced in February by Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) CEO Travis Dowling in response to the state government’s decision to cut the VFA budget by 18 percent.
Environmental groups, fishers and peak bodies are concerned this reduction of on the ground officers will lead to an increase in illegal fishing activities.
In a joint statement, the Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA), Victorian Recreational Fishing Peak Body, Seafood Industry Victoria and the Abalone Council Victoria said they “anticipate devastating consequences if enforcement officers are reduced by two-thirds”.
The Gippsland Monitor spoke to Shannon Hurley, a Nature Conservation Campaigner with VNPA, who said the decision would leave the Victorian coastline open to illegal fishing.
“There were previously 27 fisheries offices across the state and now there's believed to be 12,” she said.
“There's going to be less eyes and ears out on the water, which means the opportunity for illegal poaching is really going to increase a lot.”
The role of a fishery officer is to ensure people follow fisheries and boating related laws. To deal with the funding cuts the VFA is proposing a focus on “education and engagement”. However, with fewer officers out observing fishing activities, Hurley is concerned fish populations and fishery businesses will be worse off.
"This is environmental neglect disguised as budget management," she said. “They’re effectively declaring open season for illegal fishing in previously patrolled waters.”
Hurley says that an increase in illegal fishing could also have an impact on the $2.4 billion recreational fishing industry that supports several commercial fisheries offering local, sustainable seafood.
Marine conservationists are worried that those seeking to take advantage of reduced government oversight could pose risk to long standing protected environmental areas and fishing grounds.
A statement released by Seafood Industry Victoria says: “These [fisheries officer] roles are critical to prevent illegal fishing and support responsible fishing practices in some of our busiest waterways. Rules and regulations designed to keep fish stocks sustainable and seafood supply chains secure are only effective if adequately enforced”.
Image credit: Alpha.
