New Fishery Officers Graduate to Strengthen NZ’s Marine Protection Efforts

Ten newly trained Fishery Officers have officially joined New Zealand's frontline fisheries enforcement team, marking an important milestone in the protection and sustainable management of the nation's marine resources. The graduation ceremony, attended by Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones, highlighted the crucial work Fishery Officers perform every day to safeguard the country's fisheries and ensure compliance with sustainability rules.

"Fishery Officers usually graduate with little fanfare. It's important they know how valuable their work is. There is a lot at stake," Minister Jones said during the ceremony. "Their presence in our communities helps protect both the environment and the livelihoods that depend on it."

A Dramatic Start to Their Careers

In a striking twist to their final training exercise, the graduating officers got a real-world reminder of their responsibilities when a simulated enforcement operation turned into an actual one. During what was meant to be a mock training scenario in Wellington Harbour, the recruits encountered two real paua poachers allegedly caught with 48 paua, of which 46 were undersized.

Minister Jones commended the officers for their quick action: "This incident shows the real-world importance of their work — ensuring our natural resources are respected and sustained for future generations."

A Vital Role in a Billion-Dollar Industry

New Zealand's seafood industry employs more than 11,000 people and generated $2.2 billion in export revenue during the 2024/25 financial year. Beyond the commercial sector, hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders engage in recreational fishing, whether for sport, tradition, or to provide food for their families.

"Every New Zealander can be proud of our fisheries management system," said Jones. "It is the foundation that ensures our fisheries remain sustainable, supporting both our economy and our way of life."

Nationwide Network of Fishery Officers

The new graduates join a network of over 100 full-time and 180 honorary Fishery Officers operating from Auckland to Invercargill, each working to uphold New Zealand's reputation for responsible and sustainable fisheries management.

Fishery Officers are often highly visible in their communities — patrolling wharves, beaches, and harbours, and engaging with local fishers to educate them about size limits, catch allowances, and sustainable practices.

"Much of their work is about preventing offending before it happens," Minister Jones explained. "That requires understanding local fisheries, knowing the people who use them, and being a trusted presence in the community."

Rigorous Training for Frontline Protection

Becoming a Fishery Officer requires 12 months of intensive training, covering areas such as marine ecology, law enforcement, public engagement, and conflict resolution. The new graduates will continue to build their skills through ongoing on-the-job courses, ensuring they are equipped to handle a wide range of challenges in both recreational and commercial fishing environments.

Fishery Officers have been patrolling New Zealand's coasts and waters for over 60 years, conducting thousands of inspections each year. Their duties include checking catch records, inspecting boats and equipment, monitoring quota compliance, and working alongside the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to investigate illegal activities such as poaching and black-market trading.

Protecting a National Treasure

New Zealand's marine environment is home to more than 15,000 known species, making it one of the most diverse in the world. Sustainable fisheries management has long been a cornerstone of the country's environmental stewardship, balancing economic opportunity with ecological protection.

Minister Jones emphasized that maintaining this balance depends on the commitment and vigilance of those on the front line. "These officers are the guardians of our oceans. Their work ensures that our fisheries remain healthy and productive, not just for us but for the generations to come."

As the ten new officers take up their posts across the country, their efforts will help uphold the principles that define New Zealand's global reputation for sustainable seafood — fairness, responsibility, and respect for the sea.