Sailing into Success at AFMA: Your Rapid Guide to an Inspiring Government Career ⚓️
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA)? We’ve done the heavy lifting and combed through their annual report, so you don’t have to! In this fast-paced overview, you’ll discover everything you need to know about AFMA — from its core functions and financials to the must-have qualifications and skills that can help you secure a rewarding role. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a fresh graduate, this article will give you the insight to launch your journey in government and land an exciting career in fisheries management.
AT-A-GLANCE
Name of Department: Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA)
Location: Canberra, ACT (operations Australia-wide)
CEO: Mr. Wez Norris
Total Revenue: Approximately $49.3 million (2023–24)
Total Number of Employees: Approximately 189
THE QUALIFICATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
Top 5 academic qualifications most suited:
Bachelor of Science (Marine Biology, Ecology, or Environmental Science): Builds a strong foundation for managing marine ecosystems and sustainable fishing.
Bachelor of Commerce or Economics: Supports cost-recovery models, budgeting, and financial analysis of fisheries.
Bachelor of Public Administration or Policy: Equips you with government frameworks and policy expertise, crucial for AFMA’s regulatory role.
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor: Helps navigate fisheries legislation, compliance, and enforcement matters.
Bachelor (or Master) of Data Science / Information Technology: Aids in the digital transformation, including electronic monitoring and data analytics.
Top 5 certifications most suited:
Project Management (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP): Ensures efficient delivery of fisheries-related projects and initiatives.
Policy Analysis / Development: Enables crafting and implementing clear, evidence-based fisheries regulations.
Environmental Management Systems (EMS): Demonstrates competence in sustainable resource use and compliance measures.
GIS and Spatial Analysis Certificates: Essential for tracking and visualizing fish stock distribution.
Leadership and Management (e.g., Certificate IV): Builds leadership skills for managing teams and stakeholder groups.
Top 5 trades / professions most suited:
Fisheries Compliance Officer / Maritime Operations: Core to conducting vessel inspections, ensuring compliance, and enforcing regulations.
Marine Technician / Boat Builder / Diesel Fitter: Maintains and repairs vessels critical for on-water operations.
Data Analyst / Data Technician: Processes, interprets, and organizes the crucial fisheries data that informs management decisions.
Field Observer / Fisheries Observer: Collects real-time data aboard fishing vessels to ensure accurate catch reporting.
Communications / Media Specialist: Crafts public messages, educational content, and facilitates stakeholder engagement.
Top 5 skills most suited:
Research & Analytical Skills: Vital for interpreting catch data and conducting ecosystem risk assessments.
Regulatory / Policy Compliance: Ensures alignment with Australian laws and international fishing obligations.
Stakeholder Engagement: Fosters collaboration with fishers, local communities, and global partners.
Project Coordination: Helps streamline digital transformations, such as e-logs and e-monitoring systems.
Negotiation & Conflict Resolution: Balances differing priorities—ecological conservation, economic viability, and community values.
Top 5 work experiences most suited:
Commercial Fishing Experience: Offers firsthand knowledge of fishing practices and gear operations.
Public Policy or Government Administration: Familiarizes you with the complexities of government procedures and decision-making.
Environmental Impact Assessment / Research Projects: Demonstrates the ability to handle ecological data and sustainable practices.
Enforcement or Compliance (e.g., Border Force, Police): Provides transferable skills for investigating and prosecuting illegal activities.
Marine or Coastal Community Engagement: Helps in understanding localized environmental conditions and societal impacts.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: Australian Fisheries Management Authority
Name of CEO: Mr. Wez Norris
Location: Headquarters in Canberra, ACT; operational presence across Australia
Year Founded: 1992 (under the Fisheries Administration Act 1991)
Main mission and purpose of the department:
Mission: “Securing Australia’s fishing future.” AFMA ensures both ecological sustainability and economic efficiency in Commonwealth fisheries.
Real-world impact example: By establishing science-based catch limits and monitoring fishing activities, AFMA helps maintain healthy fish stocks for future generations while supporting local seafood producers.
Main duties of the department:
Regulating Commercial Fisheries: Sets total allowable catch, monitors operations, and collects essential data.
Ecological Assessment & Conservation: Uses stock and ecological risk assessments to protect marine biodiversity.
International Engagement: Works with global partners to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and promote sustainable fishing practices.
Enforcement & Compliance: Collaborates with other agencies to deter and prosecute illegal foreign and domestic fishing.
Stakeholder Collaboration: Engages industry groups, communities, and other government bodies to shape fair and effective fisheries policy.
Real-world impact example: AFMA’s Officers coordinate with Maritime Border Command to intercept vessels conducting illegal fishing in Australian waters.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:
Data Transformation & Electronic Monitoring Program: Introducing tech-based solutions to streamline data capture and bolster sustainability.
Climate Adaptation Program: Integrating climate change considerations into fisheries management to cope with shifting fish distributions.
International Capacity-Building: Training and assisting neighboring countries in Southeast Asia to reduce IUU fishing regionally.
Did you know? AFMA annually oversees fisheries worth around $400 million in gross production value and remains at the forefront of efforts to protect Australia’s marine resources.
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: ~189
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level (Approximate):
APS Levels 1–6: ~120
Executive Level (EL) 1–2: ~60
Senior Executive Service (SES): ~5
Statutory Appointees (e.g., CEO): 1
Salary Bands:
APS 1–4: $50,000 – $77,000
APS 5–6: $78,000 – $98,000
EL 1: $99,000 – $120,000
EL 2: $120,000 – $145,000
SES: $160,000 – $250,000+
Average salary in the department: ~$105,000 – $110,000
Total Revenue: ~$49.3 million (2023–24)
Average Revenue per Employee: ~$260,000
GETTING A JOB AT AFMA
Which academic subjects are likely to be most sought after?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Maritime Operations (Coxswain, Master <24m): Crucial for operational patrolling and on-water enforcement.
Conservation & Ecosystem Management: Builds practical skills in biodiversity protection and field monitoring.
Project Management: Enhances your ability to manage time-critical fisheries programs and cross-agency projects.
Bachelor / Master Level:
Marine Science, Environmental Science, Biology: Fundamentals for stock assessment, resource planning, and ecosystem health.
Data Analytics / Information Technology: Underpins the electronic monitoring and digital transformation at AFMA.
Economics, Finance, or Commerce: Integral for budgeting, cost recovery, and analyzing industry revenue.
Policy, Law, or Public Administration: Equips you for legislative drafting, stakeholder negotiation, and government liaison.
Business / Management: Valuable for day-to-day operations and strategic leadership roles within the agency.
PhDs:
Marine Ecology, Climate Science, Environmental Economics, Fisheries Science: Ideal for senior research, advisory roles, and integrating climate projections into fisheries decisions.
Which trades and professions are likely to be most sought after?
Maritime Trades (Engine Fitter, Shipwright, Mechanic): Maintains AFMA’s maritime fleet and ensures safe, efficient patrols.
Field Observation / Marine Field Technician: Gathers accurate data to inform policy decisions and harvest strategies.
IT Professionals / Software Developers: Advances AFMA’s e-logbook systems, compliance apps, and data analytics capabilities.
Legal Officers: Interprets legislation, prepares enforcement actions, and advises on international fisheries obligations.
Administrative Officers: Streamlines grants, licensing, and procedural tasks that keep AFMA running efficiently.
Which work experiences are likely to be most sought after?
Policy or Government Roles: Knowing how government and bureaucracy function improves policy formation and review.
Fishing Industry or Aquaculture: Practical hands-on exposure to fishing techniques and challenges helps shape realistic regulations.
Compliance, Law Enforcement, or Military Service: Transferable skills in investigations and operational security are vital to AFMA’s enforcement mandate.
Logistics or Supply Chain: Orchestrating research vessel deployments, field observer schedules, and resource allocation.
Research and Lab Work: Essential for scientific analysis, identifying fish stock trends, and championing evidence-based management.
Which skills are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to AFMA?
Soft Skills:
Communication & Negotiation: Bridges the gap among regulators, fishers, and conservation stakeholders.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Critical when coordinating across multiple government agencies and community groups.
Adaptability & Problem-Solving: Fisheries management is dynamic; a flexible approach ensures resilient operations.
Stakeholder Relationship Building: Nurtures trust with industry, conservation NGOs, and local communities.
Technical Skills:
Advanced Data Analysis / Modeling 📊: Informs quota settings, ecological risk assessments, and performance reviews.
GIS Mapping & Remote Sensing: Tracks vessel movement, identifies biodiversity hotspots, and monitors catch locations.
Project Management Tools (e.g., Agile, MS Project): Coordinates e-monitoring rollouts and data transformation projects.
Policy Drafting & Regulatory Writing: Crafts the legislative framework that underpins sustainable fisheries.
General Skills:
Report Writing & Documentation: Maintains transparency and informs the public of regulatory changes.
Time Management: Delivers projects like annual fishery condition reports and compliance checks on schedule.
Basic Marine Safety Skills: Enhances personal safety and operational readiness when working at sea.
Which hobbies and interests align with the work of this department?
Boating, Diving, or Fishing: Demonstrates authentic passion and firsthand marine knowledge.
Wildlife Photography / Underwater Exploration: Highlights your keen interest in marine biodiversity.
Environmental Advocacy / Community Volunteering: Showcases social responsibility and aligns with AFMA’s sustainability mission.
Science Communication: Indispensable for demystifying complex fisheries data for the wider public.
Travel & Cultural Exchange: Beneficial for AFMA’s international engagement and capacity-building efforts.
WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THIS DEPARTMENT? 🏛️
Contact the department:
HR / Recruitment Team
Address: Level 3, 15 Lancaster Place, Majura Park ACT 2609
Postal Address: PO Box 7051, Canberra Business Centre, ACT 2610
Phone: +61 2 6225 5555
Email: info@afma.gov.au
Website: afma.gov.au
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DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information, including annual reports. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information on this article. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this article.