Next generation of fisheries officers safeguarding Queensland waters

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities The Honourable Mark Furner

They come from different backgrounds and some from interstate, but the newest Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) fisheries officers all have one thing in common – a passion for safeguarding our precious fisheries resources.

Speaking at Brisbane City Hall, Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner has today congratulated 13 QBFP graduates on their achievements.

“Since they started their training with QBFP, these new recruits have been learning the ropes at coastal locations including Cairns, Mackay, Yeppoon, Gladstone, Karumba, Kingaroy and Port Douglas,” Mr Furner said.

“The fisheries officer role is a broad one. Throughout this year, they’ve been studying the practicalities of working with fishing equipment and technology, fish identification and measuring, how to conduct interviews and inspections, and investigation techniques.

“This has earned them a range of qualifications, including a Certificate IV in Government Investigations and a Coxswain Certificate.

“They’ve also studied procedures and relevant legislation such as fisheries and maritime law, judicial procedures, Commonwealth statutes and maritime safety legislation.

“I wish all of them the very best as the faces of QBFP in the years ahead.”

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