Description
Patrol marine and inland waters to prevent and investigate fisheries and boating law violations. Inspect vessels, dealers, and aquaculture operations; investigate fish kills, pollution, or habitat damage; and coordinate with partner agencies. Collect and report fisheries biological and harvest data.
- • Patrol coastal, inland, and offshore waters by boat, vehicle, aircraft, or on foot to enforce fisheries and boating regulations and manage fisheries programs.
- • Protect and conserve fish populations, aquatic habitats, and protected marine species.
- • Provide outreach and training on fishing regulations, safe boating, and bycatch reduction to commercial and recreational fishers.
- • Assist local, state, and federal law enforcement and resource agencies as needed.
- • Conduct dockside and at-sea inspections of vessels, gear, catch, and licenses for compliance with quotas, seasons, size limits, and reporting.
- • Address fishermen's groups, communities, and media to communicate fisheries conservation measures and rule changes.
- • Recommend changes to fisheries regulations, seasons, quotas, gear restrictions, or habitat management to maintain sustainable stocks.
- • Inspect seafood dealers, fish markets, processors, aquaculture sites, and marinas for compliance with permits and product traceability.
- • Collect and report fisheries data on catch, effort, stock conditions, habitat, and suspected pollution.
- • Conduct creel surveys and landing checks to assess harvest levels and program effectiveness.
- • Investigate fish kills, water pollution, habitat damage, or gear conflicts; advise stakeholders on prevention and mitigation.
- • Design or implement measures to prevent illegal harvest, reduce bycatch, and protect sensitive habitats.
- • Document the extent of resource or property damage and prepare loss estimates or restitution recommendations.
- • Issue fishing licenses, permits, vessel decals, or other documentation.
- • Provide information and assistance to boaters, anglers, and coastal visitors.
- • Maintain facilities, vessels, and equipment, and perform minor repairs.
- • Compile and present evidence, testify in administrative hearings or court.
- • Investigate boating incidents and reports of fisheries law violations.
- • Issue warnings or citations, complete reports, and maintain case files.
- • Execute warrants and make arrests when necessary.
- • Conduct search-and-rescue operations and maritime emergency response.
- • Arrange lawful disposition of illegally taken catch or seized seafood products.
- • Seize illegal gear, catch, or records used in fisheries violations.
- • Coordinate and respond to marine spills or aquatic invasive species incidents.
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
