Episode Details

In this episode of the PSA CPSU NSW Podcast, host Troy Wright sits down with District Fisheries Officers John Staines and Terry Steele to uncover the multifaceted and often dangerous reality of protecting Australia’s aquatic resources. Operating from both the coastal regions of Maclean and the inland waterways of Bathurst, these officers manage everything from recreational bag limits to complex commercial industries involving prawns, crabs, and even the specialized eel trade. The discussion dives deep into the high-stakes battle against black-market poaching and organized crime, particularly within the lucrative abalone industry where officers often face significant safety risks. Beyond enforcement, John and Terry explain their crucial role in environmental conservation, highlighting how habitat degradation and invasive species like European Carp pose a greater threat to fish stocks than fishing itself. The episode also addresses the industrial challenges currently facing the vocation, including the PSA’s efforts to modernize protective equipment and secure fair pay through the Industrial Relations Commission to reflect the increasing technical complexity of the role. From monitoring seafood contamination to boarding trawlers in the dead of night, this conversation reveals why Fisheries Officers are essential frontline defenders of both public health and the natural environment. 

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