Marine Enforcement Officer - Welsh Fisheries Monitoring Centre (WFMC)

Welsh Government (Llywodraeth Cymru); England; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental agency in Wales is seeking a Marine Enforcement Officer to ensure fishing operations in Welsh waters are conducted legally and sustainably. This role involves monitoring vessel activities, supporting trade through catch certificates, and managing compliance with fisheries legislation. Ideal candidates will possess strong analytical skills and a passion for marine conservation. This position offers the chance to work collaboratively while protecting marine ecosystems.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical mindset and attention to detail.
• Passion for marine conservation and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Monitoring vessel activity and statutory data.
• Supporting trade through catch certificate processing.
• Preventing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
• Managing vessel licensing and contributing to marine intelligence initiatives.
• Providing support to Fishery Patrol Vessels as needed.

Job description

Marine Enforcement Officer - Welsh Fisheries Monitoring Centre (WFMC)

ID: 3325

Closing date: 30/12/2025, 16:00 | Advertising basis: Permanent | Actual starting salary: £30,754 - Salary range or pay band: EO £30,754 to £34,997 | Work pattern: Full time (applications are welcome from people who work part time, as part of a job share or who work full time) | Group: Local Govt, Housing, Climate Change and Rural Affairs | Directorate: Rural Affairs | Branch: Control & Enforcement | Location: South West Wales Main office base - Milford Haven

Purpose of post

The Control & Enforcement Branch within the Welsh Government's Fisheries Division is essential to the protection of Wales's marine environment. Operating under the guidance of the Wales Fisheries Strategy, this team oversees all matters related to fish, fishing activities, and fisheries enforcement, with a particular emphasis on sea fishing policy, industry engagement, and cross-border collaboration across the UK and Europe.

About the Role

As a member of the Welsh Fisheries Monitoring Centre (WFMC), you will play an integral role in marine surveillance and regulatory compliance. Your responsibilities will ensure that fishing operations in Welsh waters—both domestic and foreign vessels—are conducted legally, sustainably, and within the required regulatory framework.

Primary duties include:

• Monitoring vessel activity and statutory data across all sectors
• Supporting trade through catch certificate processing
• Preventing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing
• Managing vessel licensing and contributing to UK-wide marine intelligence initiatives

Additionally, you will provide support to Fishery Patrol Vessels as needed, which may involve participating in weekend shifts as part of a rota system.

Wider Enforcement Duties

This position offers the opportunity to meaningfully contribute to the preservation of Wales' marine ecosystems, collaborate closely with key industry and governmental stakeholders, and join a team committed to integrity, sustainability, and public service.

Key tasks

• Monitoring commercial fishing activity in the Welsh Zone using Vessel Monitoring Systems and statutory data submissions.
• Validating catch certificates for the export of fisheries products to the EU, ensuring compliance with international trade regulations.
• Providing real-time operational support to Fishery Patrol Vessels at sea.
• Handling sensitive intelligence with appropriate security clearances.
• Investigating breaches of fisheries legislation and preparing evidence and case files for enforcement action.
• Managing port state control issues, including oversight of UK and foreign vessels landing in Wales or abroad.
• Administering Financial Administrative Penalties and managing investigation files for the branch.
• Sharing intelligence with devolved administrations and prioritising Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported (IUU) fishing activity.
• Analysing statutory data to inform enforcement and policy decisions.
• Monitoring quota uptake by non-UK vessels operating in Welsh waters.
• Managing dispensation requests and contributing to vessel licensing processes for both domestic and foreign vessels.

This role is ideal for candidates with a strong analytical mindset, attention to detail, and a passion for marine conservation and compliance. You'll be part of a collaborative team working to uphold the integrity of Wales' fisheries and marine environment.