Marine Enforcement Officer – Welsh Fisheries Monitoring Centre (WFMC)

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—by 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

Coastal enforcement operations

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

You will be responsible for:

• 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.

Development opportunities

Pathway to becoming a marine enforcement officer

This role offers a unique opportunity to train and qualify as a warranted Marine Enforcement Officer. You’ll receive structured, hands-on training over approximately 12 months, supported by experienced mentors.

Training includes:

• Enforcement procedures and marine legislation
• Specialist modules such as the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE)
• Courses delivered across the UK, often in collaboration with partner agencies

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to build a career in marine protection, enforcement, and public service — with full support to develop the skills and qualifications needed for success.

Other vacancy related information

• A reserve list may be held for this opportunity. Any candidate who is successful in being offered a reserve status, will remain on the reserve list for 12 months.
• Although office based, the role may require individuals to assist with the inspection of fishing vessels, examine the fish caught or landed and therefore requires a degree of physical fitness.
• Candidates will be required to work at the Milford Haven office during standard hours, some flexibility on occasional home working can be agreed
• You have a full driving licence

There may be occasional requirements to work outside of standard office hours. This will be managed on a rotational basis, and out of hours pay will be provided in accordance with our internal policy.