Wild catch fishing employees work for employers in the wild catch fishing industry on fishing vessels, such as fishing trawlers. This includes employees working as the vessel skipper, a deckhand, or engaged in fishing duties.

No award covers wild catch fishing employees.

They’re entitled to the national minimum wage and the National Employment Standards.

They're not covered by:

• the Ports, Harbours and Enclosed Water Vessels Award because it expressly excludes the wild catch fishing industry
• the Miscellaneous Award because it doesn’t cover employees excluded from award coverage by the Fair Work Act 2009.

What is the wild catch fishing industry?

The wild catch fishing industry means the commercial operation of an employer to catch fish and other seafood that has grown to maturity in their natural environment.

It doesn’t include operations covered by the Aquaculture Award, such as breeding and farming of fish.