Jake Horton’s connection to the ocean and marine resources has remained strong since childhood. So, for Jake, forging a career in fisheries was a logical decision. We caught up with Jake to find out more about his experience in marine science and what inspired him to become an Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) observer.
Growing up, I always loved the ocean and knew I wanted to work near it, so I went on to study a marine science degree at university. My studies opened my eyes to job opportunities in the fishing industry, and I knew I wanted a job working outdoors in a hands-on role. My first role in the industry was working in aquaculture on a prawn farm. A few years ago when I was still at the prawn farms, one of my friends was working as an observer and his stories about working at sea inspired me to apply to become an AFMA observer as it seemed to be exactly what I was looking for.
I’ve been an AFMA observer for about two years now and mostly work in the South East Trawl Fishery and the Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI) Fishery in the Southern Ocean. My favourite fishery is the HIMI toothfish fishery because it is such a unique environment with a large variety of wildlife not seen in waters further north. The weather always keeps things interesting too, and it’s a place that not too many people ever get to see, so every trip is a special experience.
My longest trip is around three months long in the HIMI fishery, however I’m currently deployed on a trip in the same fishery that is expected to run for four months. It’s a strange experience being at sea for so long and being so isolated from the rest of the world, particularly if there is limited phone and internet reception. At first, the time can seem to drag on but once you get into the routine the trip goes quickly. It can also be difficult living in such a confined space with people you have just met. You have to adjust your habits and attitude to get along with everyone, while maintaining professionalism as a representative of AFMA. The crews I have worked with have been great and made me feel welcome.
My favourite moments as an AFMA observer are when I have been on deck observing lines in the Southern Ocean. The weather down there is so dynamic, you can go from having clear skies and sunlight to having less than five-metre visibility with heavy snowfall and strong winds, and then back to clear skies again all within half an hour. Arriving back in port is always a great moment too as you know you have got the job done and everyone has returned home safely.
In the future, I hope to broaden my experience and have the opportunity to work as an observer in all AFMA fisheries where observers are deployed.
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AFMA places observers on Commonwealth commercial boats in many Commonwealth fisheries to collect unique, accurate and reliable data on fishing operations, catches, and interactions with the marine environment by the vessel and its fishing gear.
More information on the AFMA Observer Program can be found at afma.gov.au.