New Laws to protect NT fish stocks

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Country Liberals Government protects NT fish stocks
13 May 2015

New laws have come into place today to rebuild ‘at risk’ reef fish stocks across the Northern Territory, ensuring anglers have a sustainable catch into the future.

Minister for Primary Industry and Fisheries Willem Westra van Holthe said the changes come after widespread consultation with the community and key stakeholders.

“Scientific research shows urgent action is needed to protect our fisheries for future generations and that requires management changes for recreational and commercial fishers, along with fishing tour operators,” Minister Westra van Holthe said.

“Key changes include a reduction of the general personal possession limit from 30 to 15 fish, a reduction in golden snapper limits from five to three and a maximum size limit of 90cm for barramundi and king threadfin in the Daly and Mary River fish management zones.

“There are also a number of reef fish protection areas with a temporary ban on fishing to allow breeding stocks to rebuild to sustainable levels,” Minister Westra van Holthe said.

A new fishing app, NT Fishing Mate, has been developed to make life simpler for anglers by offering a quick one stop guide to the new fishing rules.

Minister Westra van Holthe said the app is undergoing final approvals with developers and will help fishers to ‘know their limits’.

“My Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries has worked hard to make this app as user friendly as possible,” Minister Westra van Holthe said.

“The app will allow users to quickly search for fish species, possession limits and location of restriction zones. NT Fishing Mate will also notify anglers when they’re approaching a restricted area.

“The fishing management controls will be widely advertised and 100 new signs will be installed at all NT boat ramps. The new fishing app will be available to download for free on all iPhone and Android smartphones.”
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