1 March 2026
The Finocchiaro CLP Government has lifted the temporary Channel Point exclusion area following targeted action to protect declining Black Jewfish stocks.
The four-month closure formed part of a precautionary, evidence-based approach under the NT Coastal Line Fishery Harvest Strategy.
Ongoing monitoring will determine next steps to ensure Black Jewfish remain sustainable for future generations of Territorians.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government took action to protect declining Black Jewfish at Channel Point, establishing a temporary fishing exclusion area for commercial and fishing tour operators from 1 November 2025 to 28 February 2026.
From today, March 1, the temporary exclusion area will lift allowing licenced fishing activity to resume at Channel Point.
Minister for Fisheries and Agriculture Gerard Maley said over the past five years, catches at Channel Point have fallen significantly, triggering this action.
"The temporary closure at Channel Point was an important step to reduce pressure on a vulnerable species and to support the recovery of local Black Jewfish stocks.
"Ensuring the sustainability of Black Jewfish for future generations of Territorians and visitors requires strong, best-practice management."
This short-term measure formed part of a stepped approach to ensure sustainable management and help prevent further localised stock decline of Black Jewfish at Channel Point as part of the NT Coastal Line Fishery Harvest Strategy.
The recommencement of fishing will provide data for the next Harvest Strategy stock assessment to identify whether the four-month closure has led to an increase the of Black Jewfish at Channel Point.
Black Jewfish are listed as an at-risk species under NT legislation due to their vulnerable biology that place them at a greater risk of becoming overfished.
"Fishing is a key part of our Territory lifestyle and ensuring the sustainability of Black Jewfish for future generations of Territorians and visitors is paramount," added Mr Maley.
Black Jewfish are an aggregating species, making them an easy target for catching in large numbers, and are highly prone to barotrauma in depths greater than 10 meters, meaning most fish that are released do not survive.
Protecting Black Jewfish stocks is a shared responsibility - with Aboriginal, commercial, fishing tourism, recreational fishers and government all playing a role in securing their long-term sustainability.
