The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is taking action to protect Black Jewfish at Channel Point for future generations, urging all fishers to avoid the area during a temporary exclusion period from 1 November 2025 to 28 February 2026.
Black Jewfish numbers at Channel Point have significantly declined, with catches falling by more than 90% in the past five years. Listed as an at-risk species, Black Jewfish are highly vulnerable to overfishing. They aggregate in large groups, are easily targeted, and are highly prone to barotrauma at depths greater than 10 metres, meaning most released fish do not survive.
A temporary fishing exclusion area has been established, prohibiting commercial and fishing tour operators from fishing in the Channel Point Management Area.
To support recovery, the department in partnership with the Amateur Fishermen's Association of the Northern Territory (AFANT), are urging recreational fishers to avoid fishing at Channel Point during the exclusion period and adopt best-practice reef fishing methods.
These measures will immediately reduce fishing mortality and help prevent further stock decline.
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries CEO Amelia Vellar said protecting the Territory's natural resources is a responsibility we all share.
"The fishing exclusion area is to protect declining Black Jewfish stocks at Channel Point, securing the future of this important area for commercial, recreational, and tourism fishers alike," Ms Vellar said.
"This is about protecting Black Jewfish today so Territorians can enjoy sustainable fishing tomorrow."
This short-term measure forms part of a stepped approach to ensure sustainable management of Black Jewfish at Channel Point as part of the NT Coastal Line Fishery Harvest Strategy.
An expert advisory group will meet in December to guide future management and contribute to the design of a reef fish recovery plan, covering Black Jewfish and Golden Snapper in the Greater Darwin region.
The department will continue engagement across commercial, tourism, recreational, and Aboriginal sectors.
Ensuring the sustainability of Black Jewfish for future generations of Territorians and visitors requires strong, best-practice management.
