The Territory Labor Government is establishing a new Fisheries Compliance Unit to help protect our precious sea country and incredible fishing lifestyle for generations to come.
The Territory Labor Government is investing $2.2 million in the 2023/24 budget to establish a dedicated Fisheries Compliance Unit, comprising of one manager and eight officers, within the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade.
Delivering on feedback from fishing stakeholders and Traditional Owners, the unit's core duties will include the monitoring of fishing activities in Territory waterways including catches of high-risk fish stock, such as black jew fish.
The unit's establishment will provide an additional and dedicated presence on the water, which will also ease pressure on NT Water Police responsibilities so they can focus on search and rescue and emergency responses.
Recruitment for the Compliance Unit Manager is underway and expected to be established before this year's Wet Season.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Agribusiness and Fisheries, Paul Kirby:
"Fishing is a significant part of the Territory's lifestyle, as well as a creator of thousands of jobs for Territorians. This is why the Territory Government is working hard to ensure its sustainability for future generations.
"We want to continue to strengthen the relationships between Traditional Owners, industry and our Government. The Fisheries Compliance Unit will provide another avenue to achieve this."
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Selena Uibo:
"Enhanced protection of our Territory sea country is something that Traditional Owners have been asking for and through Budget 2023 we are delivering on this.
"Where fishing activity occurs in waters that lie over Aboriginal land it is important that fishers respect and recognise the cultural importance these waters have to Traditional Owners.
"The new Fisheries Compliance Unit will further support the protection and sustainability of our much-loved Territory waterways, working closely with Aboriginal rangers on country."
Quotes attributable to Amateur Fishermen's Association of the Northern Territory (AFANT) CEO, David Ciaravolo:
"AFANT welcomes this announcement, with the recreational fishing community being highly supportive of increasing the capacity of fisheries compliance operations in the Territory.
"With 60,000 Territorians fishing, contributing $270 million to NT GDP annually, this additional NT Government investment in compliance will help safeguard and ensure the sustainability of our valuable fisheries into the future."
Northern Territory Government
