The Northern Territory Government is delivering on its election commitment to buy back commercial fishing licences to ensure the long term sustainability of our fish stocks.

Speaking at the AGM of the Amateur Fishermen’s Association of the Northern Territory (AFANT), Minister for Fisheries, Kon Vatskalis, announced the Government has bought back one commercial barramundi licence and is negotiating to purchase another two.

“Fishing is more popular in the Territory than anywhere else in Australia and this Government is working hard to make it even better,” said Mr Vatskalis.

“After announcing the voluntary buy-back of three commercial licences late last year, the Barramundi Licence Buy-Back Committee has been working very hard to negotiate with all interested parties.

“As part of the buy-back we have also announced the closure of Bynoe Harbour and Finniss River to commercial barramundi fishing.”

Mr Vatskalis said the latest buy-back of a commercial barramundi fishing licence follows the buy-back of nine commercial fishing net licences and the closure of Darwin Harbour and Shoal Bay to commercial coastal net fishing.

The Minister also announced proposed new bag limits for certain fish species which will be put out for final public comment for 4 weeks.

The proposed changes include –

• a reduction of the current possession limit for black jewfish from five to two;

• a reduction of the current possession limit for Spanish mackerel from five to two;

• the introduction of a new possession limit of 30 cherabin and/or red claw yabbies;

• the introduction of a new possession limit of three sharks of any species, including a prohibition on the take of sawfish;

• turtle excluder rings in freshwater pots and a boat limit of ten freshwater pots per vessel when two or more people are on board;

• a prohibition on the recreational take of clams.

“These measures are intended to protect our fisheries into the future, based on scientific advice that stocks may be at risk if we don’t act.”