December 10, 2008 on 2:41 pm | In News | No Comments
Kon Vatskalis
MINISTER FOR FISHERIES |
10 December 2008
The Territory Government today announced its intention to close Bynoe Harbour and Finniss River to commercial barramundi fishing in 2009.
The Minister for Fisheries, Kon Vatskalis, said the decision follows a series of strategic planning workshops in which these two areas were identified as possible closure sites.
“This Government is working hard to make fishing in the Territory even better,” said Mr Vatskalis.
“Barramundi is the icon fish of the Territory and a major drawcard for tourists who come here every year looking to enjoy our premier fishing.
“Following our recent announcement to buy-back three commercial barramundi licences from those who wish to exit the industry, we are now moving to close Bynoe Harbour and Finniss River to commercial fishing.
“This is a win-win situation for all parties. After the buy-back and closures the remaining commercial licensees will actually have more fishing areas available to them, and so too will recreational anglers.”
Mr Vatskalis said the closures will complement existing closures to commercial net fishing in Darwin Harbour and Shoal Bay.
The Government is currently looking to buy-back three commercial fishing licences and will buy-back another three during this term of Government, taking the total to six.
The proposed closures will be advertised for public consideration when the licence buy-back process has concluded.
Contact for media queries: Nikola Lekias 0438323660
