NT fisheries resource sharing
Draft plan to allocate fisheries to key groups in NTA draft framework developed to ensure the Northern Territory’s fish resources are shared in a manner that delivers optimal benefits to the NT has been released for public comment.
Minister for Primary Industry and Fisheries, Willem Westra Van Holthe, said this was a key election commitment of the Country Liberals and that he has moved quickly to deliver on that promise and improve fishery decision-making processes.
“The new framework will allow evidence-based analysis to be used to resolve fishery access and allocation issues between aboriginal, commercial, fishing tour operators and recreational users of the resource,” Mr Westra van Holthe said.
“In simple terms, it involves setting a sustainable harvest (catch) level for each fishery, determining the appropriate proportional allocation between each user group, and then managing each group’s catch within their allocation.
“This will provide all users of the resource with greater security around access to and use of our fishery resources and provide more certainty for business investment.
“The draft framework was developed by a taskforce with representatives from the NT Seafood Council, Amateur Fishermen’s Association of the Northern Territory, Northern Land Council and the NT Guided Fishing Industry Association and I’d like to commend the taskforce for their work to date.
“The framework aims to recognise the desires of specific user groups, put in place guidelines for decision making and establish principles against which decisions should be assessed.
“The document will be consistent with the objectives of the NT Fisheries Act that decisions are sustainable, equitable and focused on the optimal use of the region’s aquatic resources.
“The early commencement of this framework demonstrates this government’s commitment to deliver its election commitments and to work with all stakeholders to ensure the optimal use of our aquatic resources.”
Submissions on the draft framework can be made until 30 October and the framework is available online at:
Tags
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
