Afant News
ILLEGAL FISHERS LAND AT MANINGRIDA
October 21, 2005 on 1:02 pm | In Fishy News | Comments OffNORTHERN TERRITORY GOVERNMENT MEDIA RELEASE
Kon Vatskalis
MINISTER FOR PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND FISHERIES
21 October 2005
ILLEGAL FISHERS LAND AT MANINGRIDA
Minister for Primary Industry and Fisheries Kon Vatskalis said today he welcomed moves by the Federal Government to tackle illegal foreign fishing incursions in Australia’s northern waters, amid more disturbing reports of foreign fishermen landing ashore this week.
Minister Vatskalis last night met with the Federal Minister for Fisheries Senator Ian Macdonald to discuss the Commonwealth’s funding boost to provide more resources to Customs Officers.
Mr Vatskalis said while the funding is a step in the right direction, illegal foreign fishing incursions are becoming more frequent and are occurring right on our doorstep.
“I have spent the past 18 months trying to convince the Federal Government that something needs to be done here. I am pleased to see that Senator Macdonald is finally taking this problem seriously.
“However, the number of reports I receive about illegal fishing incidents is disturbing. Last year there were more than 11,000 sightings of illegal foreign fishing vessels in our waters. This is a problem that has gotten worse and now we’re hearing about fishermen with knives and machetes.
“As well as the bio-security threats, we now have to be thinking about security generally. There are increasing reports of illegal foreign fishermen approaching local fishing vessels,” said Mr Vatskalis.
He said in the past two days there had been reports from Indigenous marine rangers of illegal fishers arriving at Maningrida.
“Clearly this problem is out of control and the fishermen are becoming more brazen. There have also been reports of a group landing on Groote Eylandt earlier this week.
“Rangers have also informed me they spotted a boat with five Indonesian fishermen fishing in a river at Maningrida. Obviously the locals are very angry about this and want something done.
“Last night I informed Senator Macdonald of the great work being done by the rangers, who work as part of the Government’s Marine Ranger Program. These guys are our eyes and ears on the water and they make a valuable contribution to the fight against illegal fishing,” he said.
Contact: Gemma Buxton 0401 110 064
NEW BOAT BOOSTS POLICE PATROLLING CAPABILITIES
October 12, 2005 on 1:04 pm | In Fishy News | Comments OffNorthern Territory Government Media Release
CLARE MARTIN
CHIEF MINISTER
PAUL HENDERSON
MINISTER FOR POLICE, FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES
12 October 2005
NEW BOAT BOOSTS POLICE PATROLLING CAPABILITIES
NT Police water patrolling and search and rescue capabilities have been further boosted today with the Chief Minister, Clare Martin, and Police Minister Paul Henderson officially launching the newest and largest boat in the NT Police fleet.
The $440,000, 14 metre long PPV Beagle Gulf is the fourth vessel to be delivered as part of the Martin Government’s $1M coastal vessel purchasing program and will be stationed in Darwin.
The vessel purchasing program is a recommendation of the O’Sullivan Report, and is part of the Government’s $75M Building our Police Force Plan.
“This new vessel will further boost the capabilities of the NT Police Marine and Fisheries Enforcement Unit to respond to incidents in and around Darwin Harbour, including coming to the help of anglers in trouble, and reports of illegal fishing,” Ms Martin said.
“I am sure everyone who uses the beautiful waters in and around Darwin Harbour, whether for work or recreation, will welcome the arrival of the Beagle.”
Mr Henderson said local business Territory Marine has secured the contract to deliver the final two boats of the coastal vessel program.
“These 7.4 metre vessels will be constructed in 2005/06 and 2006/07, and stationed in Wadeye and Ngukurr respectively,” Mr Henderson said.
“In addition, the 9.1 metre PPV Finniss which was commissioned in late 2003 will now be transferred from Darwin to Nhulunbuy.
“The Government’s coastal vessel program will ensure NT Police have at least eight vessels over 7.3 metres in length stationed in key points around the NT by the end of 2007.”
Contact Fred McCue: 0401 119 792
MUDDIES ARRIVE AT MANINGRIDA
October 11, 2005 on 1:05 pm | In Fishy News | Comments OffNORTHERN TERRITORY GOVERNMENT MEDIA RELEASE
Kon Vatskalis
MINISTER FOR PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND FISHERIES
10 October 2005
MUDDIES ARRIVE AT MANINGRIDA
The first mud crab aquaculture venture ever established on an Indigenous community has commenced operations at Maningrida with the arrival of 500 crablets.
Minister for Primary Industry and Fisheries Kon Vatskalis said the pilot project will be run by Traditional Owners and the Djelk Ranger’s with support from Fisheries Officers from the Department of Primary Industry, Fisheries and Mines providing technical input and advice.
Minister Vatskalis said the pilot project has the potential to pave the way for similar ventures in other communities.
“This is a great initiative that provides employment for local people and is an example of how the Martin Government is moving the Territory ahead.
“Indigenous people’s knowledge of the country and understanding of mud crabs means communities and individuals will be well placed for the future,” said Mr Vatskalis.
The crabs will be raised in a protected, netted area partly in the mangroves and partly in water to allow for low intensity farming.
Mangroves in the area will not be cleared, as the method of farming is dependent on keeping the environment inside the enclosure as natural as possible.
The crablets have been bred from mud crabs caught near Maningrida and hatched from eggs at the Darwin Aquaculture Centre at Channel Island.
“While it is too early to tell whether the venture will be commercially viable, it enables the community members to play an active role in developing economic opportunities and allows Indigenous people to take advantage of their significant assets,” said Mr Vatskalis.
Contact: Gemma Buxton 0401 110 064