Afant News

InDepth #9

AFANT Email InDepth #9
6 August 2009

THERE ARE ONLY A COUPLE OF WEEKS LEFT FOR YOU TO HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE COMMERCIAL BARRA FISHING CLOSUE IN FOG BAY.

The formal 28 day public consultation period on the proposed closures of Bynoe Harbour and the Fog Bay area to commercial barramundi fishing closes on 17 August.
The NT Government is proposing a very effective closure line for Bynoe Harbour but many fishers are concerned that the proposed “box” closure covering the mouths of the Finniss and Little Finniss Rivers will not effectively transfer the barramundi resources in Fog Bay from the commercial to the recreational fishing sector. A considerable amount of commercial barramundi fishing takes place on the flats in Fog Bay outside the proposed closure box and this means that the current commercial licence buy-back program will not provide value for the considerable money being invested in it.

You can help to ensure an effective commercial netting closure in Fog Bay by letting the NT Government know what you think. Write or email and tell Government what you think. The postal address for comments is:
Executive Director, Fisheries
GPO Box 3000
Darwin NT 0801

You can also email comments to NT Fisheries (fisheries@nt.gov.au) and to Fisheries Minister Kon Vatskalis (minister.vatskalis@nt.gov.au).

All you have to say is:
1. that you support the proposed closure lines for Bynoe Harbour
2. that you do not support the closure lines in Fog Bay as proposed
3. that you believe the closure line for Fog Bay should extend from Point Blaze to Patterson Point (or another closure line if you prefer).
If you are emailing your response, please cc us at research@afant.com.au so we can keep track of responses. We have already received many responses but many more will be needed to get a proper closure in Fog Bay.
The maps below show Government’s proposed closure in Bynoe Harbour and Fog Bay and the closure line that we are proposing for the area.

If you want a real closure of Fog Bay, make sure you have your say before 17 August.

NT GUIDED FISHING INDUSTRY UNDER REVIEW.
The NT Government has released a discussion paper seeking views on the future operation of the guided fishing industry. The paper covers a range of issues including vessel seaworthiness and operator qualifications, special catch controls for fishing tour operators, licensing arrangements, limiting the number of licences and licence transfer arrangements.

You can find the discussion paper on the internet at www.nt.gov.au/d/Fisheries/fto