Fishing the Tiwi's

The Tiwi Islands of the Northern Territory are Aboriginal owned and administered by the Tiwi Land Council. While the public have legal rights to access fish and the water within rivers, creeks and the intertidal zone around Aboriginal owned land, permits are required to go ashore.

Following discussions, an agreement was reached between the Tiwi Land Council and Fisheries whereby six beaches on Bathurst and Melville Islands have been made available for boat operators to camp for up to seven days by way of a permit. This agreement provides a mutually beneficial resolution to the frustrating trespass problems the Tiwi people have experienced while also providing Territory anglers with access opportunities.
The permit also allows for alcohol to be taken ashore, but only in the camping areas, which would otherwise be illegal due to the Tiwi Islands having special alcohol management arrangements.

Visitors are asked to avoid sacred sites and sites of great importance to the Tiwi people and to report any undesirable conduct, as the future of this wonderful access opportunity should not be jeopardised by any irresponsible behaviour. A set of conditions have been applied to the permits.

The Amateur Fisherman's Association of the Northern Territory (AFANT) has been appointed to administer the permits. The permits cost $55.00 per boat, maximum of 4 people. Other costing options can be obtained from AFANT on 08 8945 6455. AFANT retains a small fee for administration with the rest going to the Tiwi Land Council.