Gillnet ban on the agenda when Maley, industry finally meet

A long-awaited meeting between the minister and Seafood Council to discuss gillnet fishing is set for next year. Read why it hasn’t happened.

The independent chair of the Northern Territory’s commercial seafood industry has made a spirited defence of the under-siege sector as environmental and cultural issues eat into non-recreational fishing zones.

NT Seafood Council independent chair Joanne Butterworth-Gray said an “unintended consequence” of the election of the CLP Government was the elimination of popular wild caught fish species that have become synonymous with the Territory.

She said the gillnet fishing phase-out proposal taken to the last election by the CLP and Labor parties could seriously impact commercial fishing in the Territory.

NT Seafood Council independent chair Joanne Butterworth-Gray

“One of the unintended consequences of the CLP election policies could be the removal of wild-caught barramundi and king threadfin from the menu of iconic Territory tourism products,” Ms Butterworth-Gray said.

“That would be a huge loss to visitors and their motivation for visiting or dining out in Darwin.

“Therefore, it is imperative that the Seafood Council works with the NT Fisheries department, research institutions and other state counterparts to innovate on the gear that is used to catch barramundi and king threadfin.

“If gillnets are to be banned, then the industry must seek to find a more sustainable and publicly-acceptable means of fishing these species.”

Four months since the NT election, Ms Butterworth-Gray and NT Seafood Council chief executive Daniel Capps said they had been unable to meet Fisheries Minister Gerard Maley to discuss the proposed gillnet ban.

NT Seafood Council chief executive Daniel Capps.

“It is fair to say that there were some frustrations in arranging meetings with government ministers, as the government has focused its attention on (its) priority of dealing with crime,” Mr Capps said.

“I am happy to inform that minister Maley has made time to meet with several of our members and also attended the Barramundi Fishery Licensee Committee AGM. The chair and I will be meeting the Minister early next year on behalf of the industry as a whole remain in focus with Minister Maley.”

Ms Butterworth-Gray said the commercial seafood industry had underpinned the NT economy for decades.

“Our industry is an integral part of the economy and the lifestyle of the Territory,” she said.

“The families who catch or farm seafood contribute to the economic and social fabric of our communities with jobs, and it is well-acknowledged that reliable employment is a strong driver of social stability and the health and wellbeing of our community.

Deputy Chief Minister and Fisheries Minister Gerard Maley.

“In terms of lifestyle I would argue that commercial fishing is part of the reason the Territory developed as an economy and that Territorian seafood is an iconic food that supports tourism and hospitality and attracts visitors to the region.”

In reply, Mr Maley confirmed the government’s commitment to phasing out gillnet fishing and detailed a number of meetings with the sector since the August election.

“I’m looking forward to continuing these discussions with the NTSC CEO, when we are scheduled to meet again next week,” Mr Maley said.

“I have instructed the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries to undertake a comprehensive engagement process, which will then guide the fishery reform process over the next four years,” he said.

“We are committed to working closely with licence holders, industry representatives, and broader stakeholders to ensure their voices are heard and to develop practical, effective reforms.”

Originally published as Gillnet ban on the agenda when Maley, industry finally meet