Amateur Fishermen's Association of the NT has serious concerns about fish stocks in the Territory

THERE will be no fish left in Territory waters if locals don't look to the future, a fishing authority says.

Tony Bartlett fishing

THERE will be no fish left in Territory waters if locals don't look to the future, a fishing authority says.

Amateur Fishermen's Association of the NT president Warren de With said recreational anglers and commercial fishermen would have the chance to voice their opinions to Chief Minister Adam Giles and Minister of Fisheries Willem Westra van Holthe at today's annual Recreational Fishing meeting.

Mr de With said some of his biggest concerns included the decline of golden snapper and black jewfish in the greater Darwin region.

He said the reduction in stocks was a result of Darwin's population growth.

"We need to address this so we're not impacted further on down the track," Mr de With said.

"If fish stocks continue to decline, if measures aren't put in place to stop that, then people will say it's not worth fishing in the NT any more.

"If we don't look to the future then come time, we won't have any fish left in the water and (fishing) is a great pastime we take for granted in the Territory.

"Recovery of the stocks can only occur if all sectors do their bit to protect the resource. The NT Government must address this unsustainable catch effort and targeting of golden snapper by other fisheries or gear types."

Mr de With said other issues to be addressed at the meeting include the construction and funding of the Dundee Beach and Mary River boat ramps, removal of the Mary River barramundi seasonal closure and development pressures including new ports, mining, oil and gas, and the push for major expansions of irrigation.

Access to waters covered by the Blue Mud Bay high court decision, which granted rights of various coastal areas to traditional owners, will also be on the agenda.

"We want the area to be accessed by everyday Territorians without having to get permission," Mr de With said.

Prof Michael Douglas will present the latest science on the impact of water extraction on Northern Australian fisheries.

Mr de With said members of the public are encouraged to attend the meeting.

"This is their opportunity to come and talk to the Government directly and to question and discuss various issues with the chief minister and fisheries minister," Mr de With said.

Today's meeting will be open to the public at Tracy Village Social and Sports Club, Tambling Terrace, Lyons at 10am