Fishing survey vital for effective management

AN extensive survey of recreational fishing is currently underway in the greater Darwin area.

AN extensive survey of recreational fishing is currently underway in the greater Darwin area.

The survey involves trained interviewers collecting information from recreational fishers at selected boat ramps between the Adelaide River mouth and the Dundee Beach boat ramp.

The 12 month survey will provide valuable information on the number of people that fish, where and when they go fishing and what they catch and release.

The survey will run initially in the Darwin area to focus on the key issue of reef fish stock declines.

However, in future years the survey will be conducted in other parts of the Territory.

If you are approached by an interviewer at one of the selected boat ramps please participate as the information gathered is vital to the ongoing management of the NT's fish stocks.

We want to speak to as many people as we can and it doesn't matter if you didn't catch anything - all of the information is important.

At the completion of the survey period the data will be processed, extrapolated and analysed before a final report is produced.

The final report from the recreational fishing survey should be available in 2015 and the information obtained will help ensure future generations can enjoy the Territory's valuable recreational fishing experience and lifestyle.

We will be looking for people to assist us, so if you are interested in becoming a paid survey interviewer keep an eye on our website and Fisheries NT Facebook page for updates.