NT Fisheries are investigating deaths of endangered dwarf sawfish in nets at Dundee Beach
The discovery of three dead endangered sawfish tangled in netting has sparked an investigation by the NT’s fisheries watchdog – with officers identifying two vehicles of interest. LATEST.
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Three endangered sawfish tangled in red netting on a serene Top End beach has sparked outrage and an investigation from the fishing watchdog.
An Fisheries NT spokesman said the dwarf sawfish – and several discarded juvenile bull sharks – were found on Dundee Beach.
A post was published to the Fisheries NT Facebook page on May 9, which prompted readers to come forward if they had any information or if they had spotted illegal fishing in the area.
The post stated Fisheries officers had attended the scene to gather evidence and collect the sawfish for “further examinations” at the NT Fisheries laboratory.
“The use of any nets in the NT is heavily regulated, and Fisheries officers are keen to talk to anyone who saw anything suspicious in this area, particularly the occupants of a white LandCruiser and a blue Mazda BT50 observed at this location on the evening of the 7th and morning of the 8th May 2024,” the post stated.
“Any information or sightings of illegal fishing can be reported to the 24-hour Fishwatch Hotline (on) 1800 891 136.”
The post gained 24 shares with users sharing their disappointment over the deaths.
“It’s heart-wrenching to see such disregard for marine life,” a user who shared the post to the Women’s Recrational Fishing League NT group said.
“This is truly sad and unacceptable,” wrote the Palmerston Game Fishing Club Inc.
Angry fishos and wildlife warriors also took to Facebook to condemn the incident.
“When are these asshats going to stop netting,” one user wrote.
“Isn’t this the second time out at Dundee the same thing has happened?
“Senseless. Shameless waste of life.”
Others noted the unique fish were endangered.
“(Dwarf sawfish are a) protected species, and three (are) gone, just like that,” they said.
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