NT Government knocks back calls for total fishing ban in marine park off Tiwi Islands
CALLS to ban commercial and recreational fishing at the Oceanic Shoals Marine Park won’t push the NT government to make a knee-jerk reaction, with a government spokesman saying they are confident current measures will help sustain the marine park.
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CALLS to ban commercial and recreational fishing at the Oceanic Shoals Marine Park won’t push the NT government to make a knee-jerk reaction, with fishing deemed an important part of the Territory lifestyle.
An NT government spokesman said they were confident current measures would help sustain the marine park.
“One of the other key tools that the Territory government is developing to ensure the best management of our aquatic resources is a ‘Harvest Strategy’ … the strategy will be a transparent and accountable method of making best-practice decisions around fishing for all Territorians,” he said.
“The government believes that fishing is both a lifestyle and a livelihood for many Territorians.
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“We believe those aquatic resources are sustainably managed, and we want Territorians to continue to enjoy those resources in a sensible, sustainable manner now and into the future.”
Marine biologist Jessica Meeuwig last week called for the Oceanic Shoals Marine Park to be closed to recreational and commercial fishers.
While the type of activity permitted in any Australian Marine Park is the federal government’s call, the NT government regularly engages with stakeholders to ensure best practices are followed.
“Extensive consultations were undertaken with stakeholders in the development and declaration of these Marine Parks,” the spokesman said.
“Broadly, the most commercially targeted species found in that region are red snapper and gold band snapper which are subject to a first class quota-based management regime.”
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The spokesman said the government would continue to focus on regulating the commercial and recreational fishing sectors, and was happy to discuss further ideas around protection of important areas with stakeholders.
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