NLC officially approves fishos’ access to tidal waters at final meeting

TOP End fishos will be free to fish in NT Aboriginal tidal waters after the NLC officially voted to grant access under the Blue Mud Bay agreement

NLC chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi, Chief Minister Michael Gunner and NLC CEO Marion Scrymgour in Timber Creek after signing the agreement in July

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TOP End fishos will be free to fish in NT Aboriginal tidal waters after the Northern Land Council officially voted to grant access under the Blue Mud Bay agreement at a meeting in Katherine this week.

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NCL chief executive Marion Scrymgour said the full council’s tick of approval would extend access to the waters until December 2022.

“We understand the importance of access to Aboriginal waters for fishers, and this two-year period gives the NT Government time to deliver on its commitments under the agreement we signed in July,” she said.

“It’s a positive step towards traditional owners having proper ownership of their sea country, a stake in the NT’s commercial fishing industry and meaningful involvement in fisheries management.”

Ms Scrymgour said commercial and recreational fishers would have to register with the NLC for permission to fish the waters with further consultation with TOs still required for some areas.

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“This may result in varied access conditions for their estates,” she said.

To register visit ww.nlc.org.au/apply-for-permit

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