NT Labor to buy back commercial Barramundi licences and ban gillnets if re-elected

After years of chest-beating, recreational fishers and big fisheries have made their biggest step towards peace in a battle for the Territory’s multimillion-dollar Barramundi industry.

Commercial gillnets for Barramundi would be banned and fishing licences purchased back by the government if NT Labor wins the August election.

The promise comes after years of campaigning by the recreational fisher’s lobby, which has said the move would safeguard the $144 million amateur fishing industry and support around 2500 people employed by it.

The Territory’s biggest commercial Barra fishery said it was happy to have a seat at the table but wants assurances that “the transition is equitable and considers the livelihoods of those involved in the industry”.

On Tuesday, Chief Minister Eva Lawler announced her government will implement a four year phase-out if it holds office, buying back 14 licences as and helping commercial fishers re-skill.

Chief Minister Eva Lawler (right) made the announcement with Recreational Fishing Minister Joel Bowden (centre) and Amateur Fishermen’s Association NT executive officer David Ciaravolo. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The Amateur Fishermen’s Association NT previously voiced concerns about overfishing by big players and said recreational fishing is a greater economic benefit to the Territory.

Ms Lawler said the government’s estimates put the phase-out at roughly $15 million, which included the buyback and moving the industry to line-fishing licences.

“Of course, if we’re elected in September, we will do that negotiation with licence-holders across the Territory,” she said.

Recreational Fishing Minister Joel Bowden said the government carried out a “thorough stakeholder engagement process” which also included commercial fisheries and the Seafood Council NT.

“It has taken a long period of time, but we’ve taken a methodical approach to this and we’ve worked with all the stakeholders,” Mr Bowden said.

“What the industry said to us is that there needs to be a plan moving forward, because the status quo was not acceptable to them.

“I think the recreational fishers will be jumping up and down and punching the air about this decision, but the commercial fisheries groups have been absolutely receptive of our conversations to actually transition this industry into a new generation.”

Mr Bowden said the government carried out a “thorough stakeholder engagement process” which included commercial fisheries and the Seafood Council NT. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Last year, wild-caught Barra made up 160 tonnes of the NT’s total catch, while 6000 tonnes were derived from aquafarming.

Wild Barra Fisheries owns eight of the 14 active gillnet licences and company director Cameron Berryman said compensation for the buyback must be “fair and reasonable”.

“More detail is needed to determine what it means for us and the longer term future of commercial Barramundi fishing in the Northern Territory,” Mr Berryman said.

“The government’s commitment is contingent upon the outcome of the election. Consequently, it remains business as usual for Wild Barra Fisheries.

“We continue to face the ongoing challenges related to access and the tensions between various stakeholders. The resolution of these issues is paramount, irrespective of whether the proposed phase-out proceeds.

“Wild Barra Fisheries remains dedicated to maintaining productive dialogue with the government and other stakeholders to ensure the best possible outcomes for the industry and the environment.”

In response, Agribusiness and Fisheries spokesman Josh Burgoyne said the Country Liberal Party would also ban gillnets.

However, he said commercial fisheries expressed fears to the Opposition that “the commercial viability of their industry was seriously under threat” and that the measure was necessary to help businesses exit the sector “with their heads held high”.

“The reality is that we have had a commercial industry that has struggled over the years with access arrangements,” Mr Burgoyne said.

“They have been going to government, pleading with them for assistance in regards to that, and the Labor government has been unable to ensure access arrangements have been met, and as a result are essentially bailing out these people.

“We want to ensure it can be a win-win for commercial and recreational fishers.”