‘Protecting core fishing lifestyle’: Govt pledges recovery plan for inshore reef fish

The NT Government has pledged to deliver a comprehensive recovery plan for inshore reef fish.

Fisheries Minister Gerard Maley and Member for Goyder Andrew Mackay throwing some fish on the barbie.

The NT Government has pledged to deliver a comprehensive recovery plan for inshore reef fish.

Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Gerard Maley said the plan will be produced in conjunction with key fishing stakeholders, including AFANT, the NTGFIA, the NT Seafood Council and the Northern Land Council.

“Reef fish recovery is about smarter, sustainable fishing today so future generations can enjoy the same iconic Territory lifestyle we all treasure,” Mr Maley said.

“We’re working with fishos, the tourism sector and industry to rebuild these stocks.”

Mr Maley said the Government’s draft recovery plan will be released for public consultation in early 2026.

Fisheries Minister Gerard Maley and Member for Goyder Andrew Mackay throwing some barra on the barbie

Mr Maley took aim at the previous Labor Government saying new NT Fisheries stock assessments have shown “how much damage eight years of Labor neglect had on reef fisheries”.

He said assessments undertaken as part of the Coastal Line Fishery Harvest Strategy reveal that golden snapper in the Greater Darwin region have collapsed to just 14 per cent of original stock, while black jewfish has dropped to 41 per cent.

He said the Finocchiaro Government has already started a suite of new programs, in an effort to rebuild stocks that Territorians rely on.

He said programs like the rollout of Fish Aggregating Devices, a four-year golden snapper stocking program and a temporary fishing exclusion at Channel Point for commercial and charter operators from the 1st of November this year until the 28th of February 2026, aim to support recovery.