Why a missed audit could see Territory fisho’s locked out from Daly River and more

A ‘major stuff up’ could see fishos ‘punished’, and a punt at the million dollar barra at some Territory’s most iconic rivers potentially becoming more difficult. Find out why.

The Territory Tourism Discount Scheme has been announced by the NT Government. Fishing on the Daly River

Catching the elusive million dollar barra could prove a touch more difficult this season due to a “major stuff up” – which could see fisho’s banned from certain Territory rivers by Christmas, a government minister says.

Recreational fishing minister Gerald Maley said the former Labor government has breached a 10-year agreement with traditional owners which required the government to conduct Territory-wide fish stock audits.

The breach puts the agreement which allows fishos to freely access Aboriginal-owned waters – such as Daly River, King Ash Bay, Nhulunbuy, Wadeye and the Tiwi – at risk, Mr Maley claimed.

“Labor had eight years to undertake the audit, but completely dropped the ball,” he said.

Dawn breaks over Blue Mud Bay, where a sea rights flag can be seen waving at the intertidal mark. Picture: Matt Garrick

“They didn’t fund it, they didn’t prioritise it. Now, amateur anglers could be punished because Labor couldn’t be bothered.

“Labor chose to prioritise its pet projects including the $12 million Darwin Turf Club grandstand, a $4 million playground and the $3 million Cavenagh St shade structure, instead of allocating the necessary funding for this crucial agreement that protects the Territory’s lifestyle.”

The agreement to audit Territory fish stocks was struck as part of a 20-year water access agreement, which required a fish stock audit during the first and last 10 years of the agreement.

“I am grateful to the Northern Land Council who are continuing to act in the traditional owners best interest and focused on caring for country,” Mr Maley said.

“This is why they have brought issue to the new CLP Government’s attention, and the CLP is working together to find an urgent solution.”

Recreational fishing minister Gerald Maley at the 15th Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The agreement for water use was struck after the 2008 Blue Mud Bay High Court decision which gave traditional owners exclusive access to intertidal zones over Aboriginal land.

The Blue Mud Bay decision meant fishos now required permits from the Northern Land Council to fish in some areas, however the Daly River, King Ash Bay, Nhulunbuy, Wadeye and the Tiwi are marked as green zones – requiring no permit to fish in those waters.

But Mr Maley said the current green zones were at risk, with the missed audits “violating” the agreement and “negatively” impacting “recreational fishos and traditional owners”.

An amateur Fisherman passing an LNG ship in Darwin Harbour. Picture: Glenn Campbell

“Anglers want access to fish, while TO’s want a guarantee their waterways will be respected. “This situation is a double blow of uncertainty for both,” he said.

“Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Minister Steve Edgington and I have already commenced discussions with the Northern Land Council, and we will be talking to other impacted groups to try and resolve this matter quickly,” he said.

“What an absolute mess left for the government and stakeholders to work through.”

Thirteen $10k barras have already been caught in season 10 of the Million Dollar Fish competition, with 10 $1m barras still remain the waters, until March 31, 2025.