First fishos fined after permit system introduced

Four fishos have been netted illegally fishing on Aboriginal land without a permit, in the first case of its kind to go before Northern Territory courts.

Bulgul and Kakadu National Park Rangers Brendan Morgan Armstrong, Bernie Lewis and Victor Moffit patrolling the Finniss River. Picture: Supplied/NLC

Four people found fishing without permits in the Little Finniss River have faced court, in the first prosecutions in Aboriginal waters since the introduction of the recreational fishing permit system last year.

The recreational fishers were charged after rangers intercepted four separate boats past the Finniss River closure line, about 75km southwest of Darwin.

The individuals did not have Northern Land Council-issued permits and were charged with entering or remaining on Aboriginal land without a permit – an offence under the Aboriginal Land Act that carries a maximum $1408 fine.

All four pleaded guilty and were issued fines at the Darwin Local Court during separate hearings on November 28 and January 23.

NLC Chair Matthew Ryan said the court rulings were “a clear reminder” that permission was needed to fish in Aboriginal waters.

“It was great to see the Bulgul Rangers work together with Kakadu National Park rangers, and for the combined effort to have led to four landmark prosecutions,” he said.

“This process is simple – check if a permit is required. If it is, apply for one, and then enjoy

your fishing.

“The NLC will continue to respond to reports of illegal fishing and those caught will have to

face the courts.”

Four people found fishing without permits in the Little Finniss River have faced court, in the first prosecutions in Aboriginal waters since the introduction of the recreational fishing permit system last year. Picture: Supplied/NLC

Traditional Owners for the Finniss coastal and Peron Islands region limited access to their land in 2021, in the hope that the government would work with them to improve access, use, and resource management of their waters.

A two-year interim agreement meant fishing permits were not required until 2023, when they were introduced to the consternation of groups such as the Amateur Fishermen’s Association NT who criticised uncertainty around the changes and feared it could be a death knell for fishing charters.

The NLC said that rangers would continue to be a regular presence on the water and the establishment of the new compliance team within NT Fisheries would also provide an increased level of support to Aboriginal ranger groups along the Northern Territory coastline.

Permit-free fishing continues to be permitted around Darwin and Bynoe Harbours as well as the Daly River, Nhulunbuy, Port Keats and McArthur River regions, based on existing agreements between Traditional Owners, the NLC, and the government.

Originally published as First fishos fined after permit system introduced