Top End residents encouraged to support seafood industry and fish responsibly this Easter weekend

The Deputy Chief Minister is calling on Top End residents to remain compliant when fishing over the Easter weekend, and to support the local industry.

Deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley and members of the Fisheries Compliance Unit. Picture: Aden Hill

Top End residents are being urged to support the local seafood industry and remain compliant when fishing at the Easter Weekend.

It comes as the CLP announced officers from the Fisheries Compliance Unit (FCU) will be out on the water this weekend to conduct regular patrols and inspections.

Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Gerard Maley said a strong compliance presence helps ensure the NT remains one of the best places to fish in the world.

“We all love getting out on the water over Easter, but it’s important that everyone plays by the rules to protect our fisheries for the future,” Mr Maley said.

“Protecting the Territory’s rivers and coastline is a key priority for our government, and that means making sure fishing rules are followed to keep our waterways healthy and sustainable.”

Deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley (centre), and representatives of the Fisheries Compliance Unit, NT Seafood Council and Mr Barra at the Mr Barra Seafood store.

The FCU works in partnership with Aboriginal Marine Rangers, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, among others, to ensure recreational and commercial fishers remain compliant with the law.

Recent reports of the illegal use of live bait, cast nets and exceeding possession limits have seen night patrols conducted by the FCU on the Mary River, Shady Camp barrage and the Daly River in partnership with the Malak Malak Rangers.

The crackdown on compliance comes as the government urges Territorians to support the local fishing industry when buying fresh seafood for Easter.

“Go out, support local industry, buy some local barramundi, buy some local fish,” Mr Maley said.

Mr Barra Seafood director Niall Atkinson says the Easter weekend is the perfect time to buy local.

NT Seafood Council CEO Daniel Capps said the Territory was “spoilt for choice” when it came to fresh seafood.

“The Northern Territory is home to some of the most sustainable and well-managed wild-caught fisheries and a growing aquaculture sector,” he said.
“Together, they produce high-quality seafood sourced from our clean, pristine waters.”

“For those unable to get out on the water, we’re truly spoilt for choice, with an abundance of fresh, high-quality produce thanks to the dedication and hard work of our local fishers and seafood retailers.”

Mr Barra director Niall Atkinson encouraged Top End residents to come in and “stock up on seafood” this Easter.

“Mr Barra is proud to offer quality seafood and support local fishermen, restaurants, hotels and more,” he said.

Originally published as Top End residents encouraged to support seafood industry and fish responsibly this Easter weekend