Aboriginal peoples in the NT have expressed interest in participating in aquaculture. Some aquaculture licences issued in the NT are already wholly owned by Aboriginal groups, or involve a significant participation by indigenous peoples.

Around the world and in Australia, aquaculture has proven itself to be one of the few developing industries that can be successfully undertaken in rural and/remote areas. It can bring economic development to areas away from cities. (This is not to deny that remoteness does pose difficulties. Traditional owners are often well placed in that they hold tenure over a very large proportion of the coastline, and as distinct from other parts of the country, that tenure extends to the low tide mark.

The economically proven aquaculture industries in the NT are based on pearls, prawns and barramundi, and these can be adopted by Aboriginal groups. Interest is also being shown in species such as redclaw freshwater crayfish, mud crab, trepang and sponge farming.

Fisheries of the Department of Regional Development, Primary Industry, Fisheries and Resources has an Aboriginal liaison officer who acts as the first point of contact for aboriginal communities wishing to undertake aquaculture activities.