The Northern Territory is fortunate to have both an array and natural abundance of aquatic life within its pristine tropical waters and inland waterways. The commercial utilisation of these valuable resources contributes strongly to the economic growth of the Territory. However, this aspect is only part of the story as traditional and recreational fishing is also deeply immersed in the psyche of Territorians and visitors alike.

For the NT to continue to prosper from the use of these valuable yet fragile resources, it is important that all activities are conducted in a manner which is least disruptive to the ecosystems upon which they depend. As a result, the prime responsibility of NT Fisheries, within the Department of Regional Development, Primary Industry, Fisheries and Resources (DPIFM), is to ensure that all of our fisheries and related activities are both managed and grown in an ecologically sustainable manner. Adopting this approach will allow the current benefits arising from the NT's significant aquatic resources to be available for future generations.

One of the key roles of NT Fisheries is to provide accurate information on the state of the Territory's valuable aquatic resources. To assist in this regard, I am pleased to introduce the Fishery Status Reports 2004, the sixth publication in this series.

As in previous years, the 2004 Report provides information on the NT's wild harvest fisheries, the expanding aquaculture industry, recreational and fishing tourism industries, the Indigenous fishing sector, and activities with respect to aquatic pest management. An addition to the 2004 report is the inclusion of a new section providing an overview of the types and numbers of licences issued by NT Fisheries for the calendar year.

With regards to the important management of the Territory's valuable wild harvest fisheries, individual reports include information on the ecological sustainability of each fishery as specified under the Australian Government's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. A new heading on the possible interaction of wild harvest fisheries with threatened species was introduced for the first time in 2003, and is continued in the 2004 Report.

In 2004, NT Fisheries successfully undertook a diverse range of projects and activities over the calendar year. A number of outcomes arising from these activities are highlighted on the following pages.

I trust you will find the information contained within the Fishery Status Reports 2004 a valuable reference to the wider understanding and management of the Territory's important aquatic resources.

Richard Sellers
Executive Director, Fisheries
Department of Regional Development, Primary Industry, Fisheries and Resources

This report was collated and edited by Peter Zeroni and Lee Wood
Fishery Status Reports 2004
Department of Regional Development, Primary Industry, Fisheries and Resources
Fishery Report No. 82
ISSN 1832-7818