News Room

Blue Mud Bay Decision Links and Fishing Questions and Answers

[ 01/08/2008 ]

Blue Mud Bay - Fishing Questions and Answers

Can I still go fishing?

Yes.

Do fishing controls such as bag and size limits still apply?

Yes. The High Court determined that the Northern Territory's Fisheries Act applies to all waters throughout the Territory. This means that all existing controls for recreational, fishing charter and commercial operators apply in all waters throughout the Territory.

Details on recreational fishing controls are available through the Northern Territory Recreational Fishing Controls handbook

What areas are affected by the decision?

The High Court decision covers intertidal waters overlying Aboriginal land (this includes waters between the high and low water mark and tidal rivers). Maps showing the areas covered by this decision are available at the following website http://fishing.nt.gov.au. 

What if I want to go fishing in areas covered by this decision?

Recreational anglers continue to have access to tidal waters overlying Aboriginal land in the Northern Territory. The interim arrangements implemented in early 2007 will remain in place for a minimum of 12 months while permanent arrangements between all relevant stakeholders are finalised. No fees apply and a permit to provide for entry to tidal waters overlying Aboriginal land for fishing purposes is available from the Northern Land Council on 1800 645 299 or website www.nlc.org.au. 

What does this mean if I book a fishing charter?

Licensed fishing tour operators can continue to take their clients fishing under the interim arrangements. If you are taking a fishing charter with a licensed operator, there is no need to gain an individual permit to fish in waters affected by the decision.

What about commercial fishermen?

Like recreational anglers, commercial fishermen can continue to operate under the interim arrangements for a minimum of 12 months while permanent arrangements are finalised. All existing controls such as closures, fishing seasons and minimum sizes still apply. 

How will tourists know where to go fishing?

The current arrangements will continue for a minimum of 12 months - so tourists can continue to fish under the interim arrangements. Maps showing the areas covered by this decision appear at fishing.nt.gov.au

Who will enforce it?

Police is responsible for enforcing our fisheries controls.

So, what did the High Court decide?

The High Court decided that the Fisheries Act applies in all waters throughout the Territory however permission is required from the relevant Land Council to permit entry into waters overlying Aboriginal land for fishing.

Where can I get more details?

See http://fishing.nt.gov.au