[ 07/11/2008 ]
Staff from the Department of Regional Development, Primary Industry, Fisheries and Resources (DRDPIFR) will be out on the blue water this weekend tagging mackerel as part of on-going research into fish stocks.
DRDPIFR will also be supplying tagging poles and tags to competitors in this weekend’s billfish tournament hosted by the Darwin Game Fishing Club, which is offering $2,500 in prize money for the most mackerel tagged.
“We’ve taken the opportunity to enlist the help of competitors so we can tag as many fish as possible in a short period of time, NT Fisheries Senior Research Scientist, Thor Saunders said.
“NT Fisheries will have its boat ‘The Hickman’ out on the water during the competition to help advise anglers on correct tagging methods, as well as re-stocking supplies of tags.
“The competitors have also been given a briefing on the use of the tag poles and how to properly insert the tags and record information about the tagged fish.
“It’s a great opportunity to be able to work with one of the Territory’s fishing clubs to assist us in our research purposes.
“We urge members of the public to contact DRDPIFR on (08) 8999 2044 if they catch a tagged fish.
“This information is vital to understanding Territory fish stocks and to help us make better decisions on managing our fisheries”, Mr Saunders said.