Recreational fishing in the Territory will get even better in 2008 with next month’s closure of Darwin Harbour and Shoal Bay to inshore commercial coastal net fishing.
 
Primary Industry and Fisheries Minister Chris Natt said today’s announcement of removing inshore coastal nets from Darwin Harbour makes recreational fishing even better.
 
“Fishing is the lure of the Territory and more people go fishing in Darwin Harbour and Shoal Bay than any other part of the Top End. It is a great part of the Territory lifestyle,” Mr Natt said.
 
“That’s why we are closing Darwin Harbour and Shoal Bay to the coastal net and bait net fisheries.
 
“This fishery had a significant cross-over with recreational anglers and we want to ensure that fishing gets even better.”
 
Mr Natt said the closure to the fisheries will come into effect on 1 February.
 
“Today’s announcement is not an indication that our fisheries are in crisis,” Mr Natt said.
 
“This decision is about making fishing in the Territory even better.
 
“The long term protection and sustainability of the resource has been maintained by removing both current and potential commercial effort.
 
“The closure will extend from Charles Point to Gunn Point, covering Darwin Harbour and Shoal Bay.”