Fisheries works in partnership with commercial and recreational fishing industries, the aquaculture industry, Indigenous communities and other stakeholders to achieve optimum sustainable utilisation of the Northern Territory's valuable aquatic resources.
Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms; most commonly fish, molluscs, crustaceans, and aquatic plants, but many other organisms including sponges, amphibians, echinoderms and annelids can be included.
The key responsibilities of the unit are to maintain a surveillance program to detect introductions of aquatic pests in the NT, coordinate the inspection and treatment of high-risk vessels, and to conduct emergency response activities to introductions of invasive species.
The Top End's pristine marine and freshwater environments are major attractions for Territorians and visitors alike. The Northern Territory's waterways are unique, diverse and unspoilt, and it is little wonder that recreational fishing and boating are two of the Territory's most popular pastimes.
The Northern Territory's aquatic resources are shared between a variety of user groups including commercial, recreational, indigenous fishers, fishing tour operators and the wider community. In order for all groups to continue to prosper from the use of these valuable resources, it is important that all activities are conducted in a manner which is least disruptive to the ecosystems upon which they depend.
There are several types of publications produced by the Department of Resources.
Fishnotes, Fishery Reports and Fisheries Publications
To commercially fish within waters of the Northern Territory, a person, company or partnership must possess a commercial fishing licence. Waters of the Northern Territory include all inland waters and waters to the outer boundaries of the Australian Fishing Zone. The holder of an interstate licence is not permitted to fish in Northern Territory waters with an interstate licence. Commonwealth endorsed licenses for Northern Territory waters are permitted.