Thursday, March 28, 2024
News

Support for changes to reef fish regs in NT

THE Amateur Fishermen’s Association of the Northern Territory (AFANT) has backed regulation changes announced by Fisheries Minister Willam Westra van Holthe.

AFANT President Warren de With said “AFANT supports the Government’s actions in addressing one of the most significant fisheries sustainability issues that we have faced in the NT.”

“Protecting the golden snapper and jewfish stocks and making significant catch and effort reductions is essential if we are to address the challenges facing coastal reef fish in the NT and give these fish the chance to recover back to adequate stock levels.

“The science behind the changes shows all sectors need to take significant action to reduce catches and increase egg production of golden snapper and black jewfish. It is very clear that for golden snapper a 50% cut in catches is needed and AFANT supports the mix of measures announced to address this issue.

“The recreational fishing sector and AFANT prides itself in showing leadership in addressing sustainability problems or other issues when required and recreational anglers must be at the forefront in dealing with the coastal reef fish issue and changing fishing behaviour.

“We have consulted widely on the proposals with both AFANT members and the broader recreational fishing community and we are confident that the overwhelming majority of anglers will support the changes as necessary to ensure a reef fishing future around major population centres.

“Taking the required actions now is essential to ensure that in the future we will be able to catch great fish like golden snapper and black jewfish and rebuild the important reef fish fishery around Darwin.” Warren de With said.

NT Fisheries will provide advice on the new reef fish package and be available for AFANT members and the broader community to ask questions and get a better understanding of the changes at the AFANT AGM Sunday 8th March 2015 – 10:00 am Tracy Village Social & Sports Club 28 Tambling Tce, Lyons.

What's your reaction?

Related Posts

Load More Posts Loading...No More Posts.