Highlights Development of a draft resource-sharing framework that will ensure the equitable use of barramundi stocks by all fishers was undertaken by the Barramundi Management Advisory Committee. The Indigenous Fisheries Development Strategy 2012–14 was finalised after 18 months of consultation. Consultations were commenced with Aboriginal groups and the fishing industry for the implementation of the East Arnhem Indigenous Fisheries Network which will promote and support the development of Aboriginal fisheries and aquaculture-related businesses. Negotiations were conducted with Aboriginal land councils for a practical outcome to the Blue Mud Bay decision. Indigenous Community Marine Ranger Guidelines were implemented by NT Fisheries whilst undertaking research and monitoring activities. The Certificate II in Fisheries Compliance course was delivered to 12 Aboriginal women rangers in partnership with the NT Water Police and Charles Darwin University. Priorities Commence work on the development of an aquatic resource allocation framework for the NT. Review management arrangements in the Offshore Net and Line Fishery, including a review of catch share arrangements for the Spanish mackerel byproduct. Explore the potential for developing an inshore fishery targeting small fish species. Continue to assist in negotiations with Aboriginal land councils for a practical outcome to the Blue Mud Bay decision. Continue to develop initiatives under the NT Indigenous Fisheries Development Strategy 2012-14. Encourage and support the establishment of two Aboriginal fishing businesses. Enhance the Indigenous fishing mentoring program for the East Arnhem region. Deliver the Certificate II Fisheries Compliance course to 15 Aboriginal rangers. Develop an Indigenous scientific mentoring program to facilitate the engagement of Aboriginal rangers in fisheries research projects. Highlights The Darwin Harbour marine pest monitoring survey 2010 report was released. No targeted marine pest species were detected. NT Fisheries implemented the marine pest monitoring program according to national standards as part of the National System for the Prevention and Management of Marine Pest Incursions (NSPMMPI). In collaboration with the industry, managed a disease incursion and helped to improve biosecurity practices. Priorities Continue to monitor for marine pests and implement NSPMMPI. Maintain a responsive and effective aquatic animal health diagnostic service. AQUATIC
Byproduct species (including red emperor and cods) Ensure sustainability of byproduct species taken in the Demersal Fishery. Monitoring of commercial logbook returns. Significant change in catch composition on Demersal Fishery grounds. Annual catch increase in proportion of the total catch by more than 10% above the five year average. Combined byproduct species in 2011 was 23.3 tonnes (5%) - TRP not reached. 2) DFMAC to review fishery and make recommendations to the EDF and on-board monitoring to commence at the earliest practical opportunity. Amended arrangements to be implemented within 12 months of trigger being released. Bycatch species Ensure sustainability of bycatch species taken in the Demersal Fishery. Onboard monitoring of the adjacent Timor Reef Fishery. Total bycatch within the Demersal Fishery increases to 10% of total catch or a decline in a species relative numbers without a corresponding change in fishing area or fishing technique. Total bycatch in 2011 was 8% in the Timor Reef Fishery - TRP not reached. Onboard monitoring to continue annually. As per 2) above. Threatened, endangered or protected species and/or communities. Maintain the present level of interaction between demersal fishing operations and species and communities listed under the EPBC Act. Threatened, endangered or protected species and/or communities are identified in Northern Territory waters. Identifiable impacts observed by commercial fishers, fisheries observers or other agencies regarding the EPBC Act listed species or communities. No identifiable impacts observed in 2011 - TRP not reached. As per 2) above. Ecosystem components. Minimise the effects of fishing on ecosystem components. Identification of threatening processes. Identification of significant negative interaction with components of the natural ecosystem present on demersal fishing grounds. No negative ecosystem interactions identified in 2011 - TRP not reached. DFMAC to make recommendations to the EDF regarding appropriate remedial action. Amended arrangements to be implemented within 12 months of trigger being released.
sustainable annual catches in all sectors. Catch levels decline by 30% over the next calendar year (Finfish Trawl only). Fisheries (EDF) regarding appropriate measures to ensure annual catches do not exceed estimated sustainable yields. Amended arrangements to be implemented within 12 months of trigger being released. Byproduct species Ensure ecological sustainability of by-product species taken in the Finfish Trawl Fishery. Monitoring of commercial logbook returns. Annual catch increase in proportion of the total catch by greater than 35%. Byproduct accounted for 25% of the harvest in 2011: 25% - TRP not reached. Stakeholders to review fishery and make recommendations to the EDF. Amended arrangements to be implemented within 12 months of trigger being released. Bycatch species Ensure ecological sustainability of bycatch species taken in the Finfish Trawl Fishery. Onboard monitoring of Finfish Trawl Fishery. Total bycatch within the Finfish Trawl Fishery increases to 35% of total catch or a decline in a species relative numbers without a corresponding change in fishing area or fishing technique. Bycatch at 13% in 2011 and no identifiable decline in a species relative numbers observed - TRP not reached. 1) Stakeholders to make recommendations to the EDF regarding appropriate remedial action. Amended arrangements to be implemented within 12 months of trigger being released. Threatened, endangered or protected species and/or communities Ensure the continued protection of species and communities listed under the EPBC Act and the Territory Wildlife and Conservation Act 2001. Threatened, endangered or protected species and or communities are identified in NT waters. Identifiable impacts observed by commercial fishers, fisheries observers or other agencies regarding EPBC Act listed species or communities. No identifiable impacts have been observed in 2011 - TRP not reached. As per 1) above. Ecosystem components Minimise effects on ecosystem components. Identification of threatening processes. Identification of significant negative interaction with components of the natural ecosystem present on finfish trawl fishing grounds. No negative ecosystem interactions were identified - TRP not reached. As per 1) above.
comprised 12% of the total catch – TRP reached. to be provided to the EDF for appropriate action. Logbook arrangements to be implemented to cater for species specific reporting of each hammerhead shark species. Bycatch species Ensure ecological sustainability of bycatch species in all fisheries. Monitoring of commercial logbook returns. Onboard monitoring of ONLF. Total bycatch within the shark fishery increases to (↑) 10% of total catch in successive calendar years or a % decline in a species relative numbers without a corresponding change in fishing area or fishing technique. Total bycatch in the fishery was <1% of the total catch in 2011 – TRP not reached. As for Target Species above Threatened, endangered or protected (TEP) soecies including: Sawfish: Pristis clavata P. microdon P. zijsron Turtles: Caretta caretta, Chelonia mydas, Eretmochelys imbricata Ensure the continued protection of species and communities listed under the EPBC Act and the Territory Wildlife and Conservation Act 2000. TEP species and or communities are identified in NT waters. Identifiable impacts observed by commercial fishers, NT Fisheries staff or other agencies regarding the EPBC Act listed species or communities. There were 2 interactions with TEP species in 2011. One hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and one dwarf sawfish (P. clavata) were reported captured and released alive – TRP not reached. MACs to review fisheries annually and make recommendations to the EDF. Fishery logbooks to be amended to include records of any interaction with endangered, threatened or protected species. Ecosystem components Minimise effects on ecosystem components Identification of threatening processes Identification of significant negative interaction with components of the natural ecosystem present on fishing grounds. No negative interactions with environment reported – TRP not reached. MACs to review fisheries annually and make recommendations to the EDF.
Northern Territory Government, Australia. Fishery Report No. 107. Coleman, A. P. M. (1998). FISHCOUNT. A Survey of Recreational Fishing in the Northern Territory. Summary. Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries Fishery Report 41. Coleman, A. P. M. (2004). The National Recreational Fishing Survey: Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development Fishery Report 72. Henry, G. W. and Lyle, J. M. (2003). The National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing survey. FRDC Project 99/158. NSW Fisheries Final Report Series No 48. Stevens, J. D., and Davenport, S. R. (1991). Analysis of Catch Data from the Taiwanese Gillnet Fishery off Northern Australia, 1979-1986. CSIRO Marine Laboratories Report 213. Walters, C. J., and Buckworth, R C (1997). Shark and Spanish mackerel Stocks assessed. Northern Territory Fishing Industry Council Newsletter, July 1997. 8(2), 14-15. Table 2. Management objectives and status against performance indicators for the Spanish Mackerel Fishery for 2011 Species or group Management objective Performance indicator Trigger Reference Point (TRP) Harvest status for 2011 Management action Spanish mackerel Ensure the sustainability of Spanish mackerel stocks. Estimated catch by all sectors does not exceed the estimated sustainable yield of Spanish mackerel (450 tonnes). Sustainable yield estimates are reviewed annually. Aggregate landings by all sectors reach 90% of the sustainable yield (405 t) and/or total fishery catch declines by 30% (based on whole weight) over the calendar year. Annual review. The total catch from the commercial and FTO sectors was 70% of the estimated sustainable yield. Had the Recreational and Indigenous sectors caught their full allocation the figure would account for only 87% of the estimated sustainable yield – TRP not reached. 1) Within three months of becoming aware of a triggered performance measure, NT Fisheries will review and consider appropriate management responses if necessary, including a clear timetable for implementation of management action. Continue existing research and review alternative yield estimate methodologies annually. Spanish mackerel Optimal utilisation of Spanish mackerel. Estimated catch share (as a percentage of total aggregate landings, by whole weight) for all sectors remains unchanged. Estimated catch share by any stakeholder group changes over the calendar year by more than 20% (based on whole weight). As per 1) above.
Byproduct Ensure the sustainability of byproduct taken in the Spanish Mackerel Fishery. Byproduct in the Spanish Mackerel Fishery increases significantly. Byproduct in the Spanish Mackerel Fishery increases to 10% of the total catch over the calendar year (based on whole weight). There was no byproduct caught in 2011 – TRP not reached. As per 1) above. Bycatch Ensure the sustainability of bycatch taken in the Spanish Mackerel Fishery. Bycatch in the Spanish Mackerel Fishery increases significantly. Bycatch in the Spanish Mackerel Fishery increases to 10% of the total catch over the calendar year (whole weight). There was no bycatch recorded during 2011 in this fishery – TRP not reached. As per 1) above. Threatened, endangered or protected (TEP) species Minimise effects of fishing operations on TEP species or communities. TEP species or communities are identified in NT waters. Impacts are observed by commercial fishers or fisheries observers. No TEP species interaction in – TRP not reached. As per 1) above.
Henry, G. W. and Lyle, J. M. (2003). The National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Survey. FRDC Project 99/158. NSW Fisheries Final Report Series No 48. Table 1. Management objectives and status against performance indicators for the NT Trepang Fishery for 2011 Species or group Management objectives Performance indicator Trigger reference point (TRP) Harvest status for 2011 Management action Target species Ensure intergenerational equity by maintaining ecologically sustainable annual catches in all sectors. Sustainable yield estimates developed. Change in total catch. Change in CPUE. Change in average weight. Change in catch composition. Change in licence ownership. Total catch increases over 300 tonnes per year. CPUE for Holothuria scabra increases or decreases by 30 % compared with the mean of the previous three years. Individual average weight decreases by more than 20%. Catch of trepang species other than H. scabra increases to over 30% of total catch. Any licences traded. Trepang catch in 2011 was 45.1 tonnes - TRP not reached. The 2011 CPUE value was 10 % higher than the previous three-year average - TRP not reached. The average individual weight decreased by 18% in 2011 - TRP not reached. H. scabra were the only species harvested in 2011 - TRP was not reached. There were no licences traded in 2011 - TRP was not reached. The Executive Director of Fisheries (EDF) to be notified within 60 days if TRP reached. An internal examination of cause and implication of TRP being triggered with report prepared within six months to the EDF. Consultation with industry and other stakeholders on need for alternate management strategy or action if necessary and agreement on line of action. If appropriate, any amended arrangements to be implemented within 12 months of trigger being reached. Byproduct and bycatch species Ensure sustainability of byproduct and bycatch species taken in the NT Trepang Fishery. Monitoring logbook. Onboard monitoring. NA - no byproduct or bycatch in the fishery. NA
for fisheries compliance and enforcement in the NT. Recreational fishing controls are displayed on signage at boat ramps, launching sites, tourist establishments and River Watch Centres throughout the Top End of the NT. Consultation, Communication and Education The Amateur Fishermen’s Association of the NT (AFANT) is the peak representative association for recreational fishing in the NT, while the NT Guided Fishing Industry Association (NTGFIA) represents the guided fishing industry. NT Fisheries consults primarily with these associations on recreational fishing issues and future management and development. Public consultation is conducted when broader matters require community input. The NT Government provides annual funding to both associations to assist them in their roles. Signage depicting fishery regulations and other advice is erected at boat ramps, launch sites and fishing tourism establishments throughout the NT. Information on recreational fishing in the NT is also available from NT Fisheries. Literature on recreational fishing is also provided on the NT Fisheries website and at various shows and exhibits throughout the NT. Aquatic Resource Management Officer, Recreational Fishing – Mr Phil Hall Coleman, A. P. M. (1998). Fishcount: A Survey of Recreational Fishing in the Northern Territory. Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries Fishery Report 43. Coleman, A. P. M. (2004). The National Recreational Fishing Survey: The Northern Territory. Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development Fishery Report 72. Henry, G. W. and Lyle, J. M. (2003). The National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Survey. FRDC Project 99/158. NSW Fisheries Final Report Series No 48.
A10 – Pearl Oyster Fishery licence 7 A12 – Aquarium Fish/Display licence 11 A13 – Trepang Fishery licence 6 A14 – Development Fishery licence 2 A15 – Restricted Bait Entitlement 125 A16 – Finfish Trawl Fishery licence 1 A17 – Jigging Fishery licence 1 A18 – Timor Reef Fishery licence 15 A50 – Development Fishery – Coast Net 1 B1 – Fish Trader/Processor licence 35 B2 – Fish Retailer licence 388 C1 – Aquaculture licence 11 C2 – Pearl Oyster Culture licence 8 D1 – Aboriginal Coastal licence 5 D2 – Fishing Tour Operator licence 158 D3 – Aquarium Trader licence 10 D4 – Net licence 12 D5 – Public Aquarium licence 3 D14 – Development permit 1 S16 – Permit 59 S17 – Special permit 27 Total number of licences and permits issued 1110