30 September 2015

The commercial barramundi fishing season ends today and the seasonal closure to recreational barramundi fishing in a section of the Daly River comes into effect on October 1.

The Daly River seasonal closure remains for barramundi fishing downstream from the western bank of the old outlet channel of Moon Billabong to the mouth of the river.

This year will be also the first time recreational fishers are able to fish the Mary River downstream of the Shady Camp barrage in October, with legislation changed in 2014 to open the area to year round fishing due to the healthy state of barramundi stock.

The public are reminded that a number of rules still apply within the Mary River Fish Management Zone.

The Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries’ Aquatic Resource Manager Will Bowman said, “When fishing within a 100m radius of the barrage wall at Shady Camp billabong anglers may only use a lure or fly with a single point hook.

“Bait fishing and the use of double or treble hooks in this area is prohibited,” he said.

“A personal possession limit at any time of three barramundi is still applicable and the use or possession of a cast net or drag net is also prohibited.

“It’s also important for people to ‘Be Crocwise’ at Shady Camp and in all Territory waters to ensure they’re fishing and boating experience is safe and enjoyable.”

Mr Bowman said fish kills are a common occurrence during the build-up and the beginning of the wet and they occur for a number of reasons.

“Fish kills are not uncommon and are generally due to higher water temperatures which result in lower dissolved oxygen levels for fish.

“They can also occur during sudden storm or flood events and with lower water levels in freshwater river systems and billabongs,” he said.

If you witness a fish kill please report it immediately to the Fish Watch Hotline: 1800 891 136 or via the NT Fishing Mate mobile application available at http://www.nt.gov.au/d/Fisheries.

For further information please contact:
Alice Plate, DPIF Media & Communications Manager on 08 8999 2097 or alice.plate@nt.gov.au