Territorians are reminded that changes to the Fisheries Act will come into effect this Sunday, 1 January.
Department of Primary Industry and Resources Deputy Chief Executive Ian Curnow said these changes to the Fisheries Act would help ensure the Northern Territory’s valuable aquatic resources were protected, developed and managed in an ecologically sustainable manner.
“The Fisheries Act had not been updated since
it was first established in 1988 and the legislative changes ensure the
regulatory framework for the Territory’s fisheries remain current and
effective,” Mr Curnow said.
“Amendments remove administrative
burden, increase essential aquatic biosecurity powers and provide powers for
Aboriginal marine rangers to become Fisheries Inspectors.
“The Act
amendments have strengthened the power to protect against the importation of
aquatic pests and recognise the importance of aquatic biosecurity by increased
penalties.
“These changes
will simplify the appointment process for control of fishing operations,
increase the length of time for which a licence can be issued, introduce
flexibility to the licensing year and remove redundant sections in the Act.
“The changes are the results
of more than 10 years of consultations with the Northern Territory Seafood
Council, the Northern Territory Guided Fishing Industry Association, the
Amateur Fishermen’s Association of the Northern Territory, the Land Councils
and other interested stakeholders.
“Fishing is of great
importance to the Northern Territory, our renowned lifestyle and our supply of
fresh quality fish to markets.”
The amended Fisheries Act:
- has removed unnecessary complexity and ambiguity in the licensing framework and increased operational flexibility and security for licensees.
- establishes a consistent approach to the prevention, response, treatment and eradication of noxious species, diseased or contaminated fish and aquatic life
- delivers increased confidence in the expertise and proficiency of tourism operators
- empowers Fisheries Inspectors (Marine Rangers) with fishing enforcement powers
MEDIA CONTACT: Lucy Buhr 0419 106 309