The Golden Snapper Stock Assessment report here has today been released, revealing sustainability issues with Golden Snapper in the Greater Darwin Region.
The report highlights that Golden Snapper around Darwin remain overfished - around one-fifth of their original population - with fishing mortality rates estimated to be more than double the rate considered sustainable.
Based on the most recent scientific data, Golden Snapper stocks in the Greater Darwin Region are classified as Depleting.
To combat this, a robust recovery plan needs to be developed to coordinate management efforts, restore stocks to sustainable levels, and prevent further declines of this highly vulnerable species.
In 2015, the CLP government made the bold decision to protect vulnerable reef fish stocks by implementing management controls, including the introduction of Reef Fish Protection areas, along with reducing bag limits to rebuild 'at risk' species to sustainable levels.
Yet, under eight long years of the previous Labor Government, snapper stocks were neglected - with no action, no transparency, and no accountability.
Despite the importance and urgency of the issue, Labor failed to release reports, provide updates or share data with amateur anglers.
Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Gerard Maley labelled Labor's inaction "staggering", saying that with proper management and oversight, snapper stocks should have recovered. Instead, snapper populations remain overfished.
"This is yet another legacy of failures that the CLP has inherited from the previous Labor Government - a mess that has left us in a difficult no-win situation," he said.
It is now up to the CLP Government to make the tough decisions necessary to reverse the damage caused by Labor's neglect, and restore fish stocks."
"We will now work through the new data and make evidence-based decisions to address overfishing and help restore snapper stocks."
"There are a number of options available to improve stock numbers and all of these will be considered in detail with stakeholders."
"These efforts will guide the development of a recovery plan, which Fisheries NT will prepare in consultation with key stakeholders and release for public consultation."
"We know how much Territorians love their fishing. We don't want to limit access for fishos, but we understand the critical importance of fish sustainability for future generations."
"Tomorrow's fishing depends on the decisions we make today, and it's essential that we strike the right balance. We will consult with our key stakeholders and the broader community on this important issue."
Expanding and diversifying the Territory's agriculture and fisheries sector is essential for driving economic growth, particularly in regional areas.
Valued at around $1.3 billion annually, this sector supports about 2,400 jobs across the NT, playing a critical role in employment and underpinning the stability of our regional economies.
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Kirkman said: "It is crucial for the Territory to maintain sustainable reef fish populations for future generations of both locals and visitors by delivering best practice management."
"Fishers can help recover stocks by taking a best-practice approach when out on the water," he added.
Recreational fishing is integral to the Territory lifestyle, bringing $144 million directly into the economy and another $126 million in related activity.
This sector is an important part of the CLP Government's commitment to restore and protect the unique Territory lifestyle.
Inshore reef fish in the Greater Darwin Region remain subject to high levels of fishing pressure, due to a range of contributing factors:
Vulnerable biological characteristics including slow growth, late maturity and a preference to gather in groups (for shelter, feeding or spawning).Advances in fishing technology (fish finding, positioning and gear improvements) increases effectiveness of fishing.Low survival after release due to barotrauma here and stress from capture. Many reef fish species, including Golden Snapper and Black Jewfish, are susceptible to barotrauma.Sharks preying on hooked and released fish, and;Population growth has the potential to increase amateur fisher participation rates over time.
A separate stock assessment for Black Jewfish is also underway and expected to be completed by the end of this year.
