The Northern Territory Government opposes recreational fishing permits.
The Federal Court made a decision in March 2007 affecting fishing in the Territory known as the Blue Mud Bay case .
The Territory Government opposes the decision and wants to see the decision overturned, and has appealed the decision to the High Court.
The appeal was heard in the High Court on 4 December 2007.
The Territory Government remains opposed to recreational fishing permits and licences.
In the meantime, temporary arrangements have been put in place for the grant of permits and licences to commercial and recreational fishers.
These temporary arrangements will continue for up to 12 months following the High Court decision, should this be necessary.
What areas are affected?
Approximately 80% of the Territory coastline and tidal rivers , but not Darwin Harbour.
Can I still fish now?
Under the temporary arrangements, as of 1 August 2007 recreational fishers wishing to fish in areas affected by the Blue Mud Bay decision require a once-only recreational fishing licence and permit issued by the Northern Land Council (NLC).
The NLC recreational licence and permit is:
- free
- automatically granted
- covers all areas affected by the court's decision
- lasts until after the High Court makes its decision.
All current controls – such as bag limits – remain in operation.
Responsibility for comment in this website is taken by Paul Tyrrell on behalf of the Northern Territory Government, Department of the Chief Minister, 22 Mitchell Street, Darwin.