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The Northern Territory Seafood Council (NTSC) strongly opposes Chief Minister Eva Lawler's announcement to ban on the use of commercial gillnets to boost recreational fishing in the Northern Territory. The council said the policy is aimed at "grabbing votes from a noisy minority and lacks economic or scientific credibility."
"The consequence of this decision is to undermine the objectives, policies, and procedures that the government has tasked the NT Fisheries to implement," said NTSC Chief Executive Officer Daniel Capps. "It is a cavalier approach that risks good governance based on transparency and accountability."
Mr Capps added that policy developed for political expedience undermines the government and erodes investor confidence. He also remarked that this policy will harm the livelihoods of professional fishers, including Aboriginal Coastal Licence holders, and reduce the availability of wild-caught Barramundi and King Threadfin for Territorians and visitors.
"So, what influences have resulted in the Lawler Government making this choice? It certainly isn't data or science – her own Department have confirmed that Barramundi stocks are in pristine condition.
"Further, most of the key recreational fishing areas are closed to commercial Barramundi fishing. There is no evidence that banning gillnets will boost recreational fishing."
The NTSC said that when governments make policy "on the run," there can be unintended and disastrous consequences. The NT Government should support those in a sector that is facing difficulties due to external factors, with sound and well-considered government objectives and policies.
The NTSC supports the government's commitment to economic development and investment attraction. The council clarified that policy delivered "as a response to noise from minority groups" will not provide a stable jurisdiction for such investment.
