Have your say on the future of recreational fishing
Territorians are being urged to have their say on the development and enhancement of recreational fishing in the Territory over the next ten years with the release of the draft Recreational Fishing Development Plan.
Recreational fishing is a huge part of the Territory lifestyle providing significant social, cultural and wellbeing benefits.
Recently released results of the National Social and Economic Survey of Recreational Fishers 2018-2021 show that, over the 2018 - 19 financial year, recreational fishing contributed around $270 million to the Territory economy through direct and indirect flow-on expenditure. This is consistent with previous Territory studies that estimated direct recreational fishing expenditure alone generated around $80 million per year into the Territory economy.
The new Recreational Fishing Development Plan will replace the previous 10-year plan, which provided critical support, guidance and enhancements for recreational fishing, tourism and local economies.
A new plan has been developed using fresh ideas and a new approach and is designed to ensure the Territory’s recreational fishing sector is prepared to successfully navigate changes, challenges and opportunities to deliver a bright recreational fishing future.
The NT Government is seeking public feedback on the draft plan via Have Your Say before a final version is released later in 2023.
The draft plan is based on the input of hundreds of recreational fishers and the broader recreational fishing sector gathered during 2022 through interviews, workshops and forums.
The draft plan illustrates the collective vision of the recreational fishing sector, desired outcomes and a framework that will ensure the Territory maintains and enhances the quality of its experiences and opportunities over the next decade.
NT Fisheries within the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade is leading development of the plan in collaboration with the NT’s Ministerial Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee, and the Amateur Fishermen's Association of the Northern Territory.
For more information and to have your say, go to haveyoursay.nt.gov.au
