Golden Snapper and Black Jewfish stock assessments released
Territorians enjoy some of the best fishing in the world, and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is committed to protecting this way of life for generations to come.
Reef fish, such as Golder Snapper and Black Jewfish, are among the Territory’s most popular fishing species – and they’re feeling the pressure.
Territorians enjoy some of the best fishing in the world, and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is committed to protecting this way of life for generations to come.
Reef fish, such as Golder Snapper and Black Jewfish, are among the Territory’s most popular fishing species – and they’re feeling the pressure.
New NT Fisheries stock assessments for the Greater Darwin region show:
- Golden Snapper stocks are critically low, at 14 per cent of original levels.
- Black Jewfish stocks are at 41 per cent of original levels.
At Channel Point, Black Jewfish numbers have significantly declined, with catches falling by more than 90% in the past five years. This has led to a temporary fishing exclusion period for commercial and fishing tour operators from 1 November 2025 to 28 February 2026.
Recreational and charter fishing are the main drivers of Golden Snapper decline, while commercial line fishing is the biggest pressure on Black Jewfish.
While Territorians love fishing – it’s time to give reef fish a rest. There are simple actions every fisho can do that make a big difference:
- Know your limits – stay within personal possession and vessel limits.
- Don’t catch more than you need for a feed.
- Keep what you catch – avoid releasing smaller fish to catch larger fish.
- Know your location – fishing in Reef Fish Protection Areas is illegal and penalties apply.
- Target other great fish like Barramundi or pelagic species.
NT Fisheries is investing in recovery programs to rebuild stocks and provide new fishing opportunities. These include a new four-year Golden Snapper stocking program, installation of new artificial fish habitats, and deployment of fish aggregating devices (FADs) to provide more alternative pelagic fishing opportunities.
To date, 58 Golden Snapper broodstock have been collected, and are being bred at the Darwin Aquaculture Centre to release and monitor in suitable areas around Darwin.
Several FADs will be deployed before the end of the year, with artificial reef installations planned for 2026.
NT Fisheries is working closely with key stakeholders to build a stronger future for reef fish, developing a comprehensive recovery plan for inshore reef fish. The draft plan will be released for public consultation in early 2026.
Reef fish recovery is about smarter fishing practices today, so future generations can continue to enjoy our iconic Territory fishing lifestyle.
For more information including stock assessment data visit Reef fishing management | NT.GOV.AU
