PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE
BARRAMUNDI FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN
Removal of the Mary River Seasonal Closure to Recreational Fishing
Background
In the 1980s a range of management controls were introduced for the Mary River system,
including a permanent closure for commercial operators, and a seasonal closure for
recreational fishers from 1 October to 31 January each year. The seasonal closure to
recreational fishing is currently in place from the Shady Camp barrage to beyond the mouth
of the Mary River and Tommycut Creek (see map attached).
Since then rationalisation in the commercial barramundi fishery and the implementation of
the Mary River Fish Management Zone for recreational fishing, including reduced
recreational possession limits and gear restrictions, have placed the barramundi stock at
extremely healthy levels. Further area closures to commercial fishing in Chambers and Finke
Bays has seen the complete removal of commercial effort in the Mary River area, with
annual abundance surveys indicating stock levels only fluctuating in response to the strength
of the wet season.
Reason for removal of the Mary River seasonal closure to recreational fishing
The healthy state of the barramundi stock in the Mary River indicates that the removal of the
seasonal closure to recreational fishing will not risk sustainability, and provide recreational
fishers with more areas to fish early in the wet season.
Process for removal of the Mary River seasonal closure
The removal of the Mary River seasonal closure to recreational fishing will require
amendments to the Barramundi Fishery Management Plan. It should be noted that the
current recreational fishing rules in place for the Mary River Fish Management Zone will
remain, including a possession limit of 3 barramundi, and the prohibition on the possession
or use of a cast net.
For further information please refer to the attached map outlining the current area of the
Mary River seasonal closure, and any comments or submissions on the proposed
amendment may be made in writing by close of business on 26 September 2014 to:
Executive Director, Fisheries
GPO Box 3000 DARWIN NT 0801
Or by emailing fisheries@nt.gov.au
DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND FISHERIES
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PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE
BARRAMUNDI FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN
DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRY AND FISHERIES
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