Mr WOOD - 2009-02-11
Recently, the NT News quoted the NT Seafood Council as saying that most barramundi sold in the Territory is from overseas. In light of that fact and the fact that your government intends to buy back three commercial barramundi licences, could you say whether this means it will now be even harder for Territorians, especially those who do not fish, to eat local wild catch barramundi at their local fish and chip shop? Was the decision to reduce the number of licences based on science, which I know your party is keen on, that is, barramundi stocks are at risk, or was this just a political decision to gain favour with the amateur fishing lobby?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. It is a very important question because, as he knows, I am a very strong supporter of the consumer actually getting what he is paying for. I have observed people going to a restaurant or somewhere to buy fish, and being sold fish without knowing what they are buying. Recently, I advised all restaurants that legislation would change and, when they serve a meal with barramundi or fish, they have to declare if it is imported or if it is local fish.
The barramundi wild fisheries usually produce around 500 000 tonnes a year, and an extra 1200 tonnes comes from farming barramundi. There is no danger to the barramundi stock; it is healthy and very good. The only reason we are buying back licences is because we want to provide a better opportunity for recreational anglers and to close some rivers and Bynoe Harbour. Closing the rivers without removing licences would be unfair to the fishermen, because you are increasing effort in a much smaller area. Removing the licences and closing areas at least gives the opportunity to a smaller number of fishermen to fish in a smaller area.
There is no deep danger with our barramundi stock. It is very healthy. We have to remember that it is not Territory anglers, the local ones, who actually benefit, but many other people who come from down south and other parts of Australia to fish here. Barramundi fishermen from other states provide a lot of money to the tourism industry: restaurants, hotels, tour operators, and car hire. You only have to ask some of the people in companies that sell material for fishermen how enthusiastic they are when the people from down south, the grey nomads with their 4WDs and caravans arrive and spend a lot of money in places like Katherine and Timber Creek.
There is no problem with the barramundi. It is healthy, alive and well. We are providing the opportunity for all Territorians to enjoy fish they have caught from the catchments, or if they buy them from the local distributor they will know if it is local fish or imported.
Dr BURNS (Leader of Government Business): Madam Speaker, I ask that further questions be placed on the Written Question Paper.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for his question. It is a very important question because, as he knows, I am a very strong supporter of the consumer actually getting what he is paying for. I have observed people going to a restaurant or somewhere to buy fish, and being sold fish without knowing what they are buying. Recently, I advised all restaurants that legislation would change and, when they serve a meal with barramundi or fish, they have to declare if it is imported or if it is local fish.
The barramundi wild fisheries usually produce around 500 000 tonnes a year, and an extra 1200 tonnes comes from farming barramundi. There is no danger to the barramundi stock; it is healthy and very good. The only reason we are buying back licences is because we want to provide a better opportunity for recreational anglers and to close some rivers and Bynoe Harbour. Closing the rivers without removing licences would be unfair to the fishermen, because you are increasing effort in a much smaller area. Removing the licences and closing areas at least gives the opportunity to a smaller number of fishermen to fish in a smaller area.
There is no deep danger with our barramundi stock. It is very healthy. We have to remember that it is not Territory anglers, the local ones, who actually benefit, but many other people who come from down south and other parts of Australia to fish here. Barramundi fishermen from other states provide a lot of money to the tourism industry: restaurants, hotels, tour operators, and car hire. You only have to ask some of the people in companies that sell material for fishermen how enthusiastic they are when the people from down south, the grey nomads with their 4WDs and caravans arrive and spend a lot of money in places like Katherine and Timber Creek.
There is no problem with the barramundi. It is healthy, alive and well. We are providing the opportunity for all Territorians to enjoy fish they have caught from the catchments, or if they buy them from the local distributor they will know if it is local fish or imported.
Dr BURNS (Leader of Government Business): Madam Speaker, I ask that further questions be placed on the Written Question Paper.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016