Mr WARREN - 2007-02-14
We all know that fishing is the lure of the Territory and makes a very important contribution to our great lifestyle. Given the important contribution that artificial reefs make to recreational fishing in and around Darwin Harbour, what opportunities exist for the expansion of our artificial reef network?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Goyder for his question. As we all know, the member for Goyder’s electorate surrounds most of the harbour, as does mine, and he has quite an interest in this question. He is correct; fishing is the lure of the Territory.
The Darwin Harbour is the number one destination for anglers in the Territory, and there is more fishing in the harbour than anywhere else in the Northern Territory. Around three-quarters of anglers in Darwin Harbour are local residents. It is important to maintain a fishing system that will attract fish, and artificial reefs will provide even more opportunities for Territory anglers to catch golden snapper and jewfish. These wrecks will also provide some great structures for the Spanish mackerel to school and hunt.
I must admit, I do get some enjoyment out of fishing in the harbour. Gone are the days of fishing off the jetty in South Australia for the little old whiting, garfish and tommy ruff. I enjoy getting out there.
I have asked my department, as a matter of priority, to expand the artificial reef network. This will obviously make fishing even better for Territorians. We are planning for the expansion of the artificial reef network in and around the Darwin Harbour so that when suitable infrastructure does become available, we can act quickly. As many of you remember, a couple of years ago, we sank the Kay-Lee, a decommissioned fishing vessel, as part of the Lee Point artificial reef complex. The Lee Point complex is located just a short distance from the Nightcliff boat ramp and it is easily accessible by small boats.
Generally, when suitable infrastructure does become available at short notice, we will have all the necessary approvals in place so that we can act quickly to ensure that the artificial reef network can be structured to take advantage of these opportunities when they arise. I have instructed my newly-appointed Director of Fisheries to make the expansion of our artificial reef network a priority so that fishing in the Territory can only get better.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Goyder for his question. As we all know, the member for Goyder’s electorate surrounds most of the harbour, as does mine, and he has quite an interest in this question. He is correct; fishing is the lure of the Territory.
The Darwin Harbour is the number one destination for anglers in the Territory, and there is more fishing in the harbour than anywhere else in the Northern Territory. Around three-quarters of anglers in Darwin Harbour are local residents. It is important to maintain a fishing system that will attract fish, and artificial reefs will provide even more opportunities for Territory anglers to catch golden snapper and jewfish. These wrecks will also provide some great structures for the Spanish mackerel to school and hunt.
I must admit, I do get some enjoyment out of fishing in the harbour. Gone are the days of fishing off the jetty in South Australia for the little old whiting, garfish and tommy ruff. I enjoy getting out there.
I have asked my department, as a matter of priority, to expand the artificial reef network. This will obviously make fishing even better for Territorians. We are planning for the expansion of the artificial reef network in and around the Darwin Harbour so that when suitable infrastructure does become available, we can act quickly. As many of you remember, a couple of years ago, we sank the Kay-Lee, a decommissioned fishing vessel, as part of the Lee Point artificial reef complex. The Lee Point complex is located just a short distance from the Nightcliff boat ramp and it is easily accessible by small boats.
Generally, when suitable infrastructure does become available at short notice, we will have all the necessary approvals in place so that we can act quickly to ensure that the artificial reef network can be structured to take advantage of these opportunities when they arise. I have instructed my newly-appointed Director of Fisheries to make the expansion of our artificial reef network a priority so that fishing in the Territory can only get better.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016