[Media Release]
6 November 2023
New Plan sets 10-year vision for NT Rec Fishing
Following 18-months of collaboration between AFANT, NT Fisheries, the NT Guided Fishing Industry Association (NTGFIA) and the NT Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee (RFAC) the Recreational Fishing Development Plan (RFDP) 2023 – 2033 has been released. The plan identifies an ambitious vision for a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous recreational fishing future and outlines key actions to guide government and stakeholders.
The plan was launched on Monday 6 November at Dinah Beach, by the NT Recreational Fishing Minister Joel Bowden and Minister for Agribusiness and Fisheries Nicole Manison, along with AFANT CEO David Ciaravolo, NTGFIA EO Kane Dysart and senior representatives from NT Fisheries.
With over 60,000 Territorians and tens-of-thousands of visitors going fishing each year, fishing in the NT is not only popular but also big business. The sector contributes $270M to Territory GDP, supporting 2,500 full-time jobs and this makes well-informed planning for future management needs and infrastructure developments essential.
The RFDP is a wholistic plan, setting out four key outcomes which were identified through the input of hundreds of recreational fishers, peak bodies, industry representatives, and the Northern Territory Government. The four key outcomes are:
- Outcome 1: shared understanding and access
- Outcome 2: diverse and abundant fish stocks
- Outcome 3: fishing opportunities for everyone
- Outcome 4: a capable and confident sector
The RFDP will be a ‘live’ document, regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that actions can respond to change and the learnings from the foundational initiatives that have been identified.
The New 10-year RFDP is now live at industry.nt.gov.au/rfdp
Quotes attributable to AFANT CEO David Ciaravolo:
“AFANT has been pleased to work with the Northern Territory Government, key stakeholders and hundreds of recreational fishers from around the Territory to produce an exciting vision for the future of recreational fishing.
“The new development plan distils the diverse voices and aspirations of the $270M recreational fishing sector into targeted actions aimed at delivering a sustainable, inclusive and valuable fishing vision over the next ten years.
“With 61,000 or one in three residents, and tens of thousands of visitors going fishing each year, recreational fishing is synonymous with the NT way of life, it also supports 2,500 Territorians in full time work, so there is huge interest in delivering this plan and working towards the bright fishing future it promises.”
Quotes attributable to AFANT President Warren de With:
“The NT boasts a lot of the best fishing in Australia, but we must not take it for granted and that is why we have worked in partnership to develop this comprehensive plan for the future.
“We want Territorian’s and visitors to have access to diverse and sustainable fishing experiences, and this relies on strategically investing in infrastructure and maintaining healthy habitats with abundant fish stocks.
“We have enjoyed working with the fishing community, businesses, government and the Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee through a comprehensive process and now we look forward to working with NT Fisheries, the Minister for Recreational Fishing and the Minister for Fisheries to begin delivering the key actions identified in the plan.”
[Ends]
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