THE Amateur Fishermen’s Association of the Northern Territory (AFANT) has released an updated strategic plan.
Setting the agenda for the organisation into the future, AFANT is welcoming feedback from members and interested recreational anglers.
AFANT president Warren de With said this feedback would assist in ensuring the organisation’s direction is addressing the needs of the recreational fishing community.
“The AFANT committee has developed the 2013 strategic plan after undertaking a review of current operations and activities, reviewing previous development plans and considering AFANT’s core business,” de With said.
“The committee has also given careful consideration as to where AFANT should be now and in the future.”
The AFANT committee believes the focus of the organisation in the future should be on following key strategic areas:
- Represent and advocate for the interests of all recreational anglers in the NT
- Protect and enhance the quality of the fishing experiences and resource available to NT and visiting anglers
- Provide representation and advice to governments and others on recreational fishing issues
- Maintain and, where possible, improve access to recreational fishing opportunities
- Promote and be an advocate for ethical, sustainable, safe and legal fishing practices
- Participate in the management of recreational and other fisheries
- Liaise constructively with other organisations, including commercial fishing organisations, on matters of mutual interest
- Support and participate in fisheries research
- Promote and be an advocate for the protection of the environment when it has the potential to impact on recreational fishing
“Recreational fishing is recognised as an important part of many Territorians’ lifestyles,” de With said.
“It’s a major drawcard bringing tourists to the NT and a significant contributor to our economy… it is now very much a large and important industry in its own right.
“The AFANT development plan aims to ensure that such an important part of the Territory lifestyle is protected into the future.”
A copy of the draft plan can be found online here.
