IN a disturbing development, the Northern Territory’s fisheries director says the Top End’s commercial fishing industry could be greatly expanded under plans to develop Northern Australia.
According to ABC news, NT director of fisheries Ian Curnow believes the local commercial fisheries is under-utilised and could double in production capacity.
Curnow says commercial barramundi fishing could be sustainably increased from its current five per cent of virgin biomass to 20 per cent.
The director also says the Top End’s commercial shark fishery is under-fished.
“We’re very fortunate in the Northern Territory,” he said.
“It’s probably the only place in Australia where there’s room to grow fisheries, rather than they’re fished at their maximum level or overfished.”
Curnow says government needs to implement the right management framework and assist in breaking down development barriers.
He says a port at Nhulunbuy would enhance commercial fishing operations and help develop the north.
Read more at: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-21/fisheries-head-spruiks-opportunities-for-expansion-in-nt/5467354
