While many of the Territory’s fish stocks remain healthy and sustainably managed, others are facing increasing pressure. 

Golden snapper in the Greater Darwin region, for example, is now classified as depleted, sitting at 14 percent of “unfished” levels. 

These localised pressures highlight the complexity of managing shared marine resources across diverse environments. 

But the majority of the Territory’s fisheries, at sea and in rivers, are sustainable. 

Credit for this good news goes to the Northern Territory Government’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, whose job it is to protect the sustainability of all fisheries, from barramundi to mud crabs, while at the same time enabling economic development. 

Backed by strong science and compliance, and having the advantage of a relatively small population, the Territory’s fisheries are frequently cited in international research as a model of good management. 

But, in many ways, the work of Fisheries is under-appreciated by Territorians. 

SCIENTISTS FROM DARWIN AQUACULTURE CENTRE RESTOCKING BARRAMUNDI FINGERLINGS IN THE GREATER DARWIN AREA. PHOTO: ISACC MARSHALL 

A dedicated team of 80 specialists, including a mix of scientists, technicians, compliance officers, licensing and regulatory officers, education and engagement, oversee all aspects of commercial, recreational, guided and Indigenous traditional fishing sectors. 

One of these is chief scientist Michael Usher, whose father was a commercial fisherman and who spent years on the lakes and rivers of the Shoalhaven in New South Wales. 

His love of recreational fishing followed him to Darwin, where he has worked at NT Fisheries for more than 10 years overseeing research and monitoring programs to inform sustainable management of local fisheries. 

“I’m responsible for leading a brilliant, and highly skilled research team, to provide evidence-based advice to guide fisheries management and policy,” Mr Usher says. 

“My role as the chief scientist is to bridge scientific research, aquatic resource management and the fishing community, translating complex data into practical usable advice. I’m also proud to represent the Northern Territory at national forums, working closely with other research institutions, contributing to expertise and understanding of fisheries science and management across Australia.” 

Supporting the interests of commercial, fishing tour operators, recreational and traditional fishers is the most demanding – and contentious – part of Fisheries work. 

“It’s a balancing act,” says aquatic resources senior director Pippa Hunter. “We use a wide range of measures, including setting and enforcing catch controls, managing fishing zones, different gear types, target species and applying the latest scientific data to ensure economic viability and environmental sustainability. 

“We also encourage fishers to spread their effort to avoid putting too much pressure on particular species or locations.” 

That last point speaks to a broader truth about fisheries management: it is not just about regulation, but also about stewardship. 

The community plays a critical role. Recreational and commercial fishers alike are key to protecting the long-term health of these ecosystems. One of the simplest and most effective ways to contribute is by diversifying catches, which means targeting other more abundant species in and around Darwin, rather than focusing on those under strain. 

The overarching aim of Fisheries is simple: to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector. And by most measures, it is working. 

This success is grounded in strong science and monitoring. Fisheries teams collect and analyse a range of data to track the health of fish populations. As part of this collection, technical officers go on commercial vessels as observers to document and report on all the catch, including any by-catch species. 

That data informs stock assessments – a critical process used to determine the health and sustainability of fish populations. 

Beyond monitoring, Fisheries’ responsibilities are broad. They include aquaculture development, managing aquatic biosecurity, preserving endangered, threatened and protected species, supporting recreational fishing by stocking waterways with fingerlings from the Darwin Aquatic Centre, and working closely with fishers to encourage compliance — with education always the first priority, and enforcement used where necessary. 

“The team is doing a great job of managing the diverse nature of our Fisheries,” says Ms Hunter. 

“From biosecurity to ensuring everyone – from weekend anglers to large-scale operators – is fishing within the rules, their work is essential to keeping our fisheries sustainable.” 

In recognition of the important work that Fisheries do, the NT Government has invested $4 million over the next two years in the Fisheries compliance unit, which will enable officers to be even more effective. 

The Territory is also reshaping its fishing landscape. Fisheries is overseeing the phasing out of gillnets by commercial barramundi operators. This has further cemented its reputation as a premier destination for anglers from across Australia and around the world to catch a prized barra! 

Fisheries make a significant contribution to the Territory’s economy. The commercial fishing industry is worth about $300 million a year, with 190 commercial vessels operating in the Territory. Recreational fishing adds a further $270 million a year and supports about 2500 jobs. Beyond economics, fishing is deeply embedded in the Territory’s lifestyle. Surveys show that a third of people living in the Top End go fishing at least once a year, while the region continues to attract tourists from around the world. 

In the end, the Territory’s success story comes down to shared responsibility. Fisheries authorities can set the framework, guided by science and policy, but long-term sustainability depends on the choices made by everyone who values these waters. 

With world-class management, abundant and diverse fish stocks, and a community committed to protecting what it has, it’s no wonder the Northern Territory is widely regarded as one of the best places in the world to fish. TQ