Category Archives: NT

Northern Territory Fishing Reports

Fishing Reports, NT

NT recreational fishing news update

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WFS Admin

NT fishing news briefs for 2025 … 

1. Barramundi Stocking 

Late June/early July 2025 the NT Government released more than 100,000 barramundi fingerlings and adult fish into freshwater sites near Darwin and Palmerston, including Manton Dam, Rum Jungle and Palmerston Lakes, to boost accessible fishing.

2. Daly River Barramundi Classic and Barra Nationals

The iconic catch‑and‑release tournaments took place once again on the Daly River, drawing hundreds of competitors who once again tagged hundreds of barramundi, which helps assist stock monitoring.

3. Grants and Infrastructure Investments

In February 2025 nine groups received a total of $365,000 through the NT Recreational Fishing Grants Scheme for events, education, boat ramp improvements and inclusion initiatives.

4. Fisheries Compliance

In 2025 the NT Fisheries Compliance Unit launched court action for illegal fishing in the Charles Point Reef Fish Protection Area. Two men were fined for catching golden snapper in a no‑take zone. A new patrol vessel (Caranx) was commissioned to enhance monitoring in remote rivers and coastlines.

5. Policy & Planning

The first round of the 2025 Recreational Fishing Development Plan (RFDP) is a 10‑year roadmap focused on sustainable access, fish stocks and inclusivity. The NT’s 2025/26 budget continued backing compliance, grants and artificial reef initiatives, part of the “Million Dollar Fish” program.

6. Infrastructure

A new boat ramp was completed at Fog Bay (Dundee Beach). The site has always been problematic and the new structure has had mixed reviews, but was generally welcomed. Progress on a new coastal facility with enclosing rock walls is under way at Mandorah, on the far side of Darwin Harbour.

NT

Darwin’s 2024/25 wet season stats for fishermen

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The national radar on March 19. Image adapated from BOM.
The national radar on March 19. Image adapted from BOM.

The wet season affects the quality of barramundi fishing each year.

In December 2024, Darwin had 64.6mm of rain, significantly below the long-term average of 247.7 mm for that month.

In January 2025, Darwin recorded 398.8mm, which is 92% of the long-term average of 431.3 mm for that month.

The monsoon came later than usual, arriving on February 7, 2025. In February 2025, Darwin Airport had 385.8mm, slightly above the long-term average of 371.8 mm for that month.

How will all this pan out? Darwin city rain is only roughly indicative for Top End fishing, as the rain must fall on the river catchments to be most beneficial.

It will be interesting to see if there is more rain through March/April.

Regardless of fishing quality, it’s arguably the annual Million Dollar Fish promotion that keeps people interested these days.

NT

CLP reaffirms commitment to remove all barra gill nets

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Earlier story for background … https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-18/nt-commercial-barramundi-fishing-gillnets-phase-out/103991446

This week’s media release …

Gerard Maley, Deputy Chief Minister
Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries
Minister for Recreational Fishing

Certainty for fishos, commercial operators ahead of 2025 season

January 31, 2025

The NT’s Finocchiaro CLP Government is providing certainty to commercial operators and recreational fishers ahead of the 2025 fishing season, confirming there will be no immediate changes to the Barramundi Fishery.

Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, and Minister for Recreational Fishing Gerard Maley said the CLP was committed to phase out gillnets from the commercial Barramundi Fishery within this term of government, which was an election commitment.

“We are taking decisive action while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Barramundi Fishery and economic benefits for the Territory,” said Mr Maley.

“This includes a commitment to explore opportunities to transition the commercial Barramundi Fishery to alternative gear types.

“An advisory group will be established early this year, bringing together experts from all fishing sectors to provide clear and consolidated advice on revising the Barramundi Fishery Management Plan.

“This process will ensure all stakeholders have a voice in shaping the future of this vital industry.”

Throughout the transition, the Barramundi Fishery will continue to operate under existing management arrangements, with monitoring and compliance remaining a priority.

“On-water monitoring and the use of tools such as the Vessel Monitoring System and the Threatened Endangered and Protected Species Strategy will ensure the fishery operates sustainably during this period,” said Mr Maley.

“We will continue to work closely with the Northern Territory Seafood Council and other stakeholders to identify opportunities for sustainable growth and support for the seafood industry.”

A draft Barramundi Fishery Management Plan will be developed over the next two years, with extensive consultation and public feedback to guide its finalisation.

“By engaging with stakeholders and the community, we are taking the necessary steps to ensure a thriving Barramundi Fishery that supports local jobs, the NT economy, and our unique lifestyle,” said Mr Maley.