Fisheries compliance

In the Northern Territory (NT), the NT Fisheries Compliance unit is responsible for enforcing fishing rules.

This unit includes fisheries officers and Aboriginal marine rangers who have certain responsibilities.

They wear uniforms and if queried, can produce their ID card to exercise their powers.

Previously, this unit was with NT Police, who still provide support as authorised fisheries officers.

Responsibilities

Find responsibilities for fisheries officers and Aboriginal marine rangers below.

Fisheries officers

Fisheries officers are appointed by the Minister for Agribusiness and Fisheries. Their role is to:

• assist in the regulation, conservation and management of fisheries to maintain their sustainable use
• perform compliance and enforcement functions under the:
  • Fisheries Act 1988
  • Fisheries Regulation 1992
  • Barramundi fishery management plan 1998
  • Doctors Gully aquatic life reserve management plan 1993
  • East point aquatic life reserve management plan 1993
  • Mud crab fishery management plan 2006
  • Pearl oyster culture industry management plan 1998
  • Spanish mackerel fishery management plan 2004.

Aboriginal marine rangers

Aboriginal marine rangers actively patrol their sea country.

They may also be appointed as fisheries inspectors (class 1 or 2) under part 11A of the Fisheries Regulations 1992.

This means they have the power to investigate, collect and prepare evidence for the Fisheries Compliance Unit to act on.

If you don't comply

A fisheries officer or fisheries inspector in:

• class 1 may:
  • get your name, address and licence or permit number (if any)
  • examine your fishing gear that you used
• class 2 may:
  • stop, enter and examine your vehicle or vessel
  • open and examine the contents of a container
  • order you to unlock a vessel, vehicle or container
  • get you to answer a question.

All fisheries officers also have the power of entry, examination, search and seizure of evidence.

Evidence can include fish or aquatic life and any vessel, vehicle or fishing gear.

How to report non-compliance

You can report any suspected illegal fishing or activity online or by:

• calling the fish watch hotline on 1800 891 136
• contacting your local marine ranger group or police station.

Make a report

Contacts

For more information, contact the Fisheries Compliance Unit by emailing Fisheries.Compliance@nt.gov.au or by calling 08 8999 2144.