Recreational fishing development plan 2023 to 2033

Recreational fishing is a huge part of the Territory lifestyle, providing a wealth of social, cultural, and wellbeing benefits, and generating significant economic contributions to the Territory economy.

The recreational fishing development plan 2022 to 2033 has been developed in collaboration with industry to ensure the Territory’s recreational fishing sector will continue to successfully navigate changes, overcome challenges and create opportunities to deliver a strong and sustainable recreational fishing future.

The comprehensive plan was developed in partnership with the Amateur Fishermen’s Association of the NT (AFANT), the NT Guided Fishing Industry Association (NTGFIA), the Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee (RFAC), as well as recreational fishers and stakeholders from around the Territory. Stakeholders were invited to have their say at each step of the innovative 12‑month planning process involving the input of hundreds of people and key organisations through interviews, workshops, and submissions. This process has delivered a genuinely grassroots plan ‘for fishers, by fishers’.

The planning process revealed that the recreational fishing sector exists in a complex and dynamic environment where change is to be expected and prepared for. The plan articulates a vision for where we want recreational fishing to be in 10 years’ time, and sets a course of actions to get there.

The plan will be reviewed by the RFAC annually to ensure it remains current and focused on the needs, changes and challenges of the day.

What is the recreational fishing development plan?

The plan is a web-based resource made up of the following components:

1. The development process
2. 10-year vision
3. Desired outcomes, strategies and actions:
   • Outcome 1: shared understanding and access
   • Outcome 2: diverse and abundant fish stocks
   • Outcome 3: fishing opportunities for everyone
   • Outcome 4: a capable and confident sector
4. Essential behaviours.

Who will deliver the plan?

The plan will be delivered by the Northern Territory Government in collaboration with AFANT, NTGFIA, the RFAC, the recreational fishing community and a range of other key stakeholders.

See how the plan was developed

View transcript of recreational fishing development plan 2023 to 2033 video.

Contact us

For more information on the plan contact Fisheries NT.

Fisheries NT
Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade
Phone: 08 8999 2144
fisheries@nt.gov.au