Recreational fishing: Permits and licenses
Dhimurru General Permits allow for fishing at the designated Recreation Areas within the intertidal zone.
The Yolŋu land-owners welcome recreational fishers and boaters to northeast Arnhem Land. We hope your time on our Sea Country is safe and enjoyable. We ask you to be respectful of our cultural traditions, our resources, and of the natural beauty which makes the region so attractive for those who come here.
The Yolŋu land-owners welcome recreational fishers and boaters to northeast Arnhem Land. We hope your time on our Sea Country is safe and enjoyable. We ask you to be respectful of our cultural traditions, our resources, and of the natural beauty which makes the region so attractive for those who come here.
Things to consider
Take only what you need
Yolŋu are proud of their tradition of harvesting only what they need and using their catch to the fullest. Remain sensitive to the cultural environment in which marine life is caught and how it is utilised. Be thoughtful when discarding of carcasses.
Turtles
If you accidentally hook a marine turtle, take a picture, remove the hook or remove the line as close to the hook as possible, and then release the turtle back into the sea. Report the catch to Dhimurru as soon as possible.
Marine life
Please slow down and reduce your speed over sea grass areas or preferably avoid them altogether. Avoid boat strikes by keeping a keen eye out for grazing dugong or surfacing turtles. Reduce noise where possible and be aware of the effect that motor noise has on marine life.
Anchoring
Do not drop anchor over sea grass or sacred site areas and try to avoid damaging fragile coral beds. If you are not sure where they are contact Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation for more information.
Damage
Dhimurru Rangers are out patrolling to check access permit compliance and looking after Sea Country. Feel free to record and report any damage to the environment or suspicious and/or unlawful behaviour to them, the Dhimurru Office, Police, or the Northern Land Council.
Enforcement
Many of these Dhimurru Recreational Fishing Guidelines are in principle voluntary. However, some of the guidance provided can be enforced under Commonwealth and Northern Territory Laws.
Yolŋu are proud of their tradition of harvesting only what they need and using their catch to the fullest. Remain sensitive to the cultural environment in which marine life is caught and how it is utilised. Be thoughtful when discarding of carcasses.
Turtles
If you accidentally hook a marine turtle, take a picture, remove the hook or remove the line as close to the hook as possible, and then release the turtle back into the sea. Report the catch to Dhimurru as soon as possible.
Marine life
Please slow down and reduce your speed over sea grass areas or preferably avoid them altogether. Avoid boat strikes by keeping a keen eye out for grazing dugong or surfacing turtles. Reduce noise where possible and be aware of the effect that motor noise has on marine life.
Anchoring
Do not drop anchor over sea grass or sacred site areas and try to avoid damaging fragile coral beds. If you are not sure where they are contact Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation for more information.
Damage
Dhimurru Rangers are out patrolling to check access permit compliance and looking after Sea Country. Feel free to record and report any damage to the environment or suspicious and/or unlawful behaviour to them, the Dhimurru Office, Police, or the Northern Land Council.
Enforcement
Many of these Dhimurru Recreational Fishing Guidelines are in principle voluntary. However, some of the guidance provided can be enforced under Commonwealth and Northern Territory Laws.
Check out our brochure for more information on recreational fishing (PDF) within the IPA.
NT Fisheries: Know your limits
Dhimurru Permits do not authorise fishing and/or hunting, or the use of boats on 'closed seas'. To fish outside the Dhimurru IPA, apply for a fishing permit from the Northern Land Council (NLC). Please note that NLC Visitor/Transit permits do not allow visitors to fish or hunt on Aboriginal land. Separate Applications for Permits to carry out these activities must be submitted. No fees apply and a licence/permit only need be applied for once.
The NLC say they will process all interim recreational fishing licences and permits for tidal Aboriginal waters on behalf of the Anindilyakwa and NL Councils. Rec anglers will continue to have access to tidal waters covering Aboriginal land in the NT.
Please contact the Northern Land Council to access terms & conditions and to apply for licence/permit.
Recreational fishing is an important part of the Northern Territory lifestyle. The ongoing enjoyment of the Territory's first class fishing experiences depends on the careful management of our valuable aquatic resources and habitats.
NT Fisheries monitors and manages the health and sustainability of our fisheries. However, we all have a role to play in maintaining the Territory's world class fishing lifestyle and ensuring current and future generations can enjoy the pleasures of recreational fishing and catching fresh seafood.
Key points include:
Why have possession limits for recreational fishing?
Visit the NT Government Fisheries website to check possession and size limits.
The NLC say they will process all interim recreational fishing licences and permits for tidal Aboriginal waters on behalf of the Anindilyakwa and NL Councils. Rec anglers will continue to have access to tidal waters covering Aboriginal land in the NT.
Please contact the Northern Land Council to access terms & conditions and to apply for licence/permit.
Recreational fishing is an important part of the Northern Territory lifestyle. The ongoing enjoyment of the Territory's first class fishing experiences depends on the careful management of our valuable aquatic resources and habitats.
NT Fisheries monitors and manages the health and sustainability of our fisheries. However, we all have a role to play in maintaining the Territory's world class fishing lifestyle and ensuring current and future generations can enjoy the pleasures of recreational fishing and catching fresh seafood.
Key points include:
- Take no more than your immediate needs
- Understand and comply with the Fisheries Regulations of the Northern Territory
- It is illegal to sell or barter your catch
- Report illegal fishing activities and environmental damage
- Prevent pollution by taking rubbish home with you
- Respect other water uses
Why have possession limits for recreational fishing?
- Help keep recreational catches at sustainable levels
- Share catches equitably among the fishery sectors
- Reduce the potential for localised overfishing
- Help eliminate the illegal sale of fish
Visit the NT Government Fisheries website to check possession and size limits.
