Fishing arrangements extended in NT Aboriginal waters
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Traditional owners celebrate the High Court decision in July to give them rights over 80% of the NT's coastline (ABC)
Arrangements allowing commercial and recreational fishing to continue in tidal waters near Aboriginal land in the Northern Territory have been extended.
A High Court ruling in July in relation to Blue Mud Bay in Arnhem Land returned control of coastal waters between the high and low tide mark to the Aboriginal people who own adjoining land.
An interim licensing and permit system that allows continued access for fishing was due to expire in July next year, but the Northern Land Council has extended it until the end of 2009.
The Northern Land Council's CEO Kim Hill says in the meantime negotiations for a long-term agreement will continue.
"Traditional owners along those coastal areas are wanting to negotiate with the Territory Government and various other stakeholders to work collectively in developing economic development opportunities, but importantly sustaining the fishing stock for future generations."
Chris Makepeace from the Amateur Fishermen's Association says his group hopes to achieve long term access through a permit system.
"What we're looking towards is a win-win situation with Indigenous water owners where we're able to access particular areas where you need land access and they will able to benefit from payments for that land access and perhaps from running individual enterprises in those areas which support recreational fishing."
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