THE NORTHERN TERRITORY'S PROFESSIONAL SEAFOOD INDUSTRY 

Sustainability

  • All fisheries are sustainably managed under the principles of ecologically sustainable development.

  • A Code of Conduct for the NT seafood industry has been developed and the Northern Territory Seafood Council has developed 10 Codes of Practice for NT wildcatch fishery operators. It has also developed broader Environmental Management Systems.

  • Guidelines have been produced for interactions with protected species, including crocodiles, turtles, dugong and sawfish.

  • There are no fisheries which are described as overfished in the Northern Territory

Investment

  • Over $1.4 billion is invested in licences, vessels and equipment operated in waters adjacent to the Northern Territory, land based support structures and aquaculture ventures.

  • Over 650 businesses are directly involved in the professional seafood industry, many having come from interstate to re-establish in the Northern Territory.

  • A very significant number of businesses such as chandlers, mechanics, boat yards, electricians, refrigeration specialists, carpenters, welders and other service providers are also dependent on a healthy seafood industry for their continuing viability.

  • Presently there are approximately 330 registered commercial vessels in the industry.

Employment

  • Some 1450 people are employed in the professional seafood industry and approximately $90 million is paid in wages each year.

  • During the past three years, in excess of 1100 people have been formally trained in the Northern Territory to obtain qualifications that are used in the in the professional seafood industry.

Markets

  • The vast majority of Territorians rely on the professional seafood industry for their local seafood supplies.

  • Northern Territory product also sells on markets around Australia.

  • Export markets include North America, Europe and Asia and these markets are continuing to expand.

Expenditure

Examples of expenditures by the industry which benefit the local economy and businesses are:

  • Approximately $33 million is spent on fuel alone each year by the seafood industry.

  • Refits and maintenance of equipment are in the vicinity of $30 million a year.

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