clients (2.4%) were from other countries (Figure 6). FTO client days fished and client origins, 1994 to 2011 Figure 6. Economic Impact Current Exploitation Status The FTO industry is an important contributor to Although FTOs maintain a release rate of around the tourism sector; with approximately 75% of their total catch, substantially increasing Territory’s 70% of FTO clients being visitors from interstate reef fishing effort is generating concern regarding or overseas, bringing new money into the the sustainability of several reef species with economy. A recent valuation of the NT guided vulnerable life history characteristics (slow fishing industry for the three years growth, late maturity) and a susceptibility to indicates the estimated average value of barotrauma. Releasing reef fish captured from production is over $15 million per annum. The water deeper than 10 m is no longer considered total economic impact of the sector for the same best practice and management strategies to most three year period is estimated at over $26 million effectively conserve these fish stocks are being per annum, with approximately 80% ($22 million) developed. of this figure attributable to spending by interstate Future Assessment Needs and overseas tourists. The estimated indirect employment impact is over 300 additional The logbook returns provide essential data to jobs (in the wider NT economy) per 100 fishery managers. These are combined with data direct FTO jobs. from recreational fishing surveys to provide an overview of the NT recreational fishing sector. Results from the most recent recreational fishing survey are expected in 2012. Monitoring The guided fishing tourism industry is monitored primarily through logbook returns information. Summary Annual logbook data summaries are compiled to show the number of each species caught and All fisheries research on recreationally significant released, fishing methods used, time and areas species is important to FTOs. The current fished and client origins. In addition, NT Fisheries relevant research programs focus on golden and staff conduct onboard monitoring of this sector to other snappers, black jewfish, barramundi, obtain information on size structure and biology sharks, Spanish mackerel and mud crabs. of key target species. Detailed information is available in the relevant Fishery Status Report. Stock Assessment Methods and Reliability Incorporation into Management Data from FTO logbook returns and recreational Assessment of FTO and recreational fishing fishing surveys are used for species-specific survey data, combined with outcomes from stock assessments. Details have been included specific research programs, are considered when in individual Fishery Status Reports elsewhere in decisions are made regarding fishery area this publication. restrictions, regulation amendments,
clients (2.4%) were from other countries (Figure 6). Figure 6. FTO client days fished and client origins, 1994 to 2011 Economic Impact The FTO industry is an important contributor to the Territory’s tourism sector; with approximately 70% of FTO clients being visitors from interstate or overseas, bringing new money into the economy. A recent valuation of the NT guided fishing industry for the three years indicates the estimated average value of production is over $15 million per annum. The total economic impact of the sector for the same three year period is estimated at over $26 million per annum, with approximately 80% ($22 million) of this figure attributable to spending by interstate and overseas tourists. The estimated indirect employment impact is over 300 additional jobs (in the wider NT economy) per 100 direct FTO jobs. Monitoring The guided fishing tourism industry is monitored primarily through logbook returns information. Annual logbook data summaries are compiled to show the number of each species caught and released, fishing methods used, time and areas fished and client origins. In addition, NT Fisheries staff conduct onboard monitoring of this sector to obtain information on size structure and biology of key target species. Stock Assessment Methods and Reliability Data from FTO logbook returns and recreational fishing surveys are used for species-specific stock assessments. Details have been included in individual Fishery Status Reports elsewhere in this publication. Current Exploitation Status Although FTOs maintain a release rate of around 75% of their total catch, substantially increasing reef fishing effort is generating concern regarding the sustainability of several reef species with vulnerable life history characteristics (slow growth, late maturity) and a susceptibility to barotrauma. Releasing reef fish captured from water deeper than 10 m is no longer considered best practice and management strategies to most effectively conserve these fish stocks are being developed. Future Assessment Needs The logbook returns provide essential data to fishery managers. These are combined with data from recreational fishing surveys to provide an overview of the NT recreational fishing sector. Results from the most recent recreational fishing survey are expected in 2012. Summary All fisheries research on recreationally significant species is important to FTOs. The current relevant research programs focus on golden and other snappers, black jewfish, barramundi, sharks, Spanish mackerel and mud crabs. Detailed information is available in the relevant Fishery Status Report. Incorporation into Management Assessment of FTO and recreational fishing survey data, combined with outcomes from specific research programs, are considered when decisions are made regarding fishery area restrictions, regulation amendments,
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