Barramundi fishers accused of gill-netting in Arnhem Bay waters closed by traditional owners

In North-East Arnhem Land, traditional owners and recreational anglers have expressed concerns about the use of gill-nets in inter-tidal waters, which are subject to restrictions. The commercial fishing industry contends that it has the right to operate beyond the Aboriginal-designated areas along the Arnhem Bay coastline. However, this activity has prompted government officials to state that investigations will be conducted to determine if commercial operators are indeed fishing within protected waters, highlighting the ongoing tensions between preserving indigenous rights and commercial fishing interests.