COVID-19 Bio-Security Zones

Amateur Fishermen's Association NT (AFANT)

REMINDER: NO BOAT or VEHICLE ACCESS to NT DESIGNATED BIOSECURITY AREAS. This includes the WILDMAN RIVER, DALY RIVER, SOUTH & EAST ALLIGATOR RIVERS

The vast majority of NT recreational fishers have done the right thing by getting on board with the current COVID19 rules. A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY for doing your bit to help protect Territorians and for helping to prevent the spread of the virus! 🙏

The behavior of most fishers at Easter was fantastic with people following social distancing, gathering and closed area rules for fishing. We have received positive feedback and thanks from the NTG and the Police about the levels of compliance. So remember and take heart, that by following the rules, you are in the vast majority and you stand shoulder to shoulder with our proud community at this critical time. Well done!

This map shows the Biosecurity areas designated under federal law for the Top End of the NT. These areas have been established to protect our vulnerable communities and there are heavy penalties for non-compliance. It is essential that all ALL fishers follow the rules and don't put community health or future fishing access at risk.
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1bt4oj-2m1FTD52gL3oZ2rH__etl0qaTb&ll=-18.351518544513397%2C133.49976650000008&z=6

To be clear, there is currently NO ACCESS by land or by boat to a designated area (including rivers) without prior lawful exemption. This includes popular spots like the Daly, Wildman, South Alligator, West Alligator or Moyle Rivers, including the river mouths (check the map for specific closure lines).

For more detailed information on the Designated Areas, all current NT COVID19 fishing rules, as well as useful links and maps visit our regularly updated and always current info page:

www.afant.com.au/COVID19

We note the positive trend in reducing infection rates in the NT and of course we all have an eye to the future and to returning to the jobs and fishing we love, including with our mates. However, the current restrictions (including boat fishing only with those you live with) remain in place on advice from the health experts, and right now the biggest risk to achieving that future as soon as we possibly can is complacency. So it is as critical as ever that all fishers continue to do our part.

We ask you to join us in extending a big thanks to Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services for their great work on the ground and on the water. They are working hard under difficult and often fast changing conditions. So be sure to follow their direction and remember to thank them for working while you are fishing.

Finally, thanks also to the Australian Fishing Trade Association for working with us, spreading the word through their excellent network. Our new posters will be delivered to NT tackle shops from today.