Fishing Tour Operators
Fishing tours and guided fishing is an integral part of NT tourism and occurs in all waters including Aboriginal waters. The term ‘Aboriginal waters’ refers to waters overlying Aboriginal land.
Permission is required to enter Aboriginal land and waters, including for Fishing Tour Operators. Permission to fish in Aboriginal waters is provided via Section 19 Land Use Agreements administered by the NLC.
The following information outlines access arrangements for Fishing Tour Operators who would like to access Aboriginal waters from 1 January 2023.
Green zones
No section 19 required
Fishing Tour Operators and their clients who would like to access Aboriginal waters marked in green on the Fishing Tour Operator Aboriginal Waters Access Map are able to do so without the need to apply for a Section 19 Land Use Agreement.
The Traditional Aboriginal Owners of these areas have entered into an access agreement with the Northern Territory Government to allow people to access their waters.
Black, Blue and Purple zones
Section 19 required
Fishing Tour Operators who would like to access Aboriginal waters marked in black, blue and purple on the Fishing Tour Operator Aboriginal Waters Access Map need to apply for a Section 19 Land Use Agreement. Please click on the link below to apply.
Fishing Tour Operators who have a valid Section 19 agreement in place, please click the link below to apply for a Recreational Fishing Permit for your clients
Red zones
Fishing Tour Operators are not allowed to access Aboriginal waters marked in red on the Fishing Tour Operator Aboriginal Waters Access Map.
Access is restricted to the Fishing Tour Operator sector for Aboriginal waters in the following locations:
- Along the Finniss coast and the Peron Islands area (including the Little Finniss)
- Areas around the Mini Mini system down to an area just north of the mouth of the East Alligator River (including Saltwater Creek and Murgenella Creek)
Aboriginal Waters Access Map - Fishing Tour Operators
To view all Aboriginal Waters Access Maps click here.
Unauthorised entry onto Aboriginal land and waters could result in a fine of 50 penalty units (currently $15,650) under Commonwealth law, or 8 penalty units (currently $1,408) under Northern Territory law. The acceptance of insurance claims on Aboriginal land may also rely on a valid permit.
Please contact the Section 19 team at Section19_Mail@nlc.org.au or (08) 8920 5100. If you would like any further information, please contact the Sea Country team at seacountry@nlc.org.au or (08) 8980 1925
This information was updated on 19 July 2023