Northern Territory Country Hour NT Country Hour
Aug 21, 2025
Joe Atkins, Manager of Bullo River Station and partner of the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, shares insights into innovative, chemical-free weed management practices. He discusses the urgent search for sustainable fishing gear alternatives to gillnets in barramundi fisheries, amidst the impending phase-out. The conversation also highlights a significant animal cruelty case linked to pig hunting, raising ethical questions about wildlife management. Lastly, Atkins touches on sustainable land practices that revive native grasslands, enhancing both ecology and agriculture.
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Multiple Gillnet Alternatives Being Tested
- Researchers are trialling multiple non-gillnet gears including line, fish traps, tunnel nets and imported trap nets.
- Early results show tunnel nets catch commercial volumes with excellent fish condition, opening premium market opportunities.
Collect Commercial Data Before Switching Gear
- Prioritise testing both existing and novel gears with commercial fishers to assess economics and catch rates.
- Collect regular, year-round data to judge environmental sustainability and profitability before scaling changes.
Phase-Out Is Shrinking The Fleet Now
- Industry uncertainty from the gillnet phase-out already reduced active NT barramundi fishers to two boats.
- That supply squeeze stresses markets and underscores need for clear restructure and viable alternatives.