New buoys installed at Finniss River closure line to provide clarity and improve compliance

This initiative, requested by Traditional Owners and supported by NLC, aims to address ongoing concerns relating to unauthorised access to waters overlying Aboriginal land, which is private land under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act, and improve public education and compliance in line with legislation.

The Finniss River closure line has, for decades, been the subject of much deliberation and confusion amongst the fishing community, local Dundee and Channel Point residents, as well as visitors to the area.

The closure line, located at 12° 53.12’ S, 130° 22.3968’ E, is situated approximately five-kilometres upstream from the mouth of the Finniss River. This is the point where the river winds its way into the DWL ALT. From here, it is classified as waters overlying Aboriginal land, and access requires the appropriate permissions from land owners.

The installation of these buoys does not reflect new or changed access arrangements.

Earlier in the year, NLC’s Bulgul Rangers, in partnership with Parks Australia, conducted compliance patrols. These inspections resulted in fines being issued to recreational fishers who were found to have accessed the Finniss and Little Finniss Rivers without the required permission from Traditional Owners.

With the addition of public education tools such as signage installed at Dundee and Channel Point boat ramps several years ago, these buoys aim to ensure fishers understand any access requirements and can enjoy fishing the Finniss River in a compliant manner.

Traditional Owners have long held legal rights to the upper reaches of the Finniss River, but have had to withstand years of the public breaches. Due to limited compliance and enforcement support from NT Government agencies, Traditional Owners have to regularly educate fishers.

The new buoys are a welcome addition for Traditional Owners, hopefully reducing the demands on them to individually educate fishers about their Land and Sea Country.

Fishers can find up-to-date information on accessing the Finniss River, and other Sea Country in the NLC’s regions, at  http://www.nlc.org.au/recreationalfishing.

Quotes attributable to NLC Deputy Chair and Rak Mak Mak Marranungu Traditional Owner from the Finniss River area Calvin Devereaux:

“These measures have always been about Traditional Owners protecting and nurturing the local habitat, including the sustainable management of Fogg Bay and the Finniss area. The benefits this creates — especially by supporting a thriving fishery that extends outside the closure area — are for the enjoyment of everyone.”

“It has been exhausting for the Traditional Owners and Rangers, who often come across boats where they shouldn’t be. Most of the time the fishers claim to have no knowledge of the closure line, are appreciative of the advice, and generally turn straight around. However, there are always a number of boats who clearly know the area, and just keep coming back.”

“We hope the buoys prove useful in clarifying the Aboriginal Land Trust boundary line, and we know with this information clearly available most fishers will show a level of understanding and respect for Traditional Owners’ wishes.”

Quotes attributable to NLC Chair Matthew Ryan:

“These buoys provide a clear marker for fishers. They will be very helpful in protecting our Aboriginal Waters while balancing the interests of the wider community.”

“Education, compliance and enforcement are very important. The NLC looks forward to continuing this work, and having Government and Fisheries join with our Sea Country staff and Rangers on the ground, to make sure the law is upheld.”

“Other parts of the Finniss coastline are currently closed and broader access negotiations for that region are continuing. Constant reports of people doing the wrong thing aren’t helping. We hope that clearer public information (like these buoys) and having people out there following the rules will mean these other negotiations can progress too.”