AFANT is advising members and the recreational fishing community that the Northern Territory Government has proceeded with amendments to increase the recreational possession limit for tarpon (Megalops cyprinoides) from five fish per person to 30 fish per person.
At the time of writing, there has been little broader public communication regarding the changes. However, AFANT has verified that the Fisheries Amendment Regulations 2026 were formally tabled in the NT Legislative Assembly by Minister Maley on 12 May 2026.
How this process unfolded
AFANT was formally contacted by NT Fisheries with a one page proposal on 24 March 2026 and asked to provide feedback by close of business 27 March — a consultation period of only three days.
Despite the compressed timeframe, AFANT’s staff moved quickly to consult with:
- AFANT Committee members
- Darwin Flyrodders Club
- Darwin Game Fishing Club
- Palmerston Game Fishing Club
There was general recognition amongst AFANT staff and those consulted that the existing limit may have been unnecessarily restrictive for some fishers who lawfully use tarpon as bait for larger predatory species such as barramundi and mangrove jack.
AFANT therefore supported the practical intent behind the proposal to improve usability and convenience.
However, there were also genuine concerns about the scale and structure of the proposed changes, particularly:
- The significant increase from 5 to 30 fish per person,
- The characterisation of freshwater Tarpon as a baitfish, rather than as a juvenile large pelagic fish
- The absence of any vessel limit,
- The potential for very large cumulative harvest,
- The limited information provided regarding supporting evidence or sustainability assessment,
- The very limited timeframe available for consultation and community input.
We especially noted that freshwater tarpon are not simply small-bodied baitfish. Rather, they are juvenile pelagic fish that must access freshwater before returning to the sea where they grow to large sizes and are relatively long-lived. Additionally, Tarpon are valued by many Territory fishers as a sportfish species.
AFANT’s compromise proposal
Following consultation, and relevant research, AFANT prepared and submitted a compromise proposal (read it here) to NT Fisheries. The proposal was supported by all organisations consulted and sought to uphold the welcome practical intent of the amendment while introducing additional safeguards and review mechanisms.
AFANT’s proposal included:
Increasing the individual possession limit from 5 to 15 fish per person,
Introducing a vessel limit of 45 fish,
Applying the increased limit only to tarpon under 40cm,
Exempting those fish from the general 15 fish possession limit to maintain practicality for bait use,
Implementing the changes as a three-year trial subject to future review and consultation.
AFANT also raised broader concerns regarding setting a governance precedent, particularly where future proposals could involve substantial increases to harvest limits for other juvenile sportfish species (like queenfish or trevally) used as bait.
Final outcome
Following consideration of stakeholder feedback, NT Fisheries advised AFANT that the regulation amendments would proceed unchanged.
AFANT appreciates the opportunity to provide input and notes that our response sought to be prompt, balanced and solutions-focused despite the limited timeframe available.
While AFANT’s proposed safeguards and compromise approach were ultimately not adopted, we consider it important that for any future changes to recreational fishing regulations, NT Fisheries must continue to involve reasonable opportunity for community consultation, expert input and transparent consideration of stakeholder feedback.
AFANT remains committed to constructive engagement with Government and stakeholders to support practical fishing opportunities, sustainable fisheries management and strong fisheries governance in the Northern Territory.
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