BIG HAUL: The 10 tonne ghost net found off the Territory coast.
Ghost net hooked off NT coast
NIGEL ADLAM
03Nov07
BIG HAUL: The 10 tonne ghost net found off the Territory coast.
A MASSIVE ghost net has been found off the Territory coast.
The 10-tonne net was discovered by the Bawinanga Djelk Sea Rangers 2km offshore from Maningrida.
It was brought to Darwin's Coonawarra Naval Base yesterday by HMAS Tarakan.
The net - probably lost by overseas fishermen - is so large and heavy that it took the ship more than a day to haul it on board using its hydraulic bow door, which has a 7.5 tonne capacity.
NT Fisheries Department staff inspected the net for marine pests.
The net will be cut up and taken to Shoal Bay dump where Australian Quarantine Inspection Service staff will give it an unceremonious deep burial.
Fisheries Minister Chris Natt praised the operation by Fisheries, the Navy and Customs.
"This is a great example of inter-agency co-operation to rid our natural environment of these ghost nets, which endanger marine life and public safety," he said.
"Marine debris such as these ghost nets is a major threat to marine wildlife in northern waters and is linked to the mortality of turtles, dugongs, crocodiles, sharks, seabirds, and fish.
"It is also a vector for marine pest introductions, and we should all appreciate the work of the people and organisations who have removed this particular threat to our environment."
Mr Natt repeated his call to the Australian Government to commit more funding to the Territory's indigenous marine ranger program, which is largely supported through work-for-the-dole.
"The retrieval of this massive ghost net is a perfect example of the good work our indigenous rangers perform on a daily basis," he said.
"Indigenous rangers are one of our eyes and ears on the ground and play a vital role in patrolling the expansive coastline and they deserve more support from the Australian Government."
The NT Government gives Bawinanga Djelk Sea Rangers $60,000 a year.
