Survey of Recreational Fishing in the Northern Territory, 2009-10

This study represents the third comprehensive assessment of recreational fishing in the Northern Territory (NT). The previous two surveys were conducted in 1994-95 (Fishcount) and in 2000-01 (The National Recreational Fishing Survey (NRFS)). In each of these studies, the main survey instrument has been the same: an off-site telephone/diary survey with stratified random sampling from telephone listings in the White Pages and expansion of all survey results to Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) estimates of the non-indigenous resident population. Fishing activity by interstate and overseas visitors has also been assessed in these surveys. A comprehensive assessment of interstate fishing activity was a major feature of the NRFS telephone/diary survey. However, in both Fishcount) and the latest survey only limited information was obtained on visitor fishing activity through on-site surveys (e.g. at boat ramps and accommodation establishments) for selected key catchments.