New Plan to float Territory crocodile trade
Crocodile industry $50 million over the next five years.
The international export of Northern Territory crocodile products looks set to increase significantly, with the new Saltwater Crocodile Wildlife Trade Management Plan (WTMP) 2016-2020 coming into effect today.
Minister for Land Resource Management Willem Westra van Holthe said the WTMP is an important step for industry, providing certainty around quotas and continuous trade.
“I commend the Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt for approving and gazetting the WTMP and enabling the continued international export of crocodile products from the Territory,” Minister Westra van Holthe said.
“Significantly, the WTMP supports the growth of industry by allowing an annual harvest ceiling of 90,000 viable eggs and 1,200 animals.
This represents a 40 per cent increase for eggs and a 100 per cent rise for animals over the previous five-year Plan limit.
"A sustainable harvest is a key component of the WTMP, supported by a robust scientific population model and ongoing monitoring of crocodile populations in major Territory river systems.
“The Country Liberals Government has also ensured the new WTMP reduces the regulatory burden on the Territory crocodile industry by streamlining regulation requirements including the introduction of a 10-year enterprise permit for farms,” Minister Westra van Holthe said.
Crocodylus Park owner Giovanna Webb welcomed the new WTMP and said it will play a critical role in creating additional employment opportunities for Indigenous Territorians.
“The demand for Territory crocodile products is extremely strong across the globe and we are world renowned for our high quality product,” Mrs Webb said.
“This annual harvest ceiling increase means we can produce more products which will in turn open up many more job opportunities for Indigenous people right across the Territory.
“Industry also welcomes the move by government to reduce red tape and regulation; it means we can spend more time growing the success of our Territory trade industry.”
The new WTMP follows the 2015 release of the Northern Territory Crocodile Farming Industry Strategic Plan, which outlined the Country Liberal Government’s vision of doubling the value of the Territory crocodile industry to almost $50 million over the next five years.
