A Malak Malak Ranger working in the Daly River region has become the first female Ranger to receive a Fisheries Inspector card in the Territory.
Theresa Lemon participated in Certificate III Fisheries Compliance training over 12 months, which included learning and applying skills on country.
The training was carried out by Fisheries NT to support Aboriginal Sea Rangers with additional powers to protect country.
Fisheries Inspectors are appointed to assist in fishery conservation, management and enforcement. They monitor and investigate fishing activity, equipment and suspected illegal activity.
She will also prepare evidence for Police on matters that may require enforcement, and provide fisheries educational material to local fisherman and the community.
She is the seventh Ranger to be appointed as a Fisheries Inspector in the Territory.
All up, 32 Aboriginal Rangers have undertaken Certificate III Fisheries compliance training facilitated by NT Fisheries and delivered by the Australian Maritime Fishing Academy.
198 Rangers have successfully undertaken Certificate II training.
Quotes from Minister for Parks and Rangers, Selena Uibo:
“This is an exciting achievement for Theresa – her appointment will inspire many more Aboriginal Women Rangers across the Territory to become Fisheries Inspectors.
“Our environment and natural resources are among our greatest assets – the Daly River alone hosts a diverse habitat that attracts thousands of local and visiting anglers each year.
“Theresa will continue to support this environment in her new role, carrying out important work to conserve these resources.
“Our Aboriginal Rangers do an amazing job on country to keep our environment healthy – this is why the Territory Labor Government is committed to supporting them.”
