Indigenous win in fishing rights case

Traditional Aboriginal owners in the Northern Territory have won their legal action in the High Court, securing control of waters between the high and low tide mark at Blue Mud Bay.

The decision affects more than 80 per cent of coastal waters in the Northern Territory and gives traditional owners the power to exclude fishermen from the area.

After hearing the High Court's decision the Northern Land Council, which represents traditional owners, said it had developed a constructive relationship with fishing representatives over the past year and looked forward to securing a win-win outcome for all Territorians.