A Northern Territory fisherman has angered recreational anglers after posting several videos on social media showing him using nets in a Managed Fishing Zone.
A Managed Fishing Zone is an area where commercial fishing, including fishing with nets, is banned.
Graeme Talbot filmed and posted vision of himself setting nets at the Shady Camp boat ramp and barrage.
Amateur Fisherman's Association of the Northern Territory (AFANT) executive officer David Ciaravolo said the vision was shocking.
"Like everyone else, we were really shocked to see those videos," Mr Ciaravolo said.
"The last thing we expect is to see someone using commercial gear from the Shady Camp boat ramp."
The latest videos were not the only time Mr Talbot's fishing behaviour caused a stir.
In 2013, he was found guilty of two fisheries offences but an appeal the following year, where he argued being Indigenous and "traditionally using resources of the area", cleared him of any wrong doing.
The appeal decision opened the door for Mr Talbot to net wherever he wants, leaving authorities powerless to do anything about it.
While Mr Talbot is protected legally, Mr Ciaravolo said his actions did not past the 'pub test'.
"If that is legal, something is wrong," Mr Ciaravolo said.
"It's clearly out of step with community values and what we would expect traditional fishing to be."
Recreational fisherman want action
While enraged by the videos, key stakeholders said they hoped the vision would act as a catalyst for authorities to make more definitive laws around netting in the Territory.
"There's a real opportunity for traditional owners to be involved in the fisheries management process to define what traditional fishing should be, work with stake holders and I'd be surprised if we can't find a way for that to become law," Mr Ciaravolo said.
One recreational fisherman in Darwin said he wanted to see a complete ban on netting.
Jason Rogers believes netting is harmful to the environment and is crushing the recreational industry.
"Recreational fisherman are fed up with commercial netting and netting all together," Mr Rogers said.
"Ban nets in the NT. If they put a blanket ban on netting for Barramundi in the NT, this will stop."
Since the videos emerged, the NT Government Minister responsible, Ken Vowles, asked for an urgent briefing from his department regarding the Fisheries Act.
Mr Talbot was approached for comment.
