2007 Press Release

Achieving Traditional Fisher Aspirations a Priority of TSRA Budget

27/06/2007

The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) has reaffirmed its commitment toward securing a greater share of the catch for traditional fishers by boosting its 2007-2008 fisheries budget to $300,000.

TSRA Chairperson Mr Toshie Kris, said significant progress has been made over the past year and with these additional funds, the TSRA aims to continue the momentum by promoting community fisher aspirations and strengthening their capacity.

“We have worked hard to ensure that Community Fishery Representatives (CFG) have a strong voice at consultative forums and this has resulted in a number of key achievements in 2006-2007,” said Mr Kris.

“For the first time in April Protected Zone Joint Authority Members, including both Australian and Queensland Government Fisheries Ministers, participated in community stakeholder engagement visits on the outer islands, conducting open discussions with the communities of Badu and Masig.

“In addition, the tender process for the buy-out of non-Indigenous fishing licences from the Tropical Rock Lobster (TRL) fishery was implemented and is now well underway.

“When this TRL tender process is complete, traditional fishers will enjoy an increase in the share of future lobster quota and a similar buy-out process will commence for the Fin-fish fishery.

“The TSRA will continue to maintain the fishing rights of the region’s traditional inhabitants in 2007-2008 and assist our CFGs to build their capacity to negotiate and plan for the future.

“To effectively manage the future quota from the buy-outs, this year we will support the CFG and traditional fishers to work with a consultant to develop a preferred Torres Strait fisheries quota management structure that maximises economic benefits and ensures fair distribution amongst our people.

“With the future responsibility of managing our quotas, we will hold additional workshops and meetings to enhance CFG understanding of Australian and International fisheries management.

“Our fisheries are the primary natural resource from which a real economy can be based and it is important that our people are adequately equipped to sustainably manage this precious asset.

“TSRA’s long term objective is to progress Indigenous management and ownership of the region’s fisheries, and together with the ongoing constructive participation of our community fishers, we can achieve that goal,” Mr Kris said.

ENDS

TSRA Media Contact: Susan Reilly Ph: 07 4069 0700.