2008 Press Release

$10.6 Million Buy-Back of Non-Indigenous Fishing Licenses in the Torres Strait
For Immediate Release 09 April 2008

The Australian Government and the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) have recently completed a $10.6 million buy back of 100% of non-islander finfish fishing licenses in the Torres Strait.

TSRA Chairperson Mr Toshie Kris said the buy back scheme, an initiative of the Protected Zone Joint Authority (PZJA), will provide for greater economic and employment opportunities for Torres Strait Islanders in the Protected Zone and will reallocate finfish resources to provide for the Papua New Guinea catch-sharing arrangement under the Torres Strait Treaty.

“A process for leasing back Spanish Mackerel and Coral Trout resources secured in the buy-back is being established by the TSRA in close consultation with the Australian Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority and Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries,” said Mr Kris.

“This will ensure that 75% of the region’s fishery will be held by the Traditional Inhabitant Boat (TIB) sector and 25% of the fishery will be held by the Commonwealth Government, on trust, for Papua New Guinea.

“The lease back arrangement is important to ensure existing markets continue to function whilst Torres Strait fishers build their capacity to catch 100% of the fishery.

“Current non-indigenous licence holders are still legally permitted to fish until 30 June 2008 after which date, they will be required to surrender their licences and enter into individually negotiated lease agreements and conditions with Torres Strait Islanders in order to continue fishing in the Torres Strait.

“Non-islander fishers will be invited to submit Expressions Of Interest in relation to leasing Spanish Mackerel and Coral Trout resources and will be permitted to fish in the Torres Strait under specific conditions.

“The buy-back and leasing arrangements acknowledge the importance of the region’s fishery to the livelihood of the Torres Strait people and help to protect their traditional way of life.

“The TSRA is pleased to support the initiative and congratulates the Community Fisher Group representatives and the Australian Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority and Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries for their hard work in negotiating and advancing the scheme,” Mr Kris said.

For further information in relation to the buy-back scheme, please contact the TSRA
Fisheries Co-ordinator, Toshie Nakata on (07) 4069 0700.


ENDS
TSRA Media Contact: Susan Reilly Ph: 07 4069 0700.
www.tsra.gov.au