Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) and the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) are calling on Traditional Inhabitant Boat (TIB) commercial fishers and the wider community to help shape the 2025 Black Teatfish (Beche-de-mer) fishing season.
Black Teatfish is a valuable resource for Torres Strait communities, and the consultation process ensures that opening dates align with community needs, cultural practises, and sustainable fishing management.
To hear from stakeholders directly, the TSRA Fisheries team and AFMA staff will host meetings across the Torres Strait.
Meetings will be held at:
- Mer (Murray) Island Community Hall – 26 November
- Erub (Darnley) Island – 27 November
- Masig (Yorke) Island – 28 November
Meeting times and venues will be confirmed soon, with updates shared on TSRA’s Facebook page and community noticeboards. TIB fishers and all interested parties are encouraged to attend.
Why it matters
The 2024 Black Teatfish season, which opened on 29 April for just three days, saw a total reported catch of 15.9 tonnes, under the 20,000-tonne allowable limit. These discussions provide an opportunity to maximise the economic and cultural benefits of the fishery while ensuring sustainable practises.
For more information about the meetings, please contact TSRA Fisheries’ Senior Project Officer, Quinten Hirakawa on 0448 044 979 or email Fisheries@tsra.gov.au.