Quality catch: Local fishers boost seafood processing skills in Bamaga

A group of Torres Strait Islanders in aprons smiling with thumbs up after completing a seafood processing course in Bamaga, Torres Strait region. — Thumbs up for training: Left to right – Shawn McAtamney, Flora Warrior, Dre Ahwang, Daniel Abednego, Ian Wymarra, Saiyan Nadredre, Naseli Kiwat, Daniel Sebasio, Andrew Sebasio, Iliesa Nadredre.

Local residents have sharpened skills and opened their options in the seafood industry by completing a five-day fish processing course in Bamaga from 15–19 June through the Wapil project.

Supported by the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA), the hands-on training equipped participants with nationally recognised qualifications in seafood processing, including cleaning, filleting and preparing seafood to industry standards, safe knife handling and equipment use plus workplace health and safety.

The course (SFISS00022 Fish Processor Induction Skill Set) was delivered by Indigenous Initiatives and Innovation seafood industry experts, Kenny Bedford and Shawn McAtamney, through the Australian Pacific International Training Institute Pty Ltd (Code 40029).

Mr Bedford said the training was designed to help local fishers strengthen their capabilities and unlock new employment and produce pathways within the seafood supply chain.

“Seafood taken from our waters needs to meet the highest standards at every stage of handling—from the moment it’s brought out of the water and into the dinghy, right through to every buyer along the supply chain,” Mr Bedford said.

“This accredited training is not just for our region, it is a national qualification valid anywhere in Australia.

“The training is a response to a need identified to support families already fishing commercially or wanting to engage in the fisheries industry beyond harvesting.”

TSRA Chairperson George Nona said TSRA was proud to help local people build on their existing fishing knowledge through formal training.

“We are known as skilled fishers, but to grow our industry we must also meet high standards in seafood preparation and workplace health and safety,” Mr Nona said.

“To protect the Torres Strait’s reputation for quality seafood we must understand and use the highest standards of quality control.

“Maintaining quality from our pristine waters through to market builds the reputation of the Zenadth Kes brand and opens more opportunities for our products.”

Close up of a man showing a young Torres Strait Islander woman how to fillet a fish as part of a seafood processing course in Bamaga. — Skilled in seafood processing: Trainer Shawn McAtamney guides participant Saiyan Nadredre

Participant Saiyan Nadredre said the training provided valuable practical skills and very useful information.

“This course made me aware of our seafood supply chain and the proper standards to follow when handling seafood from start to finish,” Ms Nadredre said.

“I feel confident preparing fish and understanding what buyers and customers are looking for in terms of quality. I have new skills that I can apply to our family business.”

The training was offered through TSRA’s Wapil project, funded by the National Indigenous Australians Agency, which focuses on strengthening sustainable fisheries, increasing employment and economic opportunities, and building local capacity across the industry.

The training is proudly funded by the Queensland Government through its Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.

Bamaga marked the fifth course delivered across the region following successful sessions on Thursday Island, Masig, Kubin/St Pauls and Saibai.

With continued strong interest, the next training is planned for Poruma from 13-17 July 2026, giving more local fishers access to skills, training and jobs in seafood processing.