Thanks to action by the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Board, First Nations fishers in Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) have now increased their ownership from 66 to 70 per cent of the region’s Tropical Rock Lobster (TRL) quota.
Kaiar (Tropical Rock Lobster) is the biggest fishery income earner in Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) – providing a vital source of income for fishers, families and communities.
TSRA Chairperson George Nona said the major buy-back of non-Indigenous TRL fishing licenses and quota to increase Indigenous ownership would provide a greater opportunity for local fishers to earn a living from the fishery.
“By purchasing a significant amount of non-Indigenous TRL fishing licenses, the TSRA Board is advancing local aspirations towards 100 per cent Indigenous ownership of all Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) commercial fisheries,” Mr Nona said.
He said the move acted on long-held community dreams for greater local ownership, returning quota to local Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal communities and creating more opportunities for local fishers.
“For the first time in almost a decade, this TSRA Board has invested in the buy-back of Kaiar (tropical rock lobster) licences, bringing us closer to a fully Indigenous-owned commercial fishing sector in Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait),” Mr Nona said.
“The TSRA Board investment supports our region’s aspiration for 100 per cent Indigenous ownership of commercial fisheries in the region, particularly Kaiar.”
Mr Nona said the four per cent increase in local ownership up from 66 per cent would have huge economic benefit.
He said the good news came with new responsibilities.
“It is time to think differently. We need to catch all of our Kaiar quota each year to boost income across the region for the benefit of the quota owners, our Zenadth Kes community,” he said.
“The future of our fishing industry is in our hands as community. We must not let these opportunities slip through our fingers.
“Fishing is life for families, community and our economy. If we can maximise our catch while balancing sustainable stock, we can set up Zenadth Kes for economic success.
“More local ownership of our fisheries is key to unlocking jobs, growing income, building wealth for generations and improving outcomes for our families and communities.”
TSRA Fisheries Program initiatives also include the Wapil project supporting safety at sea through safety kits, asset replacement and safety compliance activities to help local fishers get out on the water, catch more seafood and get home safely. Wapil has now approved several asset replacements including a boat trailer and nine outboard motors – some of which have already been fitted and some are on order.
The program also continues to support efforts to build a world-class fishing industry for Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) through seafood processing and handling workshops for local fishers.
Learn more at www.tsra.gov.au/fisheries