The Protected Zone Joint Authority (PZJA) is introducing mandatory Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) for all primary and carrier vessels in Torres Strait commercial fisheries on 1 July 2017.

The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Chairperson, Mr Napau Pedro Stephen AM, said as this is a new requirement which may have a financial impact on some Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal Fishers, the TSRA will assist current owners of primary and carrier vessels to purchase and install the VMS units.

“The TSRA will be contacting those TIB licence holders who are affected by the new regulations to arrange a time for the installation of VMS units on their vessels,” Mr Stephen said.

All fishers operating in the Torres Strait Protected Zone are responsible for ensuring that they comply with fisheries management arrangements, including mandatory VMS for all primary and carrier vessels from 1 July 2017.

For further information, please contact the TSRA Fisheries team on fisheries@tsra.gov.au or call 07 4069 0700.