In a landmark achievement in Australia’s far north, the Torres Strait region welcomes its most diverse fisheries advisory body to date – formed through a historic, community-led process.
Thirty-five members, nominated from across the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) have been inducted into Protected Zone Joint Authority (PZJA) Advisory Committees, marking a milestone for one of the nation’s most profitable and culturally strong fisheries.
Led by local people chosen by their communities, the committee brings together voices from five nations – Kaiwalagal, Kulkalgal, Kemer Kemer Meriam, Maluyagal and Gudamalugal – united by a shared commitment to sustainability, economic opportunity and increased employment through local fisheries.
Guided by community, driven by change
Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Chairperson George Nona and CEO Charlie Kaddy welcomed the new advisory group at a two-day induction in Cairns (13-14 August), celebrating “seasons of change” and power of grassroots leadership.
“Fisheries are the lifeblood of our communities in the Torres Strait region,” Mr Nona said.
“The new committee represent unity, innovation and a generational shift with a powerful mix of experience and fresh perspectives that will shape the future of our fisheries.
“For the first time, members have been nominated through a grassroots process led by community – not government – ensuring representation by and for the people.”
The committee brings hundreds of years of combined experience including as commercial fishers, seafood business operators, marine scientists, recreational fishers and emerging leaders.
Historic firsts and new voices
Among the newly appointed members are trailblazers like Vera Havili (Ofa Mabo) – the first female representative, Ian Wymarra – the only representative from the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) and youngest member, 20-year-old traditional fisher Ronald Kris.
Meriam woman Vera Havili (Ofa Mabo) is an experienced seafood business operator with cultural ties to the Murray Islands of Mer, Dauar, Waier.
For more than 20 years she has supported her partner, season after season of tropical rock lobster, finfish and hand-collectables.
Her community-led appointment signals a shift in the traditionally male-dominated industry, highlighting the growing role of First Nations women in shaping the region’s fisheries.
Ms Havili said fisheries was part of Torres Strait culture and community, with deep spiritual connection for local people.
“Fisheries is an essential part of life and economics in the region, both financially and socially,” she said.
“Fisheries sits close to the heart of every Torres Strait Islander. It is for everyone.
“We all play an essential part in this field, especially as the custodians of this beautiful place we all call home.”
With a passion for Indigenous knowledge and justice, she is committed to understanding the legislation and policies governing the industry.
“The Torres Strait fisheries are unique, with their own set of challenges, particularly in response to changing environmental conditions and market demand,” she said.
“We must closely examine our fisheries to ensure the environment remains fertile, including by developing more culturally safe and sustainable practices.
“As Torres Strait Islanders, we are born with a responsibility to protect our marine environment and to ensure there is abundant seafood for generations to come.”
Ian Wymarra, a proud Gudang-Yadhaykenu man from Bamaga / Seisia in Cape York is the only representative from the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA).
His involvement stems from a deep desire to be a positive role model and give back to his people – through the waters that have shaped his life.
“It is a must for local people to get onboard so we can set up structures to keep our people caring for country,” Mr Wymarra said.
“We must ensure our people living on the islands and communities benefit the most from our waters.”
His passion is fuelled by memories of sitting down and listening to stories from the ‘old fellas’ working on boats and pearling luggers.
“From a young age you get taught to fish and provide for family, but now we are also being properly recognised for our fisheries knowledge,” he said.
Now 37, Ian brings a wealth of experience as a seasoned commercial crayfisherman and former Navy boatswain’s mate, with a strong commitment to community.
“As Torres Strait Islanders and Aboriginal people, fisheries is part of our cultural identity and it is important to keep that going,” he said.
Looking ahead, his vision is clear – to one day build a seafood factory to create local jobs.
“There isn’t much opportunity in remote communities, my goal is to change that.”
The newly appointed committee will play a critical role in advising on sustainable fisheries policy and practical input to ensure long-term prosperity.
“We cannot afford to be stagnant in the Torres Strait region,” TSRA Chairperson George Nona said.
“Only our fishers have the extensive knowledge and experience of the protected zone waters to know its true potential, threats and opportunities.
“We must draw from the best of both traditional knowledge and western science to ensure our fisheries continue to not only survive but thrive for future generations.”
The PZJA Advisory Committees are appointed to 30 June 2028 as a vital link between local fishers, communities and decision-makers. Work will focus on fisheries sustainability and unlocking opportunities across the region – including for aspiring fishers, women and youth in the fishing industry.
“This is a vision of unity,” Mr Nona said.
“Five nations with one purpose to sustain, celebrate and elevate our world-class fisheries.”
Congratulations to the 35 PZJA Advisory Committee Members 2025-2028:
- Aaron Tom
- Abia Gibuma
- Adrian Akiba
- Allan Passi
- David Baragud
- Gavin Mosby
- Graham Hirakawa
- Harry Nona
- Ian Wymarra
- Isaka Ghee
- James Ahmat
- Jerry Stephen
- John Tabo Jnr
- John Toshi Kris
- Joseph King
- Kame Matthew Paipai
- Kenny Bedford
- Les Pitt
- Maluwap Nona
- Michael Passi
- Monti Naawi
- Neville Johnston
- Pabai Pabai
- Patrick Mooka
- Rocky Stephen
- Ronald Kris
- Satrick Baluz
- Steven Tom
- Thomas Mooka
- Thomas Namoa
- Thomas Holland
- Thomas Fujii
- Tony Pearson
- Torenzo Elisala
- Vera Havili (Ofa Mabo)
Members are appointed among eight PZJA Advisory Committees – with some dually appointed depending on expertise:
- Tropical Rock Lobster Working Group
- Tropical Rock Lobster Resource Assessment Group
- Finfish Working Group
- Finfish Resource Assessment Group
- Hand Collectables Working Group
- Hand Collectables Resource Assessment Group
- Torres Strait Prawn Management Advisory Committee
- Torres Strait Scientific Advisory Committee
The Torres Strait region stretches 150 kilometres northwards from Cape York Peninsula to Papua New Guinea (PNG) and up to 300 kilometres from east to west. This 48,000 km² area includes more than 270 islands and reefs.
About the Protected Zone Joint Authority
Commercial fishing is one of the most economically important activities in the Torres Strait Protected Zone.
The Protected Zone Joint Authority (PZJA) is responsible for management of commercial and traditional fishing in the Australian area of the Torres Strait Protected Zone (TSPZ) and designated adjacent Torres Strait waters.
The Torres Strait Protected Zone Joint Authority (PZJA) established by the Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984 comprises the Commonwealth Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities, and the Chair of the Torres Strait Regional Authority.
The PZJA Members are supported by government agencies including the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Torres Strait Regional Authority.
More information at www.pzja.gov.au/who-we-are
About TSRA
Established on 1 July 1994, the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) is a statutory body and the lead Commonwealth agency in the Torres Strait for Indigenous Affairs, operating under the direction of a community-elected board.
As one of the most remote Australian Public Service (APS) agencies, TSRA supports programs across the region, including for 17 inhabited islands of the Torres Strait and the communities of Bamaga and Seisia on the Northern Peninsula Area of mainland Australia.
TSRA delivers eight program areas across the region – Safe Communities, Healthy Communities, Governance and Leadership, Environmental Management, Regional Infrastructure, Fisheries, Economic Development and Culture, Art and Heritage.
TSRA’s Fisheries program aims to enhance the region’s wealth by managing and maintaining sustainable fishing industries and increasing employment and economic opportunities for local First Nations people.
It is supporting progress towards 100 per cent Indigenous ownership of the region’s fisheries.
As part of its Seasons of Change, TSRA is supporting Traditional Owners in aspirations to move beyond actively participating in forums to leading and managing decisions for the region’s future.