Commercial Traditional Inhabitant Boat (TIB) fishers in the Torres Strait region – including Bamaga and Seisia – can apply for a share in $1.3 million this financial year to replace an old asset under the region’s leading fishing project.

The funding is part of the $4.75 million Wapil project supported by the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) and National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA).

Local TIB fishers who make most of their income (85 per cent or more) from commercial fishing can apply for funding to replace one end-of-life asset.

Eligible items include outboard motors and hookah compressors (4 years old or older) or boat trailers (7 years old or older).

TSRA Chairperson George Nona said the refreshed Wapil project focused on safety, compliance and supporting a new standard of excellence for the region’s commercial fishing industry.

“It is Seasons of Change at TSRA with Wapil a priority for the new TSRA Board,” Mr Nona said.

“Eso community for youpla patience while TSRA took the time to mekem right.

“Our fishers deserve to access the right tools and equipment to succeed and take our fishing industry to the next level.

“We want commercial fisheries in Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) to be recognised alongside the best in Australia, if not the world.”

Mr Nona said TSRA would contact eligible commercial fishers to apply for the Wapil Replacement Assets Grant Round 2025-27.

TSRA has teamed up with local business owner, Flora Warrior (Saltwater Blue Consulting), to help fishers complete the application form.

Flora will be available for one-on-one phone sessions with eligible TIB fishers.

Applications will be assessed regularly until all funding is spent – or 30 by June 2027.

Grants for safety equipment and training opportunities will continue.

Further grant releases from remaining NIAA grant funds of $2.6 million will be available for eligible minor infrastructure projects like refrigeration and seafood processing equipment (and residual asset replacement applications) in 2026.

This year the Wapil project has delivered:

• 112 Marine surveyor vessel inspections across 17 Torres Strait Islands
• more than 79 safety kits to commercial TIB fishers including flares, electronic safety beacons (EPIRBs), VHF radios and inflatable life jackets plus other safety items

TSRA has also used Department of Trade, Employment and Training funding to complement Wapil by delivering accredited seafood processing training for 21 local fishers.

Wapil is being delivered through TSRA’s Fisheries Program to help local fishers progress towards owning 100% of the region’s fisheries and build strong fishing futures.

It aligns with local aspirations to help increase fishing participation, business development, income and job opportunities through fishing.

Important information: Wapil Replacement Assets Grant Round 2025-27

• Applicants must be an Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) registered commercial fisher and own the asset to be replaced.
• Limit of one (1) grant application per person / business.
• Limit of one (1) replacement asset per application.
• Evidence that you are currently commercially operating your TIB vessel/s now or in the past six months (TIB vessel/s registered to the TIB fisher and has been “in-water” catching product commercially).
• Fish receivers and recreational fishers are not eligible for this asset replacement grant round.
• Grants cannot be used for replacement of recreational fishing equipment or to replace vessels / boats.

About TSRA

Established on 1 July 1994, 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 their aspiration to move beyond actively participating in forums to leading and managing decisions for the region’s future.

Fisheries fast facts – Torres Strait region

• 100 per cent First Nations ownership of finfish and bêche-de-mer fisheries.
• 66 per cent of First Nations ownership of tropical rock lobster fishery.
• 150+ Traditional Inhabitant Boat (TIB) licence holders.