Header Ads

TSRA launches Torres Strait Fisheries Guidebook

The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) recently launched the Torres Strait Fisheries Guidebook; an at-sea guide for commercial fishing vessels in the Torres Strait Protected Zone fisheries.
The guidebook furthers the TSRA’s commitment to providing the community access to essential information and assists in building on the regions capacity to engage in the management of our fisheries.
The TSRA Chairperson, Mr Napau Pedro Stephen AM, said the guidebook was developed as a tool to assist fishers in understanding the rules and regulations for catching and carrying species found in the Torres Strait.
“This guidebook clearly outlines the rules on allowable catch, size limits, fishing equipment, boat size, and license restrictions for each species,” Mr Stephen said.
“Illegal fishing harms the environment, culture, and people of the Torres Strait. The guidebook is thus a great resource to help fishers report on non-compliance that they see in the fishing grounds.”
Mr Stephen said we can all play a role in the sustainable management of our fisheries and assist in the prevention of illegal fishing practices by knowing and following the rules as well as reporting any illegal activity when we see it.
“Commonly recognised illegal fishing practices include fishers fishing in closed areas or in closed season, taking more catch than allowed, unregistered commercial boats, using banned fishing methods, and commercial catch being taken across the Australian/Papa New Guinea boarder,” Mr Stephen said.
“If you suspect domestic illegal fishing please report it to the 24-hour toll-free FISH WATCH HOTLINE 1800 017 116, or if you suspect foreign illegal fishing report it to the 24-hour toll-free CRIMFISH hotline 1800 274 634.”
For further information or a copy of the guidebook please contact the TSRA Fisheries team on fisheries@tsra.gov.au or 07 40 690 700. The guidebook is also now available for viewing on the TSRA website.
Powered by Blogger.