Traditional Owners fear illegal fishing fleet in our waters

Suspicious fishing activities have raised Traditional Owner concerns about illegal fishermen operating in Torres Strait waters near Iama.

A foreign vessel was seen by a local fisherman at Warrior Reef, approximately 62 nautical miles from the tip of Cape York, and within 30 nautical miles from mainland Papua New Guinea.

Gur A Baradharaw Kod Sea and Land Council Torres Strait Islander Corporation (GBK) said it wasn’t the first foreign boat seen lurking in Torres Strait waters – they said they had multiple reports of unidentifiable vessels in the region.

A similar sighting was reported to the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) in December 2022, with little assurance of further investigation.

GBK Chair Ned David called for urgent action from governing authorities.

“These illegal vessels were able to enter Australian waters undetected,” he said.

“They are a threat to biosecurity and border security.

“If not reprimanded, there is nothing stopping the illegal fishermen from returning to our waters and exploiting natural resources.”

He said illegal fishing was a major threat to the livelihood of Torres Strait Islanders who depended on commercial fishing as their primary income source.

Fisheries in the region are managed on behalf of the Protected Zone Joint Authority (PZJA) by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), the Queensland Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry and the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA).

“Multiple sightings should warrant an investigation by authorities, and justifies an increase in maritime surveillance,” Mr David said.

“GBK has a responsibility to the people of this region to provide an avenue to respond to matters affecting the Torres Strait.

“As the voice representing the collective interests of the region’s Traditional Owners, GBK will raise this issue until action is taken.”