Torres Strait Tropical Rock Lobster Fishery management plan to be in place by December 1

The Protected Zone Joint Authority (PZJA) has confirmed its intention to have the Torres Strait Tropical Rock Lobster (TRL) Fishery Management Plan in place by December 1 this year.

The PZJA is comprised of the Commonwealth Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, the Chair of the Torres Strait Regional Authority and the Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries.

The PZJA has also further considered implementing catch share splits between the Traditional Inhabitant Boat (TIB) sector and the Transferrable Vessel Holder (TVH) sector for the 2018-19 TRL fishing season.

The PZJA will consult with stakeholders on a draft fisheries management instrument that gives effect to the sectoral catch shares for the coming season.

Chair of the Torres Strait Regional Authority, Pedro Stephen, said he was aware that traditional commercial fishers have for some time wanted to fish their share of the TRL catch.

“A management plan is the best way to ensure this happens,” Mr Stephen said.