During the meeting, the Authority will discuss the management of fisheries resources in the region and therefore, the future of its indigenous communities.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture, Senator Richard Colbeck, who is part of the PZJA, said: “The Torres Strait is one of the most pristine environments in the world – with significant tropical marine ecosystems and species. Fishing is a vital part of the Torres Strait community. It is important that the fisheries be well managed to protect them for future generations and to protect the marine environment here.”
The PZJA will also hold a stakeholder forum before the PZJA meeting, meeting with traditional owners, indigenous and non-indigenous fishers to ensure that their views are heard and can be considered during the decision making process.
The PZJA says it will continue recognising and supporting the aspirations of 100% ownership of Torres Strait fisheries by Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal traditional owners, while also acknowledging the rights of existing non-traditional inhabitant fishers in the region.
The development of a management plan for the Torres Strait Tropical Rock Lobster Fishery, which is consistent with 100% ownership aspirations, will be a key focus of discussion at the meeting and the PZJA will consider community feedback to date on developing a management plan.
The PZJA consists of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture, Senator Richard Colbeck; Queensland Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Bill Byrne MP; and chair of the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA), Joseph Elu AO. Representatives from the Papua New Guinea National Fisheries Authority will also attend the PZJA as observers.
