The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has declared a fishing season for sea cucumber in the Torres Strait for the first time in 20 years.
The open season for black teatfish reflects decades of work with scientists, traditional fishers and Government Agencies.
The Department said Torres Strait Islanders would have exclusive access rights to black teatfish (pictured), which is estimated to be worth $380,000 to the local economy — a crucial source of income supporting livelihoods and the traditional way of life in the Torres Strait.
Black teatfish are vulnerable to over-fishing as they are sedentary and found in inshore waters, making them easy to harvest.
In a statement, the Department said the Protected Zone Joint Authority (PZJA) accepted advice from the Torres Strait Hand Collectables Resource Assessment Group and Working Group to transition from trial openings to a permanent opening for the first time since 2003.
“The PZJA also accepted advice to set a total allowable catch of 20 tonnes for the 2023 season,” the Department said.
“Black teatfish caught must be smaller than 25 centimetres, and they must be caught from a boat smaller than seven metres in length.”
The season will close on the date the PZJA determines the total allowable catch is likely to be reached.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, Mark Furner said the 2023 opening was the culmination of 20 years of effort from PZJA Agencies, scientists and traditional inhabitants to rebuild the fishery.
“The black teatfish season will be monitored by a joint patrol of fisheries officers from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority and the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries to ensure all fishing is in accordance with the rules,” Mr Furner said.
