Who we are

The Torres Strait Protected Zone Joint Authority (PZJA) established by the Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984 comprises the Commonwealth Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation, the Queensland Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries and the Chair of the Torres Strait Regional Authority.

The PZJA members are supported by a number of government agencies.

The Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) acts as an agent for the PZJA in day-to-day management of fisheries and licensing of commercial fishers operating in the Torres Strait.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) develops policies and programs to address the effects of fishing on non-target species and the marine environment.  This includes bycatch policy, international and national plans of action for seabirds, sharks and other marine species impacted by fisheries, use of marine protected areas and ecosystem-based regional marine planning under Oceans Policy.

The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) aims to improve the lifestyle and well-being of Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people living in the region through the implementation of programs that address their poor socio-economic and health status.

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) is the statutory authority responsible for the efficient management of Commonwealth fishery resources on behalf of the Australian community. AFMA manages fisheries on the high seas, within the 200 nautical mile Australian Fishing Zone (AFZ) and, in some cases, by agreement with the States to the low water mark. In doing so, AFMA provides management and advisory services and implements appropriate fisheries management arrangements in the Torres Strait fisheries.

Page last updated 1 May, 2008