Home | Protected Zone Joint Authority

On 30 September 2026, the PZJA agreed to grant a permit for scientific purposes to Fishwell Pty Ltd to undertake an annual Tropical Rock Lobster fishery independent population survey (commonly referred to as 'the pre-season survey') which is scheduled to take place from 11 November 2026 across the region. Find out more information in the community notice Fishwell 2026 Survey

This survey is the longest running fishery independent survey in Australia and is part of a three-year funded research project co-funded by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority and the Torres Strait Regional Authority. The data collected from the survey is a key input used in the fishery Total Allowable Catch (TAC) calculations.

Protected Zone Joint Authority

Responsible for management of commercial and traditional fishing in the Australian area of the Torres Strait Protected Zone (TSPZ) and designated adjacent Torres Strait waters.

Have your say: Proposed changes to the Prawn Fishery Management Plan

Draft amendments to the Torres Strait Prawn Fishery Management Plan 2009 are now open for public consultation. The consultation period closes on 27 February 2026.

Learn more

commonwealth crest and Torres Strait Fisheries Act title

Remaking of Torres Strait fisheries management instruments

The PZJA has repealed 8 legislative instruments used to manage Torres Strait fisheries and replaced them with 4 new instruments that include some changes to management arrangements.

Important pages for

Traditional Inhabitant fishers

What type of licence do I need? How do I report illegal fishing? Do I need VMS?

Non-traditional inhabitant fishers

When is my meeting? Who has a licence? What's the latest research?

Committee members

When is my meeting? Who has a licence? What's the latest research?

Latest news and alerts

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News

22 Sep 2026

REMINDER: TRL FISHERY CLOSES 30 SEPT 2026

News

21 Mar 2026

Change of start date for 2026 Blackteat Fishery – Cyclone Narelle

Notice from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority and the Torres Strait Regional Authority

Change of Start Date for 2026 Blackteat Fishery

News

19 Mar 2026

Vessel Monitoring Systems required for all fishers participating in the 2026 black teatfish season

Ways to report illegal fishing

You can help us make sure our fish stocks are protected for the future by reporting any illegal and suspicious fishing activities you see!

Call CRIMFISH

1800 274 634

Mail

complianceoperationsTI@afma.gov.au

Submit an enquiry online