

Update on Torres Strait Tropical Rock Lobster Fishery 2019-20 season
The 2019-20 fishing season for the Torres Strait Tropical Rock Lobster Fishery (TRL Fishery) will commence on 1 December 2019. The Total Allowable Catch for the 2019-20 season has been set and outlined in the table below.
TRL Fishery sector |
TAC (kilograms) |
Number of quota units |
Value of each quota unit (kilograms) |
Available catch per sector (kilograms) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Traditional Inhabitant Boat (TIB) licence holders |
200,000 |
662,016* |
0.200 |
132,403.2 |
Transferable Vessel Holder (TVH) licence holders |
337,981 |
67,596.2 |
Note - It is expected that the TAC will be increased once the outcomes of the scientific assessment process and the TAC sharing arrangements under the treaty between Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have been taken into account.
TRL Fishery harvest strategy
The TRL Harvest Strategy was adopted by the PZJA at their meeting on 19 November 2019 and sets out the objectives for the Fishery. Including how the Fishery is monitored and what data will collected. The Harvest Strategy will be used in the 2019‑20 fishing season to determine the global TAC for the Fishery.
Download a copy of the TRL Harvest Strategy November 2019.
Moon-tide hookah closures
Periodic closure to the use of hookah gear for three days either side of the full or new moon each month will be implemented during the 2019-20 season.
For more information, download a copy of the Letter sent to the Torres Strait Tropical Rock Lobster Fishery licence holders or contact the AFMA Thursday Island Office on 1300 723 621.