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

On 20 March 2026, AFMA received strong advice from the Fisheries Advisory Committee of the Torres Strait Regional Authority Board that the scheduled 23 March 2026 opening date of the Blackteat Fishery should be delayed due to an unacceptable risk posed on traditional inhabitant boat (TIB) fishers to reach the blackteat fishing grounds.

The new start date for fishing for the Blackteat Fishery is Tuesday 24 March 2026. No Fishing for Blackteat is allowed before 24 March 2026. All Traditional Inhabitant Boat licences have been varied to reflect this condition change.

Fishers can contact the AFMA Thursday Island Office on 0437 825 291 or by email at blackteatfish@afma.gov.au to discuss the installation of VMS devices before the commencement of the fishery start date.