Note: This information does NOT relate to the Torres Strait Prawn Fishery   What is a Vessel Monitoring System? A Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) unit is fitted to a boat and uses International Maritime Satellite (INMARSAT) communications to communicate information such as the boat’s location, course and speed.   

The Torres Strait Scientific Advisory Committee (TSSAC) has a leading role in determining research priorities and assessing proposals for research related to Torres Strait fisheries. The TSSAC meets 2–3 times a year. It facilitates an annual funding round and administration of research projects related to Torres Strait fisheries. The PZJA usually issues a call for research proposals in September each year.Research priorities are identified in the 5-year TSSAC Strategic Research Plan, which researchers use to develop 5-year fishery research plans.

The Protected Zone Joint Authority (PZJA) has released the draft Torres Strait Fishery (Quotas for Tropical Rock Lobster (Kaiar)) Management Plan 2016 (the draft Plan) for public comment. The Tropical Rock Lobster Fishery is the most valuable fishery in the Torres Strait and the PZJA is encouraging all stakeholders to have a say in how the fishery is managed. The release of the draft Plan is a positive step towards ensuring the continued sustainability and economic viability into the future. The draft Plan proposes the introduction of quota-based management.

Following the resounding success of the 2023 black teatfish fishing season, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) would like to acknowledge and thank Traditional Inhabitant Boat Licence Holders for their efforts to provide timely and accurate data regarding their catch. The 2023 black teatfish fishing season opened and closed in May, after the total allowable catch was caught in just three and a half days.