The project has been commissioned by TSRA to enable development of the Finfish Fishery as envisaged by TSRA and governments following the move to 100% traditional ownership of the fishery. It reflects the need to develop and implement practical and culturally appropriate business development and fisheries management strategies that can ultimately enable the fishery to operate as one of several sustainable, profitable, professional and highly valued Torres Strait Fisheries under traditional ownership.
The need for the project recognises that the capabilities, and aspirations of Traditional Owners are likely to evolve over time as the fishery and supporting capabilities develop.
The fishery has previously generated substantially more revenue than it is currently generating and catches have declined significantly since the buyout and transfer of ownership to Traditional Owners. With a staged approach, based on a strong understanding of impediments to greater TO participation, and a logical pathway to build capabilities, supporting infrastructure and markets the fishery is well placed to contribute substantially to participants, Island communities and the region more broadly.