Fisheries engagement with First Nations
We want to ensure First Nations peoples can take advantage of economic opportunities for sustainable commercial fishing, particularly in their own sea country.
Working closely with Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples at the community level to manage fisheries is a key action under the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy.
Traditional fishing
Under the Fisheries Act 1994 (Qld) traditional fishing applies in Queensland when:
- the taking, using or keeping of the fisheries resources is for the purpose of satisfying a personal, domestic or non-commercial communal need of Aboriginal peoples or Torres Strait Islander peoples
- it is carried out in accordance with the particular traditional laws and customs of native title holders or Traditional Owners of the area being fished
- Aboriginal peoples or Torres Strait Islander peoples, by their laws and customs, have a connection with the land or waters.
This definition aligns with the federal Native Title Act 1993 which recognises:
- traditional fishing varies from group to group
- ways of fishing evolve over time and may include modern methods and materials.
Commercial fishing development policy
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander commercial fishing development policy outlines flexible pathways for individuals and their communities to participate in, or develop their own, commercial fishing businesses.
Contact us online, by phone or in person if you would like to know more about the policy.
This policy was developed:
- in response to a key action within the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy
- after consultation with key Indigenous fishing stakeholders.
Cultural liaison officers
As part of the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy, in 2018 we created new Cultural Liaison Officers roles within the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP).
These officers help facilitate relationships between:
- First Nations communities
- Indigenous land and sea rangers
- QBFP officers.
Our cultural liaison officers work closely with communities by joining Indigenous land and sea rangers on patrols and fishery management activities, like crab pot clean-ups.
Contact your local QBFP office for more information.
Working group
The Cape York special fisheries working group works closely with key regional stakeholders to:
- identify new economic pathways through charter fisheries and tourism operations
- maintain sustainable fisheries in Cape York.