Black teatfish season a success for the fifth year running
This year's black teatfish season set several records including for participation, daily catches and the final total catch.
On 3 March 2025, the black teatfish fishery opened for the fifth year in a row with a total allowable catch set at 22 tonnes.
Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) officers from Thursday Island and Canberra undertook land and sea operations within the region to ensure all catches of black teatfish were landed and recorded in accordance with licence requirements.
AFMA officers embarked on a Queensland Police Service (QPS) vessel and the Indigenous-owned and -operated charter vessel Nekana II (Malu Ventures), landing at inhabited islands and campsites in more remote areas to inspect temporary receiver premises and boats unloading to them.
AFMA fisheries officers observed high levels of compliance across the fisheries 3-day opening, which was complimented with fair weather conditions and a strong level of community engagement.
In addition to the fisheries officers, AFMA observers travelled from across the country to undertake biological data collection of black teatfish on both Mer and Erub Islands. Observers worked alongside community members to assist in the collection of scientific samples of black teatfish in the Torres Strait. This data assists the CSIRO to develop an enhanced understanding of the stock.
AFMA would like to acknowledge the hard work of the communities and Torres Strait fishers and fish receivers in their efforts towards another successful black teatfish season.
AFMA would like to thank the Indigenous-owned charter company Malu Ventures and QPS for providing a platform for AFMA’s compliance program, as well as the Torres Strait Regional Authority and the Torres Strait Island Regional Council for their support. Their assistance played a vital role in the success of another black teatfish season opening, highlighting the importance of collaboration to successfully manage a new fishery.
Find out more about previous black teatfish seasons at Torres Strait Bêche-de-mer Fishery.
For more information:
Media: media@afma.gov.au or 0437 869 860
www.afma.gov.au
