Tropical Rock Lobster review team commences community consultation
Independent consultants engaged by the Protected Zone Joint Authority (PZJA) Standing Committee have begun meeting with Torres Strait Island and Northern Peninsular Area (NPA) communities to gain their views about future arrangements for the Tropical Rock Lobster (Kaiar) quota allocation to the Traditional Inhabitant Boat (TIB) sector.
The consultants, academic, Professor Alistair McIlgorm and NZ seafood industry expert Tony Craig want to know what aspirations TIB sector fishers and other local people have for the use of their Tropical Rock Lobster (Kaiar) quota unit allocation. They are also focussing on how that allocation can be better used to get the best outcome for the Torres Strait and NPA communities.
The 13-meeting consultation process is extensive, involving 19 communities over a 3-week period from 28 August to 20 September. The team will also conduct additional stakeholder discussions, to shape recommendations for an alternative framework and process for the TIB sector, Tropical Rock Lobster (Kaiar) quota allocation.
The consultants will use this information to further inform their final report, due to the PZJA Standing Committee before the end of the year.
For those who can’t attend a meeting and still want to have their say email or write to the TRL review consultants by 30 September.
Email: TRL-Review2024@uow.edu.au
Write to:
TRL Review Consultants
ANCORS, Level 3, Building 233
Innovation campus, University of Wollongong
Wollongong, NSW 2522
The TIB sector has access to 66% of the total allowable catch of the Tropical Rock Lobster (Kaiar) Fishery in the Torres Strait, valued at more than $10 million a year (total annual value of production is $16.1 million).