First Nations 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 people 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 people or Torres Strait Islander peoples, by their laws and customs, have a connection with the land or waters.

This aligns with the federal Native Title Act 1993.

Commercial fishing

You can apply for a permit to trial a commercial fishing activity in Queensland.

The Protected Zone Joint Authority manages licences for commercial and traditional fishing in the Australian area of the Torres Strait Protected Zone.

Traditional hunting of dugong and turtles

Contact the:

• Department of Environment, Science and Innovation
• Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
• Protected Zone Joint Authority.