This legal review looks at the current laws and policies
relating to the dugong and turtle fisheries in Torres Strait and
identify opportunities and obstacles to support a community-based
approach to managing fisheries.
Unlike anywhere else in Australia, dugong and turtle are
considered as fisheries in Torres Strait.
The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) is currently
supporting the involvement of eight Torres Strait communities in
the NAILSMA Dugong and Turtle Project.
A primary aim of the Torres Strait Regional Activity Plan is to
develop management plans that define how these species should be
looked after in the region.
Community-based involvement and planning of the dugong and
turtle management in Torres Strait allows each island community to
shape the way that hunting and harvest in that community is carried
out. At the heart of community-based management is the principle
that those people affected by decisions should participate directly
in the decision making process. Community based management means
that all community members, including women, elders, youth and
hunters have the opportunity to decide how the plans are made and
how they will be carried out.
The review was conducted by James Cook University School of Law,
with input from internationally acclaimed staff in dugong and
turtle research as well as members of the TSRA.
The full title of the legal review is Desk Top Review:
Current Legislation and Policy Conducive to Sustainable Community
Management of Dugong and Turtle Traditional Fisheries in the Torres
Strait.
