A Torres Strait fish receiver has been fined after pleading guilty to three counts of breaching licence conditions in Mer Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 27 August 2025.
The matter stemmed from the 2024 black teatfish (Holothuria whitmaei) season, when the holder of a Torres Strait Fish Receiver Licence took possession of 475.5 kg of the high‑value sea cucumber. An investigation confirmed the licence holder had failed to submit accurate catch disposal records to the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), as required by licence conditions.
The fish receiver was charged with three offences under the Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984. The court found the defendant guilty on all counts and imposed a $750 fine plus court costs.
The black teatfish season in the Torres Strait is tightly controlled, with daily catch reporting mandatory for both fishers and receivers, and a total allowable catch set by the Torres Strait Protected Zone Joint Authority (PZJA). Daily reporting guides the formal decision on when to close the season to prevent the catch limit being exceeded; in 2024, the PZJA closed the season after four days. The species is listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
AFMA General Manager, Fisheries Operations, Mr Justin Bathurst, said: “Failing to follow the rules is unfair to all the other fishers and fish receivers who do the right thing.”
“When fishers or fish receivers fail to report their catch during black teatfish season, it puts the species at risk of overfishing.”
“AFMA and the PZJA rely on accurate catch reporting to manage the fishery, which is worth more than half a million dollars to the Torres Strait community.”
“Torres Strait fisheries are subject to strict rules to ensure their long-term sustainability. Operators found in breach of those rules risk facing prosecution and significant penalties.”
Suspected illegal fishing in Australian waters can be reported to authorities via CRIMFISH on 1800 274 634 or [email protected].
