Traditional fishing
Fisheries Queensland acknowledges the importance of traditional fishing as a significant cultural activity for Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders.
Under the Fisheries Act 1994, 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 or Torres Strait Islander people
and - 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
and - those Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people, by their laws and customs, have a connection with the land or waters.
This definition is consistent with the federal Native Title Act 1993. It recognises that traditional fishing may vary from group to group, and that traditional ways of fishing evolve over time and may include modern methods and materials.
Note: Traditional hunting of dugongs and turtles is not managed under the Fisheries Act 1994.
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Engagement with traditional fishers
Improving engagement with traditional fishers as part of the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy
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Indigenous commercial fishing permits
Information on how to apply for a permit to trial a commercial fishing activity
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Animal protection laws for dugongs and turtles
Animal welfare obligations that apply when using traditional hunting methods
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National Native Title Tribunal
Information on applications and determinations, including maps
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Traditional Owners of the Great Barrier Reef
More than 70 Traditional Owner groups have sea country connections with the Great Barrier Reef region
