The Australian Government is committed to implementing a robust and sustainable solution for fisheries management in the Indian Ocean Territories (IOT) as soon as possible.
As announced in April, the Government is working in collaboration with the CKI and CI communities and key stakeholders to develop a model of fisheries management that delivers a regulatory framework fit for purpose in the IOT.
Since then, your community representatives have been working to develop their proposals for Government consideration.
The Shire of Christmas Island and its Fisheries Management Group has now provided me with the outcomes of its CI Bag Limits Fishing Ordinance Ballot. The CKI Fisheries Reference Group has also presented me with the proposed framework for Cocos.
The Government is considering these proposals on their merits. At this stage, I anticipate public consultation on the proposed frameworks – which would include engagement on bag limits, governance and compliance – to take place in coming months.
The final model must provide for sustainable local fisheries for current and future generations and reflect the shared priorities of all stakeholders.
I will provide a further update on next steps soon.
