This is a media release from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA).
A Torres Strait fish receiver pleaded guilty to three counts of breaching licence conditions at Mer Magistrates Court on Wednesday, 27 August 2025.
The matter arose during the 2024 fishing season for black teatfish (Holothuria whitmaei), when the holder of a Torres Strait Fish Receiver Licence took possession of 475.5 kg of the sea cucumber species.
An investigation confirmed the licence holder had failed to submit accurate catch disposal records to AFMA, as required by licence conditions.
The fish receiver was charged with three offences under the Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984.
The court made findings of guilt on all counts and fined the fish receiver $750 plus court costs.
The annual fishing season for black teatfish is subject to strict management arrangements to protect the species, which is listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
Rules include mandatory daily catch reporting by both fishers and fish receivers, and a total allowable catch set by the Torres Strait Protected Zone Joint Authority (PZJA).
Daily catch reporting informs the PZJA's official decision on when to close the season to ensure the total allowable catch is not exceeded. In 2024, when the offences were committed, the PZJA closed the season after four days.
Quotes attributable to AFMA General Manager, Fisheries Operations, Mr Justin Bathurst:
"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."
