Overview
The Torres Strait Fisheries (Prawn) Management Instrument 2025 is a government rule for the Torres Strait prawn fishery, made under the Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984. It took effect on 23 December 2025.
What the Instrument Covers
The instrument sets out closed fishing areas, anchorage zones, and rules on otter trawl equipment. It also bans taking or carrying prawns and Moreton Bay bugs, except where exemptions apply.
Instruments Repealed
This instrument replaces five earlier Torres Strait Fisheries Management Instruments, numbers 10, 11, 2, 4 and 17, plus the 2020 Total Allowable Effort Determination. All of these are repealed.
Scope
This only affects operators in the Torres Strait prawn fishery, not general retail, trade or hospitality businesses.
Key Actions
- Operators or licence holders in the Torres Strait prawn fishery are required to check the full instrument text at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2025L01637 for the new closed areas, anchorage zones and equipment rules.
- Operators are required to confirm which of the repealed earlier instruments (Nos. 10, 11, 2, 4, 17 and the 2020 Total Allowable Effort Determination) previously applied to their operations and update compliance practices accordingly.
- Operators are required to check whether any exemptions to the prawn taking/processing/carrying prohibition apply to their activities.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.