‘Cultural laws broken’: Island mayor’s push for 10-year fishing ban

Commercial fishing in the Gulf of Carpentaria would be banned for a decade under a push by the Mornington Island Mayor.

Commercial fishing in the Gulf of Carpentaria would be banned for a decade under a push by the Mornington Island Mayor, who also wants local rangers to be able to enforce the management of fisheries rules.

Mayor Kyle Yanner wrote to Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon last month amid concerns about a “depletion of fish stocks” on the island.

“I understand that most people love fishing as a recreational sport,” he said.

“However, due to the lack of local knowledge and lack of awareness of cultural protocols by some non-Indigenous people, our cultural rules and laws are being broken.”

Cr Yanner put forward several proposals, including ensuring that all non-Indigenous people obtained permission to access Traditional Owners’ country including sea areas, while all trawlers should be removed from the area.

He also asked the government to consider declaring the Mornington Island area, including all Wellesley Islands, a green zone for 10 years to enable fish stocks to rejuvenate.

“This would allow local people to continue to fish under the sea claim and Indigenous Protected Areas,” he wrote.

“It would enable stronger enforcement action to be taken against those breaking the rules.”

The Mayor said the cultural laws and protocols had enabled the community to be able to sustain and maintain a healthy sea life.

“However, over the last few years, Traditional Owners have noticed it is getting harder and harder to get a feed because non-Indigenous people do not know any better,” he wrote.

Mornington Island Mayor Kyle Yanner

“Boats sizes are getting bigger and catch sizes and quantities are not being recorded due to the lack of local fisheries inspectors to address serious fisheries offences.

“This presents a concern for our ecosystems and the sustainable management of our sea resources.

“Mutual respect and cultural law are the same as they are in the mainstream.

“If you want to enter someone’s house or property, you knock on the door and ask.

“You do this every time you visit, not just the first time.”

Cr Yanner also asked that consideration be given to authorising local rangers to be able to enforce fisheries rules alongside the Department.

Fisheries Minister Mark Furner said he met with Cr Yanner earlier this month where the pair discussed the issues.

“Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol officers already work closely with Indigenous rangers on enforcement and monitoring matters,” he said.

“Access to land and sea areas under Native Title is a matter for Traditional Owners and is a Commonwealth responsibility.

“The management of commercial fisheries in this location is a Commonwealth responsibility under the jurisdiction of the Australian Fisheries Management Authority.

“As I advised the Mayor during our meeting, the implementation of green zones would also be a Commonwealth matter for consideration by the Federal Environment Minister.”

Mr Furner said the government was establishing a Gulf Regional Fisheries Working Group to provide stakeholders an opportunity to contribute to the management of fish stocks.