The Tasmanian Government has signed over its 40 abalone quota units to the Land and Sea Aboriginal Corporation of Tasmania (LSACT) , establishing a cultural fisheries program – part of a recommendation made in the state’s Pathway to Treaty report published last year.
Prior to today’s agreement, statutory fishing rights were available to Tasmanian Aboriginal people, but they were limited to non-commercial fishing, and for the collection of shellfish for traditional necklace making. In Tasmania, there are a total of 3,500 quota units available to commercial fishers each year. Of those units, 40 belong to the Tasmanian government. In previous years, it would put those 40 units out to tender.
Under the new agreement signed today on Bruny Island, off of Tasmania’s south-east coast, the Land and Sea Aboriginal Corporation of Tasmania (LSACT) will have those 40 units under a three year lease…