Commercial fishing is one of the most important economic activities in the Torres Strait Protected Zone and provides a significant opportunity for financial independence for Traditional Inhabitants.

The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) implemented a new Fisheries Program in 2010 and is working to increase the capacity of Traditional Inhabitants in Torres Strait fisheries through training and business support.

The Chairperson of the TSRA, Mr Toshie Kris said "The TSRA has recently established an Indigenous Fisheries Advisory Committee through an open application process to provide expert advice to the TSRA Board and inform the decision making process for the region's fisheries."

Through the Fisheries Program and the Indigenous Fisheries Advisory Committee, the TSRA is consulting with the fisher communities to ensure that fishers have an opportunity to discuss the development of fisheries across the region.

The TSRA also represents the Traditional Inhabitant fishers in the region through its membership of the Protected Zone Joint Authority (PZJA) which is responsible for management of commercial and traditional fishing in the Australian area of the Torres Strait Protected Zone and designated adjacent Torres Strait waters.