Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands Fisheries Ordinances

The Australian Government is proposing new recreational fishing legislation for Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands to ensure the Indian Ocean Territories" fish stocks are managed sustainably for future generations to enjoy and benefit.

The Christmas Island Applied Laws Amendment (Fish Resources Management) Ordinance 2019 and Cocos  (Keeling) Islands Applied Laws Amendment (Fish Resources Management) Ordinance 2019 address environmental concerns and place restrictions on recreational fishing by creating bag limits, identifying protected species, controlling the use of certain fishing gear, and restricting the export of fish from the islands.

Importantly, the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities and Regional Development has ensured the Ordinances also contain exemptions that recognise the religious and cultural importance of recreational fishing to the Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands communities.

The Government recognises the significance of fishing to our communities in the Indian Ocean Territories (IOT). Fishing has been identified in both the Our Christmas Island 2030 Strategic Plan, and the Our Cocos (Keeling) Islands 2030 Strategic Plan as a much-loved activity, a major strength as part of the IOT pristine marine environments, and a significant opportunity for tourism growth and economic diversification. Both plans call for the maintenance of a sustainable fishing resource to achieve the communities" vision by 2030.

The proposed Fisheries Ordinances can be viewed on the Department's website at: regional.gov.au/territories/publications and we welcome the views of you, the community.

Comments or feedback on the proposed Ordinances should be emailed to IOTLegalPolicy@infrastructure.gov.au by close of business on Friday 23 August 2019.

I look forward to progressing this important initiative.

Claire Howlett
Acting Administrator, Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands