East Torres Strait Sea Cucumber Survey - Stock survey and sustainable harvest strategies for Torres Strait beche-de-mer 2002

The reefs of east Torres Strait were surveyed in April 2002 visiting 424 sites; this produced precise density and standing stock estimates for each species in the fishery. We used this information to assess stock status and formulate Total Allowable Catch (TAC) recommendations that will allow continued fishing while reducing the risk of stock collapse. This included a recommendation for a zero take of two overexploited species, black teatfish and surf redfish. The remaining species TACs ranged from 15 t (white teatfish) to 181 t (lollyfish) with an overall TAC of 490 t (wet landed weight). These species should form the basis for sustainable fishery in the immediate future.