Qld: Quiet weekend for fishermen

AAP General News (Australia)
04-01-2001
Qld: Quiet weekend for fishermen

BRISBANE, April 1 AAP - Commercial fishermen operating in Torres Strait have reported
a quiet weekend despite demands from islander groups for them to leave the area or face
possible violence.

Fishermen have refused to take their boats away from the strait's fishing grounds despite
the demands of an indigenous sea-rights summit on Thursday Island a week ago that they
pull out until the ownership of the seas was resolved.

On Friday Queensland Seafood Industry Association CEO Ted Loveday advised commercial
fishermen to take extra precautions this weekend following reports that action may be
taken against them over the weekend.

But he said today there had been no problems.

"It's been a very quiet weekend and there have been no reports of any problems so far,"

Mr Loveday told AAP.

Police in Cairns confirmed there had been no reports of any problems.

Last week Mr Loveday said fishermen would continue to carry out their legitimate, licensed
fishing activities in Torres Strait and called for a strong police presence in the area
to deter trouble.

One Torres Strait Islander told ABC television's Stateline program on Friday he was
prepared to put his life on the line over fishing rights.

Torres Strait Island Regional Authority chairman Terry Waia (Waia), who last week urged
non-violence in the dispute, could not be contacted today.

AAP jfs/br

KEYWORD: FISHING (CARRIED EARLIER)

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