"This is an opportunity for local fishers to participate in the survey that will provide objective data on the industry, including questions about catch, methods, income and costs for the 2004-05 and 2005-06 financial years."

"In addition, ABARE will be seeking information about the general location of fishing operations and of regional expenditure by fishers," explains Phillip Glyde, Executive Director of ABARE.

"We will be surveying fishers on Thursday Island, Badu Island, Yam Island, Murray Islands, Yorke Island and Darnley Island from Monday 22 January to Saturday 3 February."

Survey results will be used to benefit the Torres Strait community in three ways. Firstly, the survey results will be used to identify ways that commercial indigenous fishers in the Torres Strait can achieve a higher profit from the fish they are catching.

Secondly, the survey results will be used to monitor the economic performance of these fisheries with the aim of improving profits to all fishers and the wider community.

Thirdly, the results from indigenous fisher surveys (but not from non-indigenous surveys) May be used by the Torres Strait Regional Authority to improve the management of the indigenous commercial fishery.

"While participation in the survey is voluntary, I would encourage local fishers to share their information so we can gain a better understanding of the industry and use the information to assist the industry," said Mr Glyde.

Stan Lui, from the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, or an ABARE officer, will be in contact with fishers in the week beginning 15 January to arrange interview times that are convenient for fishers.

ABARE survey interviews are conducted in person by identified ABARE field collectors, with all information provided remaining confidential. The information collected will only be published or released as industry averages so that the information provided by individuals is protected and cannot be used to identify fishers or their boats.