Traditional (indigenous) Sector
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have developed a close, interdependent relationship with the land, water and living resources of Australia through traditional fishing practices over tens of thousands of years. That relationship includes customary rights and responsibilities of particular indigenous groups to particular areas of land, water and resources. Some of these customary rights and responsibilities are now recognised in Australian common law and through native title legislation.
Commercialisation of fisheries and expansion of recreational fishing across Australia has affected some traditional fishing. However, this effect has been less noticeable in South Australia than in other Australian States and Territories. A policy on Indigenous Fisheries is to be developed by the State Government. Traditional fishers are also involved in a variety of aquaculture enterprises throughout the State.
