Shawn McAtamney, Flora Warrior, Dre Ahwang, Daniel Abednego, Ian Wymarra, Saiyan Nadredre, Naseli Kiwat, Daniel Sebasio, Andrew Sebasio and Iliesa Nadredre take part in the Bamaga seafood processing training course. Photo: TSRA.
Seafood industry experts have held fish processing courses in the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area to help anglers unlock job opportunities, build businesses and strengthen the regional seafood supply chain.
Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) backed the hands-on Australian Pacific International Training Institute event held between 15 and 19 June, which gave participants national qualifications in seafood processing.
Training covered cleaning, filleting and preparing seafood to industry standards, as well as workplace health and safety.
Saiyan Nadredre took part in the course and said the training provided valuable information and practical skills.
“This course made me aware of our seafood supply chain and the proper standards to follow when handling seafood from start to finish,” she said.
“I feel confident preparing fish and understanding what buyers and customers are looking for in terms of quality.
Bamaga seafood processing course trainer Shawn McAtamney guides participant Saiyan Nadredre. Photo: TSRA.
“I have new skills that I can apply to our family business.”
Indigenous Initiatives and Innovation experts Kenny Bedford and Shawn McAtamney taught the Fish Processor Induction Skill Set course.
Mr Bedford said: “The training is a response to a need identified to support families already fishing commercially or wanting to engage in the fisheries industry beyond harvesting.
“Seafood taken from our waters needs to meet the highest standards at every stage of handling — from the moment it’s brought out of the water and into the dinghy, right through to every buyer along the supply chain,” he said.
“This accredited training is not just for our region, it is a national qualification valid anywhere in Australia.”
The five-day Bamaga course was the fifth of its kind after sessions were held on Thursday Island, Masig, Kubin/St Pauls and Saibai.
There has been strong interest, according to TSRA, and seafood processing training is now planned for Poruma from 13-17 July.
Chairperson George Nona said the TSRA was proud to help locals build on existing fishing knowledge.
“We are known as skilled fishers, but to grow our industry we must also meet high standards in seafood preparation and workplace health and safety,” he said.
“To protect the Torres Strait’s reputation for quality seafood we must understand and use the highest standards of quality control.
“Maintaining quality from our pristine waters through to market builds the reputation of the Zenadth Kes brand and opens more opportunities for our products.”
Ian Wymarra processes fish as part of the Bamaga seafood processing course. Photo: TSRA.
TSRA supported the training through its Wapil project, paid for by the National Indigenous Australians Agency.
The project focuses on strengthening sustainable fisheries, increasing employment and economic opportunities and building industry capacity.
The Queensland Government also pitched in via the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative.
