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Treaty between Australia and the Independent State of Papua New Guinea concerning sovereignty and maritime boundaries in the area between the two countries, including the area known as Torres Strait, and related matters

Document type
Bilateral
Field of application
Regional/restricted
Date
Dec 18, 1978
Source
FAO, FAOLEX;  IUCN (ID: TRE-151788)
Place of adoption
Sydney
Depository
Australia, Papua New Guinea
Language
English
Entry into force
Feb 15, 1985
Subject
Fisheries, Sea
Keyword
Access right Protected fishing area International organization Territorial sea Marine fisheries Traditional rights/customary rights Fishery management and conservation International agreement-text Management/conservation Total allowable catch Fishing licence Navigation Enforcement/compliance Maritime zone Foreign fishing Offences/penalties Marine pollution
Abstract

The text of the Agreement consists of a Preamble, 32 articles divided into 6 Parts, and 9 Annexes. The Parts are: Definitions (1); Sovereignty and jurisdiction (2); Sovereignty and jurisdiction - related matters (3); The Protected Zone (4); Protected Zone commercial fisheries (5); Final articles (6).Part 2 makes provision for sovereignty and maritime jurisdiction of Australia respectively Papua New Guinea over parts of the area known as Torres Strait and establishes boundaries of the territorial seas of Papua New Guinea. Article 4 delimits also the areas in which Australia respectively Papua New Guinea shall have fisheries jurisdiction. Boundary lines are described in the Annexes. A Protected Zone in the Torres Strait is established (art. 10). The principal objective of establishing the Zone bounded by lines indicated in Annex 9 is to protect the traditional way of live and livelihood of traditional inhabitants including their traditional fishing. A further purpose is to protect the marine environment in the Zone. The Parties shall, where appropriate, negotiate subsidiary conservation and management arrangements in respect of any individual Protected Zone commercial fishery (art. 22). Articles 23, 24 and 25 provide for the sharing of total allowable catch of the Protected Zone. Other provisions of Part 5 deal with licensing arrangements, third state fishing in the Protected Zone and inspection and enforcement measures.

Full text
Other  
Website
www.dfat.gov.au

Country/Territory/Participant

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Countries Entry into force Ratification *
Australia
Papua New Guinea

* [1] Ratification [2] Accession/approbation [3] Acceptance/approval [4] Succession [5] Consent to be bound [6] Definite signature