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What are the main industries in the Torres Strait Islands?
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Torres Strait Islander peoples
A Torres Strait Islander boy performing a traditional dance.
The main industries that serve as sources of income for the Torres Strait Islands include:
- Pearling: This includes both pearl shelling and pearl culture.1
- Fishing: Commercial fishing remains a primary economic activity.1
- Tourism: This sector is a key contributor to the local economy.1
Historically, the economy of the Torres Strait Islander peoples was founded on traditional practices, such as fishing and the cultivation of private gardens, alongside the trade of items like turtle shells, tools, and canoes. In the late 19th century, the region also saw the establishment of commercial industries focused on pearl shell and bèche-de-mer (sea cucumber) harvesting, which drew significant foreign interest to the islands.213