Why did Queensland annex the Torres Strait Islands in 1872 and 1879?

The colonial government of Queensland annexed the Torres Strait Islands in 1872 and 1879 primarily to address the instability caused by the rapid expansion of commercial marine industries in the region.12

Following the 1870 discovery of large quantities of pearl shells, the area experienced a significant influx of foreign pearlers and trepangers (sea cucumber fishers). This commercial activity led to the exhaustion of natural marine resources and created an environment of increasing lawlessness. Furthermore, Torres Strait Islander peoples were frequently subjected to abuse by these outsiders.12

By officially annexing the islands, the Queensland government sought to exert control over the region and regulate the pearling and bêche-de-mer industries. While the annexation was framed as a measure to manage these commercial interests, it had a profound negative impact on the Indigenous population, as it resulted in the loss of their traditional landowning rights.123