 In the early 1860s, beche-de-mer (sea cucumber) and pearling boats began working the reefs of Torres Strait.In June 1879, the "Queensland Coast Islands Act 1879" was passed by the Queensland Government, allowing it to claim all Torres Strait islands including Stephen Island, beyond the previous 60 mile limit.This Act enabled the Queensland Government to control and regulate the beche-de-mer and pearling industries, which previously had operated outside its jurisdiction.