31.   The Braer claim has been lodged with the International Oil Pollution Compensation Fund, which was set up to compensate fishermen, farmers and all victims of the disaster.

32.   The claim was lodged just one day before such an action would have been ruled out by a three-year limit.

33.   The issue has created fierce debate with farmers and miners outraged that Aboriginal groups could lodge claims over large areas of pastoral lands, and demanded complete extinguishment.

34.   The judgement on Monday cleared the way for Aboriginal groups to lodge claims over large areas of pastoral lands to which they had historic links.