Traditional use of the Marine Park

Traditional use of marine resources is the undertaking of activities as part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's cultures, customs or traditions, for the purpose of satisfying personal, domestic or communal needs. Traditional use of marine resources activities may include:

  • Fishing
  • Collecting (for example shellfish)
  • Hunting
  • Looking after cultural and heritage sites.

Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people undertake traditional use of marine resources activities to:

  • Educate younger generations about traditional and cultural rules, protocols, practices and activities on sea country
  • Practice their living maritime culture
  • Provide traditional food for families.

Traditional use activities in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park are managed under the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975, and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 1983. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Zoning Plan 2003 recognises that under section 211 of the Native Title Act 1993, Native Title holders may undertake traditional use of marine resources in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

More information on managing traditional use of marine resources, including Traditional Hunting, can be found in the publication "A Reef-wide framework for managing traditional use of marine resources in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park."
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