Staff in the Field Management Program work closely with Traditional Owners, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, other relevant groups and marine industries to ensure that traditional use of marine resources are managed at sustainable levels. This is achieved through permits and Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreements (TUMRA) as well as:

• Contributing to Native Title Tribunal meetings
• Holding working group meetings with Native Title parties in areas of high use such as Raine Island
  
• Assisting in the training of Traditional Owner's involved in TUMRAs and community-based management plans in reporting strandings, hunting take and compliance.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a strong connection to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and there are currently more than 70 Traditional Owner groups with connections to sea country between Bundaberg and the eastern Torres Straight islands. Traditions and customs like hunting and collecting are of high cultural importance, whilst the social sharing of food during special events is also significant.

Related information

• Indigenous Partnerships