Saltwater People Network

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people whose traditional country includes the coastal and marine environments of tropical north Australia are called ‘saltwater people’. This term reflects the spiritual, cultural and economic connection to these environments. These coastal and marine environments are also known as ‘saltwater country’ and are amongst the most pristine in the world. These environments support high levels of biodiversity including the largest populations of marine turtles and dugongs on the planet.

The Saltwater People Network provides a foundation for strong partnerships between Indigenous people, government, researchers and industry to address common land and sea management issues. Partnerships such as those created through the Saltwater People Network are essential for long-term sustainable management and protection of north Australia’s saltwater country. Collaborative research shows, for example, the importance of shared management responsibility on the migration paths of dugongs and marine turtles across north Australia.