Welcome to sea country!
Indigenous people living on Australia’s northern coastline
have skilfully managed sea resources for millennia and Australia
remains one of the last great strong-holds of dugong and marine
turtle in the world. Today, coastal Indigenous or
“Saltwater People” continue their deep connections with
the sea by taking a leading role in the protection and management
of these important marine species.
United by concerns about dwindling numbers of dugong and turtle in
other parts of the world, Saltwater People across northern
Australia—from the Kimberley coast to Cape York and the
Torres Strait—have joined forces in the NAILSMA Dugong and
Marine Turtle Project to look after these remarkable animals. This
cooperative effort is essential for managing animals known for
their long-distance migrations.
Indigenous Rangers are the “frontline” environmental
defenders of Australia’s vast and isolated northern coastline
– doing quarantine and surveillance work as well as looking
after habitats and species. Partnerships with researchers,
government and industry have resulted in new and innovative
management approaches that combine Traditional Knowledge and modern
research methods.
Directed by people working on country, Message Disk is about
sharing these experiences.
Oceans Apart: United in Action
Indigenous people around the world share responsibility for
turtle and dugong management. Message Disk III includes
stories from the Seri Indians of Mexico about their traditional
turtle management and their developing friendships with Australian
Indigenous turtle managers.
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