Partnership with Indigenous communities to boost fisheries management

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Partnership with Indigenous communities to boost fisheries management

[ 18/06/2014 ] NT - DPIF


A new $1.1 million project will see fisheries scientists and Indigenous community members across northern Australia working together on research that will assist with the management of key tropical reef fish species.

Fisheries scientists across northern Australia will gather important information on the stock structure of black jewfish, golden snapper and grass emperor. The data will be collected by Indigenous community members keen on becoming more involved in monitoring and managing aquatic resources. As part of the project, community members will undertake a Certificate II VET course in measuring and analysis.

"Understanding the stock structure of these species is critical to effectively managing these vulnerable species. Identifying the areas where self-sustaining populations exist will better enable us to tailor management strategies to local circumstances," said Principal Research Scientist Dr Thor Saunders from the NT Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries.

"It also provides a valuable opportunity for scientists to benefit from traditional knowledge and gain further understanding of how marine systems change with the seasons at a local level. An equally important outcome is the training component, as it will facilitate ongoing involvement of marine rangers in the monitoring and management of the Territory’s aquatic resources," added Dr Saunders.

Executive Director of Fisheries, Mr Ian Curnow, noted that, "This new training complements the innovative marine ranger fisheries enforcement training already being undertaken and will build upon the capacity of marine ranger groups to deliver natural resource management services on-country. Improved training and capacity building is integral to the Blue Mud Bay agreements that have been negotiated with Aboriginal communities. The shared vision is that government and Traditional Owners will work together to manage sea country."

Project funding has been provided by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, and the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australian Governments. It also involves collaboration with Charles Darwin University, Murdoch University, and University of Queensland. This project is the first under the Northern Research Partnership (NRP) between the three governments. The project is due to be completed by June 2016.