Partnership improves species management on Great Barrier Reef

11:11 AM Sat 6 Jun 2009 GMT

Dugongs and marine turtles in the Cape York area will be better protected thanks to an innovative partnership between marine managers, Traditional Owners and researchers.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA), in conjunction with James Cook University (JCU) and the Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility (MTSRF), are holding a three-day spatial closures workshop in Cairns with Traditional Owners from the east coast of Cape York.

James Cook University dugong expert Professor Helene Marsh said the Cape York Turtle and Dugong Spatial Closures Workshop aimed to work with Traditional Owners to map out a clear way forward for protecting dugongs and turtles in the area.

'Harnessing the expertise of scientific researchers and Indigenous local experts will play a key role in helping protect turtles and dugongs in the Cape York region,' she said.

'We hope to get a really good picture of the current status of dugong and turtle populations in the area and use scientific and traditional knowledge to help develop effective strategies to protect and manage these animals.'

The Traditional Owner groups represented at the meeting are from the east coast of Cape York and include Gudang, Yadhaigana, Wuthathi, Kuuku Ya'u, Kanthanumpun, Uutaalgnunu Umpila, Guugu Yimithirr, Kuku Yalanji and Kaurareg.

GBRMPA Chairman Dr Russell Reichelt said the workshop would bring together key stakeholders to discuss the benefits and challenges associated with using spatial closures as a management tool.

'We're delighted to be involved in this project that's looking to protect some very iconic and important species in the Great Barrier Reef,' he said.

'Traditional Owners have a wealth of knowledge about their sea country and it's fantastic to be able to tap in to this knowledge and combine it with scientific research to assist with helping protect these species.

'Spatial closures are one of many possible tools used for managing turtle species and dugong. Good management requires government and communities to work in collaboration.'

Sheriden Morris from the Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility said the workshop demonstrated the importance of collaborative relationships to help protect the marine environment.

'This is a great partnership between Traditional Owners, scientific researchers and management bodies towards a common goal of protecting threatened species. We're pleased to be part of a project that is delivering meaningful outcomes.'

This project is supported by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, through funding from the Australian Government's Caring for our Country and the Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility, James Cook University and the Christensen Foundation.

www.gbrmpa.gov.au/

by GBRMPA