Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander interests in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

Abstract

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) is responsible for the care and development of a marine park within the Great Barrier Reef region. The object of the marine park is conservation of the reef. Reasonable use of the reef must be ensured in the development of zoning plans and management plans. Under its legislation, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority in drawing up zoning plans for usage of the area, must take into account all existing uses. Within the marine park there are Aboriginal individuals and groups who continue to identify themselves as traditional owners of maritime estates and who are keen to have their traditional claims to ownership of estates recognised. There is also a keen interest among maritime Aboriginal people to become more directly involved in marine management and decision making within the park. The great strength of the bonds linking Aboriginal people and tlleir land is common knowledge but the knowledge and recognition of the cultural, economic and political importance of Aboriginal 'sea country' has not been given as much emphasis or attention. This report considers the broad direction of how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander interests should be incorporated in the marine park.