2008 Press Release

PR330

Western Science Meets Traditional Ecological Knowledge

For Immediate Release 17 October 2008

The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) and James Cook University held a three-day workshop at the Port Kennedy Hall on Thursday Island last week to explore tools for community-based management of dugongs and turtles in Torres Strait.

The purpose of the workshop was to bring key stakeholders together to develop a mutual understanding of various management tools and the degree to which they are being used in Dugong and Turtle Management Plans.

Mr Toshie Kris, the TSRA Chairperson said that a range of tools have been incorporated into the eight management plans developed so far. These include culturally appropriate management options which can involve spatial and seasonal closures.

“Designing spatial closures requires information about Native Title, information from Traditional Owners, and information from researchers so it is important that there is mutual understanding by all stakeholders,” said Mr Kris. “This workshop has brought everyone together to discuss the issues so that mapping and management details can be explored.”

The largest spatial closure developed to date is the Dugong Sanctuary in the Western region of the Torres Strait. James Cook University (JCU) research has shown that this area is likely to be an important source of dugongs for the rest of the Torres Strait. The workshop discussed the need for this region to be better protected and for Papua New Guinea villagers to be involved in discussions.

Mr Terrence Whap, a Dugong and Turtle Project Officer from Mabuiag Island said his community is a centre for dugong culture and the communities are aware of the importance of managing dugong populations.

“Spatial closures are one of many appropriate management tools but good management requires Government and communities to be involved together in a practical way. Our Dugong and Turtle Management Plans are working documents and everyone needs to be involved in implementing them,” he said.

Dr Helene Marsh, Professor of Environmental Science at JCU, said she was very impressed with the progress that had been made in the Torres Strait region in the management of dugong and turtle. “Torres Strait is not only the dugong capital of the world, but it also leads the world in culturally appropriate management,” she said.

Dugong and Turtle Project Officers, the TSRA Land and Sea Management Unit (LSMU), the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA), the North Australia Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance (NAILSMA), and James Cook University (JCU) were all represented at the workshop.

The Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility (MTSRF) is the sponsor for the Turtle and Dugong Project. It provides funding for researchers to collect scientific information that can be combined with traditional knowledge for better policy development.

For more information on the MTSRF contact Frank Loban at the LSMU on (07) 4069 2947.

ENDS
TSRA Media Contact: Kerry Shegog Ph: 07 4069 0700.
www.tsra.gov.au