“The Great Barrier Reef has been cared for by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for thousands of years. That stewardship matters — and so does understanding it.”

First Nations Peoples and Sea Country – The Reef’s Oldest Custodians

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First Nations & Sea Country | Caring for the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is Sea Country, cared for by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for tens of thousands of years.

Rather than speaking on behalf of First Nations peoples, we choose to listen, learn, and amplify Indigenous-led voices and resources wherever possible. This page shares respectful, authoritative perspectives on how Indigenous knowledge continues to play an important role in caring for the Great Barrier Reef today.

Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Sea Country across the Great Barrier Reef and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We recognise their ongoing connection to land, sea, and culture.

Indigenous-Led Perspectives on Caring for the Reef

Indigenous Knowledge and Reef Protection

How Indigenous Knowledge Can Help Protect the Great Barrier Reef – Yarn

This article shows how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems actively guide reef care, conservation, and long-term sustainability. It emphasises the importance of listening to Traditional Owners and recognising knowledge carried and shared across generations.

Read the Yarn article

Why This Matters

Caring for the Great Barrier Reef means caring for Country, Sea Country, culture, and future generations. Listening is an essential part of that responsibility.

Our Approach

We recognise First Nations knowledge as living knowledge, held by people and communities not something others should summarise or interpret.

As we continue to build this resource, our intention is to:

• • Share Indigenous-led articles, organisations, and programs
  • Respect cultural authority and lived experience
  • Provide space for authentic voices, not assumptions
  • Acknowledge that listening is part of reconciliation and care

This page will grow thoughtfully over time.

A Note of Respectful Invitation

We recognise that this page can only ever be partial and evolving.

If Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander leaders, organisations, or knowledge holders wish to share feedback, suggest resources, or guide how this space is held, we would welcome that guidance with respect and care.

This page is offered in the spirit of respect, learning, and ongoing listening.

Great Barrier Reef Facts

Marine Life of the Great Barrier ReefThe animals of the reef, from turtles and sharks to tiny reef fish.Read more →Where is the Great Barrier ReefWhere the reef starts and ends along the Queensland coast.Read more →What is the Great Barrier Reef?What the reef is, how it formed, and where it is.Read more →Great Barrier Reef IslandsGreen Island, Fitzroy Island, the Whitsundays and more, compared.Read more →

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