Successful partnership based on mutual respect

Four years ago, a partnership was formed between Batemans Bay Local Aboriginal Land Council and DPI Fisheries.  

With a shared goal to increase participation of Aboriginal people within the marine estate, the Sea Country Rangers program was born.

The collaboration provides an opportunity for the rangers to train as leaders in managing Sea Country.  

“The project respects Aboriginal traditional knowledge, connection to Sea Country and aligns with work based on protecting the environment,” said Ian Kerr, Marine Manager with DPI Fisheries.  

This partnership was celebrated recently with 6 Sea Country rangers graduating with a Certificate III in Indigenous Land Management.

During the program, the Sea Country rangers worked on a number of projects funded by the Marine Estate Management Strategy including oyster reef restoration, estuary monitoring, estuary weed removal, and revegetation projects.  

In an important win for the environment, the team cleared an abandoned oyster lease in Batemans Bay. Aside from being unsightly and a biosecurity issue, treated timber historically used in the construction of old leases results in pollution to coastal waterways.

The benefit of the partnership is clear with the Sea Country rangers taking a leadership role in Sea Country management – helping to keep traditional land and sea healthy.

The Sea Country Ranger program is delivered by DPI Fisheries and funded by the NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy.