Traditional use of marine resources agreements and dugong hunting in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area

摘要

Indigenous rights and the conservation of protected species need not conflict. The dugong is a threatened marine mammal highly valued for cultural reasons by Indigenous peoples in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Off the coast of Queensland, this "sea country" of 70 traditional owner groups falls mainly within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This article examines the new traditional use of marine resources agreements (TUMRAs) which have been developed to enable the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to co-manage the Great Barrier Reef with traditional owners. It explores the TUMRAs' potential as a governance model against internationally established criteria and examples, as well as their potential for improved biodiversity conservation.