Traditional Owners have strong cultural and spiritual connections with the Reef. They also hold deep knowledge about how to care for it.
These strong connections are recognised in the Reef's World Heritage listing. They contribute to its Outstanding Universal Value.
Over 170 Traditional Owner groups are custodians of the Great Barrier Reef and its catchments.
To support a healthy, resilient Sea Country, Traditional Owners are:
- increasingly involved in Reef policy, governance and project implementation
- leading and delivering a wide range of projects that embed cultural authority
- delivering on-ground action to improve water quality, protect habitats and support Reef restoration.
This is supported by government funding and strong, formal partnerships.
These partnerships empower Traditional Owners. They involve participation in protecting the Reef now and for future generations.
Reef 2050 Traditional Owner Implementation Plan
The Plan launched in November 2022. It inspires government and industry to contribute to the sustainable management and protection of the Reef.
The Plan is supported by the Reef Traditional Owner Taskforce (Reef TO Taskforce). The Reef TO Taskforce was established in 2024 and is led by Traditional Owners.
The Reef TO Taskforce seeks to bridge cultures, knowledge systems and aspirations for healthy reef and healthy people.
Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreements (TUMRAs)
TUMRAS are community-based plans for management and use of marine resources. They support the strong partnerships between the Traditional Owners and government to manage the Reef.
These agreements support environmental stewardship and create employment opportunities. There are 10 accredited TUMRAs, co-designed with the Reef Authority and Queensland Government. They cover 43 per cent of Reef coastline with a further three groups working towards a TUMRA.
In September 2023, the government announced an additional $3 million in funding. This was from the Reef Trust, on top of existing TUMRA funding, to expand the TUMRA program. This funding is
- Increasing species and ecosystem protection within the Reef
- Enhancing the protection of Indigenous Heritage values
- Supporting planning, monitoring and on-country activities
- Providing employment opportunities
Expanding the Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers program
In July 2025 the government announced $12.6 million in funding for the Queensland Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers program.
The program successfully combines traditional knowledge of Country with specialised training.
This funding has expanded the program to:
- deliver activities to restore habitats
- clean shorelines
- monitor biodiversity
- undertake compliance activities and educate tourists.
The on-ground actions delivered through the program contribute to the health and resilience of the Reef.
