The conference is being hosted by the Aboriginal Sea Company (ASC) which is also seeking the establishment of a First Nations peak body to look after the interests of Indigenous Australians in sea country matters.
“Australia currently has national peak bodies representing [the] seafood industry, recreational fishers and environmental interests in sea country, but there is nothing in place for First Nations,” said ASC’s CEO, Robert ‘Bo’ Carne.
“This conference presents an opportunity to have greater consistency in the recognition of Native Title Rights and relevant legislation regulated by states and territories.”
The stakeholders involved in the design and implementation of regulation and legislation that would protect Australia’s sea country from exploitation have all been invited to meet at the conference in Darwin.
State and federal ministers have been invited to the conference, as have heads of First Nations corporations, scientists and industry to discuss the nuance of issues and opportunities related to Australia’s sea country including climate change solutions and balancing resource access rights with resource protection conflicts.
New Zealand representatives will also join panel discussions on pragmatic sustainable development.
“By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, we aspire to contribute to a future where First Nations governance models, traditional knowledge and leadership are central to shaping Australia’s marine environment,” said Carne.
The evening program for the conference is designed to allow more intimate conversations amongst attendees as well as showcase Northern Territory caught sustainable seafood.
Conference host ASC came into existence in 2022 with the aim of securing more opportunities for First Nations controlled marine and seafood businesses.
The conference is being supported by Northern Territory Business Events and managed by Agentur Professional Conferences & Events.
