First Marine Habitat Conservation and Restoration Training on Mer Island.

From 23 June to 5 July, Mer (Murray Island) hosted its first-ever Marine Habitat Conservation and Restoration Training Program — an important milestone for community-led conservation in the Torres Strait.

Funded by Qantas Regional Grants and the NAB Foundation, the program brought local participants together to build practical skills in marine biodiversity, marine surveying, geo-mapping, drone operations, and media training.

The training was led on Country by Mer-based organizations - Beizam Cultural Production, Maiso Meriam Mir, and coordinated by The PuipiKak Malu Indigenous Corporation, with accredited delivery by Envirotech Education, a Registered Training Organization (RTO) providing these unique nationally accredited training focused on the Marine environment. The University of Queensland contributed to the design and facilitation of the training.

Totalai LSIC was proud to support and assist throughout the program, contributing to an initiative focused on empowering local people to care for and manage their Sea Country.

The success of the program was made possible through the strong support of the Mer Ged Kem Le Registered Native Title Body Corporate (RNTBC), Elders, and the wider Mer community, whose leadership, cultural authority, and knowledge played a vital role throughout the training.

This achievement demonstrates the value of community-based learning — equipping Indigenous youth and community members with the skills, confidence, and tools needed to support marine conservation while maintaining a strong connection to Culture, Country, and Sea Country.

Strong People. Strong Sea Country. Strong Future.

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