Combine Traditional Knowledge and western science to safeguard Sea Country.
Help build opportunities and alliances that prioritise First Nations leadership in designing and managing marine parks, together with Traditional Custodians and Rangers.
For more than 60,000 years, First Nations peoples have cared for Sea Country, guided by deep cultural knowledge, law and responsibility. Protecting Australia’s ocean means recognising that Indigenous leadership is not optional; it is essential.
AMCS works side by side with Traditional Custodians across the country to embed cultural knowledge, science and leadership into ocean decision-making. From campaigning to stop coal port expansion impacting the Great Barrier Reef, to partnering with leaders in the Nyinggulu/Ningaloo region to secure a commitment for a new marine park in Exmouth Gulf, our approach is grounded in genuine relationship building and respect.
In Northern Australia, through initiatives like Keep Top End Coasts Healthy, we worked with the Marra people to secure the establishment of the first new NT marine park in more than 30 years at Limmen Bight, pioneering a model of Indigenous-led, jointly managed marine protection across Territory and Commonwealth waters. Nationally, we have partnered on hands-on conservation action, including rescuing critically endangered sawfish from drying billabongs, tackling ghost nets, and advocating to stop destructive gillnet fishing and seabed mining.
We also elevate Indigenous voices to the global stage, supporting Rangers to influence negotiations such as the Global Plastics Treaty, where decisions made internationally affect Sea Country at home.
But threats are growing: industrial expansion, plastic pollution, destructive fishing and climate impacts are accelerating. Sustained advocacy and partnerships are critical.
In 2026 we are seeking to raise funds to strengthen First Nations leadership in ocean protection nationwide. By donating TODAY you can support:
- Expansion of Indigenous-led marine parks and Sea Country management.
- Greater support and visibility for Indigenous Ranger programs.
- Direct advocacy connecting Traditional Custodians with decision-makers.
- Knowledge-sharing that brings together cultural authority and evidence-based conservation outcomes
- National and international representation for First Nations ocean leaders.
Together, we can ensure Sea Country is protected by those who have cared for it since time immemorial.
Image Credit: Urala Creek, Exmouth Gulf © Andre Rerekura
All donations over $2 are 100% tax-deductible. The projects featured in the Funding Prospectus are priority campaign activities and needs for which we are urgently seeking funds – current at the time of posting or going to press. As time progresses, there may be some cases in which the project you have selected may already be fully funded. In that instance, we would be delighted to discuss where the need is greatest at the given time. All of our campaigns work in symbiotic support of our mission to protect our oceans. Please be assured your gift will go to work to be the voice for Australia’s oceans, working on the big issues that risk our ocean wildlife.
