MARINE CONSERVATION TRAINING
The Sea Women Great Barrier Reef training program (SWGBR) is a geographic extension of the Sea Women of Melanesia initiative, which began in Papua New Guinea in 2016. This extension was developed in response to direct requests from Indigenous women and communities along the Queensland coast, Torres Straits, and Papua New Guinea for support in conserving and managing their marine resources.
Initiated by the Coral Sea Foundation in 2023, and with tremendous support from our program partners, the SWGBR training program marks a significant advancement in marine conservation training.
This intensive program equips Indigenous women with essential skills for planning field expeditions, navigating vessels, and conducting accurate reef surveys using high-resolution underwater cameras. It also includes education in marine reserve science fundamentals, enabling participants to discuss the benefits of marine protected areas with coastal communities. These skills are consolidated into the Sea Women Level One Training Standard, guiding women through a step-by-step development process to ensure thorough proficiency.
The regional success of the Sea Women Training program and the achievements of Indigenous female leaders have been recognised at the highest international levels. We remain committed to advancing marine conservation and empowering Indigenous women as community leaders. With your support, we can continue to expand the SWGBR training programs to First Nations communities around the Coral Sea Arc.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
PROGRAM DELIVERY
The Sea Women Great Barrier Reef training program is an intensive marine science and conservation course, available to women who meet the selection criteria and are chosen from Queensland, Torres Straits, and Papua New Guinea.
Operating from the Coral Sea Foundation’s base on Yunbenun (Magnetic Island) and surrounding areas of the Great Barrier Reef, the program has the consent of the Wulgurukaba traditional owners. This location is advantageous due to its proximity to a regional city and airport, modern services including dive training facilities, and accessible fringing coral reefs. It is supported by our team and vessel fleet.
During the course, participants will engage in mini-workshops and social science surveys to gain insight into the barriers Indigenous women face in marine conservation and will acquire the skills needed to meet our Sea Women Level One Standard, which includes:
Certified Open Water Scuba Diver
SWGBR trainees receive certification as Open Water Scuba Divers, which allows them to engage in underwater activities essential for marine research and conservation efforts. This certification ensures they are competent in scuba diving skills, safety procedures, and underwater navigation, preparing them for extensive fieldwork in various marine environments.
Advanced First Aid and Resuscitation Certified
SWGBR trainees undergo comprehensive training in advanced first aid and resuscitation techniques. This certification equips them with the skills needed to handle medical emergencies that may arise during marine expeditions, ensuring the safety and well-being of the team and community members they interact with.
QLD Recreational Shipmasters Licence
SWGBR trainees learn how to safely operate small vessels for near coastal marine science expeditions, including voyage planning, GPS use, anchoring in reef environments, vessel handling and maneuvering, and understanding lights and markers used for navigation.
Marine Life Identification
SWGBR trainees learn to identify the major groups of corals, fishes, and invertebrates found on Melanesian coral reefs.
The resources for this training are freely available on the Educational Resources page of the Coral Sea Foundation website.
Reef Monitoring Surveys
SWGBR trainees learn how to perform our Locally Managed Marine Area Survey Method and have regular practice using this method in real coral reef environments.
This modern survey method incorporates fish and invertebrate counts over a standard 50m x 5m transect, but also includes the use of geotagging digital cameras to collect high-resolution imagery of the coral community which can be rapidly analysed using the ReefCloud.Ai system developed by the Australian Institute of Marine Science.
Ability to Use the Olympus TG6 Geotagging Camera Systems for Marine Conservation Surveys
SWGBR trainees are trained in the use of Olympus TG6 geotagging camera systems, which are essential tools for marine conservation surveys. These cameras allow for the capture of high-quality, geotagged images of marine life and habitats, facilitating detailed analysis and documentation of reef conditions and changes over time.
Ability to Use Google Earth and Garmin GPS Systems for Site Selection and Maritime Navigation
SWGBR trainees learn to use Google Earth and Garmin GPS systems for accurate site selection and maritime navigation. These tools are essential for planning and executing marine surveys, ensuring precise navigation to survey sites, and the ability to document and revisit locations accurately for long-term monitoring.
Maritime Expedition Planning, Risk Assessment, and Security
SWGBR trainees learn to use Google Earth and weather forecasting apps to accurately plan marine survey expeditions, make fuel use calculations, and transfer navigation information into handheld GPS units.
In collaboration with Coral Sea Foundation security advisors, we also teach them how to assess and manage security risks while on marine operations. This training ensures that trainees can safely and effectively conduct marine surveys, even in challenging and remote environments.
Community Engagement
SWGBR trainees receive education on the core aspects of marine protected area science and the application process for Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMA).
This knowledge empowers them to engage confidently with coastal communities and contribute to marine conservation efforts. Additionally, the program supports their return to their home regions, allowing them to reconnect with their communities and apply their newly acquired skills locally.
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