▶
Coastal Aboriginal Communities Organize to Reclaim Sovereignty in Australia’s Northern Territory
For decades, Aboriginal communities in Australia’s Northern Territory were sidelined from their own waters. In the 1960s, government policies forced a shift toward "economic efficiency," disregarding cultural boundaries and destroying the small-boat coastal economies that had sustained families for generations.
Through the Aboriginal Sea Company (ASC), coastal communities are now taking back control. By providing commercial fishing licences, technical training, and taking on the market risks, the ASC enables Aboriginal fishers to return to their sea country. This initiative isn't just about industry; it’s about cultural governance, sustainable harvesting, and ensuring that those who know the water best are the ones managing its future.
About Beacons of Hope
Beacons of Hope is a global initiative by the Global Alliance for the Future of Food, showcasing transformed food systems that prioritize people, planet, and culture.
Learn more about the Australian Sea Change story here: https://futureoffood.org/publication-library/beacons-of-hope-aquatic-foods/
