Our Purpose

OUR PURPOSE

On 18 February 2022, the Aboriginal Sea Company was established and incorporated as an outcome of the Blue Mud Bay Implementation Action Plan. With over 85 percent of the NT coastline already subject to Aboriginal ownership, the ASC will play a pivotal role in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to unlock and grasp the opportunities presented in the fishing, seafood, marine and aquaculture industries in Australia.

At a high-level, ASC’s key purpose will be to:

  • Support the protection of the cultural rights and management of sea country and sacred sites with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities;
  • Provide education, training, and mentoring support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses;
  • Invest in new business opportunities in the commercial fishing, seafood, marine and aquaculture industry;
  • Advocate for the best interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses and the sector more broadly; and
  • Support the development of research, government policy and data collection on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sector.
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OUR VISION

‘To grow First Nations-controlled marine and seafood industry related businesses’

To support this vision, the Aboriginal Sea Company (ASC) will focus on two key areas:

  1. Maritime Investments
  • Acquire commercial licences
  • Operate fishing tourism businesses
  • Support and invest in aquaculture opportunities
  • Explore freight logistics opportunities
  • Explore retail marine supply opportunities
  • Provide resource management and explore co-operative models
  • Provide marketing and sales advice
  1. Social Opportunities
  • Support and invest in blue carbon initiatives
  • Support governance via a cultural advisory model at a local context
  • Provide leadership in the sector through training, educating and inspiring others
  • Support autonomy-based business models with individuals, families, clan groups and communities
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WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, please be aware that this document may contain names and images of deceased persons. We acknowledge and pay respect to our Elders past and present and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.