Sustainable use of Arafura and Timor seas

Ministers, and indigenous and government agency representatives from Australia, Indonesia and East Timor will gather in a 2-day meeting to discuss the conservation, management and sustainable use of living marine resources in the Arafura and Timor Seas.

"The Arafura Timor Seas contain rich natural resources such as fisheries, oil and gas, and are strategically important for all countries that border them," said Dr Russell Reichelt, CEO of the Cooperative Research Centre for the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (CRC Reef). "The maritime boundary between Australia and Indonesia is also Australia's longest shared international boundary."

"The region is of strong interest to indigenous communities. In the Northern Territory, 85% of all coasts to low water mark are under native title. In Indonesia, large numbers of communities depend on the sea for food. It is therefore important to share strategies for conservation and sustainable use of the marine resources," he said.

"The meeting will give the countries that border the Arafura and Timor Seas an opportunity to informally discuss options that promote increased cooperation in research in the area, and ensure careful management of the living marine resources of the region."

The meeting is convened by the Marine Consortium - CRC Reef, the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and the Australian National University (ANU). It is the first international meeting to be hosted by IMPAC (International Marine Projects Activities Centre) in Townsville. It is funded by Environment Australia and the National Oceans Office.

Attending the meeting from Indonesia: Dr Dwi Suryo Indroyono Soesilo (Ministry of Marine and Coastal Affairs), Mr Agus Sari. From East Timor: Mr Estanislav da Silva (Minister for Agriculture & Fisheries), Mr Narciso de Carvalho. From Australia: Marine Consortium: Dr Russell Reichelt (CRC Reef), Dr Peter Isdale (AIMS), Dr Merrilyn Wasson (ANU), Professor James Fox (ANU). Federal Govt agencies: Rowen Wylie (National Oceans Office), Matthew Kinross-Smith (AFFA). Northern Territory: Marion Scrymgour (Member for Arafura and representing NT Chief Minister and Minister for the Environment), Paul Josif (Coordinator of NT's Caring for Sea Country Program).

The meeting will be at Jupiters Townsville on 24-25 January. Interviews will be conducted between 12.30 and 1.30pm on Thursday 24 January.

For more information contact:
Dr Russell Reichelt, Chief Executive Officer, CRC Reef on 07 4729 8400 or 0419 784120.
Dr Merrilyn Wasson, Institutions analyst, Australian National University, on 0410 694896.
Media Liaison, CRC Reef on 07 4729 8450 or 0408 884 521.