Guidelines for ethical and effective communication for researchers working in the Torres Strait (T5.1)
Dr Annabel Jones, CRC Reef, and Ms Bryony Barnett, CRC Reef

The success of the CRC Torres Strait will depend on the science outputs as well as the effectiveness of engagement and communication with the Torres Strait Island communities at all stages of the research. It is important that non-Indigenous researchers recognise and respect the diversity of the peoples in the Torres Strait, their cultural connections with the sea, their traditional knowledge, and their intellectual and cultural property rights. This will be facilitated through development and delivery of Guidelines, based on a review of relevant principles and protocols, and consultation with community representatives, resource managers and researchers in the Torres Strait.

The task will identify appropriate processes for researchers to communicate their science and to consult and negotiate with the Torres Strait communities. It is proposed to evaluate a range of communication media, messages and consultative processes, in consultation with community members, resource management agencies, advisory committees and researchers to identify the most effective processes. The evaluation process will consider the cultural diversity and sensitivities, traditional communication practices, established communication channels, practicalities and cost effectiveness.

The project team will include Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous personnel, communicators, scientists, fisheries management agency staff and community representatives. To achieve the proposed outcomes there will need to be significant input from the Torres Strait community. This will be achieved by direct contact through the existing Torres Strait Regional Authority communication framework.

Objectives

• To develop culturally appropriate guidelines (protocols and processes) for researchers working in Torres Strait.
• To identify culturally appropriate processes for consultation and negotiation with Torres Strait peoples on marine resource research and management issues.
• To identify and document culturally appropriate communication procedures, media and styles to effectively convey outcomes of research to Torres Strait Islanders.

Outcomes

• Increased cultural awareness by non-Indigenous researchers (CRC TS), and more appropriate communication with Torres Strait communities.
• More appropriate presentation of research outputs.
• Greater participation of Torres Strait Islanders in research relevant to their interests.
• Increased awareness of Torres Strait communities, fishers and fisheries managers of the role of CRC Torres Strait, research outputs and their application.
• Improved acknowledgement of traditional knowledge and its value in non-Indigenous research.
• Better uptake of information by Torres Strait fisheries managers and fishers and application in fisheries management.
• Strengthened relationships of CRC Torres Strait partners, both within the partnership and with the community.