We acknowledge Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people as the first inhabitants of the nation. We also acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters where we live, learn and work. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and developing as we continue to strive toward reconciliation and truth-telling. The ATSIMS team extends respect to the Wulgurukaba, Bindal, and Manbarra peoples of the lands and waters of which our program operates here in North Queensland.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander in Marine Science (ATSIMS) Program is an outreach initiative providing First Nations Year 10 students in North Queensland with opportunities to engage in marine science and marine management, citizen science, and the stewardship of Sea Country.
The program is delivered through a series of hands-on, experiential learning excursions supported by the most important reef conservation, science, and education entities in North Queensland including the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA), and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation (GBRF).
The curriculum is led by a range of industry leaders, and experts, and is supported by Traditional Owners, and Indigenous Land and Sea Ranger groups. This initiative strives to increase active participation in decision-making roles related to conservation, management, and research of Sea Country by First Nations peoples by developing a talent pipeline of skills-ready, confident candidates.