Torres Strait Islanders have a deep connection to the sea, and healthy coral reefs are central to their food security, livelihoods, and cultural identity. Crown-of-Thorns Starfish outbreaks pose a serious and growing threat to these ecosystems — yet the remote geography and limited funding of the Torres Strait have made sustained, coordinated responses extremely difficult to achieve.
Operation Urmemeg was launched to address this gap, bringing together Traditional Owners, government agencies, and marine scientists in a pilot program combining Traditional Ecological Knowledge with Western pest management techniques. Guided by a Traditional Owner advisory committee, the program prioritises reefs of cultural and ecological significance, building genuine capacity among community while keeping First Nations knowledge and values at the centre of reef management.
With over $2.2M invested to date, the program has delivered approximately 80 control days across more than 50 reef sites, removing over 10,000 COTS, with 18 community members trained and contributing directly to the management of their home reefs.
This community-led, culturally guided model has built strong local capacity across the region. Sustained investment is essential to protect these achievements, particularly given high COTS densities and the region’s connection to the Marine Park.