The youngest graduate of an Aboriginal Fisheries training program, Tarnee Morey is set to take to the water as a fully-fledged Fisheries Officer in South Australia.
An Arrernte woman, Ms Morey, 21, is the fifth trainee to graduate from the Aboriginal Fisheries Officer Career Pathway Program and is now working with the compliance team at Yorketown.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said Ms Morey's graduation is positive news for Aboriginal Traditional Fishing management in South Australia.
"Many South Australian Aboriginal communities have a strong connection to country and a long history of fishing in both marine and inland waters that is central to their culture and tradition," Minister Basham said.
"The Marshall Liberal Government is committed to providing more opportunities for Aboriginal people to directly engage in the management of South Australia's aquatic resources.
"Earlier this year we signed a historic Traditional Fishing Agreement with the Narungga Nation, the first of its kind in Australia.
"It sets out a pathway for co-management of aquatic resources in Yorke Peninsula waters traditionally fished by the Narungga, by combining Aboriginal knowledge with leading fisheries management.
"The Aboriginal Fisheries Officer Career Pathway Program builds on that task by fostering careers in a profession with deep links to traditional culture.
"It is a program that continues to deliver positive outcomes not only for our new Fisheries Officers but also for South Australia's Aboriginal communities and fishing communities.
"I congratulate Ms Morey's achievement in completing the program and wish her all the best in her future career as a Fisheries Officer."
Ms Morey said she was proud to complete the program, regarding it as a great opportunity not only to learn about fishery management in general but to further embrace cultural fishing practice.
"I joined the program because I was lucky enough to grow up on a beautiful, pristine coastline and understand the importance and impact of sustainable fishing on these environments," she said.
"I wanted to be a part of the fight for sustainability as well as having the opportunity to truly understand the importance of fishing practices within Aboriginal communities.
"I would encourage others thinking of joining the pathway program to take up the opportunity."
For further details on Aboriginal Traditional Fishing management in South Australia and the Aboriginal Fisheries Officer Career Pathway program visit pir.sa.gov.au
