Cultural connections
Marine turtles are an essential element of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander living maritime culture along the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. The activities associated with the hunting of turtles and the preparation and sharing of the meat has great significance and is an expression of the continuance of long cultural traditions. Turtle shell is important to many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as historically it was often fashioned into combs and fishhooks.
In remote coastal areas, green turtles have a high social and economic value because they provide subsistence food to communities where a nourishing diet is essential but often expensive to attain. In addition, these marine food resources strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and demonstrate connection with traditional sea country.
From www.gbrmpa.gov.au/corp_site/key_issues/conservation/natural_values/marine_turtles
