In December 2025, IMOS Indigenous Partnerships Coordinator, Tonya Grant, travelled across East Arnhem land in the Northern Territory to meet with Indigenous sea ranger groups on Country.
The Roadshow Trip was facilitated by Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) Indigenous Partnerships Coordinator Fallon Hines based in the Darwin office, and accompanied by Carl Grant (AIMS Senior Indigenous Partnership Coordinator) and Dr Michelle Dyer (Senior Research Scientist, First Nations Innovation) of the AIMS Indigenous Partnerships (IP) Townsville team. The trip was a fantastic opportunity to meet with sea ranger groups on Country. Discussions focused on sea Country business including presenting information about IMOS.
Eastern Arnhem land is incredibly special, and it was a privilege for the team to meet with Traditional Owners across this breathtaking landscape on their country.
Tonya Grant, IMOS Indigenous Partnerships Coordinator | Yuru, Yidinji and Australian South Sea Islander
Tonya introduced IMOS to the rangers, who showed great interest, particularly when made aware of the current absence of IMOS facilities in their sea Country. Ranger groups shared their monitoring experience; past, present, and future aspirational. Ranger groups have subsequently registered their interest in partnering with IMOS in their sea Country through the IMOS Indigenous Partnerships web page.
The AIMS Indigenous Partnerships team discussed the Northern Australian Marine Monitoring Alliance (NAMMA) training manual and micro-credential opportunities with rangers, highlighting formal training pathways for capacity building. Delivered in partnership with Registered Training Organisations, these micro-credentials build skills and strengthen ranger capability in sea Country management.
Additionally, Dr Michelle Dyer spoke about the IP Team’s new social science capability highlighting the potential for future Indigenous science research. Dr Dyer let sea ranger groups know about her position within the team and potential work in future.
Discussions were successful with Ranger Coordinators wishing to connect with team members for further talks on IMOS and interest in NAMMA micro-credentials.
Feature image: Marranbala Ranger Station. Credit: AIMS