LECTURE: Navigating The Torres Strait

If you look at the photos of our crossing through the 92-mile-wide, 270 (17 inhabited) island Torres Strait connecting the Coral Sea to the east with the Arafura Sea to the west and think of all the traffic you will be able to understand why every ship needs a Pilot to cross it safely. It is a vital international shipping lane and a unique cultural bridge between the northernmost tip of Australia's Cape York Peninsula and the Western Province of Papua New Guinea.

The Torres Strait Islanders are a distinct First Nations people of Melanesian descent, culturally and linguistically separate from mainland Aboriginal Australians. The Torres Strait Treaty (1985) agreement between Australia and Papua New Guinea defines maritime borders and protects the traditional seafaring way of life. It allows "free movement" for traditional inhabitants to cross the border without passports for ceremonies, trade, and fishing. The strait is a biodiversity hotspot, home to the world's largest population of dugongs and significant sea turtle nesting sites.

The customs (Ailan Kastom), traditions, and beliefs that unify Torres Strait Islanders has strong Melanesian and Papuan influences. From the 1860s until the mid-20th century, the Torres Strait was a global hub for mother-of-pearl with divers from around the world moving here to seek fortune and create a very multicultural area. The region also is one of the world's most significant ecological zones (supporting massive populations of protected dugongs and green turtles).Leggi altro