GIS Training in Gulf Communities

2005-10-05

Rangers from Torres Straits (pictured), Borroloola, Nhulunbuy, Yirrkala & Groote Island (NT) all recently completed a training course for community GIS & mapping.

The Ghost Net Programme is helping rangers in 10 communities in the Gulf of Carpentaria tackle the huge problem of ghost nets, by equipping the rangers with tools, operating funds and skills to cleanup the rubbish and collect vital information about these feral fishing nets.

In this training course the rangers learnt to place the location of the ghost nets on a map both manually and electronically using Global Positioning Satellite equipment, and GIS mapping technology.

Professor Ellen Hines from San Francisco University kindly donated her time delivering this practical training session for the Programme. All participants regarded the sessions extremely valuable and their experience will contribute to the delivery of further Ghost nets activities as well as other ranger activities such as habitat monitoring, mapping of turtle feeding grounds etc. These exercises will be followed up by further training and practical activities early next year.