Great Barrier Reef Culture & Customs
Protecting the Great Barrier Reef and all its inhabitants is as much a part of the region's culture as it is the law. For the Indigenous Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islander communities, the Great Barrier Reef is home to significant cultural and spiritual sites, meaning respect for the land is essential. More than 70 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Owner clan groups are situated along the Queensland coast, from the northern Torres Strait Islands to southern Bundaberg. Because each group values the land for different reasons, be it cultural, spiritual, economic or social, it's important for visitors to follow responsible reef practices. In other words, heed the "take only pictures and memories, and leave only bubbles" eco-tourism mentality.
By adhering to responsible reef practices you can also avoid some of the common dangers associated with exploring the Great Barrier Reef. If you're swimming or diving near the Queensland mainland during the reef's rainy season (November through March), be aware of deadly box jellyfish — wear a stinger wet suit to avoid any jellyfish stings. And always remember that you're entering an animal's natural habitat, so try not to disturb its environment. Also, it's against the law to damage or collect coral, alive or not. But that's not the only reason you should avoid coral's sharp polyps: cuts can quickly turn into infections due to the Great Barrier Reef's thermal climate.