The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) wishes to advise that applications for the next round of the Sea Country Partnerships Grants Program are now open.

The Sea Country Partnerships Grants Program is part of the GBRMPA's implementation of the Caring for our Country Reef Rescue Land and Sea Country Indigenous Partnerships Program.

During 2011-2012, a total of $500,000 is available under the Sea Country Partnerships Grants Program to fund projects between $5,000 and $50,000 to established and emerging Traditional Owner groups across all geographic areas of the Great Barrier Reef catchment.

Projects must focus on sea country management and align with one or more of the Land and Sea Country Indigenous Partnerships Program priority areas of:

• Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreements (TUMRAs)
• Strengthening of communications and knowledge sharing
• Enhancing compliance
• Engaging with communities.

Funding will be determined through a competitive process and successful applicants will be required to enter into a funding deed with the GBRMPA.

Applications close 5pm Friday, 17 February 2012.

For further information, please visit www.gbrmpa.gov.au and select "Sea Country Partnerships Grants Program 2011-12" from the "Features" section of the GBRMPA homepage. Here is a direct link to this webpage.