In a world where you can be anything, be as happy as these fellas.

The smiles on the faces of the newest Thamarrurr Sea Farmers recruits said it all as they travelled from Wadeye to Darwin last week for a full day of seafood industry training and hands-on learning.

For these young men, the trip was about much more than seafood. It was about possibility, confidence and seeing first-hand that there are careers and opportunities waiting for them both on their Sea Country and beyond.

The visit formed part of the ongoing partnership between Aboriginal Sea Company (ASC) and Thamarrurr Development Corporation (TDC), which is supporting the development of a community-led commercial fisheries operation in Wadeye and creating real employment pathways for local people.

Since June 2025, ASC has been working alongside TDC and the Sea Farmers crew, helping to build practical skills through mentoring, training, access to equipment, seafood handling support and market connections.

In just six months, the Sea Farmers team has grown from three people to eight, with more community members continuing to put their hand up to learn and be part of the future of the industry.

That growth is significant. It shows what can happen when communities are supported to lead their own economic development and when young people are given the opportunity to learn by doing.

A hands-on introduction to the seafood industry

The Darwin trip gave the newest recruits a chance to see where their hard work on Sea Country can lead. They were joined by Michael and Amon, who have recently begun a four-week work experience and skills training placement with Darwin Fish Market through a program developed by ASC.

The placement gives young people a hands-on introduction to the seafood industry, from processing and handling to logistics and retail, allowing them to see every step of the journey from the boat to the customer.

One of the highlights of the day was stepping aboard the Comac Enterprise, a 22-metre commercial fishing vessel operated by Austral Fisheries.

The vessel works in the remote waters of the Timor Sea as part of the Northern Fin Fish Fishery, targeting premium species including snapper through specialised trap fishing methods.

The crew from Austral Fisheries took the group through life at sea, explaining vessel operations, navigation, safety procedures and the teamwork required to work on a commercial fishing boat.

For the young men, sitting in the skipper’s chair and hearing directly from people working in the industry made the opportunities feel real and achievable. It showed them that there are many different pathways within the seafood industry and that every role, whether on the water or onshore, plays an important part.

The learning continued with Premium Seafoods, where the group developed practical skills in mud crab grading and tying, both critical skills as the Sea Farmers continue building their knowledge of catching and preparing mud crabs for market.

Learning new skills on their own Sea Country

Darwin Fish Market also opened its doors, giving the group a closer look at what happens once seafood arrives off the boats and how products make their way to customers, restaurants and buyers across the Territory.

The trip even included an interview with ABC Radio, where the young men spoke proudly about their journey and what it means to be learning new skills on their own Sea Country.

There were plenty of laughs throughout the day, but there was also something much deeper taking place.

The Wadeye Sea Farmers operation is showing what can happen when local knowledge, practical support and market opportunities come together.

Success is not only measured by the number of mud crabs heading to market. It is also measured in confidence, pride, skills and participation.

For many remote communities, employment opportunities can feel limited. Programs like this are changing that story by creating pathways that allow people to live and work on their homelands while participating in meaningful economic activity.

The Sea Farmers are not simply taking part in a program. They are building something that belongs to them, their families and their community.

When Aboriginal people are supported to work on their own Country, build skills and create industries that reflect their aspirations, the benefits ripple far beyond employment. They strengthen families, build community pride and create futures that the next generation can see themselves in.

The young men from Wadeye are proving that the future of the seafood industry is not only being shaped on the water, it is being built by community, on Country, and in the hands of the next generation.

Published 26 June 2026 by Nicole Brown: https://nit.com.au/26-06-2026/25037/building-futures-on-sea-country-one-catch-at-a-time

Image credit: Big smiles, new skills and bright futures being built on Sea Country, one opportunity at a time. Thamarrurr Development Corporation.