How does knowledge of the stars help Torres Strait Islander peoples navigate the sea?

Torres Strait Islander peoples have a deep, ancestral connection to the stars, which serves as a vital tool for their traditional seafaring practices. Their navigation of the seas is guided by an extensive knowledge of the night sky, specifically centered on the stories of Tagai, a great fisherman and spirit being represented by a constellation in the southern sky.1

This celestial knowledge is foundational to their culture and law, providing essential information that extends beyond navigation to include seasonal changes, agricultural timing, and the hunting of marine life such as the dugong. By observing the movement and positioning of these stars, Torres Strait Islander peoples are able to successfully circumnavigate the waters of the Torres Strait, maintaining a practice that has supported their communities for thousands of years.1