Kimberley Saltwater Groups to Establish Regional Framework for Customary Hunting Practices
Kimberley Saltwater Groups to Establish Regional Framework for Customary Hunting Practices
Kimberley salt water rangers and Traditional Owners have agreed to support the use of a regional framework to guide local area agreements to manage regional populations of marine turtle and dugong in the Kimberley in line with traditional lore and customary practices.
Over 70 rangers and Traditional Owners came together as members of the Indigenous-led Salt Water Advisory Group (ISWAG) at a meeting held on Yawuru Country in Broome earlier this month. The two-day event had presentations from nine ranger groups around Indigenous land and sea management practices as well as workshops to discuss future conservation plans.
Representatives from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Authority, Girringun Aboriginal Corporation and Dawul Wuru (Three Rivers) Aboriginal Coproatation travelled over from Queensland to present on the development of their Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreements (TUMRA).
ISWAG Chair and Kimberley Land Council Land and Sea Manager Daniel Oades said the event had high levels of engagement from saltwater groups and demonstrated the importance of Indigenous-led conservation efforts.
“ISWAG is successful because we are utilising a cooperative approach where both western conservation science and Indigenous knowledge, the long-term management plan seeks to maintain healthy and sustainable populations of animals in Kimberley waters, aiming to ensure Indigenous livelihoods, culture and customary practices are supported.”
Bardi Man Russell Wossy Davey said the clear message from the group was that Traditional Owners recognised the importance of protecting turtle and dugong populations.
“We want sustainable hunting in future and we have to get that message out there to our young people and teach them about our special places. Us all coming together here is a proactive step we can take to empower our young leaders, and there are so many great young leaders in our ranger teams. Hearing about the success of TUMRAs in Queensland help us see how we can manage the Kimberley coast.”
Mr Davey said having a group like ISWAG helps Traditional Owners have greater control over their country and future.
“ISWAG is very important because it allows us to deal with a regional issue amongst our people so we don’t get pressure from government agencies and the media. It gives us greater control over our country and culture and allows us to be proactive.”
The event was proudly funded by the Kimberley Land Council and coordinated by Yawuru.