New partnership empowers Traditional Owners to look after fish and sea country
The Kimberley Land Council (KLC) is proud to announce a collaboration with the Western
Australian Government recognising the integral role of Indigenous rangers and Traditional
Owners in the management of sustainable fishing practices in the Kimberley.
The initiative, driven by the Kimberley Indigenous Salt Water Advisory Group (ISWAG), marks a
significant step towards empowering Indigenous communities and promoting sustainable
fisheries management practices through co-design and consultation with Traditional Owners.
ISWAG, a collective comprising nine Kimberley Traditional Owner groups based on saltwater
country, will work with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD)
to spearhead Indigenous fishing initiatives that prioritise looking after fish and sea country,
informed by research and sustainable practices.
Supported by the KLC and Nyamba Buru Yawuru, ISWAG will receive $700,000 over two years
through the Future Drought Fund Farm Business Resilience program. This funding will enable
ISWAG to focus on priority areas such as fisheries, marine research, customary fishing, and
increasing economic development opportunities.
The aim of ISWAG is to foster knowledge-sharing, facilitate collaborative two-way information
exchange, and promote capacity building within Indigenous communities in partnership with
western science programs and government agencies.
"This collaboration will empower Indigenous communities and strengthen their participation in
Western Australia's fishing industries," said KLC Land and Sea Unit Manager Daniel Oades.
"By working closely with ISWAG, the WA Government and DPIRD are demonstrating their
commitment to fostering Indigenous-led and owned initiative, incorporating Indigenous
ecological knowledge into fishing management, promoting economic development, and ensuring
positive outcomes for Traditional Owners across the Kimberley region."
“This approach ensures that Indigenous culture, wisdom and traditional ecological knowledge are
integrated into modern scientific frameworks, leading to more robust and sustainable fisheries
management practices.”
ISWAG, supported by the KLC and Yawuru, will continue to identify key research and economic
development opportunities that support sustainable fisheries management practices and foster
meaningful engagement with Traditional Owners.
The Traditional Owner groups that form ISWAG represent 90 percent of the Kimberley coastline;
Balanggarra, Dambimangari, Yawuru, Wunambal Gaambera, Mayala, Bardi Jawi, Nyul Nyul,
Karajarri, Nyangumarta.
ISWAG is co-chaired by KLC Land and Sea Unit Manager Daniel Oades and Nyamba Buru Yawuru
Land and Sea Assistant Manager Dean Matthews.
ISWAG meet on Yawuru Country in Broome in 2023.