The Kimberley Indigenous Saltwater Science Project

The Kimberley Indigenous Saltwater Science Project (KISSP) working group met in November to discuss saltwater research and the challenges currently being experienced by both saltwater managers and scientists around research and monitoring activities in the Kimberley.

Representatives include Traditional Owners from the Balanggarra, Wunambal Gaambera, Dambimangari, Bardi-Jawi, Nyul Nyul, Yawuru and Karajarri peoples.

Six visiting research scientists presented the results of research projects they worked on with Kimberley Indigenous groups over the last two years. The new knowledges created in each of these projects will support Kimberley Indigenous Ranger groups in their management of dugong, turtle, marine ecology, human use and social values.

The KISSP’s own research team presented their final products, designed to build the capacity of Indigenous and Western scientists to undertake collaborative research in the Kimberley and fostering lasting, reciprocal relationships between Indigenous knowledge holders and scientists.

A major outcome of the meeting was the in-principle support of attending PBC Directors to develop an Indigenous Kimberley saltwater advisory group. This idea will be put to each of the seven core PBCs early in 2018 and if supported seed funding will be put towards development of a business plan. The group’s first job would be to get the KISSP products used by stakeholders and to provide a saltwater technical working group service for Kimberley saltwater PBCs.