Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have a long and enduring connection to Sea Country and should play a greater role in the delivery of marine science and management. The different perspectives of Indigenous Knowledge and Western science will give the strongest foundation to understand marine ecosystems and inform modern marine management decisions. It also expands our ecological and cultural knowledge, as well as increasing the capability, capacity and geographic reach of Traditional Owners’ marine activities. In a survey of 128 marine scientists, responses indicated that the majority of marine scientists see mutual benefits from engagement, do not avoid it and believe it will become more important in the future. The marine science community must actively embrace Indigenous Knowledge and make space for it in our current publishing systems, as well as exploring new and innovative ways to share knowledge and encourage the next generation of Indigenous scientists. To that end, the Australian Marine Sciences Association proposes a special issue in Marine and Freshwater Research focusing on ‘Science in Sea Country’.

Collection Editors

Alexandra Campbell, Mibu Fischer, Chris Frid, Mitchell Gibbs, Laura Parker and Rachel Przeslawski