CSIRO PUBLISHING | Marine and Freshwater Research

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

Laura Parker and Rachel Przeslawski

Last Updated: 09 Apr 2025

MF24117Braiding Indigenous oral histories and habitat mapping to understand urchin barrens in southern New South Wales

Kyah Chewying

, Walbunja Traditional Owners , Mitchell Gibbs, Rachel Przeslawksi

and Kerrylee Rogers

The proliferation of Centrostephanus rodgersii (long spined sea urchin) contributing to the formation of urchin barrens in New South Wales has prompted debate of whether the current densities are natural or exacerbated through overfishing and climate change. This study braided Traditional Knowledge and habitat mapping data through aerial imagery and underwater visual census imagery to analyse the spatiotemporal dynamic of barrens.

This article belongs to the collection: Science in Sea Country.

MF23250Investigation of Bara-Baruga (mangrove) ecosystem recovery after a hail storm in Boambee Creek, Gumbaynggirr, NSW

Kirsten Benkendorff

, Robert Briggs, Stefano Caraco, Jesse Shilling, Muhammad Islami, Adam Davey, Elani Boland-Hoskins and Ashley Dowell

This study applied traditional science, with indigenous participation, to investigate the causes and ecological impacts of a mangrove die-off in Boambee Creek, Gumbaynggirr Country, Australia. A severe hail storm defoliated mangroves at two sites in 2021. By 2023, one site recovered but the other remained unhealthy. Chemical contaminants were found in the water, sediment and mangrove roots. The unhealthy site had fewer aerial roots, seeds and seedlings and a lower diversity of invertebrates, confirming a loss of ecological integrity.

This article belongs to the collection: Science in Sea Country.

MF24247Indigenous Ecological Knowledge of marine and freshwater organisms and ecosystems on Sea Country: from past absences to future inclusion

Mitchell C. Gibbs, Raphaela S. Rotolo-Ross, Laura M. Parker, Elliot Scanes, James Gibbs and Pauline M. Ross

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia have lived on Sea Country for greater than 60,000 years. It is important that the ‘ecological’ in Indigenous Knowledge is prioritised in marine and freshwater research to repair, restore and sustain marine and freshwater organisms and ecosystems on Sea Country.

This article belongs to the collection: Science in Sea Country.

MF23235Co-design and Traditional Owner participation in an assessment of abundance and size of Donax deltoides (garlaany, pipi) in Ngambaa Country, New South Wales, Australia

Jade Fredericks

, Hannah B. Smith, Kirsten Benkendorff

, Anna Scott and Karina C. Hall

The integration of Indigenous ecological knowledge and Traditional Owner participation in the co-design and application of field-sampling techniques can optimise data collection on important fisheries resources, especially those that may be under-represented when using conventional scientific methods alone. This co-designed research project was successful in developing a scientifically rigorous data-collection strategy for a culturally important species, while fostering stewardship and co-management.

This article belongs to the collection: Science in Sea Country.

MF23230Connecting young people to Country through marine turtle conservation: exploring three case studies in Western Australia’s Pilbara region

Clodagh Guildea

, Sabrina Fossette, Tristan Simpson, Sarah McDonald, Natasha Samuelraj, James Gee, Suzanne Wilson, Jane Hyland, Dimitrov Atanas, Susan Buzan, Julian Tan, Rebecca Mackin, Jason Rossendell and Scott Whiting

Oceans and marine turtles are facing many challenges. Collaboration and partnership between Traditional Custodians and conservation programs empower Aboriginal young people as future conservation leaders and are important to achieve long-term conservation goals. Three case studies explore the importance of partnerships in conservation, providing additional on-Country opportunities for young people, and enabling future pathways in the Pilbara, Western Australia.

This article belongs to the collection: Science in Sea Country.

MF23193Recognising the importance of shellfish to First Nations peoples, Indigenous and Traditional Ecological Knowledge in aquaculture and coastal management in Australia

Mitchell C. Gibbs, Laura M. Parker, Elliot Scanes and Pauline M. Ross

First Nations peoples of Australia hold deep cultural connections and knowledge of marine molluscs and Sea Country that has persisted for millennia. To sustain mollusc aquaculture and biodiversity we need to join Indigenous and Western Science knowledges together. Only then we will really recognise the strength we have in working together on Sea Country.

This article belongs to the collection Science in Sea Country.